English Benchmark

1. Go to the following link Achievement Series
2.  Type in your student ID number
3. Enter the Test ID: 35516
4. Take the test to the best of your ability
5. Continue working on descriptive writing prompt from yesterday. 

Creative Writing- Christmas

Congrats on finishing your test! Now you can relax and work on a creative piece of writing.

Choose one of the prompts below to write about. The goal is to practice writing with good detail and description, rather than a story. Therefore, add detail and description whenever possible. You should use figurative language at least five times in your writing. It should be at least one page long. Your writing should have the proper English heading and "Descriptive Writing-Christmas" as the title.
Christmas Prompt Choices (3):

• Personify your Christmas tree. Write a story from the Christmas tree's point of view.
• Describe the sights, sounds, and smells of when you first walk out to the tree on Christmas morning.
• Describe this picture without using the word "white" at all. Try to use as much figurative language as you can.
  

Pronoun Practice: Test 12/15/15

The pronoun test will be on 12/15/15. The test will cover all of the notes on pronouns, and it will include information from previous tests (commas, grammar, sentence structure). We have reviewed extensively in class.

Below, there is a link for an additional practice on pronouns. Students will be able to work on this in class on the chromebook for extra practice. This is only an extra resource, and it will not be taken as a grade.  


Additional Pronoun Practice

Quizizz Review

1. Click on this link Quizizz (but read the rest of the directions first).
2. Enter the 5-digit game code 65971, and click "Proceed"
3. Now enter your name and click "Join Game!"
4. You will get an avatar, and then see a "Start Game" button. Click it to begin!11

Article Pronoun Search and Handouts 12/7/15-12/11/15

Follow the link below to complete the pronoun search in an article on Trussville's history. You should be able to complete this entirely on the chromebook. If you and your group do not finish today, another time this week with be allotted for working on this assignment. While you can work in a group, each individual is responsible for his/her own completed work.

Our History-Pronoun Search


Here are the handouts from this week. If you misplace your copy, you can print a new one from here.

CYG 12/7-12/14
CYG 1/6-1/11

Pronoun Stations

Practice Test

Handouts 11/30-12/4

If you misplace the notes or practice given in class, you can print it out from here.

Pronoun Notes

Pronoun Practice

Creative Writing-Thanksgiving

Congrats on finishing your test! Now you can relax and work on a creative (and funny) piece of writing. Choose one of the pictures below to base your story upon. The picture could represent the beginning, middle, or end of your story. Your narrative should be at least two pages long, and it should include characters, a good plot, and avoid "dead" verbs whenever possible. You may be able to use some suspense strategies, too! Your story should have the proper English heading and be titled "Creative Writing-Thanksgiving" with your own creative title underneath.

Here is a timeline for the writing process with this piece:

• Wednesday- After your test, you will pick a picture and brainstorm ideas for the story behind the picture. Once you are finished brainstorming, you can begin your rough draft. 
• Thursday- Complete your rough draft...make sure it has a good plot, characters, and strong action verbs. Add dialogue and good descriptive details to your story. If you are done with your rough draft early on Thursday, add the following to your story:
• Add at least one suspense strategy. 
• Considering your rising action, how can you add to your rising action to make the problem in the story bigger? 
• Add at least five figurative language phrases or words. 
• Make sure you are "showing" the reader what is happening through details and description rather than "telling" them. Add details and description whenever possible
• Remove the "dead" verbs from the story. The dead verbs tombstone is on the next page of the blog. 
• Friday- Edit and Revise your story. Make sure you have flawless spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Use your notes on commas to help you make corrections. The story will be graded for perfection. The sub will let you know if you can work with a partner or not. 
• Monday- You will publish a final draft of your story. If you choose to type it, you will need to print at home (or bring money to print in the library). 
• Make sure you have all of the requirements (above) and it is edited to perfection. 
• Use the proper English heading with your own creative title and the date 11/24/15
• Do not write on the back of paper
• Write neatly and carefully
• If you make an error, draw one line through it and move it. Don't scribble it out. 
• Don't skip lines and done use a pen that bleeds. 
• The final draft is due in class on Tuesday. 

Notes 11/9/15-11/13/15

Here are the handouts from this week. If you misplace your copies, you can print them out here.

Verbs and Their Jobs Notes

Verbs and Their Jobs Practice

Caught Ya Grammar (11/9-11/11/20)

Caught Ya Grammar (11/23-12/4)

There will be a quiz on "Verbs and Their Jobs" on 
Wednesday, 11/18/15. 

Creative Writing-Turkey

Congrats on finishing your test! Now you can relax and work on a creative (and funny) piece of writing. Look at the picture below and write the story behind the picture. The story should include characters, a good plot, and avoid "dead" verbs whenever possible. You may be able to use some suspense strategies, too! Your story should have the proper English heading and be titled "Creative Writing-Turkey"

Verb Notes/Comma Game

Use the link below to see a Google Slides presentation that will allow you copy your verb notes. Use the note taking template on the back of your stations sheet.

Remember, you will need these notes to complete the activity at this station.

Verb Notes Slideshow


If you finish the comma practice early, you take this quick comma quiz:
Comma Quiz

There will be a test on Friday (11/6/15) that includes verbs, subjects/predicates, and comma rules. Study all week! 

Notes and Handouts from 11/2/15-11/6/15

This week we reviewed a lot of material already covered this year. The material review included comma rules, identifying subjects and predicates, and identifying verb types. Students were given several practice sheets and notes to use to study for the test this Friday (11/6/15).

If you misplace any of your notes, you can print them out from the links below.

• Monday/Tuesday: Verb and Station Notes
• Wednesday: Verbs, Subject & Predicate, Comma Practice
• Thursday: Verbs, Subject & Predicate, Comma Practice Test

**The key to the practice test will be posted on Thursday in addition to discussing correct answers in class.

Remember, there will be a test on this material Friday 11/6/15.

Classroom Campfire

We had such a good time sharing stories around the campfire this week! It was so much fun to hear the suspenseful stories that we worked on for over a month. Their hard work definitely paid off! Below I have pictures from our campfire. The student that is sharing in the picture has a flashlight to add effect to the spookiness of their story and the atmosphere. 

Thank you again to the parents and students that donated to our campfire celebration! It was a great success! 

Mystery Story Format Requirements

It is very important to format your story correctly. Below are the requirements for formatting your story. We discussed these in detail in class. Be sure to follow!

• Proper English Heading (Name, Oliveira, Date, Period ____, Title) in MLA format. The title should be your own creative title. 
• Font should be size 12, Times New Roman or Arial, and black ink. Do not ask if you can do anything else...the answer will be no. : )
• Indent new paragraphs, but do not skip entire line between paragraphs. 
• Double Space your story (we did this together in class on Thursday)
• Do not put "The End" at the end of your story. If you are ending with a cliff hanger, you are allowed to put "To be continued..." in the proper font. 

We will do some peer editing tomorrow in class. Monday, we will print stories in the computer lab if you need to do so. Tuesday we will have peer evaluations and final changes. 

The final story is due on Wednesday, 10/28/15. 

Mystery Story Grading Rubric

Here is the link for the complete grading rubric.
Mystery Story Grading Rubric

Below, I have listed the categories that will be graded and the requirements for a perfect score. Use the link above to view the full rubric including the criteria for approaching standards, below standards, and no credit.

CATEGORY	10--Meets Standards
Introduction	The author effectively uses one of the leads discussed in class to grab the reader's attention. The lead creatively "sets the stage" for the rest of the story.
Conflict and Resolution	The story is focused on a problem that gradually builds to a definite climax. The story shows at least five ways the problem worsens before reaching the climax. The solution to the problem is easy to understand.
Suspense Strategies	The author effectively uses at least two of the suspense strategies discussed in class (worry, wonder, wait).
Strong Verbs	The author uses a variety of strong action verbs to show the events in the story. Rarely uses “dead” verbs in the story.
Dialogue	The story contains at least four lines of meaningful dialogue that provide   additional details to the story.
Organization	The story remains on topic and follows a logical sequence of events. The story is appropriately divided into paragraphs as the author transitions between events, settings, characters, etc..
Comma Usage and Sentence Variety	The uses commas correctly throughout the story, and the author uses a variety of sentence structures throughout the story.
Mechanics	The story contains no errors in grammar, punctuation, or capitalization.
Spelling/Vocabulary	The author uses challenging vocabulary and spells all words correctly.
Presentation	The final draft of the story is readable, clean, neat, and attractive. It is free of crossed-out words, tears, or wrinkles. The front page contains the proper heading/format and a creative title.

Revising "Dead Verbs"

A dead verb lets us know an action has taken place, but it doesn't provide a detailed picture of the action. A list of common dead verbs is shown in the picture below. This list also includes the "ing" forms and contractions of dead verbs. Using dead verbs saps the life out of writing. Once you understand what dead verbs are, you can change your sentences haunted by dead verbs into lively descriptive writing.

Keep in mind you want to "show" your reader what is happening through description...rather than just "telling" what is happening with dead verbs.

Comma Rules

As students continue drafting their mystery stories, we are covering comma rules. Starting today, we will cover 2-3 rules each day in class. Students should keep these notes handy to use as they draft and edit/revise their stories. They will be graded for their use of commas throughout the story. Students may be assessed on this information separately  in a few weeks. If you have misplaced your comma rules sheet, you can print a new one from the link below.

Comma Rules Notes

Adding Description

Mystery Story Pre-writing

Below is the link to the document we worked on in class on Monday and Tuesday. If you misplace your copy, you can print it out from here.

This link also has the ideas for character's appearance, personality, and other details.

Mystery Story Pre-Writing

Mysteries of Harris Burdick--Mystery Story Inspirations

We are beginning a new unit on "Mystery Writing" this week. Each student will choose one image from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick" as inspiration for this writing assignment. Below, you will see several pictures from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick." Choose one picture on which to base your mystery story. You will need to use the caption in your story.

Picture Title: The Third Floor Bedroom

 Caption:"It all began when someone left the window open..."

 Picture Title: The House on Maple

Caption: "It was the perfect lift off..."

 Picture Title: Missing the Venice

Caption: "Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the ocean liner was pulled further and further into the canal..."

 Picture Title: Oscar and Alphonse

Caption: "She knew it was time to send them back. The caterpillars softly wiggled in her hand, spelling out 'goodbye.' " 

 Picture Title: Uninvited Guests

Caption: "His heart was pounding. He was sure he had seen the doorknob move..."

 Picture Title: Archie Smith, Boy Wonder

Caption: "A tiny voiced asked, 'Is he the one?' "

 Picture Title: A Strange Day in July

Caption: "He threw with all his might, but the stone came skipping back..."

 Picture Title: The Seven Chairs

Caption: "The fifth one ended up in France..."

 Picture Title: The Harp

Caption: "So it's true, he thought, it's really true..."

 Picture Title: Another Place, Another Time

Caption: "If there was an answer, he'd find it there..."

Picture Title: Captain Tory

Caption: He swung his lantern three times and slowly the schooner appeared..."

Van, Allsburg Chris. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1984. Print.

Once you have chosen the image/caption you want to use, you will need to write down some ideas and brainstorm for your story.  Title it "Brainstorm: Mystery Story" and answer the following prompt: 

• What is the picture title and caption you have chosen to use? 
• Write a detailed description of the picture. Consider the setting you see, any potential characters you notice, and anything that stands out to you from the image. 
• Next, write any and all ideas you have for the story using the picture as inspiration. The ideas do not have to flow together at this point; you are just jotting down ideas for possibilities within the story.  Consider ideas for character(s), plot, and setting. 

Handouts from 9/28-10/2

"Strange Visitor"

Analysis of "Strange Visitor"

Writing a Story Lead

Identifying Plot, Conflict, and Setting

Roots Test 2

We will have our second Roots Test this Friday, 9/25/18.

Here is a link to the quizlet for this Roots Test.

Roots Test 2 Quizlet

Prepositions

Today we worked on a preposition memory cue today in class. The purpose is for students to be able to quickly recognize frequently used prepositions in sentences. The students had three options for their memory cue. They were advised to make their choose which option they wanted to complete according to their learning style assessment from the beginning of the year.

Visual Learners: Preposition Picture

Draw a picture that is based around one main object. Draw other items around the main object with prepositions that show their position in relation to the main object. Remember my "Fishy Prepositions" example using a shark as my main object and sea animals positioned around him. You must include at least 25 prepositions.

Auditory Learners: Preposition Song

Write a song using at least 25 prepositions. You can use any tune you choose. Be sure to include prepositions and prepositional phrases in your written lyrics. We listened to a couple of preposition songs in class for inspiration.

Tactile Learners: Preposition Motions

Use one object to demonstrate at least 25 prepositions you can physically do with that object. For example: You could be with the pencil, below the pencil, above the pencil, beside the pencil, etc. You need to write the preposition motions down and be able to act it out in front of the class. 

Tomorrow, we will take notes on a preposition note taker and complete some practice. If you lose your note taker, you can print it out from here. 

Preposition Notetaker and Practice

Figurative Language Notes

Imagery- the picture that a writer creates with vivid words that appeal to the reader’s senses

**All figurative language creates imagery. Imagery is not a type of figurative language, but what figurative language helps to create for the reader.**  _________________________________________________________________________

Idiom- A phrase in which the figurative meaning of the whole group of words is different from literal meaning of each individual word (example: raining cats and dogs, kicked the bucket)

Personification-giving a non-human object human characteristics (example: The Three Little Pigs talk)

Alliteration- Words with the same first consonant sound occurring close together (example: Cara’s crazy cat.)

Simile-a comparison using “like” or “as” (example: as pretty as a flower, cold like an iceberg)

Metaphor- A comparison in which one thing is referred to as if it were (example: Life is a journey.)

Hyperbole- Exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally (example: His feet were as big as a barge.)

Onomatopoeia- A word that mimics the sound of the object or action it refers to (example: buzz, hiss, crackle)

The figurative language test is this Friday, 9/18/15.

Alliteration Story

Today in class we learned about alliteration. We read a story called Dinorella together. This story was based on Cinderella but used alliteration with the letter "D" throughout. Students were asked to re-write a fairy tale using alliteration. The requirements are below.

Alliteration Story

• Rewrite a fairytale using alliteration. I should be able to figure out the story you based it on, but change it to add alliteration with one letter throughout. 
• Use the proper English heading (as always) with the assignment title: Alliteration Story
• The story should be 1-2 pages in length.

I will take up the alliteration story rough draft on Friday for a participation grade. This means I don't expect spelling/punctuation to be perfect, but I am checking to see that you completed the assignment and followed directions. 

Hyperbole Story

On Monday, we learned about hyperbole and how to use it in writing. Students were asked to write a story using hyperbole throughout. The requirements for the story are below:

Hyperbole Story

• Use the proper English heading and the assignment title should be "Hyperbole Story"
• Use the following story starter, "I knew if my parents found out, they would kill me..."
• Write a tall tale using the story starter above. Write about a time when you were in a little trouble, but exaggerate the entire story. 
• The story should be 1-2 pages in length. 

Figurative Language Test: Expectations

Figurative Language Test will be on Friday, September 18, 2015.

Students will continue to take notes on types of figurative language through Wednesday. However, it is never a bad idea to study the notes you already have (rather than waiting until Thursday night to begin).

There are four main sections on this test:
1. Match the type of figurative language to the correct definition.
2. Identify the type of figurative language used in short passages and poems.
3. Interpret the meaning of figurative language used in a passage or sentences.
4. Write an example for each type of figurative language learned in class.

In your notes you should have the definitions for the following terms: Imagery, Idiom, Metaphor, Simile, Personification, Hyperbole, Alliteration, and Onomatopoeia.

Now that you know what will be expected of you…STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!

Go Huskies!

I had such a great time watching the 6th grade park ball team tonight! It was so hard to pick red or white...so I just cheered for all of the huskies!

Metaphor Poem

To continue our study of figurative language, we learned about metaphors and similes today. We read "Karate Kid" in class and discussed that the poem was full of metaphors. Students realized that the poem did not mention Karate (except in the title), but we could still figure out what it was about through the use of metaphors. Students were then asked to write their own metaphor poem. It can be about any activity the student chooses (football, dance, cheer, reading, writing, video games, running, etc.). The requirements for the poem are as follows:

Metaphor Poem Requirements

• 10-15 lines in poem format
• Title it "Metaphor Poem:____" Add your own creative title in the blank after Metaphor Poem
• The poem must contain at least 5 metaphors. The metaphors should be underlined or highlighted. NO similes. 
• The final poem should be written neatly with the proper English heading.

Students were given time in class on Wednesday to write their poem. They will also be able to work on it in class after the Global Scholar test on Thursday. 

The final poem is due at the beginning of class on Friday 9/11/15. 

Reading Class: IDR Project

Reading class only:

If you misplaced the instructions for your IDR project, you can print them again from here.

IDR Project

Subject/Predicate Additional Practice

We reviewed for our subject and predicate quiz for tomorrow. Students took a practice quiz and we went over the correct answers. On the back of the quiz, there are additional practice sentences. These are completely optional for students who want more practice. The link to the key for additional practice is below. 

Additional Practice Key

Reminder: There is a quiz tomorrow on complete and simple subjects and predicates. 

Roots Test 1 Quizlet

Roots Test Quizlet

Reminder: You have a Roots Test this Friday, September 4th.

Simple/Complete Subjects and Predicates

Subject and Predicate Notes/Practice

Here is the note taker we used in class on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you misplaced your copy, you can print it out here.

Creative Writing (Turtle) Final Draft

We have made it almost all the way through the writing process. We are now ready to begin the final draft! Here are the requirements (also provided in class) for the final draft of your creative narrative.

• The final draft MUST have the proper English heading (Name, Oliveira, Date, & Period ___ on the left side with the title centered)
• You need to come up with a creative title for your story. Your title should replace the rough draft title "Creative Writing (Turtle)" in the center of the page.
• The final draft should be written neatly in pen.
• Do not skip lines between paragraphs. 
• Be sure the published final draft is free of all errors (punctuation, spelling, grammar, capitalization).

The published final draft is due on Monday, 8/31/15. 

I can't wait to read all of the creative stories!

Creative Writing (Turtle)

We will begin a creative writing piece. Students are required to write their story from this picture prompt. Students should tell the story behind this picture. This picture may represent the beginning, middle, or end of their story. The story should be 2-4 pages in length. 

We will work on this story throughout the week. Students will take it through the writing process including drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. The final draft will be due on Monday, 8/31/15. 

COPS Editing Reminders

We will use the COPS editing reminders every time we take a piece of writing through the writing process. This information should stay in the "Notes" section of your binder.

C- capitalization
O- organization 
P- punctuation
S- spelling

STAR Revising Reminders

We will use the STAR revising reminders every time we take a piece of writing through the writing process. This information should stay in the "Notes" section of your binder.

S- substitute
T- take away
A- add
R- rearrange

Parts of Speech Quizlet

Here is a link for a quizlet on the Parts of Speech. Reminder: There will be a quiz on the parts of speech on Tuesday, August 25th. You will need to know definitions and be able to identify the part of speech of an underlined word in a sentence.

Parts of Speech Quizlet

Parts of Speech Mini Project

Today in class, we began a (mini) parts of speech project. Students should have picked their group (3-4 members) and randomly chosen a part of speech. Students had most of class today and will have part of class on Monday (10-15 minutes) to complete the requirements. Students will present their projects in a skit format to the class on Monday.

Directions:
1. Using the large paper provided to you, write your chosen part of speech in large letters on the poster.
2. The poster should also include 7-10 examples of that particular part of speech.
3. The definition of the part of speech you selected should be clearly stated on the poster (use the definition from your notes).
4. The poster should clearly demonstrate your group's understanding of the part of speech.
5. You will present the poster and your part of speech in a skit format to the class.
6. The skit should verbally incorporate the part of speech, definition, and examples. It should be planned and interesting to view. DO NOT just read your poster to the class. Attempt to act it out or give demonstrations to help your classmates learn and remember the part of speech you are presenting.


Reminder: There will be a quiz on the parts of speech on Tuesday, August 25th. Be sure to study your notes!!

Personal Narrative: Memories

Wilfrid Gordon Mcdonald Partridge

Handouts 8/17/15-8/21/15

If you lose or misplace any of the handouts from this week, you can find the links below to reprint.


Caught Ya Grammar Weeks 1-4

Editing Marks Cheat Sheet

Parts of Speech Notes

Reminder: There will be a quiz on the parts of speech notes on Tuesday, August 25th. 

Mrs. Oliveira's Class Syllabus

Here is a link to the class syllabus that you received today: Syllabus

 Remember to keep your syllabus in your English binder throughout the year. You can use it for a reminder of class policies and a reference for information. If you misplace your syllabus, you can print it out from that link. (It may also be included on an any future binder tests!)

Kid President's Pep Talk to Teachers and Students!

Welcome to HTMS!!

Welcome back, 

Your dreams are your ticket out.

Welcome back, 

To this same old place that you will laugh about.

Well the names have all changed since you hung around.

But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

Adapted from "Welcome Back, Kotter" Lyrics

Lewis Carrol Poetry

Six Flags Education Day!

Here is the link to the Google Form that you must complete with your group during your time at Six Flags.

Six Flags Education Day Form

Jimmy Stewart - I'll Always Love A Dog Named Beau

Narrative and Epic Poetry

Advanced Ed Survey

Please take a few moments to complete the following survey. This information will be used by administration and the board of education.

Survey

Roots Final Test

Roots Final Test Quizlet

Tips on Giving Oral Presentations

We will begin presenting on Thursday. Remember that a lot of this grade is on your presentation skills, rather than your awesome power point (but your power point should still be AWESOME). This video will give you some quick tips for your presentation. It will discuss some common mistakes and what you can do instead.



Once you finish your power point, you can spend class time practicing your presentation. Remember, you will need to say "Next Slide" when you want the slide to change.

Multimedia Presentation

Multimedia Presentation 

This is your chance to show your creativity and “sell” your cause!  Design a multimedia presentation (including images, graphics, music, etc.) that clarifies the information in your speech and compels your audience to take action.

Format Choices (If you have other ideas, ask Mrs. Oliveira).  

·         slideshow

·         video

·         PowerPoint

·         Prezi

Grading

*Each of the following bulleted requirements is worth ten points.*

·         Multimedia presentation includes an extensive variety (15 minimum) of images (pictures and other graphics including charts, graphs, maps, etc.) that clarify the information included in your essay.

OPTIONAL: Include music/sound that appropriately enhances the effect.

·         Multimedia presentation includes persuasive sentences to compel your audience to support your cause (could include facts/statistics, questions...do not just copy and paste entire sections of your paper).

·         Multimedia presentation includes a credits page citing web addresses for images and other graphics found online.

·         Speaker pronounces words clearly.

·         Speaker makes eye contact with audience throughout the presentation.

·         Speaker projects voice loudly enough to be heard.

·         Speaker uses pauses effectively (doesn’t rush).

·         Speaker demonstrates understanding of the topic (pronounces words correctly, explains ideas accurately, is able to answer basic questions).

·         Speaker appears well-rehearsed (presentation flows smoothly, speaker doesn’t stumble over words or forget parts to presentation, etc.)

·         Listener pays close attention to each presentation and does nothing to distract other audience members.

Presentations will begin on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Every group should be ready to present on Thursday, but presentations may continue into the next day. 

Formal Style

                 
The Rules of Formal Writing

• Most sentences should be complex and add specific meaning to the writing.
• Keep a serious tone with literal meanings. 
• The piece should have a specifically-stated purpose, called the thesis in academic writing.
• Avoid contractions.
• The piece will be written in the third-person perspective.

The following pronouns CAN NOT be used in formal style:

• First Person          I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours

• Second Person      you, your, yours, you, (y’all), your , yours

The following pronouns CAN be used in formal style:

• Third Person he, him, his, she, her, hers, it, they, them, their, theirs, its

Written Essay Requirements/Example essay

Written Essay 

*Each of the following bulleted requirements is worth five points*

Introduction

·         includes an attention-grabbing hook

·         includes a thesis that clearly states the topic and the author’s opinion of the topic

·         lists two different logical points that support the thesis

Body Paragraph (each person in a partnership/group is responsible for writing one body paragraph)

·         focuses on a single point

·         each point is logical and clearly supports the thesis

·         includes a clear topic sentence (introducing the point)

·         includes at least three supporting detail sentences

·         includes at least two outside facts or examples within the supporting details that clearly support each reason

·         includes a closing sentences that summarizes and brings the paragraph to a close

·         contains no errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, or word usage

·         lists reasons (one per paragraph) in the same order as the introduction

Conclusion 

·         restates the thesis

·         relists reasons

·         gives a clear call to action

Works Cited 

·         contains at least three credible outside sources

·         correctly formatted (correctly punctuated and capitalized, double-spaced, labeled, alphabetized, and on a page by itself)

Format/Vocabulary

·         maintains a formal style (not conversational and written in third person)

·         essay has a proper MLA heading, 12 point Arial/Times New Roman font, and double spaced

Transitions

·         uses transitions appropriately between sentences and paragraphs to clarify the relationships between ideas

Conventions

·         contains no errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, or word usage

Example Persuasive Essay

Making sentences flow in a paragraph

SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS

(modified from Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference)

• To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too

• To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate

• To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly

• To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet

• To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up

• To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while

• To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)

• To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus

Making sentences flow example