The document provides instructions and learning targets for a class period focused on essay writing. Students are asked to take out homework for checking, review learning targets for the class, and discuss new vocabulary. They will then examine a rubric and use it to grade a sample essay. Students meet with partners to discuss the rubric and identify strengths in the essay. The document provides guidance on key elements of strong essays and exits with assigning a book report as homework.

1. DO NOW
• Take out homework for checking
Entry Task: Learning Targets
1. Read the learning targets
2. Write one thing for EACH target you have
already done in ELA
3. Circle any new words in the targets you
don’t know

2. A Long Walk to Water
Learning Objectives
I can analyze a model literary analysis
essay to determine its strengths.
I can punctuate quotes correctly in my
writing.
I can discuss new vocabulary from the
NYS Grade 6-8 Expository Writing
Evaluation rubric.

3. A Long Walk to Water
Vocabulary
Key ELA word for writing
Back of the notebook!
rubric=
• a protocol
• a mode of conduct or procedure
• a guide to show what is best,
acceptable and poor

4. Essay Writing
Punctuation
How do you punctuate this sentence?
Salva’s determination is very clear in the
final chapter when he overcame his fear
of speaking __ Park writes ___ Salva’s
knees were shaking as he walked to the
mike…But he had to do it____

5. A Long Walk to Water
Essay Writing
Examining a Rubric
• Take out the “Challenges Facing a Lost Boy
of Sudan” essay from yesterday
• We will use the rubric to “grade” it!
• Meet with your Khartoum Partner

6. A Long Walk to Water
Discussion Appointments
Today’s appointment:
Khartoum APPOINTMENT!

7. A Long Walk to Water
Discussion Appointment
Use the Rubric
• Together, read the first row only
• Highlight words you aren’t sure about
• When done, raise your hand

8. A Long Walk to Water
Vocabulary
Key ELA word for writing
What words are difficult to understand?
• __________
• __________
• __________
• __________

9. A Long Walk to Water
Vocabulary
Key ELA word for writing
What words are difficult to understand?
• __________
• __________
• __________
• __________

10. Essay Writing
NYS Rubric
CRITERIA
4
Essays at
this level:
3
Essays at
this level:
CONTENT AND
ANALYSIS:
the extent to
which the essay
conveys
complex ideas
and
information
clearly and
accurately in
order to
support claims
in an analysis of
topics or texts.
Clearly
introduce a
topic in a
manner that is
compelling
and follows
logically from
the task and
purpose
Demonstrate
insightful
analysis of the
text(s)
2
Essays at
this level:
1
Essays at
this level:
0
Essays
at this
level:
Clearly
introduce a
topic in a
manner that
follows from
the task and
purpose.
Introduce a
topic in a
manner that
follows
generally from
the task and
purpose.
Introduce a
topic in a
manner that
does not
logically follow
from the task
and purpose.
Shows a
lack of
comprehens
ion of the
text(s) or
task
Demonstrate
gradeappropriate
analysis of the
text(s)
Demonstrate a
literal
comprehension
of the text(s)
Demonstrate
little
understanding
of the text(s)
Underline the last sentence in the introduction paragraph.
What is that sentence saying about the challenges Salva faces?
What words or phrases spark the reader’s interest?

11. A Long Walk to Water
Discussion Appointment
Use the Rubric
• Together, read the rest of the essay
• Find three (3) things in the essay that show
the writer really understands the
book…number them!
• When done, raise your hand

12. A Long Walk to Water
Essay Writing
Key sentences
Which sentences show the author’s knowledge of
the book?
• __________
• __________
• __________

13. Writer’s Tips
What can we do?
Things Good Writers Do
• State the main idea in the beginning
• State the main idea in the ending (again)
• Give examples to support your topic
• Make the beginning interesting
• Match and answer the question
• Really understand what you are writing

14. A Long Walk to Water
Exit Ticket
Exit Ticket!
1. Write one of the words you circled on
the NYS Rubric
2. Pick one (1) detail or line from the
model essay that you think shows that
the essay meets the criteria in Row 1 of
the rubric, AND tell why the example
meets the criteria.

15. A Long Walk to Water
Homework
Book Report Time!
• Reports for Independent Reading Books
are due Monday!
• Work on your report!
• Don’t forget Early Bird Specials!!!!