October Topic on a Dessert Tied to an Occasion

Assign one technique at a time and have students share their strongest sentence. 14 of the 15 sheets have an answer key with model descriptions to compare against.

Gather details for all five senses and describe a dessert made for one occasion, kitchen to table. The directions on the page read: Read the topic. Fill in Step 1 and all five senses in Step 2. Then write a description in complete sentences on the 10 lines in Step 3.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade narrative writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Plan precise details first, then write eight sentences that keep one focus, such as a mood or point of view. Each sheet here plans in a chart before the paragraph, for example colors for a wildfire sky or sounds for an ice rink.

Long sentences slow time down and a short sentence can stop it. Describe a Library at Closing Time With Slow Pacing plans three long sentences and one short one.

Find vague words such as nice, stuff or pretty, replace each one with a precise word and add a sensory detail. Revise a Flat Description of a Boardwalk walks through these three steps.