Tips for the Writing Process
If you aren't ready to jump writing paragraphs yet, this page is a good place to start.
B-rain-Storm
Has it been awhile since you've written anything for school? Don't be intimidated! Don't stare at your blank paper. Try warming up by making a list of anything and everything you can think of that fits into each of these categories. Don't stop to evaluate whether or not it's a good idea; don't worry about spelling. Just write down the ideas that come in drips and write faster as the ideas become a storm. When the ideas dry up, go on to another topic.
How many things can you think of . . .
. . . that have handles. . . . that you can sit on. . . . that are made of wood. . . . that can fit in a box. . . . people enjoy looking at. . . . use electricity. . . . that are rectangular. . . . that make a noise. . . . to do with an old soda bottle. . . . to keep a door open. . . . use a newspaper. . . . tell time without a watch. |
If you'd rather have this list in worksheet form, download it here:
|
Drawing to Warm Up for Writing
Sometimes you're feeling really stuck. Let's get that pencil moving! Try one of these activities, then return to the Brainstorming stage.
Organizing Your Ideas
Practice getting your thoughts together with one of these ideas.
Categorize these sports in several different ways: tennis, skiing, baseball, racquetball, jump rope, skating, ping
pong, football, ice skating, soccer.
List all the things which come to mind when you think of nature. Group your ideas in some way.
Collect something from around your place which you like and something which you don't like. List the good and
bad qualities of each thing. Use words in such a way that your feelings will be reflected.
Pretend you're having a party. Describe the location, create a menu, plan activities, and write an invitation.
Categorize these sports in several different ways: tennis, skiing, baseball, racquetball, jump rope, skating, ping
pong, football, ice skating, soccer.
List all the things which come to mind when you think of nature. Group your ideas in some way.
Collect something from around your place which you like and something which you don't like. List the good and
bad qualities of each thing. Use words in such a way that your feelings will be reflected.
Pretend you're having a party. Describe the location, create a menu, plan activities, and write an invitation.
Click these links to get the sheet mentioned in the video.
Writing Clearly
Using too many pronouns (he, she, it, they...) or language that is not specific enough (things, stuff ..) can be confusing for your reader! Watch this classic Abbott and Costello video and see if you can figure out the name of each player and which position they play for the St. Louis Wolves. Don't scroll to the second page until you're ready to see the answers!
|
|
Be specific and clear in your writing to make sure your readers understand you better than
poor, frustrated Abbott understands Costello!
poor, frustrated Abbott understands Costello!
Watch this video about writing clear sentences from Education Portal:
|
|
Descriptive Writing
Description can make your writing clearer and stronger. Practice creating phrases that paint a picture rather than just say the words.
For example:
"the car"
can become
"the old, rusty Chevy with the hanging tailpipe, riding on a doughnut"
For example:
"the car"
can become
"the old, rusty Chevy with the hanging tailpipe, riding on a doughnut"