This post will be your go-to place for resources about our informational writing project, and as such, it has a very limited audience. Some of the Taco's other readers may find some of this information useful in their own writing classes or projects. If so, I'm glad it could help you. For my students this … Continue reading Informational Writing: Plagues and Pandemics
Getting Write Score Right
All ELA classes will take the year's first Write Score assessment on October 20. To help you prepare for the test, I've put together this writing guide that contains some strategies to help you do your best. Please take some time to read it before next Tuesday. Some General Advice Take the time to read … Continue reading Getting Write Score Right
Writing Revision Made Easy
Revision is a reinvention of the invented.
What Makes a Poem Good?
As you continue to work on your original poem (see last week's assignment) and prepare to video the presentation, take time to really think about what you want your work to say, how you want it to make your reader feel, and what impressions you want to leave your reader with. Hopefully, you haven't rushed … Continue reading What Makes a Poem Good?
Trump Savagely Mauls the Language, and What That Means to Students
By studying President Donald Trump's use (and misuse) of the English language, we can gain a deeper understanding of how he thinks. Such study yields valuable information to a voter. Certainly, foreign intelligence agencies and heads of state examine his writings to prepare for their interactions with him. I'm not talking about prepared speeches written … Continue reading Trump Savagely Mauls the Language, and What That Means to Students
To Hard or Too Hard – Which is Correct? – Writing Explained
Are you confused by the to/too/two dilemma? It's an easy mistake to make, as the words sound alike, but its a mistake that can leave a bad and lasting impression on your readers. But take heart! The folks at Writing Explained break it all down for you. — Read on in writingexplained.org/to-hard-or-too-hard
Happy Spring Break! Here Are Some GMAS Review Resources!
Hi, students! Thought I'd pop in and interrupt your otherwise blissful Spring Break to remind you of the upcoming GMAS test. (Don't everybody thank me at once.) It occurred to me that some of you might be thoroughly bored with nothing to do and that you were just pining away for some ELA resources to … Continue reading Happy Spring Break! Here Are Some GMAS Review Resources!
Argumentative Essay Topics
So here's the situation: you know you have an argumentative essay due this Friday, February 2. In fact, you've known it for well over a week. But you still haven't started because you don't know what to write about. Never fear! Below is a list of over 30 argumentative topics* from which you can choose, … Continue reading Argumentative Essay Topics
How to Nail the Constructed Response (Short Answer) Question, Part 2
In a previous class, we discussed the importance of knowing what the constructed or extended response question is really asking. We decided that the only way to know that is to read the question carefully. I really can't stress that enough. If you don't take the time to consider your answer, you're leaving valuable points … Continue reading How to Nail the Constructed Response (Short Answer) Question, Part 2
