I

Grade 9 December Writing Benchmark

Prompt: Think of someone - a classmate, friend, relative, teacher, or someone else – you would like to see again. Write a multiple-paragraph essay for your teacher in which you identify whom you would like to see again and explain why you would like to see him or her again.

Think of tone: Since the audience is the teacher, this should be written at the standard or conferential level, not sub-standard (with slang and over use of idioms), nor non-standard. Be precise. Be descriptive. If one follows this outline, the essay should be a good one.

I. Introduction:

1. lead statement:________________________________________________

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2. explain the lead:_______________________________________________

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3. overview of the topic:__________________________________________

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4. thesis statement:_______________________________________________

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II. First reason supporting the thesis

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

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2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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3. elaboration/ tell a story or anecdote showing the first reason: ___________

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4. commentary/ what does this story/reason mean/ how important is this to you:

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III. Second reason supporting the thesis