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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Writing Assignment
All About Dogs
Standard: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
What to Do
Assignment OverviewIn this assignment, you will read about dogs. Then you will write to teach someone else about dogs. Share facts and details from the passage! All About Dogs
1
Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. There are many types of dogs. Some dogs are big, like golden retrievers. Some dogs are small, like chihuahuas.
2
Dogs need food and water every day. They eat dog food that comes in bags or cans. Dogs also need exercise. They love to go on walks and play fetch.
3
Dogs are very smart. You can teach them tricks like sit, stay, and shake. Dogs can learn their name and come when you call them.
4
Dogs are good friends. They wag their tails when they see you. They like to cuddle and play. Dogs make people feel happy and less alone. Vocabulary Bank
Writing Steps
1
Think About What You Learned
Think about what you read:
- What is this about? - What did you learn? You can write words, draw a picture in your mind, or make a list! Try: "I learned that ___" Dogs are amazing animals! Read about dogs. Then write to teach someone what you learned.
Before you write, let's think about what you learned! Note: This part is just for thinking. It won't be in your final writing.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Main Idea Detail / Evidence 1 Detail / Evidence 2 Detail / Evidence 3
2
Tell What It's About
Write 1-2 sentences:
- Tell the reader what your writing is about Try one of these: - "Did you know that ___?" - "I am going to tell you about ___." - "This is about ___." Time to start writing!
Tell the reader what you are going to teach them. You can use one of these sentences to help you start: - "Did you know that ___?" - "I am going to tell you about ___." - "This is about ___." Remember: You are teaching the reader, not telling what you think!
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Role: introduction
Look for:
What are you going to teach the reader?
Try: 'Did you know that...
Try: 'This is about...
Sentence Starters
This essay is about ___.
The main idea is that ___.
In this essay, I will explain ___.
3
Share What You Learned
Write 1-3 sentences:
- Share a fact you learned from the passage Try one of these: - "One thing I learned is ___." - "Also, ___." - "Another fact is ___." Great job! Now teach the reader what you learned.
Share facts from what you read! You can use these sentences to help: - "One thing I learned is ___." - "Also, ___." - "Another fact is ___."
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Role: body paragraph
Look for:
What is one thing you learned?
Try: 'One thing I learned is...
Try: 'Also...
Sentence Starters
One important fact about ___ is that ___.
Another key detail is ___, which shows ___.
4
Finish Your Writing
Write 1 sentence to finish:
- Tell the reader what they learned! Try: "Now you know about ___." You are almost done! Great work!
Now finish your writing. Tell the reader what you taught them! Try one of these: - "Now you know about ___." - "That is why ___ is cool!" - "___ is really interesting!"
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Role: conclusion
Look for:
What did the reader learn from you?
Try: 'Now you know about...
Try: 'That is why ___ is cool!
Sentence Starters
In summary, ___.
Overall, ___.
To sum up, ___ because ___.
5
Read It Again and Fix It Up
Read your writing and make it better:
- Fix any words that look wrong - Can you add "also" or "and"? - Does it sound good when you read it? You did it! You wrote your whole informative piece!
Now let's make it even better: - Read it out loud to yourself - Fix any words that don't look right - Can you add "also" or "and" anywhere?
Scoring Guidance — Step 5
Look for:
Read it out loud. Does it sound right?
Can you add 'also' anywhere?
Did you teach the reader something?
Sentence Starters
This essay is about ___.
For example, ___.
This is important because ___.
In summary, ___.
Self-Check Rubric
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I wrote my introduction
I wrote my body paragraph
I wrote my conclusion
I completed Step 5: Read It Again and Fix It Up
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time? Want the AI-coached version of this assignment?
Get step-by-step AI feedback on student writing — free for teachers at writingtools.org. Same assignment, with grade-level rubric scoring, revision coaching, and printable reports.
writingtools.org/printables/inform2_dogs_v1
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