Psyched to teach writing!

Handouts and materials can be found

at:

tracyt1.wordpress.com

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

ARGUMENTS

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

INFORMATIVE/EXPLANATORY

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

NARRATIVE

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused

questions, demonstrating

understanding of the subject under investigation.

Gather relevant information from multiple print and

digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each

source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

Draw evidence from literary or

informational texts to support

analysis, reflection, and research.

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range

of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

AANSWER

CCITE

EEXPLAIN

RRESTATE

BBACKGROUND

SSUMMARIZE

BRACESName___________________________________Date_____________

Text(s): “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut

Question: How does Vonnegut use characterization to warn his readers of the potential drawbacks of a truly “equal” society?

B-Background information. Start with a summary and/or BACKGROUND information about the text.

R-Restate the question. RESTATE the question or change it to a statement.

A-Answer the question. What do you know? This is your CLAIM/THESIS.

C-Cite the Text. This is your EVIDENCE How do you know that? Use a quote or data from a credible source.

E-Explain and Connect. This is your REASONING. How does your evidence support your claim/thesis?

S-Summarize and Conclude. REVISIT your answer. Wrap it all up.

Conventions Spelling Usage Capitals Punctuation Quotation marks

around titles Page numbers with

quotes

1-2 errors (-1) 3-4 errors (-2) 5+ errors (-3)

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NAME____________________________________________DATE_______________

BRACES RUBRIC

Score_________/27

3 2 1 0

B

__x1

Effectively provides background information/summary about the text(s)/topic.

Provides background information/summary about the text(s)/topic.

Background information/summary about the text(s)/topic is unfocused and/or unclear

Does not provide background information/summary about the text(s)/topic.

R

__x1

Effectively restates the question by rewording it or changing it to a statement.

Restates the question by changing it to a statement.

The restatement of the question is unfocused and/or unclear.

Does not restate the question.

A

__x1

Effectively provides a thoughtful claim or thesis to answer the question.

Provides an answer to the question.

Answer is unclear, off topic and/or unfocused.

Does not provide an answer.

C

__x2

Effectively supports the answer using 2 or more pieces of valid evidence such as quotations, facts, and/or concrete details.

Supports the answer using 2 or more pieces of evidence such as quotations, facts, and/or concrete details.

Provides insufficient evidence.

Does not provide evidence.

E

__x2

Effectively explains the connection between all evidence and answer.

Explains the connection between evidence and answer.

The connection between evidence and answer is unclear and/or unfocused.

Does not connect evidence and answer.

S

__x2

Effectively reviews the main points and shows evidence of additional thoughts using personal opinions, questions or a full-circle ending.

Reviews the main points.

Summary is unclear and/or unfocused.

Does not include a summary.

27=100% 18-20=85% 9-11=70% 24-26=95% 15-17=80% <9=65% 21-23=90% 12-14=75%

Ace Your BRACES“ACE” Your BRACES

CStep 2

Quote #1

Introduce the quote:

the quote (1 sentence max):

explain how the quote supports your answer:

Introduce the quote:

the quote (1 sentence max):

explain how the quote supports your answer:

CStep 3-

Quote #2

start Here

Now, Go Write it!

AStep 1-My

answer to the

question (my

thesis):

E

E

BRACES

BRACES

WRITE LIKE THIS!

Dave Barry’s Holiday Gift Guide

Dave Barry’s Holiday Gift Guide

‘THE WOOFER’ WEARABLE SOUND SYSTEM FOR DOGS

Dave Barry’s Holiday Gift Guide

EMERGENCY UNDERPANTS DISPENSER

• Archie McPhee

• Kotulas

• Amazon search for gag gifts (not if you are easily offended!)

Dave Barry’s Holiday Gift Guide

• `

What is “skillful” & “effective” writing?

Writing Tricks (Mary Ellen Ledbetter)

• Hyphenated Modifier• Magic Three

• Repetition for Effect• Full-Circle Ending

Hyphenated Modifier• “Ugh. Great, I’ve made a boy cry. I can totally check that off my things-to-do-to-make-sure-your-reputation-as-worst-girlfriend-ever-is-cemented list.”

• “I answered in my best I-am-here-for-you-best-friend-even-though-you-just-did-something-really-stupid voice.”

•Gabi: A Girl in Pieces, Isabel Quintero

Repetition for Effect

Magic Three

Full Circle Ending

"When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home."

Handouts and materials can be found

at:

tracyt1.wordpress.com