Style: Tone Control in Writing

Today we'll practice tone control in writing. Brainstorm aloud first. Drafts get better when they're shared. Ask, 'What is the strongest sentence here? Why?' Reading drafts aloud is the single fastest way to improve. Edit on paper if you can.

• pencil
• paper

Free-write for ninety seconds about anything. Don't lift the pen. We'll mine it for ideas.

1. 1

   Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about a hobby.

   Parent tip: Topic sentence makes a claim, not just a description.
2. 2

   Identify the weakest verb in this sentence: 'The dog went into the yard.'

   Parent tip: Strong verbs do the lifting.

1. 1

   Write a counter-argument to: 'Phones in school improve learning.'
2. 2

   Write a one-paragraph narrative that includes one piece of dialogue.
3. 3

   Write a short letter to your future self.
4. 4

   Write three sentences that each start differently — vary the openers.
5. 5

   Write a 'show, don't tell' sentence about being nervous.
6. 6

   Describe a sound, smell, and texture in one paragraph.
7. 7

   Write a paragraph (4-6 sentences) with a clear topic sentence about a place you'd like to visit.
8. 8

   Rewrite this sentence three different ways: 'The storm was loud.'
9. 9

   Define one figurative device (metaphor, simile, personification) and write an example.
10. 10

    Revise this for stronger verbs: 'She put the book on the table and got up.'

What is one sentence you wrote today that you're proud of? Why?