Mrs. Withstandley/ Miss Amendola

Writing Assignment

January 8, 2007

Topic: Write a 3-paragraph essay describing a holiday or tradition that takes place within your family. What happens and why is it special? Describe the events, rituals, emotions, feelings, etc.

Plan/Outline: Remember this is a description! You should use lots of adjectives and descriptive words. I. Tell the name of the holiday/tradition, what time of year it takes place and who attends. II. Give all the details. III. Say why it is important to you, what you enjoy most about it, why you feel it is important to your family to continue doing it year after year. Your outline is due Tuesday.

Draft: Expand your outline into some semblance of a first draft. (one page)

Revise and Edit: This means more than check your spelling. You should read it aloud and make sure your ideas flow and they are written in logical order. Editing includes moving sentences, restructuring sentences or paragraphs, and checking for spelling. Do this BEFORE you hand it in on Thursday.

Draft: Write your first draft (due Thursday). First drafts may be handwritten or typed.

Revise and Edit: Yes, do it again, taking into consideration any comments from your teacher.

Write your final draft: Make your writing as clear and interesting (with details!) as possible. Final drafts must be typed in 12-font with standard margins. Your final draft is due Monday.