Jeff Said:

Any ideas for a 4th of July activity/lesson to do with an English class(middle school level)?

We Answered:

play jeopardy with the class. have the categories relate to us history. offer the winning team a couple extra credit points. my 8th grade teacher used to do this with my class. he would put us into teams and exempt the winning team from a hw assignment (provided we researched the topic that the hw was about). awesome game. everyone loved it.

Shannon Said:

help writing a good essay?

We Answered:

We can't tell you why you want to, you know why...explain it. Ask yourself what good qualities you have. Only you know these things. Don't be nervous about this though, you'll make it in.

Joseph Said:

Suggestions for middle school journaling

We Answered:

Current events.

Have them write about who, what, when, where, why, and their opinion.

This will get them thinking about the world - how we are all connected - and make them think about everyday life around the world.

I would also schedule in time for a few kids to share their journals out - and allow the class to discuss current events and their opinions.

Lewis Said:

I need some help? Writing Prompts?

We Answered:

I know you probably won't like my answer, and perhaps it won't even answer your question, but here it goes.
I write too, and I'm working on a novel right now. The novel was inspired by someone I don't even know, but I made up a story in my head as soon as I saw him. I think that the best stories out there are inspired by someone or something.
Asking for a prompt doesn't seem the right way to go, but don't hate me, please.
My inspirations come from the craziest things. One time I was in Starbucks and a type of coffee inspired me, and sometimes songs inspire me, but mostly people. Sometimes I'll see someone and just make up a story in my head about them, if I don't know them of course, and if it sounds good to me, I'll write it down on Microsoft Word as soon as I get home.

Vernon Said:

Any advice for a high school junior starting creative writing?

We Answered:

I am not sure about websites for support and critique. November is national novel writing month, where writers try to turn out a novel in a month's time, and this is its website: http://www.nanowrimo.org/

While having your family and friends read your work might be a nice self-esteem boost, they might be more concerned about your feelings than about giving you an honor opinion regarding your writing.

I don't know if this is an option or not, but I would suggest trying to find a group of creative writers, whether at school or even around town and join or try to start a writing circle. They will tend to give more helpful criticism, both in terms of not trying to spare your feelings as well as being able to give you specific areas for improvement (plot, character, setting, etc.).

If you can't find such a group, I'm sure a quick Goggle search will yield forums for creative writers.

Lastly, I want to recommend purchasing something of Josip Novakovich's, like Fiction Writer's Workshop. Novakovich has written a number of books on fiction writing, short story writing, and just creative writing in general. His commentary is very useful, but most importantly he provides writing exercises to help you hone your skills in different areas.

Joe Said:

Scholarship paper for middle school?

We Answered:

I'd recommend that your goal isn't something veering towards one particular direction. It should just be something like becoming a good person throughout your life and you could discuss why goals should be broad so success is common. :) I really hope I helped you out.

Ronald Said:

NC Writing Test question for middle school? LOOK AT THIS NOW. NEED ANSWER BY TONIGHT.?

We Answered:

From the information you give it seems the test will be more of argument rather than a letter.
You should give an argument for and against and then close with your opinion. It does not matter if you are right or wrong it is how you set out your argument that counts. Don't worry you have probably practiced these before.