Home School Writing Cooperative

Week Nine - Presentation

Presentation zeros in on the form and layout of the text and its readability: the piece should be pleasing to the eye.

1) The students' task, in groups of two or three, is to edit each sentence by placing the comma where it belongs, according to a specific rule. Example rules: items in a series, to set off dialogue, in dates and addresses, between two independent clauses, to set off appositives, etc. (You include the rules you want to emphasize.)

2) Each group will divide a large piece of drawing paper into sections (one per rule), and title each section with the rules provided by the teacher. Cut out each of the edited sentences, and glue them on the paper in the appropriate section.

3) For additional practice, have each group write two of their own sentences for each rule.

Sample sentences:

1. The boys enjoy playing football baseball and soccer.

2. I hope Michelle that you're going with me.

3. She mowed the lawn and he prepared the lunch.

4. Well that's finished.

5. He was born on May 17 1966.

6. She lived in Gresham Oregon for twenty years.

7. I hope after all that the rumor is not true.

8. Mr. Hartman a teacher at Whitford is recognized for his intelligence and foresight.

9. When it rains we stay in the house.

10. She asked "What is your name?"

Review BASIC grammar rules and punctuation with students. Use MLA or other standard reference book. Make certain the following are adhered to (you may add more if you like)

1. The text is easy to read whether typed or handwritten.
2. The font, size and style are appropriate and support the message.
3. The format suits the purpose, is appealing and invites the reader into the text.
4. Fonts are limited to two typefaces on a page.
5. Spacing supports readability.
6. The text is not crowded - white space enhances readability.
7. The use of a title, sub headings, page numbers, bullets and other formatting allows the reader to access information easily and quickly. The information is clear to the reader.
8. There is a clear purpose for combining text and graphics (to include charts, graphs, and tables). The alignment between text and visuals is clearly represented.
9. Presentation is creative and original in design.

Homework Week Nine

Writing Rubric. Review each from above. Do in class timed writing assignment

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