Course Description

In this course, students will learn about the purpose of writing and audience, the process of writing, main ideas and details, staying on topic, writing a paragraph and active voice. Students will apply this knowledge to three different types of writing. Students will be guided through a step-by-step process to teach them how to write a story, how to write to inform, and how to write about an opinion. This writing course follows Common Core state standards.

Writing a Story:
Students will write a descriptive paragraph, personal narrative, and a story. Students will start the unit by practicing sensory details and pure descriptive writing exercises and using time order words. Then, students will use what they’ve practiced to create a descriptive writing piece and a personal narrative. After that, students will review what makes a story: parts of a story, setting, characters, dialogue, point of view. Students will explore and brainstorm ideas on how to create a realistic story and a tall tale. Finally, students will choose one of the ideas they’ve written about and create a story using the writing process. 

Writing to Inform:
Students will learn multiple ways to write to inform readers. Students will start the unit by reviewing direction, position, and time-order words and writing a final paper on teaching an activity they’re passionate about. After that, students will walk through how they could create an effective report. Students will identify and practice the following: using visual aids, spatial organization, cause-and-effect organization, comparing two objects, quotes, summaries, paraphrasing, taking notes, and works cited. Finally, students will compile everything they’ve learned and write a report they’ve researched about. 

Writing an Opinion:
Students will write a persuasive article about a change they think would improve their school. In order to write their article, students will identify what persuasive writing is. Then, students will practice writing facts, opinions and emotional appeals. After that, students will write a business letter to practice their persuasive writing. Finally, students will use what they’ve learned and write a persuasive article.