The Thirteen Common Writing Errors
Beginning
The start of a story- it is usually not too long. In a narrative, a beginning typically introduces the reader to the main character(s), setting, and the turning point.
Conventions
Capital letters, punctuation, spelling, and sentence length are all challenges for young writers. It may take some time to learn the conventions of writing.
Descriptive Language
Descriptive language means words that appeal to our five senses (taste, sight, sound, smell, and touch). It can also refer to figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
End
The last and shortest section of a story. In a narrative, the ending is usually just a few sentences (or just one sentence long!), and it wraps up the text.
Focus (Extra Information)
Some elementary-aged students are eager to include as many facts and details that they can think of into their writing. This can be distracting for the story. The solution is for writers to trim their work.
Focus (Length)
Young writers often continue writing after the natural stopping place of a piece. This is considered a focus issue, and it is best that writers trim their work.
Lead
Different from a beginning, the lead is just the first few sentences of a text. It is important that these sentences are engaging and that they hook the reader.
Middle
The main portion of a story. It is the meatiest, longest section. Usually, in a narrative, the middle is where the action, plot twists, and resolutions occur.
Sequence
Between recalling, drafting, and editing a story, young writers often get muddled. As they add to and take away from their work, they confuse the sequence of the story.
Stretch
Some elementary-aged students skip over juicy details. Their writing is not very different from their writing plans. Adding more details to stretch out a plan can make a story more interesting.
Transition Words and Phrases
Words such as first, then, and next, smoothly guide a reader from one sentence or paragraph to the next. Without transitions, writing can become robotic and confusing.
Voice
Voice is when authors put their signature style on a writing piece. They think about their audience, include their own thoughts and feelings, and sometimes they include dialogue in a character’s voice (different from the narrators).
Word Choice
Young writers either include simple words that are a bit boring such as nice, happy, andgood. Or, they can include too many large and complicated words that bog down a text. Using easy-to-understand vocabulary, with just a few samples of dazzling descriptive words is key in creating an interesting text.