Please scroll down to see sample prompts for different writing assignments, a proofreading checklist, and an idea diagram to help organize your ideas.

                                Download an idea diagram

                                Write about an event

The Writing Assignment
One to two pages about an event that happened last summer.
Use an idea diagram to formulate ideas.
Your paper needs an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Possible Topics
Watching a sunset
A sporting event
A wedding
Winning a prize
An air show
A parade
A vacation
A concert
The first day of school
A hike
A surprise visit
Losing or finding something

Questions to help you get ideas
What is the history of the event?
How is it similar to other events?
Compare it to past events.
Who were the participants?
How was it organized?
Why is this event important?
What made this event memorable?
Include the who, what, why, where, and when.
Include conversations and actions of the people involved.

                               Write about a place

The Writing Assignment
One to two pages about a place you have visited or would like to visit.
Use an idea diagram to formulate ideas.
Your paper needs an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Possible Topics
A library
The principal's office
A favorite hangout
A deserted house
A classroom
A school
A music store
A park
A concert
A church
A beach
A stadium
A nursing home

Questions to help you get ideas
How do people make this place unique?
How is it different or the same as other places?
What is its function or purpose?
Describe the physical characteristics (size, shape, color, age)?
Where is it located?
What are its strengths and weaknesses?
What is its best feature?
Why is this place important?
What is its future?
Tell us a story about this place.
Is is similar to some place else?

                               Persuasive Essay

Introduction (must include your thesis statement which is your position on the issue) Begin your introduction with a quote, statistic or personal experience to catch the reader’s attention.

First argument (For or Against) with supporting detail. A transition word to begin this second paragraph could be "First, I believe."

Second argument (For or Against) with supporting detail. A transition to begin the third paragraph could be "Second" or "Next."

Third argument (For or Against) with supporting detail. A transition to begin the fourth paragraph could be "In addition" or "In the same way."

Counter-argument In other words, present the opposing view and argue against it. A transition to start your paragraph would be "On the other hand some people believe…."

Conclusion Re-state your beliefs and conclude with a powerful, persuasive statement regarding your position. A good transition to begin your paragraph may be "In conclusion" or "Lastly" or "To Conclude."

                               Proofreading Checklist

____ My composition has a title.
____ My name, date and period is on my composition.
____ My opening sentence is interesting.
____ My composition has a beginning, middle and an end.
____ My main idea or plot tells the reader what I wanted to say.
____ I used descriptive words and phrases.
____ My four best descriptions are:
____ My main idea or plot tells the reader what I wanted to say.
____ The setting is well described.
____ Punctuation marks are used correctly.
____ Words are spelled correctly.
____ I used these three new words: 
____ My grammar construction is correct.
____ The ending tells the reader how the problem was fixed.
____ The story is “appropriate”.
____ My weakest sentence is:
____ I had someone read my composition aloud to me.
____ Signature of reader:
____ I improved my composition by:
____ Capitalization is in good order.