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This model is based on an essay submitted by fourth-grader Amy. She explains her favorite place by telling (1) how she built the fort and (2) a special time she spent there with a hurt friend.

This model is based on an essay submitted by fourth-grader Kristyn. She clearly states her opinion in the first paragraph. Then she shares a supporting reason in each of the middle paragraphs.

Fifth-grader Melissa clearly states her opinion in the first paragraph. She shares supporting ideas, with details, in the middle paragraphs. In her conclusion, she restates her opinion in a fresh way.

Opening with a quotation is a great way to begin a book review. Kelsey, the author, summarizes the plot well without giving away the whole story, and she shows genuine enthusiasm for the story.

Fifth-grader Ashley begins her story in the middle of the action. After the first paragraph, the reader is hooked and needs to know . . . “What happens next?”

Erin, fifth grade, tells her story from the point of view of her cat. The closing lines bring this adventure full circle.

Fifth-grader Tommy includes lots of details in a story that leads up to a surprise ending.

Layton, a fifth grader, grabs the reader’s attention with a couple of questions and a clear picture of what he is planning to talk about in his report. Notice the effective use of humor in the final paragraph.

Dylan, the fourth-grade writer of this model, concludes the report by repeating the main points he explained in the body.

Nicholas, the fifth-grade author of this model, uses repetition effectively in a poem about a young Native American facing the realities of his time.

Fifth-grader Trista wrote this poem to give her readers an important message.

Seth, this model’s fifth-grade author, wrote a poem about a historical event and the reasons behind it.

Molly, the fourth-grade author of this short poem, tells us something about her favorite food.

Chloe, in fourth grade, uses a repeating phrase and rhyming words to give her poem rhythm.

The word pictures in this poem, submitted by fifth-grader Sarah, paint a dreamy image!

Tenth-grader Lisa’s voice comes through loud and clear in this model. The use of strong details and dialogue—including the author “talking” to herself—makes this a believable essay about a student’s first high school crush.

The 9th-grade writer of this personal narrative, Emily, uses original word choice to effectively convey a vivid image of the people and environment she encountered on a trip to Africa. The opening paragraphs communicate a sense of excitement that, by the end of the trip, is reduced to disappointment, shock, and guilt.

Lindsey, an adult who uses public speaking in her career, reflects on the childhood experiences that prepared her for success.

Before Facebook, Snapchat, and Pinterest allowed us to gather and store images digitally, students kept their memories in photo albums and even shoeboxes. In this historic model, Alita writes about her shoebox collection of memories. Vivid details recreate the feeling of thumbing through pictures.

Karen, in eleventh grade, shares the details of a Saturday spent working for her family’s business. Her descriptions bring the subject to life, and her ending tells the reader why this work is important to her.

Michelle (grade 11) develops this eyewitness account by answering the “5 W’s and H” about her parents becoming American citizens. The writer also shares her sensory impressions.

In this profile of a person, tenth-grade writer Rachel remains focused on an affliction that affects, but never defines, her subject's young life. Rachel engages her readers with direct quotations and plenty of interesting details.

Tenth-grade writer Julie develops her report with plenty of information and quotations from her subject, T. McDowell. Readers get a clear picture of McDowell’s determined business sense as well as his dreams for the future.

When writing about pet peeves, you can react humorously or analytically to a common, everyday annoyance. Katie, the writer of this essay, tries to be sensible and analytical about the mosquito in her bedroom but becomes (in her own words) “like a crazed wind turbine.” Watch for a second simile that works very well in this piece. Also notice how the writer feels about the breeze in the first paragraph and how her feelings have changed by the sixth paragraph—this change shows how stressed she has become.