Writing

Writing an Essay - Topic: My last vacation

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make notes about your summer vacation. Write sentences on a graphic organizer detailing major points like trips you took, places you saw, and people you visited. Graphic organizers are useful for outlining information to put in paragraphs. 

 

 

 

2. Write an introductory paragraph. Begin with a general explanation of your vacation. Then narrow your topic by progressing from general details to a specific emphasis. 

The last two sentences in the introduction should set the stage for the details to follow in the body of the essay.

 

You could start with a topic sentence like this:

"My summer vacation to Key West, Florida, was the best vacation I've ever had."

 

3. Write about events that happened in order. The first paragraph in the body should not be about what happened at the end of the summer. Using chronological order helps you stay organized while writing and avoids confusing the reader.

 

"First, second....after that...later...at the end..."

 

4. Write at least three paragraphs in the body of your essay. Each one should be five to seven sentences in length and relate to one main point. If you used a graphic organizer, use details from each section to form paragraphs.

 

"One thing I liked was the.......especially with the..."

 

5. Write a conclusion and state your own opinion. This last paragraph may consist of three to five sentences that sum up your vacation. Do not repeat your introduction. You can restate similar ideas for emphasis, but avoid retelling what you just wrote about in the preceding paragraphs.

"Concluding I would say that... I really liked my vacation because..."


6. Proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Ask a family member or a classmate to check your work. They may spot mistakes you missed. Use a checklist, like the one found at Time For Kids. This personal narrative checklist includes editing and proofreading reminders that you initial or put a mark by after you are sure you completed each one.



Task 1:  Look at the following example. Analyze the paragraphes. (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) How many verb tenses are being used ?

Task 2: Now write your own essay about your vacation. Use all verb tenses you know. (Simple Present, Simple Past, Present Perfect, Past Perfect, Future with going to) If you can use photographs of each story.

Example:

Quito - Cuenca by Bicycle

Introduction

After a long preparation my dream came true. I finally started my trip to Cuenca by bike.......




































Story 1:
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Story 2:
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Story 3:
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Conclusion:___________________________________________________________________
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