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Jumpstart # 4- Writing About Writing

What was the last thing you wrote just for yourself?

Was it a note? A story? Maybe a poem?

Think about a time when you were able to just write. Write about why you wrote it (purpose) and how it made you feel.

If you’ve never written anything for yourself, (I knew you’d be out there.) write about something your teacher made you write that you actually liked.

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Shell Poem

For this assignment, you will be demonstrating both your knowledge of literary devices and your ability to use them in a poem describing a shell.

As part of our work with sensory detail and literary devices, you will be completing a poem about a seashell you found. The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate both your ability to write descriptively and your knowledge of literary devices. The poem should be written on an 8.5” by 11” page. You may type the poem or write the poem by hand. This assignment consists of two parts:

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  1. Pencil Drawing

Sketch your shell. This should be a pencil drawing done by you. You may use colored pencils to add color if you wish. The quality of the drawing will not affect your grade-don’t worry, this is not art class!

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Just to get you started...

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2. Written Assignment

Following the rubric on the back, write one complete sentence for each of the literary devices or sensory experiences listed below. The focus is to demonstrate your use of literary devices and description in your writing. Be sure to give your masterpiece a creative title.

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Alliteration-the repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Metaphor-a comparison NOT using like or as; sometimes uses is or was

Simile-a comparison using the words like or as

Personification-giving something that is not human, human characteristics

Hyperbole-an exaggeration to illustrate a point

Onomatopoeia-words that sound like what they represent

Rhyme-words that have the same end sound (late-gate, boat-goat)

Imagery: using descriptive language

Sight-details concerned with appearance

Sound-details concerned with sound

Touch-details concerned with tactile feeling

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