Below you will find copies of all of the original writing assignments from the Powerful Paragraphs Course. Good work!!
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1.4 Original Topic Sentences: 97%
1.
A favorite sport: I love playing baseball because it is challenge to throw the ball and hit the mark you aimed for.
2.
A favorite book: When you read a book once or twice a month like I do with
Eragon, it must be your favorite book ever.
3.
A family member: My brother Phillip has a farrier business, or some would call it a horse shoeing business, and sometimes he takes me with him.
4.
A goal for the future: I want learn how to make Bananas Foster and other delicious desserts.
5.
A favorite website to visit: Right now(comma) I am beta testing a new type of online video game called Lego Universe, and they have an awesome website!
2.5 Writing Supporting Details: 93%
3.3 Writing Concluding Sentences: 98%
1. Computers are useful for the entire family.
Detail #1 My mother uses her computer to blog, find homeschool curricula, and to make a website.
Detail #2 My dad uses his computer to pay bills.
Detail #3 I use the computer to play games, complete my schoolwork, and find new books to read.
Conclusion: In fact, everybody in my family (except my baby brother) loves to use their computers.
2. Zoos are a great place to take children.
Detail #1 Your children will learn all about animals.
Detail #2 You will make lots of good memories with your kids.
Detail #3 You will learn something about many animals while having fun with your kids.
Conclusion: Certainly, zoos are both fun and educational for the entire family.
3. Yo Yo Ma is the most talented musician I've ever known.
Detail #1 He first started playing concerts when he was five years old.
Detail #2 The way he plays is absolutely amazing.
Detail #3 He takes old classics such as "Here Comes the Sun" (with James Taylor) and makes them even better than the original.
Conclusion: Actually, I think he is like a Beethoven for this generation.
4. Ice cream is a great dessert.
Detail #1 It's yummy.
Detail #2 You will never get bored by ice cream because there are so many flavors.
Detail #3 It is very refreshing on a hot day.
Conclusion: In fact, ice cream is the perfect food.
5. I would love to have a pet.
Detail #1 If I had a dog I would play fetch with it every day.
Detail #2 If I had a cat I would pet it and cuddle it every night.
Detail #3 If I had two ducks I would dig them a pond and chase them for fun.
Conclusion: Certainly, you would be kept very busy if you had a pet, but I would love it.
3.4 Time to do it Yourself! You are now going to create your own paragraph. The subject of the paragraph will be the one thing you like to do in your spare time. This paragraph will have a topic sentence, at least three supporting sentences, and a closing sentence. Also, remember that all sentences must be complete sentences. Do watch your spelling and your punctuation as well. 100%
Time for Reading
by Tex
I am an avid reader. If I was given a choice between going to a movie, playing video games, building with Legos, (this comma is optional) and reading, I would rather sit down and read a good book. There are many reasons why I think reading is so great. First of all, I like how complex books are. Reading is good mental exercise, and keeping track of all the characters and what they are doing keeps you on your toes. Second(secondly) , books that are well-written not only inform you about new ideas and places, but they help you learn new vocabulary and how to write. Last (lastly), when you read a good book, you learn about different places and people. Really good books capture your imagination and make you want to keep reading because you like the setting and characters so much. It is almost like being somewhere else with lots of new friends. Every book is an adventure you will never forget. That's why I love to read.
4.6 A Storm is Brewing Paragraph: Using the pictures given, write a paragraph using time sequencing.
98%
A Storm is Brewing
by Tex
Out in the Atlantic, a storm is brewing. Its name is Hurricane Earl. Hurricane Earl is expected (to) skirt the edges of the East Coast from North Carolina to New England. This impacts us because we live very close to the water in Gloucester, VA. Therefore, this week we are going to prepare for the arrival of Earl. First, we are going to work on cleaning out our garage, to make sure nothing is stored too low and (could get) gets ruined by flooding. Next, we are going to make sure that all of our livestock, including the chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, and bunny, are secure and safe. Finally, we will get our survival supplies together. For example, we will make sure we have enough batteries, flashlights, water, canned food, and animal food to last for a while if the storm floods our area and we cannot get out easily. If we do all of these things, we will weather the storm with no problem.
5.4 Narrative Paragraph: Write a story about week you were miserable.
98%
Last week was the worst week of the year! I was miserable. It began when I woke up on Monday. My mom and dad were afraid that Hurricane Earl was going to hit us. So we started preparing for Earl to hit our area. We went to our garage and put all the clothing, books, and cardboard boxes up off the ground. That way, if our area flooded they would stay dry and not get ruined. Then, we went to make sure our chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, and bunny were secure in their houses, so none of them would drown. The last thing we did that day was to put all the children's toys away. That was a lot of work! I was thankful when we were done with that. Over the next few days we cleaned up our yard and house, and we went shopping for emergency items. The final straw was when finally, around 2 a.m. on Friday, Earl hit our area and all we got was a little rain and some wind. I guess it was better than having to wade around in two foot deep water for a week like we had to last year during the big Nor'easter, but I think it was a lot of fuss over nothing and an awful lot of wasted work and worry. This week has to be an improvement, because there is nothing left do around here.
5.6 Narrative Paragraph: Write a narrative paragraph about a time you received a gift you really wanted.
100%
On the day I turned five years old, I received my favorite birthday gift ever: my dog Bella. When I first saw Bella, she was just a tiny puppy. We were at my mom's friend's house and her dog just had puppies. I asked if I could go see them, and when I looked down at the sleeping puppies, the only one awake was a black and white female with the cutest eyes I ever saw. When I picked her up, she was so soft and friendly, it was love at first sight. The whole time I was there, I played with her and brushed her fur. I never once asked to get her, but I really wanted her. When we left, I was really unhappy because I didn't want to leave my new friend, Bella. A few weeks later, it was my birthday, and when I woke up, there was beautiful Bella sleeping right next to me! Mom and Dad had gotten her for my birthday. They also bought her a doggie bed, a new collar and leash, and her own food and water dishes. I was ecstatic! Almost eight years later, I still play with my friend Bella every day. She is the best ball-fetching, frisbee-catching, chicken-herding dog ever. What a great gift!
6.4 Descriptive Paragraph: Write a descriptive paragraph about either a noisy place or a quiet place. Describe what makes it either noisy or quiet depending upon which you chose to write about. Remember that you must have at least least three supporting detail sentences. Use as many colorful adjectives and strong verbs as possible.
96%
A Noisy Place: Land of the Dragons
by Tex
One of the noisiest places at
Busch Gardens, The Old Country, is in the
Land of the Dragons. This area was built just for kids and every time I visit, it is filled with the sounds of children playing and laughing, hundreds of parents talking and calling for their kids, and many voices raised to be heard over the noise. Near the entrance to the
Land of the Dragons is a waterpark for the little ones to enjoy. They are all soaked to the bone, but laughing and splashing water continuously. No matter which way you go as you pass this part of the
Land of the Dragons, you ALWAYS manage to get wet.
As I walk toward the kiddie rides, children above my head are dashing across rope suspension bridges that lead from one part of the treehouse to the other. They shout "hello!" to their moms and dads with engergetic waves. Suddenly, I hear a loud clacking and clinking as the
Loch Ness Monster roller coaster rumbles overhead. I look up just in time to see it plunge to skim over the water below. People on board scream with excitement, and I can't wait to ride it.
I turn around to head for the nearby roller coaster line, and pass the brightly colored carousel where I hear the cacauphanous music as the ride starts to move. Happy children giggle as they go round and round. I am enchanted by the carousel, but the
Loch Ness is calling my name. That is, until a soft breeze brings the smell of fresh popcorn and funnel cakes to my nose and I crave them instantly. I think I will hustle on over to
England instead for my favorite tantalizingly tasty treat: a Brownie-Delight Fudge Waffle Cone. It's scrumpdillyicious...and it's a lot quieter over there.
7.6 Compare Paragraph: Compare your mother, your father, or your family to a television or movie mother, father, or family.
Grade 97%
Why My Family is Like the Waltons
by Tex
I think that my family is a lot like the Waltons. I think we are like the Waltons, instead of a more modern show, because our family lives in the country and follows traditional Chritian values. Let me explain the similarities further.
First of all, my family has a farm and so do the Waltons. We live in an old farmhouse, too. They have animals to care for and chores they are responsible for, just like us. Secondly, my family is very close knit and our grandparents visit frequently (but they do not live with us). They have influence on our family, just like the Walton's grandparents do. Thirdly, my family has six kids. The Walton's have seven. Both of our families are large and love each other a lot. We enjoy helping each other, playing together, and eating meals at a large table each night just like the Waltons. Furthermore, my mom stays home, cooks, cleans, and cares for the kids just like Mrs. Walton. Mrs. Walton makes sure her kids were well educated, just like my mom. She also teaches her daughters how to care for the home, just like my mom teaches my sisters (and me). Lastly, they attend church and are respectful to adults. They are also hardworking. This is very similar to my family. My mom calls these "Home Town" or "Old Timey" values. I wish more people had values like the Waltons because I think they showed respect and caring for each other more than most people do these days.
My family and the Walton's may have minor differences, but in many ways we are the same. I am proud of that because I like the Waltons and I think they are interesting and kind. Even Former President George H.W. Bush said he wished more families would be like the Waltons than the Simpsons.* I wish I could meet the Waltons. Since I can't, at least I can watch the shows!
7.7 Contrast Paragraph: Contrast the music that you enjoy to the music either your parents, your grandparents,
or your friends enjoy. Remember! You are going to contrast your music to
just one of those sets of people.
Grade 100%
My Music vs. My Grandparents' Music by Tex
While my grandparents and I both enjoy listening to Christian music, the Gospel music they listen to is vastly different from the Contemporary Christian music I like. The Newsboys, the group I listen to, are a Christian rock band with mostly young people who singing and listening to them. The Gaithers, on the other hand, are a Gospel group with mostly older singers and listeners. Furthermore, the Gaithers' style is folksy, soothing, and soft, while the Newsboys style is more rhythmic, invigorating, and loud. The Newsboys usually sing new songs written by their songwriters, or louder remakes of old songs, whereas the Gaithers sing mostly hymns and old time classics.
Although there are many differences between the Gaithers and the Newsboys in style and in sound, there is one thing that is the same. Both bands' main purpose is for their songs to praise the Lord and to help people grow closer to Him. So, even though my grandparents would rather listen to the Gaithers, they actually enjoy some of the praise songs the Newsboys sing. Likewise, I'd rather listen to the Newsboys than the Gaithers, but they do have a few songs I really like. It just goes to show you that even differences can be appreciated.
8.3 Narrative Paragraph: A favorite summertime activitiy.
100%
Summertime Fun With Friends
by Tex
My favorite thing to do in the summer is to have some of my friends over for a few days. The first thing we do is to go find my black plastic training swords, so that the guys and I can go sword fight in the woods near my house. We are trying to learn how to use the swords correctly and sometimes we practice for hours. Afterward, we go inside to make our lunch and plan what we are going to do for the rest of the day. When everyone is done eating, we usually play board games and Legos for several hours.
Our favorite game is
Apples to Apples. It is fun because you can come up with outrageous answers to the questions that are absolutely hilarious, and yet you can still win. We love to build with my Legos and create worlds of mass destruction. We always end up blowing up whatever we just made. Sometimes my littlest brother, Joey, helps with disassembling!
At around six o-clock, my mom calls for us to come eat dinner; it is almost always pizza. We like to order from
Dominoes. The best pizza is a Hawaiian style pizza, which has Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, and ham and pineapple on top. After we clean the table, we go help my mom put the little kids to bed. Mom makes us set up beds in the back room for ourselves, and keep the door shut, so we don't wake up my brothers and sisters.
Once everything is ready, we start up a football tournament on my
Playstation Two using the game
NFL Street. I am the reigning champion, but Jake is catching up quickly. If Mom lets us get away with it, we like to stay up until all of the pizza and soda wears off around two a.m.. We all conk out and sleep like babies, exhausted from our day of fencing and fun.
Fortunately, my mom lets us sleep in until about eight-ish the next morning. Mom makes delicious sausage and gravy over biscuits, and Zach and the guys love it. Then after we work together quickly to complete my chores, back to the woods we go and the bashing of swords begins all over again. Ouch!
8.5 Expository Paragraph: What do you think is more important, how a person looks or how a person acts towards others? Remember to support your opinion.
100%
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
by Tex
There us an old folk saying that goes, "Pretty is as pretty does," and I believe this to be true. It means that beauty comes from your heart and your actions, not from what you look like. No one wants to be friends with someone with a bad attitude, no matter how good looking they are. People might stick around for a while, but in the end they will leave the rudeness and negativity behind. Folks just don't want to stay around people who are bickering and gossiping constantly, or who are always talking and thinking about themselves. The truth is, God does not look on the outside either. He looks at what's inside to see what is in your heart. It is whatever is in your heart that reflects who you really are. Most people look at your heart, too. In the end, it's better to be ugly with a good attitude, then to be beautiful with a crummy one. Beauty starts on the inside, and slowly and surely will shine through.
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Tex,
You made me cry with your paragraph -- it was that well written! I could tell you connected with the prompt because your writing was so 'real.' I did make a few small punctuation corrections to improve your paragraph but these are minor.
Your overall writing style is organized, focused and detailed - all of the aspects of strong writing! Please save this piece of writing for your portfolio, as this is the sort of writing that wins contests - or gets you into a great college! Nice job, Austin!
Ms. Burrows
Final Grade for the Course (including quizzes, brief writing exercises, and paragraph writing assignments):
98.3% A
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Great job, Tex!! You worked hard and did well. You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you.
Love you,
Mom
