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    Minilesson

    Recognizing Logical Fallacies 1

    Learn to spot logical fallacies.

    Luring the Unsuspecting

    Minilesson

    Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion

    Study argumentation/persuasion.

    Stick figure contemplating apples vs oranges

    Minilesson

    Developing an Opinion Statement

    Develop a main claim.

    High school male cheering

    Minilesson

    Keeping a Learning Log

    Tips for starting and maintaining a learning log.

    Young adult writing on a notepad

    Minilesson

    Performing a Stop 'n' Write

    Pause and reflect on your reading or learning.

    Stop Sign

    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

    Minilesson

    Writing a "Showing" Paragraph

    Help students show instead of tell.

    A GROUP OF MEN AND WOMEN, WITH A GUIDE, WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE PATATE RIVER, ECUADOR

    Minilesson

    Writing a Four-Star Food Review

    Use this prompt to spark students' creativity.

    Image of plates and silverware

    Minilesson

    Writing: Now how do I get out of this one?

    Assign this prompt to spark students' creativity.

    Mop

    Minilesson

    Writing a Diary of a Famous Figure

    Have students creatively narrate.

    a diary

    Minilesson

    Elaborating Ideas Using Different Levels of Details

    Teach elaboration with levels of detail.

    hieroglyphics

    Minilesson

    Drawing a Life Map

    Help students gather ideas for narratives.

    Life Map

    Minilesson

    Avoiding Double Subjects

    Help students avoid double subjects.

    twin sheep in a field

    Minilesson

    Using Parallel Structure

    Teach students to write using parallel structure.

    parallel yellow stripes on road

    Minilesson

    Creating Command Sentences

    Help students build command sentences.

    Minilesson

    Forming Pronouns: Possessives and Contractions

    Teach possessives and contractions.

    Minilesson

    Thinking About a Process

    Prepare students for how-to or process writing.

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