A seemingly unending list of "things” get under my figurative skin. Many of these include [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then draft a list of peeves, using commas, commas and FANBOYS, or semicolons where appropriate…meaning no run-on errors or comma-splice errors.]  #2

I wish I could instantly (poof!) change some things about my character or behaviors. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail some of your shortcomings that you desire to change. Do NOT detail physical things.]  #3

I don’t do many things well, but some things I indeed do well are [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then construct a list of things you do well and talents you possess.]

My friends and family also do things well. [Copy this second paragraph-starter and then draft a second paragraph naming the people and telling their talents.]  #4

When I was young, I mistakenly believed some pretty crazy things. [Mr. Rich believed that his nose would actually stay turned up if he continued to play with it, that swallowed watermelon seeds would cause vines to grow out of his mouth while he slept, and that the Boogie-man in his closet wouldn’t come out if the bedroom light were on.] [Copy the black paragraph-starter and create a paragraph list telling the bizarre things you used to believe. Ensure you write complete sentences.]  #5

At times I wish I had a different given name. If I could, I would name myself __________. [Copy the black sentence-starter, name the name, and then write several sentences that explain why you like this name.]

            Likewise, if I were a Native-American, I’d want my name to be ____________.  [Copy this too, finish, and then explain].  #6

I was around ___ years old when I told one of my biggest lies. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a narrative having a beginning paragraph “intro” that explains the setting and characters, a middle paragraph that tells the events, and an ending conclusion “resolution” paragraph that tells how it all ended. That's 3 paragraphs! Be sure to indent.]  #7

Parents sometimes justify lying to their children. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and where babies come from are the most popular in our culture. I justify lying to children [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then explain when it might be okay to lie to children. Then indent and copy the second paragraph starter.]

 It is not okay to lie to children under certain circumstances. Some of them might include [Finish and be sure to include why you think lying may be okay.]  #8

Humans are sometimes considered to be the only malicious animals. Fortunately, on the other hand,  many humans are very "nice" people. One of the nicest things I ever witnessed begins like this: [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a paragraph describing an act of kindness. Do NOT "give away" the act in the beginning.  At the end, tell how the act of kindness made you feel and why you believe you remember the incident.]  #9

Unexpected funny events sometimes happen at school. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a narrative having a beginning paragraph “intro” that explains the setting and characters, a middle paragraph that tells the events, and an ending conclusion “resolution” paragraph that tells how it all ended. Your narrative can’t be about fighting because fights aren’t funny.]  #10

The scariest event that ever happened to me happen when [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a narrative having a beginning paragraph “intro” that explains the setting and characters, a middle paragraph that tells the events, and an ending conclusion “resolution” paragraph that tells how it all ended.]  #11

One of my fondest childhood memories happened when I was ___ years old. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a narrative having a beginning paragraph “intro” that explains the setting and characters, a middle paragraph that tells the events, and an ending conclusion “resolution” paragraph that tells how it all ended.]  #12

[Create a screenplay list down the left margin that looks like this and continues on:]  #13

Badself:

Goodself:

Me:

Badself:

Goodself:

Me:

Badself:

Goodself:

Me:          [Now write an argument with the three people that make up who you are.]

If I had a dependable automobile and adequate cash for gas and hotels, I’d drive to _______________.  I’d go there because [Copy the black sentence-starter and answer the blank. Then, copy the black paragraph-starter and explain why you want to drive there and explain what activities you would engage in while there.]  #14

The best material gift I ever received was [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then describe the gift by using all the sensory images. At your writing’s end, also write a metaphor and a simile about the gift. Underline your simile and metaphor.]  #15

Sometimes I have great ideas. If I were principal, East would look, sound, feel, smell, and taste different. [Copy the black paragraph-starters and then describe East as it would be if you were in charge. Be practical and legal. Write a personification sentence and underline it.]  #16

With so much divorce in today's world, I wish I could design my dream spouse. This person would [Copy the black paragraph-starters and then describe your dream spouse by designing the perfect mate AND using all the five senses. Also, construct a metaphor sentence, a simile sentence, and a hyperbole sentence for this person. Underline these figurative language sentences. Be clean. Explain what this person sounds like, what he/she says, how this person would make you feel, and what talents, behaviors, and character he/she has.]  #17

I could design an awesome bathroom that would put to shame the cribs on MTV. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then sensory detail (sight, hearing, touch, and good smell) while describing your dream bathroom.]  #18

The ultimate Christmas tree should [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then describe a tree trimmed as you would have it, describing it well by using sensory images. Anywhere within your writing include a metaphor, a simile, and a hyperbole about the tree or its decorations. Underline these figurative language items.]  #19

Many people believe in the existence of ghosts. I do (or do not) believe in ghosts because [Pick one, copy the black paragraph-starter and then explain why or why not.]  #20

Year-round schooling is a controversial issue. Good reasons exist to have and not have year-round schooling. Some good reasons for having it include [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then explain reason that you and others might argue.]

Testing pharmaceuticals and cosmetics on animals is a controversial topic. In turn, I believe [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail your position. Also, explain why you feel the way you do.]  #32

In today's American military, women are forbidden from having jobs that place them directly in battlefield combat. In turn, I believe [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail your position. Also, explain why you feel the way you do.]  #33

Living in a neighborhood has its good and bad points. In turn, I believe being a good neighbor [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail your position. Also, explain why you feel the way you do.]  #34

Sometimes it appears that being a teenager involves people continually giving me advice. With this in mind, I have received both good and bad advice. The best/worst advice I remember getting was [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail the advice. Also, explain why you feel the way you do.]  #35

We are a television culture. Though it's a great form of entertainment and communication, it also has its bad points. TV is bad when [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then explain at what point it becomes bad. Supply examples and explain why you feel the way you do.] 

Likewise, people watch too much TV when [Finish the second paragraph by giving examples that address the paragraph-starter.] #36

A recurring news-story sometimes pops up. It involves someone finding a suitcase of cash left in a taxicab. If I were that person, I would [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail what you would do, and also tell why you would do it.]  #37

Our culture is a lottery-loving culture. If I played and won 88 million dollars I would [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail what you would do and buy. After each purchase/donation, explain why you would do what you would.]  #38

Teaching Sophomore English can be a challenging task...at least that's what Mr. Rich believes. If I were Mr. Rich, I would surely do some things differently. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then detail what you would do.]  #39

Some psychologists argue that a person's favorite color reveals certain things about that person...similar to a person's signature or handwriting. My favorite color is ________. I like this color because [Copy the black paragraph-starter, name your color, and tell why you think it's your favorite.]  #40

If half of all American marriages end in divorce, it is safe to say we have a problem. Likewise, I have some advice for newlyweds that might keep them married for the long haul. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and give a list of advice telling the couple what to do and what not to do.]  #41

Surveillance cameras serve a valuable purpose and yet at other times seem to go “too far”. [Copy the black paragraph-starter and then write a paragraph discussing how/when surveillance cameras are good and valuable. 

Then indent and write a second paragraph discussing how/when surveillance cameras go too far and become downright uncool.]  #42