06 Writing

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Writing Opening Page

Start-Up Activity

Writing a first draft is the process of connecting the ideas collected during prewriting. If students have done the necessary gathering and planning, they should be more than ready to get started.

Have a volunteer read the introduction. Then ask students why an initial writing is called a first draft rather than simply a draft. (Possible response: A first draft is the first look at a developing writing idea.) Also ask students why they shouldn’t “worry about every little comma” when developing a first draft. (Possible response: Worrying about the placement of every punctuation mark could stop the flow of ideas.)

Think About It

“A first draft is a discovery draft—a vision of what might be.”

—Donald Murray

Page 042 from Write on Course 20-20

Quick Guide: Writing

Read aloud and discuss page 42. Recommend that students review the writing situation and the appropriate traits before they begin a first draft. Then share these quotations with students. Ask them what each one tells about the drafting process:

  • “The faster I write, the better my output. If I’m going slow, I’m in trouble.” —Raymond Chandler
  • “Just get it on paper and then we’ll see what to do with it.” —Maxwell Perkins
  • “By the time I finish my first draft, I’ve written between the lines and around the edges and on the back of the paper. It’s a mess.”—Beverly Cleary
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NE ELA Standard:

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Page 043 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing the Beginning

Read aloud “Writing the Beginning.” Ask students to find and share examples of different beginning parts from the essays in Write on Course 20-20. Then consider implementing the following activity and/or the related minilessons.

Have students think of a story from their life that they’ve been saving to share. Ask them to write an interesting or engaging opening part for this story. Have volunteers share their opening for discussion.

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Page 044 from Write on Course 20-20

Developing the Middle Part

Read and discuss page 44. Have students turn to one of the writing samples in the handbook. Discuss the types of details used in the text. Encourage students to turn to this page whenever they check their writing for supporting details.

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Page 045 from Write on Course 20-20

Developing the Middle Part (Continued)

Then read and discuss the sample middle paragraphs on page 45. Ask students to write a middle paragraph or two for the writing idea they identified for page 43. Have them try to reflect or give reasons in their writing. Ask for volunteers to share their work.

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Page 046 from Write on Course 20-20

Bringing Your Writing to a Close

Read and discuss “Bringing Your Writing to a Close.” Ask students to share examples of closings in the handbook for discussion. Then have students attempt to write a closing paragraph for the writing idea they have been working with in this chapter. Ask for volunteers to share their work. Point out to students that the ending part of their writing deserves as much attention as they give to the beginning part.

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TEKS Standard:
NE ELA Standard:

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