GRAAB Techniques

Feel free to post an example of your GRAAB technique for comment.

Brag Sheet -Descriptive Narratives

Read these narratives below. They were chosen to be displayed because they contained clear sensory descriptions of  places in the story. Can you replicate this writng in Friday's assignment? Feel free to comment.

Walker Mountain


By Ansley

The comforting songs of the bluebirds and the vicious howling of nearby dogs filled my ears when I first stepped foot on Walker Mountain in Valle Crucis. A shimmering pond lay obediently at my feet like a king’s cocker spaniel. Fanned out bundles of oak leaves violently swayed above my head as if in a hurricane. The dazzling mountains glowed under the leader of the universe’s gaze. Crackling pine needles crunched softly under my warm bare feet. Walker Mountain felt like my new home, safe and cozy.

Once I was inside the rectangular, little house a bubbly feeling crawled up my spine that made me feel like I was on top of the world. The smooth, waxy maple floor slid under my feet like Michelle Kwan’s Olympic skates on the slippery ice. A delightful scent of pine wood drifted up my nostrils. The bright, glaring sun shone down onto the peaceful house releasing a forcefield to protect my family and my friends from any danger that might knock on our door. When we finally put our tired minds at rest after the last embers of the campfire had died down, the glowing moon and the twinkling stars watched over us like angels looking after their loved ones. As soon as I had strolled into the well-kept house, I knew it would be hard to leave it behind.

Sailing down the everlasting mound of lime grass, my chocolate hair whipped in my face covering up my bright blue eyes. The brilliant, red sled turned the corner and soared down the hill. My New Balance shoes screeched to a halt, and I flipped off the sled, tumbling the rest of the way down the grass. Tall trees were hurt after I had accidentally slammed into them. Never ending laughter, from my friends, echoed in my ears, for they had injured trees as well. Bogey, Mary and Kate’s yellow lab,   continued...

 The Time I Went To Ben And Jerry’s    
by Hannah
As I trudged in, I could smell a scent of sweet vanilla ice cream traveling up my nostrils. People were cluttered throughout the parlor. A soft breeze blew in my face as the glass door slammed shut. Marshall, my older brother, was chatting with my mom about the first day of 10th grade. After hearing the blabbering of Marshall and my mom for five minutes, we finally swayed up to the sparkling counter. The generous lady at the front counter had a tie-die shirt on that said Ben + Jerry’s in big, bold letters. The walls around her had cows on them everywhere I turned. I thought as if I were at a farm. I excitedly ordered my favorite ice cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and plopped myself down at a shining table. As I dropped down, I glimpsed at my mom and Marshall paying for her ice cream, his ice cream, and my ice cream. When I scooped ice cream into my mouth, I suddenly felt like I was in heaven. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough melted on my tongue as if it were a snowflake that had fallen from the sky. I took another bite, and it danced in my mouth as I swallowed the tasty treat. A massive smile came upon my face when the creamy, sweet goodness shot down my throat. Strutting the out glass door, I still could taste that outstanding taste of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. To feel that magnificent taste was like going to NYC for the first time. The scent of the sweet Vanilla Ice Cream and the tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough faded away as I pranced out of the building.

Petit Saint Vincent Boat Ride
by Maddie

As the cool summer wind whipped my tangled, wet hair, and the salty Caribbean water splashed my face, I knew this was a time to remember. The inner-tube swung back and forth as the small boat tugged Tyler, me, and my friend, Anabell through the rapid waves. White wave trails followed the boat through the open waters as we had yelled, “Faster! Faster!”. A shiver declined down my back as the cold breeze howled in my ear. Suddenly, the inner- tube’s stiff, braided rope crossed with another boat’s anchor, and the ride took a turn for the worst. My clammy hands clung tightly to the rubber handle; however, my brother, Tyler,had let his hands slipped off. My eyes closed tightly in fright of what might happen next as Tyler crashed into the stern of another boat. I gasped for air, because I had been enclosed underneath the inner-tube after it had flipped. From Tyler hitting is back on a boat, to me running out of breath, I would remember that moment for a lifetime.

Coming Next Week

• Midwest Region Facts
• GRAAB Non-fiction WritingTechniques
• Poetry Writing- Poetic Devices (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteriation, personification, onomatopoeia, sensory language)
• Nouns Test - CLOSED NOTES (Make sure you have tackled all the exercises on the blog on Nouns)
• Figurative and Sensory Writing (in class writing assessment on an abstract noun of your choice)
• Spelling Test (Fri)

Southeast Region - Essay Question

See how Robert was able to incorporate so many precise facts that we had learned about the Southeast  region in his essay test answer.  This is an exact example of HOTS in practice. You will have three more regions tests and similar questions. Set this as a standard for  your own essay writing.

Question
Explain how the regional specialties served at a traditional Southeast meal might be different to food served in restaurants in other areas of the country.
Time limit: 30minutes

The warm gumbo bowl steams heavily. Its captivating scent gestures diners to dig in. The Southeast has a litany of enchanting food. Fortunately, several cultures have heavily influenced Southeastern cuisine. A long time ago, the French sailed to Louisiana to settle; therefore, giving the Gulf Coast delightful eating. The Spanish journeyed to Florida, while bringing a cornucopia of Spanish recipes. Slaves from Africa brought their own cooking styles. Coincidentally, the Southeast grows a multitude of crops. From pecans, to peanuts, and peaches, the 180-day growing season helps grow copious foods. In Florida, the citrus capital of the world, one can always find a tasty tangerine. Rice is very popular in the Southeast, so it might be on the menu. Luckily, numerous Southeast animals will be on this plate. There is an assortment of farms in the Southeast, and they provide steak, pork, and chicken. The Mississippi River, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of México combine to always have a fresh catch. Fish, shrimp, and crab make seafood an enormous possibility. To reiterate, the recipes of early settlers, plentiful cash crops, and several Southeast animals to make the Southeast a popular eating region. As the customer leaves the restaurant, he is satisfied, for the unique Southeastern cuisine fills his stomach.

Showing not Telling Sensory Writing Examples

Congratulations to Ryan S and Ansley, (Graham class) and Robert  (Buxton class) for your triumph in the '5-Day 10 minute writing' competition. We will have another writing competition next April with different partners. Enjoy some notable pieces of writing from your classmates last week. Let these be the 'standard' by which you judge the quality of your own  personal narratives this evening.  Feel free to  leave a comment about the writing.

Day 1

Gazing at the crowd of young school kids glazed eyes, I begin to feel what it is really like to be ignored.  The itchy lace surrounding my neck urges me to scratch all ober my body, buy I stay as still as possible. Mild dewey oders of my husband's pitchfork slowly waft towards my smooth, straight nose. A wrinkly face belonging to my husband shimmered like a ray of sunglight on a lakeunder the light. His narrow, wiry glasses bob up and down on his nose as he slightly turns his head to peer at the kids tired faces. As the noisy students trudge to the museum's lunchroom, my husband and I sign with relief.  by Ansley and Ryan S.

Day 2

Up on the mountain, the Grinch glared down at the mountain he used to love. The stars and the moon were the only hasppiness in the Grinch's life of despair. As the cold December rain whislted, the quiet town of Whoville slept in a shower of peace. A sinister grin spread across his face while he tailored his Santa suit. He seemed older than the hills that rolled over the quiet, sleepy town.  As the clock struck 11pm,  the Grinch mopped his sweat-filled brow and cut the pine wood for hiss sleigh. Not a soul paced the old,rocky streets at his hour. He smelled freshly wrapped candy canes whafting out of every chimney. The Grinch knew Christmas would never come to Whoville again.

by Kate and Will.

Day 3

I felt lost. Bustling around me, my siblings of different colors shoved and pushed me as if I were dirt. I felt crammed, like an elephant in a desk.  My stomach churned whem students came. I was as quite as a Churchill mouse. I was only a small portion of this master piece.  A blob, barely seen. A breeze of students passed knowing that they shouldn't be running. Me, only a small circle of this dazzling painting wishing to be free.  by Jack and Sabrina

Day 4 The Music 'O Fortuna'
I could hear  the awful, fear instilling band as I stumbled past. If only I had thought before commiting that awful crime. Had I stopped and considered before stealing, I would not be here walking to my death, like a pig to slaughter. Trepidation was everywhere. The joys and regrets of my short, pitful life flashed before me like a movie.  It was not my fault that I was desparate,stole, and was sentenced here before this rookery waiting calmly for the end.  The evil drumming stopped, a voice rang out, and I knew no more. I had chosen the wrong path, and paid the price like a sorry gambler.  by Robert


Day 5  the word...  'BEAUTY'
I hld back as I walk into the kitchen trying to resist the untouched chocolate truffle. I feel as if I want to marry the sweet chocolate sensation. I hear my conscience calling out, 'don't do it, don't do it' ! I wipe a drop of sweat off my forehead. The dark chocolate powedered covered dessert is just too much for me.  I cannot take it anymore; I have to have one. I reach nito the bagm get one, and plop it into my mouth. I know it now. Beauty is not a sight but a taste.

These were just some of the outstanding pieces you all created. Fine efforts for just 10mins of writing. Watch out for 'showing not telling' competition number 2 in the spring!