Passion+Paragraph

Return to Term One Writing Assignmentstoc

=Assignment Sheet= Describe a future dream or freedom in America that you are passionate about. Choose a dream that would typify the American Dream: career, family, land, happiness, freedom of religion, freedom of speech etc.
 * Topic: **

**Assignment Requirements**
 * Hook
 * Clear, topic sentence
 * 3-4 supporting ideas
 * Elaboration and details for each of the supporting sentences
 * Strong concluding statement (either emphatic statement, quote, or call to action)

**Assignment Components**
 * ***Pre Write:** Fill out pre-write paragraph worksheet (found in a folder labeled passion paragraph right behind the expressive prewrites section
 * **1st Draft:** Make sure all elements are included
 * **Self-Edit:** Using the highligthers, make changes to your paper
 * **Conference with me**
 * **Final:** Handwritten or typed version submitted with 1st draft and my sticky note
 * **Publication:** Save one copy to put on your passion poster



=Pre-Write Template=

Fill out this paragraph template worksheet. Ignore the assignment description, you are using this form to help plan your passion paragraph.



Here is my example of my pre-write for my passion paragraph:

=Rubric=

**Paragraph Skills** **(20)**  || * Paragraph is clear and address audience **Writing Skills** **(20)**  || * No errors with commas and capitalization **Topic/Focus** **(10)**   **Format**  || * You stick to one passion and you remain on topic.
 * **Criteria** ||  **Outstanding--4**  ||  **Satisfactory--3**  ||  **Needs Improvement--2**  ||  **Lacking--1**  ||
 * Strong hook
 * Has a strong, clear topic sentence which expresses the main idea
 * Has 3 or more supporting details/ examples with elaboration.
 * Includes an effective concluding statement: quote, emphatic statement, or call to action. || * Paragraph is clear and addresses the audience
 * Ok hook
 * Has a clear topic sentence which expresses the main idea
 * Has at least 3 supporting details with limited elaboration.
 * Includes a concluding statement that is not an effective conclusion. || * Has a topic sentence that is unclear or inaccurate
 * Hook is attempted
 * Has fewer than 3 supporting details/ examples
 * Lacks in elaboration
 * May not have a concluding statement || * Unclear or absent topic sentence
 * No hook
 * Not enough supporting details OR examples are insufficient to support main idea
 * Very little elaboration
 * May not have a concluding statement ||
 * You express ideas simply and clearly using vivid words.
 * You have eliminated “be verbs”
 * Your sentences are strong, and the beginnings are varied.
 * Your passion for the subject is clear || * Some errors with commas and capitalization
 * You express ideas simply using vivid words.
 * Your sentences are suitably varied.
 * You have a few too many “be” verbs.
 * Your passion for the subject is clear || * Several errors with comas and capitalization
 * You repeat the same words and/or some words are unclear
 * Sentences are basically the same
 * Paragraph sounds dead
 * Your paper relies heavily on “be verbs” || * Tons of errors with commas and capitalization.
 * You have a limited vocabulary
 * Sentences are all the same
 * Paragraph sounds dead ||


 * Typed, readable font, double-spaced, indented paragraph. Only one paragraph in length. || * o You stick to one passion and remain mostly on topic.
 * o You list several passions and/or deviate from the topic. ||  || * Your paragraph has no clear focus.

**Passion Poster** || * Shared with class.
 * Incorrect Format ||


 * Contains your paragraph, name, and at least one picture representing your passion.


 * Items are on poster board. ||  ||   || * Not shared with class


 * Does not include a picture.


 * Is not on poster board. ||

= Madsen Example=

[Often little kids play school—fighting over who will play teacher. The lure of the whiteboard and being in command urges each child to whelp, “Pick me; pick me.” As kids mature, playing the “rowdy” student seems more idea, but I always wanted to be the teacher.] [**hook**] //Teaching is my passion//. (**//topic sentence//**) __Though teaching is a selfless job, some of my reasons for being a teacher are selfish: by teaching, I get to continually learn more about my favorite things—reading, writing, and technology; and I have an excuse to devour young adult literature at a steady rate. Since, I “have” to read what the kids are reading, and since I get discounted and sometimes free books, I get to enjoy reading and discussing what I read with my students__. (**__idea #1 and elaboration__**) Rest assured, I am not entirely selfish. I also enjoy teaching because I love youth. This age group always surprises me, gets my humor, and feeds my energy. I love being around “troubled” teens, as we are all troubled. (** idea #2 and elaboration **) __But there is nothing better than seeing a teen’s troubled eyes turn to joy when he looks proudly upon his academic success; or turn bright with the knowledge he can “get this hard stuff”; or turn hopeful when he discovers the joy of life. Ultimately, the best and real reason why I teach is because I can make a difference in the lives of others. Education encompasses much more than the ability to read and write, it means teaching others how to be successful human beings. As a teacher, I can help a student become a better citizen, and if we have better citizens, we will have a better country.__ (**__idea #3 and elaboration__**) //To this end I have dedicated myself and will continue to dedicate myself to my job, no, my passion: teaching.// (**__concluding sentence__**)