Learn how to use Magic 3 to improve your writing.

1. MMaaggiicc TThhrreeee

2. DDeeffiinniittiioonn::
• Using three parallel groups of words (usually
separated by commas) to create a poetic rhythm
or add supporting details for a point. A magic
three is not the same as a list. A Magic 3 is three
separate GROUPS of words.
Ex: She was truly my best friend. If I had a ketchup stain on my
shirt, or if my hair looked like a mad scientist, or if I had black
pepper stuck between my teeth, she would tell me the truth no
matter what!

3. MMoorree EExxaammpplleess::
• Sometimes I wonder why it is that the smart guys
always get picked on. It’s always, “Hey, look, it’s
the nerd coming carrying all those library books,”
or “What do you think you’re doing? This is OUR
lunch table!” or “Brainy, will you do my
homework for me?”
• On the streets of Israel, I saw young people
playing, old people arguing, and middle aged
people walking around busily.
• On the last day of school I will jump for joy, sing a
song, and skip home to my X-box.

4. MMoorree EExxaammpplleess::
• When I looked at the expressions on my family’s faces, I saw
an I-can’t-believe-you-dropped-the-spaghetti frown from my
mother, an I-am-going-to-have-to-throw-these-pants-away
grimace from my dad, and an I’m-going-to-put-the-tarantula-in-
your-bed-tonight glare from my older brother.
• As I sat there looking into her beautiful brown eyes, I thought
to myself, “What if my hair is messed up?” or, “What if
there’s food between my teeth?” or, “What if I say something
stupid?”
• Maybe it’s the way the sun shines off the snow, maybe it’s
the way the cold air gives you energy, maybe it’s the way you
can see everything from the ski lift, or maybe it’s all of that
combined. But there’s just something about Colorado that
makes you want to come back.

5. Flipbook
Make sure you have the definition and one of the
provided examples in your flipbook. For your original
example, use one of the following sentence starters,
and revise it to include a Magic 3.
•If I won a million dollars, I would….
•When my mom/dad gets angry, she/he…
•In the morning, before I go to school, I have to…
•When I’m hanging out with my friends I hear them remark, “…

6. Flipbook
Make sure you have the definition and one of the
provided examples in your flipbook. For your original
example, use one of the following sentence starters,
and revise it to include a Magic 3.
•If I won a million dollars, I would….
•When my mom/dad gets angry, she/he…
•In the morning, before I go to school, I have to…
•When I’m hanging out with my friends I hear them remark, “…