Descriptive Paragraph Using Powerful Word Choices and Sensory Detail

1. Pre-Writing: Using an entire sheet of paper, create the following chart. Nouns Adjectives Verbs

2. Begin by just looking at the Hershey Kiss and write all of the nouns, adjectives, and verbs that come to mind. Use your thesaurus for assistance. 3. Next, unwrap the Hershey Kiss and write down all the nouns, adjectives, and verbs that strike you as you listen to the foil being removed. 4. As you touch the candy, fill in all nouns, adjectives, and verbs that you experience. 5. Smell the Hershey Kiss and add in all nouns, adjectives, and verbs that are appropriate. 6. Finally, place the Kiss on your tongue and taste it. Include all nouns, adjectives, and verbs that you perceive. 7. You now have a usable word bank to draw from while writing your descriptive paragraph. Begin a rough draft of your descriptive paragraph explaining your experience with the Kiss. 8. Revise and peer-edit your draft before creating a final copy.

Descriptive Paragraph Writing Rubric

Look Fors
Main Ideas Ideas On Topic

WOW! 4 Points
My writing has a clear main idea (topic sentence). I stay on topic focusing on my main point from start to finish. I use many interesting details that support my main idea. My writing comes to life and keeps my reader interested. It uses two examples of figurative language to give it spark. I use varied, descriptive and appropriate words to create meaningful pictures. I have used precise nouns and adjectives. N2SSWTSW My sentences begin in different ways and vary in length and structure. Sentences are combined effectively. One sentence starts with an ing word. One sentence starts with an adverb (-ly) One sentence starts with an AAAWWUBIS. One sentence contains an appositive. One sentence begins with an adjective. My writing has proper capitalization, punctuation and grammar. All the words are spelled correctly in my writing. My writing follows all writing rules. My writing/typing is neat/, easy to read and correctly spaced. It is pleasing to the eye!

Almost There 3 Points

My writing has a main idea (topic sentence).

On The Way 2 Points

My main idea is not very clear (no clear topic sentence). My writing does not follow my main point. The direction is not clear. I have very few interesting details or my details dont support my main idea. My writing has some interesting parts but does not use figurative language.

Not Yet 0-1 Points

My writing has no main idea (no topic sentence). My writing does not follow or is missing its topic. My writing has no interesting or related details. My writing is boring and it uses no figurative language.

Details

I focus on the main point for most of my writing but wander a little. I had some details that supported my main idea. My writing is interesting throughout. It utilizes one example of figurative language.

Voice (Emotion & Style)

Word Choice

I use descriptive words appropriately.

I use a few descriptive words.

My vocabulary is simple and limited. I rely on weasel words to convey my ideas.

Sentence Fluency

Most of my sentences begin in different ways, vary in length and structure, and are combined effectively. They flow. 4 of the 5 components are present.

Some of my sentences begin in different ways, vary in length and structure, and are combined effectively. They do not flow well. 2-3 of the 5 components is present.

My sentences are choppy, repetitive or rambling.

0-1 of the 5 components are used.

Conventions

Grammar

Spelling

Writing Rules Presentation (Neatness)

Most of my writing uses correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Almost all of the words are spelled correctly in my writing. My writing follows most writing rules My writing is legible and neat.

My writing has many errors, but the meaning is clear. Several of the words are misspelled in my writing. My writing follows some of the writing rules My handwriting is poor and difficult to read.

My grammar interferes with the meaning of the writing. The spelling interferes with the meaning of the writing. My writing seldom follows writing rules. My handwriting is unreadable and messy.

Subtotal Score Student Name Total Score______/ 40 %

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