April 11, 2005

Dear Reviewer,

             I absolutely love writing. In fact I was excited about 4th grade because I heard there were portfolios so I knew there would be a lot of writing. Most kids were worried or didn't like to write, but I was excited. I write about what I feel and what comes to my mind. I start out with a strong lead to grab the reader's attention. This way my audience/reader is interested from the beginning. Also on the state test I knew we would have to show what we know through open-response questions and on demand prompts. I just couldn't wait until the start of 4th grade!

             In my opinion writing not only is a way to express yourself, it is also educational because you are able to learn about the many writing techniques. Sometimes I can express myself better through writing, than talking. Writing gives me the opportunity to think about what I want to say before I say it. I can also change what I am saying if I choose to.

            I think that this year I am a better writer than ever. This is because of Ms. Wells, Ms. Rosenburg, and Miss Simms. They help me by saying things like, "what could you add here;" or, "what could you say there." This really helps me because once I get an idea I can just take off!

I like to write; in a quiet place like the library. It gives  time to think without any distractions. All of this has helped me with my writing.

Here are a few writing techniques I try to use.

* Details

* Rhetorical questions

* Transition words

I have  developed as a writer by adding details. This is a good way to keep your reader interested. Why, you ask? Well, because when you add details it makes the reader feel like they were there. It also paints a picture (snapshots) in the readers mind because of the extra information. Like for example instead of saying the dog was beautiful, you would say the dog was beautiful with its soft gray eyes and its fluffy white fur. As you can see there is a big difference. In my personal narrative "Good-Bye'' I put, "I started to wonder if my grandma would suffer now that the person she had been with for 72 years was gone." I think that sounds better than, I wondered if my grandma was o.k. It sounds better because it has more detail and information allowing the reader, or audience, to have more insight to understanding of what is being said. Other ways I have learned to add details include:

• Thought shots-lets your audience know what you're thinking
• Dialogue-conversation between characters to help the reader get to know them

• Sensory details-helps the reader know what you see, smell, touch, taste, and/or hear
 

Rhetorical questions are another good way to make the reader/readers just say wow! They are important because It makes the reader feel like they know me. When the reader understands what I and trying to say, they can feel my emotions. In my poem “Holding-On"  I wrote, "Is there an end to my problems?" This is a good example of a rhetorical question. Rhetorical questions are questions that you don't expect an answer to; it makes the reader think which keeps them interested in my writing. They are great to use because they add a little spice to your piece!

           In my Mr. Silberman letter I used great transition words. Transition words are important because they move time along. Without them your piece won't make sense. Here are some examples of transition words:

• Then

•  Next

•  Another
•  Well
•  Also
•  In the past

•  In the future

Transition words are good because the reader would be confused without them. Many times kids forget to use transition words, maybe it is because they are small words and they do not see their importance. I, however, see how important they are and often use them to move my writing along smoothly. `

In conclusion, writing is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper. One thing I have learned with my writing is that you can do anything with a little time, work, and heart.

 

                                                                                     Sincerely,
                                                                                     Miranda