Instructions
Complete each of the four sections below. Read the instructions for each part carefully. Good luck!
1. Setting Description: Using Your Senses
Write one complete paragraph describing EITHER a dark forest OR a busy train station. Your paragraph must include details that appeal to all five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste).
2. Punctuation Practice
Read the sentence below. Rewrite it on the line, adding all the correct punctuation, including capital letters, commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, and end marks.
Original Sentence: “stop” cried maya “dont go in there its too dangerous”
3. Synonym & Antonym Hunt
Follow the instructions below to explore word meanings.
Part A: Synonyms
Write 5 synonyms for the word “angry.”
- 1. ____________________
- 2. ____________________
- 3. ____________________
- 4. ____________________
- 5. ____________________
Part B: Antonyms
Write 5 antonyms (opposites) for the word “happy.”
- 1. ____________________
- 2. ____________________
- 3. ____________________
- 4. ____________________
- 5. ____________________
Part C: Use Them in a Sentence
Choose one synonym for "angry" and one antonym for "happy" from your lists above. Write one sentence that uses both words correctly.
4. Persuasive Paragraph
Topic: Why school uniforms should (or shouldn’t) be banned.
Choose a side and write one paragraph to persuade your reader. You must use at least three different persuasive techniques (examples: rhetorical questions, facts, exaggeration, emotive language).
Answer Key
1. Setting Description
Answers will vary. The paragraph should be well-organized and clearly include details for all five senses.
Example (Busy Train Station): The first thing that hit me was the sight of a thousand people rushing like ants under the colossal, domed glass roof. The screech of metal wheels on tracks was deafening, a constant soundtrack punctuated by the garbled announcements booming from speakers. I could smell the strange mix of diesel fumes and hot pretzels from a nearby cart. As I pushed through the crowd, the rough fabric of a stranger's coat brushed against my arm. The air was so thick with dust and pollution that I could almost taste the gritty city air on my tongue.
2. Punctuation Practice
“Stop!” cried Maya. “Don’t go in there; it’s too dangerous!”
(Other variations with correct punctuation are also acceptable, e.g., using a comma after "Maya" and a period at the end.)
3. Synonym & Antonym Hunt
Answers may vary. Below are some common examples.
Synonyms for “angry”:
- furious, enraged, irate, annoyed, cross, livid, infuriated
Antonyms for “happy”:
- sad, miserable, unhappy, gloomy, sorrowful, depressed, glum
Sentence:
Answers will vary. The sentence must correctly use one synonym and one antonym.
Example: She was miserable about losing the game, while the winning team captain was so enraged by his team's poor sportsmanship that he forfeited the trophy.
4. Persuasive Paragraph
Answers will vary. The paragraph should clearly state a position and use at least three persuasive techniques.
Example (Arguing that uniforms should NOT be banned): Why would any school want to get rid of a system that promotes equality and safety? School uniforms are an essential tool for creating a positive learning environment. They eliminate the daily, soul-crushing pressure on students to wear expensive, trendy clothes, which prevents bullying based on fashion. Are we really prepared for the chaos of daily fashion competitions in our hallways? Research shows that schools with uniform policies often report fewer discipline issues. Keeping uniforms is the only logical choice for a focused, fair, and safe school.
(Techniques used: Rhetorical questions, emotive language - "soul-crushing pressure", "chaos", and stating a fact - "Research shows...")