Classroom Library- Check out your book here!
Writing Tools
Click the button below to download a copy of the PIE format template. This template will be utilized all year for the majority of the text based writing assignments, large or small.
Prompt VerbsConfused about how to approach a prompt question? It is very likely you aren't sure what the verb is telling you to do. Here is a list of prompt verbs with explanations compiled by Jim Burke.
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Dead WordsClick the button below to download a copy of the dead words list. Although this list has some dead words, you may add your own along with more scholarly synonymous alternatives to enhance your writing
Revising & editing check listsRevising is done by the author between drafts. This checklist is for the author to use to help improve clarity and formulation of ideas.
Editing should be done by the author, but can also be done by a reader. Editing focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing mechanics NOT formulations of ideas. |
Instead of Says
Say "says" no more! Here is a list of all the astounding, precise, and impressive words you could use in your writing to better convey thoughts to readers. Use these for narrative writing or for signal phrases to introduce quotes in PIE paragraphs and essays
Instead of making your peer's paper look like it was slaughtered with a red pen, use these symbols to help convey your editorial advice quickly and easily. (Less work for you!)
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Reading TOOLS
Annotation symbolsThere is a lot more to reading than simply reading the words. It is important to slow down and digest the literature we will explore in class. One of the best ways to do this is to mark up the pages (when it's your copy to keep, otherwise use post-its) with annotations. This handout will help you identify important distinctions in the readings and give you easy to use symbols for your in-text notes
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Audio learner? Audiobooks!Many of the books which you will need to read for school will be available in audio version. Most books which are now considered classics are available to listen to for free online. Some can be streamed and some can be downloaded or burned to a CD. Below is a link to a website I have used before (formerly known as booksshouldbefree.com). As always, be careful about downloading anything that might seem suspicious or malicious from the internet!
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free booksVoracious reader? Forgot your book at school? Absent? Don't worry, I usually post an online copy of the books we read in class on their respective page at this site. Just so you know, though, many books are available for free (free!) online. Once a book losses it's copyright privileges, it is considered public domain. Project Gutenberg has made it their mission to get as much, if not all, of those books online at one easy to access website. Once again, there are other sites available but this one I have used and generally trust. As always, be careful about downloading anything that might seem suspicious or malicious from the internet!
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