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    Student Writing Model

    Save the Elephants

    This essay opens with a brief explanation of a case in which a herd of elephants is spared from death, but then goes on to explain how that is not typical—that, in fact, elephants are headed toward extinction. Michelle, the author, clearly establishes the main causes and effects of the problem before suggesting possible solutions.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Cause-Effect
    Theme: 
    Animals
    Environment
    Science
    Occupation
    Geography
    Nature

    Student Writing Model

    If Only They Knew

    The author of this essay shares a personal struggle against the backdrops of two different schools and the friends at each school. The strong conclusion neatly sums up the lessons she learned from dealing with her illness and offers a positive ending.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Explanatory Writing
    Form: 
    Comparison-Contrast
    Theme: 
    Health
    Medicine
    Life
    Goals
    Personality
    Self

    Student Writing Model

    Diary of Gaspard

    For her history class, Samantha created an entry for the diary of a character from A Tale of Two Cities. She focuses on a pivotal event in his life and imagines what it must have been like for him.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Response to Literature
    Form: 
    Fictionalized Journal Entry
    Theme: 
    Books
    Literature
    Law
    Family
    Life
    People

    Student Writing Model

    Mid-Project Report on History Paper

    Danielle, the writer of this email, presents a clear, organized message. The beginning states the email's purpose, the middle provides the necessary details, and the ending explains what happens next.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Business Writing
    Form: 
    Email
    Theme: 
    Culture
    Community
    Love
    Travel

    Student Writing Model

    Vegetarian Lunch Options at Bay High

    Karin, the email writer, speaks knowledgeably and sincerely as she presents a reasonable, thoughtful request.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Business Writing
    Form: 
    Email
    Theme: 
    Food
    Education
    Rights

    Student Writing Model

    Unique Wolves

    Sixth-grader Bryan wrote this report after visiting a wolf park in Battle Ground, Indiana.

    Level: 
    Grade 6
    Grade 7
    Grade 8
    Mode: 
    Research Writing
    Form: 
    Research Report
    Theme: 
    Animals
    Science
    Environment
    Nature

    Student Writing Model

    Grandpa, Chaz, and Me

    Cody, a fourth grader, writes about his wish that his little brother could have known their grandfather.

    Level: 
    Grade 4
    Grade 5
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Family
    Love
    Home
    People
    Personality

    Student Writing Model

    The Day I Took the Spotlight

    Fifth-grader Kelli begins this personal narrative with a question that captures the reader’s interest.

    Level: 
    Grade 4
    Grade 5
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Education
    Goals
    Life
    Self

    Student Writing Model

    Musical Arts

    The use of an authority’s quotation to open this editorial lends credibility to the writer’s opinion. Seventh-grader Jess backs up her position in subsequent paragraphs.

    Level: 
    Grade 6
    Grade 7
    Grade 8
    Mode: 
    Persuasive Writing
    Form: 
    Editorial
    Theme: 
    Art
    Education

    Student Writing Model

    Mir Pushed the Frontier of Space

    This report is clearly focused around a specific thesis. It is evident from the writer’s voice that he is interested in and knowledgeable about the topic.

    Level: 
    Grade 6
    Grade 7
    Grade 8
    Mode: 
    Research Writing
    Form: 
    Research Report
    Theme: 
    Science
    History

    Blog Post

    5 Fun Creative Writing Activities

    English Language Arts: 
    Writing
    Qualities of Writing
    21st Century Skills: 
    Communicating

    Blog Post

    Beyond Compassion: Deepening Learning Through Perspective Shifting

    English Language Arts: 
    Writing
    21st Century Skills: 
    Critical Thinking
    Problem Solving
    Social-Emotional Intelligence: 
    SEL
    Fairness
    Conflict Resolution

    Blog Post

    Conceptual Blending for Creative Thinking

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Creative Thinking

    Blog Post

    Knowing the Lake: Serving as Lead Learner

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Life Skills
    Problem Solving
    Flexibility
    Initiative
    Leadership
    Productivity
    Collaborating

    Blog Post

    Thinking Like Breathing

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Critical Thinking
    Creative Thinking
    Problem Solving

    Blog Post

    5 Keys to Successful Student Collaborations

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Life Skills
    Communicating
    Collaborating
    Social Skills
    Initiative
    Flexibility
    Productivity

    Blog Post

    5 Hit Shows Featuring Inquiry and Project-Based Learning

    21st Century Skills: 
    Inquiry Process
    Project-Based Learning

    Blog Post

    Getting the Sense of Sensory Details

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Communicating
    Writing
    Reading

    Blog Post

    Using Inquiry Projects to Teach Language Arts

    21st Century Skills: 
    Inquiry Process
    Project-Based Learning
    Questioning
    Planning
    Researching
    Creating
    Improving
    Presenting

    Blog Post

    Your Class Calendar as a Meeting Place: Lessons from Stonehenge

    21st Century Skills: 
    Life Skills
    Inquiry Process
    Project-Based Learning
    Initiative
    Leadership
    Questioning
    Planning
    Researching
    Creating

    Blog Post

    3 Simple Steps to the 4 C's

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Critical Thinking
    Creative Thinking
    Communicating
    Collaborating

    Blog Post

    Teaching the Process of Learning

    21st Century Skills: 
    Inquiry Process
    Questioning
    Planning
    Researching
    Creating
    Improving
    Presenting

    Blog Post

    Critical and Creative Thinking: Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes

    21st Century Skills: 
    Learning Skills
    Critical Thinking
    Creative Thinking
    Problem Solving

    Blog Post

    Helping Students Be Awesome

    21st Century Skills: 
    Project-Based Learning
    Inquiry Process
    Questioning
    Planning
    Researching
    Creating
    Improving
    Presenting

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