3 Writing the First Draft. Write a pen pal letter to a friend in
another country. Nowadays, you can send your letter via Internet.
4 Editing. When you write about something, be very specific and add details (extra or special information) to make your writing more interesting.
General (not interesting)
I like sports.
Specific (more interesting)
I like playing volleyball, badminton, and even basketball.
General (not interesting)
I live in Brisbane.
Specific (more interesting)
I live in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. There are many kangaroos in our place. Brisbane is the third largest cities by population in Australia.
Rewrite these sentences and make them more interesting and specific. You can use your own information or imagination.
Examples: I like English. (rewrite)
I like English subject. For example, my favorite topic is all about reading. It enhanced my reading comprehension.
Next check your pen-pal letter. Use this checklist to correct any mistakes.
Editing Checklist
1. Are sentences in the simple present talking about an action in general?
2. Are the simple present verbs in the simple form (go, watch, play)?
3. Do the third-person singular verb forms end in –s or –es?
4. Are there good details? (I like playing volleyball even basketball)
5. Do your sentences begin with capital letters?
6. Do other words in your writing need capital letters?
5 Peer Editing. Show your writing to another student. Can you find more details? Ask your classmates questions.
6 Writing the Second Draft. Now you are ready to write your second draft.
When you finished, give it to your teacher.