Topic: Writing Five Lines

10-second review: Assign a topic and students write five lines—no more, no fewer—on the topic. Possible Topics: Patience, hollow, bananas, etc.

Title: “Five Lines.” JE Marine, Jr. Great Ideas from Learning [Magazine], Vol. 3, 1976, p. 9.

Here’s my example:

I lose my patience with commercials on TV. They usually occur right at the

moment that the Eagles are about to get the ball while losing by a touchdown

or a field goal. My biggest frustration is that I don’t understand the

commercials. A smiling woman flits by the camera and my patience is tested

because I can’t figure out what is being advertised. It’s a health care system!

Comment: Why do it? Part of the practice needed for quick response to given topics in standardized writing tests. RayS.

Note: Blog will resume on Monday, November 30, 2009.