Benchmark Practice Preparing for a Timed Writing

Unit 10

Benchmark Practice – Preparing for a Timed Writing

Common Core Standards: W.10 Write routinely over shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

1. Evaluate the Task (5 Minutes) Carefully read the writing task. Then read it again, underline words that tell the topic, the audience, and the purpose. Also, underline the type of writing you are being asked to do.

WRITING TASK:

Think about a place that holds special meaning for you. What sights sounds, smells, and other sensations make this place live in topic your memory? Write a description using figurative language and sensory details. Your description will be published in a review guide at a

type of writing local travel agency intended to entertain people who like to travel. audience purpose

2. Plan Your Response (10 minutes) First, choose the place you want to describe. Make certain to choose a spot you know well and focus on a specific experience there. Then, use a graphic organizer to list sensory details. Think about how you might explain some of the details figuratively, using metaphor, simile, personification, or onomatopoeia.

Sense Details Sight Sound Smell Touch Taste

3. Respond to the Task ( 20 minutes) Start drafting your description. Begin with a description of pronounced sights, sounds, or smells to introduce to the place to review readers. Then, move on to a detailed description using sensory language. Organize your information according to space (top to bottom, side to side) or importance. As you write, keep the following tips in mind:  In the introduction paragraph, use sensory language to present your central impression of the place.  In the body paragraphs, use transitions to help readers visualize the place you are describing.  In the conclusion paragraph, make it clear why the place is important/significant to you.

4. Improve your Response (5-10 minutes) Revising – Compare your draft with the task. Does your draft provide sensory language to describe the place? Does your description make clear why the place matters to you? Proofreading: Neatly correct any errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Make certain that your description and any edits are neatly written and legible. Checking Your Final Draft: Before you turn in your critical review, read it again to catch any errors you may have missed and to add any final touches.