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    Blog Post

    Developing Fluent Readers

    English Language Arts: 
    Reading
    21st Century Skills: 
    Reading

    Blog Post

    Improve SEL Through Literature

    English Language Arts: 
    Reading
    Social-Emotional Intelligence: 
    Emotion
    Social-Emotional Learning

    Books

    In Focus (K-2) Premium 30-DAY TRIAL

    Student Writing Model

    Caught in the Net

    Kim’s essay uses narration and definition to focus on Internet addiction. This essay predates Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Skype, and smart phones. How has our definition of Internet addiction changed?

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Definition
    Theme: 
    Technology
    Health

    Student Writing Model

    Internet Plagiarism

    Dan writes a problem-solution essay that focuses on one of the great temptations of the digital age: stealing intellectual property via the Internet. The essay begins by explaining the problem in detail and then shifts to recommending a set of solutions.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Persuasive Writing
    Form: 
    Problem-Solution
    Theme: 
    Education
    Technology
    Rules
    Rights

    Student Writing Model

    It’s a Boy!

    This model recounts an embarrassing public experience that provided the writer with new insight into teen pregnancy, single parenthood, and social stigmas. The voice of the piece shows the writer's personality and easily connects with readers. Many vivid details make the experience come to life.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Family
    Education
    Community

    Student Writing Model

    The Climb

    Amy, the author of this personal narrative, effectively uses voice to convey the fear she feels as she ascends a path to an area above a 100-ft. waterfall. Her expert choice of words helps to paint a beautiful picture of her surroundings.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Exercise
    Recreation
    Travel
    Goals
    Sports

    Student Writing Model

    Adam’s Train of Ghosts

    In this vintage essay, Abigail expresses her thoughts and feelings about the songwriter and lead singer of the band the Counting Crows, who are still making music a quarter century on. She analyzes the themes in Adam Duritz’s songs from the '90's and offers her interpretation of symbolism present in them.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Response to Literature
    Form: 
    Music Review
    Theme: 
    Music
    Art
    Imagination
    Entertainment
    Personality

    Student Writing Model

    My Interpretation of The Joy Luck Club

    Amy Tan’s book The Joy Luck Club explores the relationships between four Chinese American daughters and their often-misunderstood, more traditional Chinese mothers. By sharing quotations from the book, Fawn, the author of this literary analysis, intends to show how, as they grew up, the daughters came to understand, respect, and appreciate their mothers more.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Response to Literature
    Form: 
    Literary Analysis
    Theme: 
    Books
    Literature
    Culture
    Life

    Student Writing Model

    Rosa Parks

    This historical profile presents accurate information about a famous person and is written in an active, lively manner. Alita, the writer, immersed herself in the life of Rosa Parks until she could “feel” the person and events. She found ways to communicate these feelings to readers.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Research Writing
    Form: 
    Research Report
    Theme: 
    Community
    Goals
    History
    Freedom

    Student Writing Model

    The Killer Bean

    This report is timely, revealing, and engaging; it flows smoothly with effective transitions between paragraphs. The author has clearly gained a thorough understanding of the subject.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Research Writing
    Form: 
    Research Report
    Theme: 
    Health
    Law
    Environment
    Science

    Student Writing Model

    My Trip to Mexico

    Many details are included in this writing, and a personal tone emerges. The piece has a clear beginning, middle, and ending.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Narrative Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Play
    Travel
    Geography

    Student Writing Model

    A Happy Day

    This writing shows the feelings of the writer and is well organized.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Narrative Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Family
    Love

    Student Writing Model

    My Favorite Pet

    Adam, the first-grade writer of this model, uses his senses to describe his cat—fluffy, soft, fat. Readers can “see” and “feel” Buzz.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Explanatory Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Animals
    Family
    Home

    Student Writing Model

    How Much I Know About Space

    Ryan tells what he learned on a visit to a space center.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Explanatory Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Science
    Education

    Student Writing Model

    Sweet Spring

    This writing has delightful details and a clear voice.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Explanatory Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Seasons
    Environment
    Nature
    Plants

    Student Writing Model

    Parrots

    First-grader Traci begins and ends her report with a main idea about parrots: they are pretty, colorful birds.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Research Writing
    Form: 
    Report
    Theme: 
    Animals
    Science

    Student Writing Model

    Happy Easter

    This model is based on a story submitted by first-grader Ashley. Her story has a main character with a problem. The problem is solved in an interesting way.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Creative Writing
    Form: 
    Story Paragraph
    Theme: 
    Animals
    Holidays

    Student Writing Model

    Leaf Person

    In Bowen’s story, he imagines himself as a leaf. He gives lots of details about being blown around by the wind.

    Level: 
    Grade 1
    Mode: 
    Creative Writing
    Form: 
    Story
    Theme: 
    Imagination
    Environment

    Blog Post

    8 Best Practices for Mentoring Young Writers

    English Language Arts: 
    Writing
    Prewriting
    Revising
    Editing
    Strong Ideas
    Logical Organization
    Effective Voice

    Blog Post

    Successful Adulting (or What You Don't Learn in School)

    21st Century Skills: 
    Critical Thinking
    Creative Thinking
    Problem Solving
    Inquiry Process

    Blog Post

    Connecting Writing with Media Literacy

    English Language Arts: 
    Prewriting
    Writing
    Revising
    Editing
    Publishing
    Writing Process
    Media Literacy
    21st Century Skills: 
    Media Literacy
    Information Literacy
    Researching

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