Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

1. Students who were absent or did not finish the "Revising and Editing" section of the test completed it today(Per. 5: Lauren and Carly)

2. Peer grading of final draft of "Special Place" essay: two/three graders if there is discrepancy.

3. With the essay and scantron in hand, students analyzed the breakdown of the TAKS test on the Tally Sheet and tallied their scantron and essay scores: 44 to meet minimum expectations with at least a 2 on the essay to pass the WHOLE TEST, and a total of 64 points for Commended Performance.

3. Viewed and discussed samples in "Explode a Moment" handout. If you were absent you need to ask for handout. Samples include the following moments "exploded" by student writers:

a) I rode my horse and jumped a fence. (The Jump) Notice how the writer adds similes, metaphors, and personification to enhance her writing.
b) I saw my dad leave for good. (Dad)
c) I was jealous of my little sister. (Powder)
d) I walked into the water but was at first afraid. (The Beach)
e) I twirled my yo-yo and hit my brother. (The Yo-Yo)

See handout "Explode a Moment" to see the passages above which have been developed by student writers.


4. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Complete the following and bring to class tomorrow:

"IMPORTANT CHOICE" Essay

Write an essay about a time you made an important choice.

Include at least :

2 snapshots
2 thoughtshots
1 metaphor
1 simile
1 example of personification

Bring to class tomorrow. It is important that you come to class prepared.