Directions for Writing Samples

Grade 9 and Grade 10, Writing Strategies - WS 1.9

Students can revise something they have already written. A writing prompt essay can be used.

For the revision they should keep in mind:

• Who is their audience (someone who will read the essay, i.e., parents, teachers, friends),
• What is the purpose of their essay (the topic or position or point),
• What is the tone of their essay (i.e., serious, casual, formal, sweet, funny), while trying to improve the logical organization (sequence) of their ideas, reasons, explanations, or plot events, depending on the genre (persuasive, expository, narrative, or response to literature), and their choice of words. Don’t use the same words over and over. Vocabulary should be interesting, descriptive, and communicate what the student means.

In other words, make sure that what you write is organized and clear (not random and confusing). It has interesting vocabulary that is suitable and understandable for whoever will read your essay. And, that your essay’s tone (see above) fits its purpose (see above).