Less than $5 Middle School Writing-Expository Activities (by date, oldest first)

• Do you need help getting your students to understand how text is structured and how authors craft their writing?
• Do you want them to practice aligning ideas and writing their own?

Help your students master paragraph structure with this comprehensive resource designed for middle and high school learners. "Building Strong Paragraphs" focuses on key writing skills such as identifying topic sentences, supporting details, and crafting thesis statements. This ready-to-use packet includes practice worksheets, engaging exercises, and thesis sentence-building activities that will enhance your students' writing abilities.

Ideal for both informational and argumentative writing, this resource walks students through the entire process of constructing well-organized, coherent paragraphs. Whether you're teaching how to develop supporting sentences, transition between ideas, or conclude effectively, this resource covers it all!

What's Included:

• Graphic Organizer for understanding structure
• Identification exercise
• Two Unique Passages per skill: topic sentences, thesis statements, supporting sentences & concluding sentences
• 9 Passages
• 20 Pages
• Available as a PDF and a Word Document

Perfect for:

• Grades 6-10
• English Language Arts (ELA) Teachers
• Writing Workshops
• STAAR Writing Prep
• Argumentative and Informational Essay Practice

Benefits of this Resource:

• Aligned with Common Core Standards and TEKS for writing.
• Great for differentiated learning in classrooms with ELLs and students needing extra practice.
• Supports critical thinking and writing clarity.

Who is this for?

• Middle and High School Teachers: Perfect for educators looking to strengthen their students’ paragraph-writing skills with structured, step-by-step activities.
• ELA Teachers: Aligned with TEKS and Common Core standards, this resource is ideal for anyone teaching informational and argumentative writing.
• Students Preparing for Standardized Tests: Great for test prep, including STAAR writing, helping students improve clarity, coherence, and overall writing structure.
• Special Education & ELL Support: Easily adaptable for differentiated instruction, making it an excellent tool for classrooms with diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with varying writing levels.
• Homeschool Educators: A valuable resource for guiding students through the fundamentals of paragraph writing at home.

Get ready for argumentative units with this engaging activity centered around persuasive techniques in rhetorical devices, and logical fallacies.

Teacher students what makes a good and bad argument with a short lesson and 5 practice paragraphs to evaluate for effectiveness. Afterwards, students can practice rhetorical devices in advertisements and analyze why the device was chosen (author's purpose).

ALSO INCLUDED IS AN EXTENSION ACTIVITY where students can get creative and make their own ads.

- Teacher directions

- Grading Rubric

- Student instructions

- Research and Brainstorm document

(no templates for creation are included)

PROVIDED IN WORD/POWERPOINT & PDF

This includes two Articles "How do hurricanes form? A step-by-step guide" and "How Do Hurricanes Form?" plus a graph titled "Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale" . After reading these two articles students are given a prompt for an expository essay on how hurricanes are formed. There is also an outline sheet included for students to use in order to help them organize their essay. Plus a rubric for easy grading of final essay.

***** Check out my other Writing Resources*****

Writing Thesis Statements

Counterclaim and Rebuttal

Writing Graphic Organizers

Interactive Essay Writing Flipbook

Argumentative Essay

Essay prompt and articles :Narcissism

Essay prompt and articles: Colonization in Africa

This includes two Articles "The History of Narcissistic

Personality Disorder" and "Selfies, Facebook, and Narcissism: What's the Link? Exploring the link between Facebook and Narcissism" plus a graph titled "College Students' Narcissistic Personality Inventory Scores 1982-2006" . After reading these two articles students are given a prompt for an expository essay on narcissism. There is also an outline sheet included for students to use in order to help them organize their essay. Plus a rubric for easy grading of final essay.

***** Check out my other Writing Resources*****

Counterclaim and Rebuttal

Interactive Essay Writing Flipbook

Argumentative Essay

Writing Thesis Statements

Essay prompt and articles: Hurricanes

Essay prompt and articles: Colonization in Africa

A brief Powerpoint on how to quote and cite in order to guide student's writing.

Are you an AVID teacher or English Language arts teacher? Need to explain how to write a thesis statement in an argumentative essay to middle or high school students? In this product you will find everything you need to help your students craft their thesis statements!

What You Get:

✏️5 teach slides

✏️"make it better" activity direction slide

✏️7 bad thesis statements

✏️7 better thesis statement examples

✏️argumentative writing prompt

✏️21 argumentative writing topic ideas

✏️4 steps guiding students in crafting their thesis statements

Make it Better Directions:

• Each slide students will be given a bad thesis statement.
• In small groups, their goal is to fix it and make it better.
• Classmates, selected judges, or teacher will vote on the best one and that group earns a point.

Click HERE to see our other AVID resources. We also have several great AVID bundle options available down below!

AVID Mega Growing Bundle

AVID Teambuilding Bundle

AVID Writing Bundle

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*Note this product may be used in brick and mortar classes as well as virtual systems like Outschool

Use this AVID resource when students begin their argumentative writing! Students will quickly develop arguments on a variety of topics through a speed style variation of Philosophical Chairs. In turn, students will not only craft their thesis statements and come up with arguments for their essays, but they will also increase their public speaking and collaboration skills!

Overview:

Philosophical Chairs: Speed Formation utilizes many of the same components of the classic version, but is a fun, fast-paced variation that can be utilized during shortened class periods. This variation of Philosophical Chairs should only be utilized after students have developed their skills through the classic style.

What's Included:

• 1 student objective slides
• 1 overview slide
• 1 argumentative prompt slide
• 2 thesis statement teaching slides
• 6 rules of engagement slides/steps
• 2 basic norm slides
• 1 google doc where students reflect on the philosophical chairs

Click HERE to see our other AVID resources. We also have several great AVID bundle options available down below!

AVID Mega Growing Bundle

AVID Teambuilding Bundle

AVID Writing Bundle

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TeachShare Store- Receive updates on new products and sales

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This product includes a chart for students to track platitudes as they read the novel. Afterwards, they will choose one of the platitudes to be the subject of a writing assignment. The essay prompt requires them to support the platitude with two examples from the novel and one from their life.

Are you looking for an engaging activity to review the novel with your students? Check out my Question trail for Nothing But the Truth!

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Avis-Nothing-But-The-Truth-Question-Trail-Text-Analysis-Activity-4307951

If you need a way to assess your students' understanding of the novel, please check out my Socratic Circle packet! https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Nothing-But-The-Truth-by-Avi-Socratic-Seminar-packets-and-rubric-4070811

The first version of our Collaborative Story Time has been so popular that we decided to create a second edition to give our valued teachers more options. You do not need to have the first edition to enjoy this one but definitely check it out!

"Collaborative Story Time" is a communal writing activity in which students practice using Freytag's Pyramid plot structure in their own narrative writing. In this activity, each student begins a story inspired by a unique evocative photograph. They are prompted to write the exposition of the tale by introducing the setting and main characters. After the allotted amount of time, the story is then passed to another student who is prompted to write the inciting incident or conflict and begin to detail the rising action. The paper is passed from student to student twice more until the story is resolved. When the stories are finished, the worksheet is returned to the original student who can then make edits and is responsible for producing a final draft.

With this intrinsically engaging activity, each student has the chance to tap into their creativity while applying knowledge of the 7 steps of Freytag's Pyramid. It is a great activity to introduce or reinforce the plot diagram and is perfect for a Friday, a substitute plan, or simply for when students need a creative break without sacrificing learning and hard work. I trust you will find that your students will ask for this activity again and again!

Product Includes:

• 30 unique "Collaborative Story Time" worksheets with evocative photographs (2-sided)
• 1 blank worksheet so that you may include your own picture or photograph

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And because your students will be begging for more of these unique communal writing activities:

⭐ Christmas Collaborative Writing Activity

⭐ Fall Themed Collaborative Writing Activity

⭐ Halloween Collaborative Writing Activity

⭐ Summer Collaborative Writing Activity

⭐ Valentine's Day Collaborative Writing Activity

⭐ Winter Themed Collaborative Writing Activity

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Engage Your 3rd-5th Graders with Video Game-Themed Writing Prompts!

Unlock your gamer students’ creativity with these high-interest writing prompts designed for video game loving kiddos! Perfect for both public school and homeschool settings, these prompts inspire reluctant writers by connecting with their passion for video games.

Easy to Use:

Simply print out the pages, and students can dive into writing right away. Each page includes a small graphic organizer to help them plan their thoughts, or they can use the full-sized graphic organizer separately for more detailed work. These prompts will turn writing practice into an exciting and imaginative experience!

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 14 writing prompts for gamers
• Simple instructions to get started
• Printable writing prompts
• Student response sheets
• Simple graphic organizer and tracker
• Certificate of Completion
• Extension Activities

Ideas for use:

This resource provides engaging writing prompts for students who enjoy video games. You can use these at a writing station, with online students, or in your homeschool. I’ve also included several extension activities to use the materials further.

Why your students will love this:

Your students will love practicing their writing skills based on a topic they love during language arts stations or independent practice. 

They’ll be engaged because they will be writing about a subject they are interested in and that will further develop their mathematical skills.

**Prep is quick and easy…**Just print the pages, gather writing materials, and you’re ready for a fun and engaging writing activity.

You may also like….

3rd 4th 5th Grade Reading Fluency Sentences + Computer and Gaming Themed 

Questions about this product?

If you have any questions, please contact me BEFORE purchasing. I will reply to you in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for your positive ratings and comments on this product.

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Copyright

©yourreadingtutor

All rights reserved by the author - Ashley DiMercurio

Permission to copy for single classroom/home use only

Keywords:

Reading fluency, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, copywork, reluctant writers, high-interest topics, writing fluency, writing skills, gamers, video games

Gamify learning and foster critical thinking with this fun and engaging game to review claim, counterargument, and rebuttal. This Balderdash-style game, including 60 game cards, requires students to think on their feet and stretch their thinking by creating claim statements or counterarguments (with rebuttals) to be voted on by the player "hosting" the round, depending on the type of card drawn ("Topic" or "Claim").

Resource Includes:

• Game instructions
• Printable Point Tally Card & Blank Answer Cards
• 30 Topic Cards
• 30 Claim Cards

Educational Benefits:

• Low prep, high engagement
• Supports argumentative constructed response writing
• Targeted skill practice
• Encourages students to think beyond their own point of view
• Differentiated playing cards
  -Cards vary and include simple, humorous, and more challenging topics/claims to respond to

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Follow along with Mandy in the Middle for more resources!

Digital Writing Activity - Fun and Engaging!

Post this Google Slides as an assignment in Google Classroom and set it for students to make a copy of the document, or project the link so your students can make a copy of this Google Slides presentation.

The students open the Google Slides Document “Copy of Growth Mindset Journal” from their Google Drive and change the words “Copy of” to their name.

The students can take pictures with the camera on their device, upload photos to a folder in Google Drive, or you can share a folder of class photos in Google Drive that the students can use.

The students can complete this activity over their favorite memories of the school year. This can be done in one day, or over the course of a week. At the end of the project, you can print each student’s journal so they can have a hard copy.

Check out these fabulous resources!

Growth Mindset Poster Set.

5th Grade Math Interactive Notebook.

Interactive Word Wall.

Reading Logs for a Full Year.

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leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you

feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your

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Digital Writing Prompts for Growth Mindset - Fun and Engaging!

Post the link in Google Classroom, or project the link so your students can make a copy of this Google Slides presentation.

The students open the Google Slides Document “Copy of Growth Mindset Journal” from their Google Drive.

Don't want to use a digital copy? Print the included PDF for your kids!

Each Journal is 10 pages - a total of 20 slides for both the digital and print copy.

Each month the students complete one slide of the Growth Mindset Journal. This can be done in one day, or one section of the journal each week. Instructions for each slide are in the notes section of Google Slides.

At the end of the year, you can print each student’s journal so they can have a hard copy.

Check out these fabulous resources!

Growth Mindset Poster Set.

5th Grade Math Interactive Notebook.

Interactive Word Wall.

Reading Logs for a Full Year.

*****************************************************************************

Customer Tips:

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to

login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button.

Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and

leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you

feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your

feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your

classroom so I can create more for you. ?

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

strong>

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and

click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates

about this store. ?

*****************************************************************

#KileBD38 sale

6 Traits of Writing Posters and Bulletin Board Set A fantastic set that includes bulletin board headers with and without hashtags for a updated, student friendly look! This set includes posters in bright colors - one with a white background and one with a black background - to fit any classroom decor! Check out this set and other great writing resources from Kile's Classroom! RACE Writing - Responding to Text . Descriptive Writing - Show, Not Tell . Interactive Word Wall. Reading Logs for a Full Year. Writing Graphic Organizers.

6 Traits of Writing Posters and Bulletin Board Set with Interactive Foldable

A fantastic set that includes bulletin board headers with and without hashtags and an interactive notebook foldable for a updated, student friendly look!

This set includes posters in bright colors - one with a white background and one with a black background - to fit any classroom decor! Also included is a 6 flap foldable with descriptions of each trait as well as a writing checklist to use as students develop their own writing!

Check out this set and other great writing resources from Kile's Classroom!

RACE Writing - Responding to Text .

Descriptive Writing - Show, Not Tell .

Interactive Word Wall.

Reading Logs for a Full Year.

Writing Graphic Organizers.

#KileBD38

6 Traits of Writing Foldable

A fantastic foldable to introduce the 6 Traits of Writing to your students.

Check out this set and other great writing resources from Kile's Classroom!

RACE Writing - Responding to Text .

Descriptive Writing - Show, Not Tell .

Interactive Word Wall.

Reading Logs for a Full Year.

Writing Graphic Organizers.

Instill gratitude for our Armed Services with these 20 Veteran's Day Thank You Cards. Write a note of thanks, color images, fold, and give to make a veteran smile! Includes a mix of English and Spanish gratitude phrases, black and white images to color, and one blank card for students to create their own Veteran's Day message. Highlights each branch of the Armed Services: Army, Marines, and Navy. Includes female and male armed services members. Use as across curriculum government/history/social studies and ELA lesson, to practice fact-based letter/note writing skills, develop social skills, learn more about U.S. history, practice vocabulary, and meet local veterans in your community. Contact your local Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) for a list of veterans in your area.

Students can chart Earth's changes from the beginning of time through the future with this 35 page, interactive timeline for students to make and share. Uses fact-based writing, inferencing skills, interpreting information, research skills, application of knowledge, and writing skills.

Includes handouts/printables of:

Directions

Extra Handout/Video Resources

5 Title pages

5 The End pages

My Earth Timeline page to fill in

Covers time periods:

Beginning of Earth

Compare/Contrast over how Earth was formed

Cambrian Period

Permian Period

Mesozoic Period

Forming of 7 Continents

Stone Age

Ice Age

Neolithic Period

Bronze Age and hieroglyphics

Pyramids/Stonehenge

Iron Age

Hellenistic Period

Roman Period

Byzantine Period

Middle Ages: Classic, Middle, Modern

Renaissance and Reformation

Enlightenment and Age of Reason

Industrial Revolution

20th and 21st Century

What about Earth's future?

A brief overview of Earth's time periods for students to learn about, and review then apply knowledge to complete their books. Can be used for assessment, journaling activities, history/social studies, for celebrating Earth Day, or as overview of unit on how Earth was formed and changed. Requires critical thinking skills for completion.

One-page quiz for introduction or assessment to working with citations. Whole group or individual activity that combines technology and how to properly cite research materials.

15 famous plagiarism cases and students get to "be the judge"! Fact based handouts with real life cases and research component to build critical thinking, plagiarism, and research skills. includes: 15 Famous People: MLK, Jr. Barack Obama Joe Biden Ray Parker Michael Bolton John Fogerty George Harrison T.S. Eliot Melania Trump Vanilla Ice J.K. Rowling Robin Thicke Jane Goodall Johnny Cash Helen Keller Handouts include: 15 black and white famous people images (optional: color these) Backgrounds of person Plagiarism charges Debates over charges Research component Verdicts of cases Guilty or Innocent boxes Guilty or Innocent evidence t-charts 3 Narrative and Rhetorical Discussion/Writing Prompts on each handout = 45 prompts (each with a "You be the judge..." prompt) Note: Does NOT include copies of lyrics, novels, or speeches due to copyright infringement laws. These are used to enhance students' research skills. Fun, engaging, and educational way to learn about plagiarism and explore real life connections to the topic while using research skills. Excellent for introduction to plagiarism, follow-up to unit, assessment of skills, character building, homeschool, AP/Pre-AP, dual credit, adult learners, ELL/ESL upper level learners, flipped classes, literature centers, building research skills, and real life connections to writing. Provides basic history of famous people. Use with: Having Fun with Plagiarism at: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Having-Fun-with-Plagiarism-155008 Plagiarism Quiz at: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Plagiarism-Quiz-167314 Follow Educator Helper Blogspot for weekly free products and tips at: http://bethhammett.blogspot.com/