[صائد الأفكار]

As you begin your paper you generate ideas. Your ideas and content are the reasons for writing a paper. Every paper should convey a message and be easy to follow. Some thoughts to get you going:

What is my message and is it focused and clear?
Did I include important details relevant to my topic?
Did the reader learn something new?
Is my paper interesting and easy to understand?
Are you stumped? Try this activity -

Read your paper and think about how your ideas are organized and if they make sense. If you are looking for some great websites you can check these out.

Graphic Organizers - Graphic organizers can help you brainstorm important details.
Picture Books - Picture Books show different ways that authors have organized their ideas and told their story.
Primary Example Papers - This writer made sure that his/her content and ideas were easy to follow.
Intermediate Example Papers - This writer made sure that his/her content and ideas were clear.

Ideas Activity

Read the story below -
I went on vacation this summer. It was a lot of fun. We camped at night and hiked during the day. It was exciting to be in the woods and I hope that I go again next year.
Was this an interesting story? Write down any questions you have after reading.
Example questions:

• Where did the writer go?
• Who else went?
• What made it fun?
• What was the weather like?
• What is the most memorable event?

Now it's your turn. Write about a vacation you enjoyed keeping your questions in mind.
Here is the beginning of one writer's revised vacation story.
This past August my friend and I hopped into my Honda and headed to Glacier National Park in Montana. We had a long drive in front of us. But, we passed the time by imagining the adventures we'd have trekking through the park's winding trails. As we cruised through the flat lands of North Dakota, our eye lids started to droop. So, we stopped at tiny motel that had a blazing sign stating, "Rest your head, in our comfy bed." Unfortunately, when we arrived in our room, we discovered that we weren't the only ones to rest our head there. Under the blankets, we discovered........
This time the writer shared important details. The message was clear and focused.
If you are still searching for more ideas, you can look at the links on the Ideas and Content Page.
example: clock picture

Topic

Name _______________________________________________ Date ______________________

Clock

Write details in time order in each section. Not all sections need to be filled in.

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Organizing your ideas helps a reader move through your paper in a meaningful way. Here are some things to keep in mind as you write your paper:

Does my beginning hook my reader?
Is my paper easy to follow? Did I choose the best way to organize my story?
Do my ideas link to a main message?
Do I have a strong conclusion that wraps up the story?
This activity will give you practice organizing ideas-
Do you still have questions? Here are some links to help.
Graphic Organizers - Graphic organizers are a great way to help you organize your thoughts before you get started.
Transitions - Transitions are words that help the reader see how one idea ties to the next.
Leads - Leads can help you get your paper started and grab the reader's attention.
Conclusions - Conclusions wrap up your paper. A good conclusion leaves a lasting memory with your reader.
Picture Books - Picture books demonstrate different types of organization.
Primary Example - Read an example of a primary (1-3) paper that shows effective organization.
Intermediate Example - Read an example of an intermediate (4-5) paper that shows how organization makes a paper easier to follow.

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Your voice is what gives your writing personality, flavor and style.
Questions to think about as you write your paper:

Can you tell I am enthusiastic about my topic?
Does this writing sound like me?
How do I want my readers to feel?
Will my story hold readers' attention? Will they want to hear more?
Are you ready to get started thinking about voice? Try this activity -
If you are still looking for some ideas about how to add voice to your paper, try these links below:
Ideas - More ideas for how to put voice into your writing.
Picture Books - Picture Books can help demonstrate different ways that authors express their voice.
Primary Example Paper - This is an example of a primary (1-3) paper where you can hear the author's voice.
Intermediate Example Paper - This is an example of an intermediate (4-5) paper where an author's voice is present.

You've finished your first draft. Now it is time to start editing for conventions. These include spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization and paragraphing. Proper use of conventions make your story easy for others to read. To begin editing ask yourself:

Did I leave spaces between words and sentences?
Did I use a title?
Did I use correct punctuation?
Did I use capital letters in the right places?
Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar?
Have I indented any new paragraphs?
Are you looking for some more ideas? Try the Conventions Activity -
Primary Editing Checklist - A checklist gives writers a tool for editing their work.
Intermediate Editing Checklist - Use this checklist to help you be a better editor.
Grammar Practice - Practice using punctuation and grammar in these fun Wacky Web Tales.
Picture Books - Picture Books show you different ways that authors use conventions to bring out meaning and voice.
Primary Example Paper - This is an example of primary (1-3) paper that shows appropriate use of conventions.
Intermediate Example Paper - This is an example of an intermediate (4-5) paper that shows correct use of conventions.