Insider Hobby Journal Prompt
The Insider Hobby Guide
Expository Writing Journal • Level 3 English Language Learner Scaffold
Name:
Date:
Writing Mission
Everyone is an expert at something! Think about your favorite hobby, sport, or activity (such as soccer, video gaming, drawing, skateboarding, cooking, or playing music). Write an expository (informative) guide to explain your hobby. Explain what equipment is needed, describe the basic rules or steps, and explain why it is fun!
Level 3 Writing Targets (Your Goals)
1. Organization
Write 3 clear parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
2. Cohesion
Connect the whole hobby to its parts (gear, skills, rules) with transitions.
3. Compound
Combine sentences using: and, but, so, or.
4. Precise Words
Use noun pairs (soccer cleats, sketch pad) & action words.
Writer's Language Toolkit (Use these in your guide!)
Transition Starters: First, In addition, For example, Another key part, Finally, In conclusion
Noun Pairs (Classifiers): soccer cleats, gaming headset, sketch pad, mixing bowl, safety helmet
Action Phrases & Collocations: follow the rules, take your time, score points, practice daily, stay focused
Step 1: Plan Your Expository Guide
Jot down keywords and details before writing
1. Introduction (My Hobby & Hook) What is your hobby? Why do you love it?
2. Part A: Equipment & Gear
Supplies needed (use noun classifiers, e.g., video controller, paint brushes):
3. Part B: Rules, Moves, or Steps
How do you do it? (use action phrases, e.g., follow directions, practice moves):
4. Conclusion (Encouragement & Summary) Why should someone try this hobby? Give a final tip!
WIDA 2020 Framework • Grade 6 Expressive Writing (Level 3 Target) Turn to Page 2 to draft your full guide →
My Insider Hobby Journal
Author:
Guide Title:
Student Writing Space (Write 2-3 informative paragraphs) Intro • Body • Conclusion
Intro
Body
Ending
Level 3 Writing Checkpoint (Review Your Work)
Check all 4 goals!
Organization (Structure)
I wrote a clear introduction, at least one body paragraph with details, and a conclusion.
Cohesion & Connecting Ideas
I connected the whole hobby to its parts (gear, skills, rules) with transition words (First, Also, Finally).
Compound Sentences
I joined two related ideas into compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, or).
Precise Words & Classifiers
I included specific noun classifiers (soccer cleats, sketch pad) and action phrases (follow rules, practice daily).
Teacher Feedback: [ ] Approaching Level 3 [ ] Meets Level 3 [ ] Exceeds Level 3
Score / Stamp: _______
Hobby Ideas Display Poster
Hobby Idea Gallery • Set 1
Choose your topic • What can you explain to others?
Pick 1 Activity to Write About!
Playing Soccer Sport
Drawing & Art Creative
Video Gaming Digital
Playing Basketball Sport
Cooking & Baking Life Skill
Skateboarding Action
Looking for more ideas? Turn to Page 2 for 6 more activities!
Gallery Set 1 of 2
Hobby Idea Gallery • Set 2
More activities • What do you enjoy doing?
Pick 1 Activity to Write About!
Playing Music Creative
Swimming Sport
Riding a Bike Active
Dance & Movement Creative
Martial Arts Sport
Chess & Board Games Strategy
Ready to write? Choose any of these 12 activities for your Insider Hobby Guide!
Gallery Set 2 of 2
Hobby Guide Student Exemplar
Student Writing Exemplar
Level 3 Model
Topic: An Insider's Guide to Playing Soccer • Expository Writing
Display & Discuss
Classroom Mentor Text
Notice These Goals:
1. Structure (Intro, Parts, Ending) 2. Noun Pairs (Classifiers) 3. Compound (and, but, so) 4. Action Phrases
The Insider Guide to Playing Soccer
By a 6th-Grade Student Writer
Intro
(Hook & Topic)
Do you want to play an exciting outdoor sport? Soccer is my favorite activity because it is fast and fun! Anyone can learn how to play, and it is a great way to stay active with friends.
Part A
(Equipment)
First, you need the right gear to play safely. You must wear soccer cleats on the grass field, and you should put on shin guards to protect your legs. In addition, you need a soccer ball and a goal net to practice your kicks.
Part B
(Rules & Tips)
Next, it is important to learn the basic rules and skills. You cannot touch the ball with your hands, but you can use your feet or head to move the ball. You must pass the ball to your teammates, so everyone works together to score goals. Running can make you tired, but drinking water helps you stay energized.
Ending
(Summary)
In conclusion, soccer is a wonderful sport that teaches teamwork and keeps you healthy. If you practice your skills and follow the rules, you will have a fun time. Grab a ball and give soccer a try!
Why Does This Essay Meet Level 3? (Read & Talk with a Partner)
Clear Structure
It has 4 distinct sections: Intro, Equipment, Rules, and Conclusion.
Noun Classifiers
It names gear with noun pairs like soccer cleats and goal net.
Compound Sentences
It connects related ideas using and, but, and so.
Precise Actions
It uses natural phrases like pass the ball and score goals.
WIDA 2020 Framework • Grade 6 Expository Writing Mentor Text Use this model to help write your own guide!
Modified Hobby Journal Prompt
My Hobby Writing Guide
Newcomer & Level 1-2 Support
Step 1: Choose Your Topic & Learn Words • Picture Dictionary
Name:
Date:
Step 1: Circle 1 Hobby You Want to Write About Choose 1!
Soccer sport
Drawing art
Gaming video games
Basketball sport
Cooking food
Skateboarding action
Gear Picture Bank (Things You Need)
⚽
soccer ballto kick
👟
soccer cleatsshoes
📝
sketch paddrawing paper
✏️
color pencilsto draw
🎮
game controllerto play
⛑️
safety helmetprotect head
🥣
mixing bowlfor food
🏀
basketballorange ball
Action Picture Bank (Things You Do)
🥅
score goalsget points
🤝
pass the ballto teammate
🎨
draw shapesmake pictures
⭐
level upwin games
📜
follow rulesplay fair
🛹
keep balancedon't fall
🍲
mix ingredientscook food
⛹️
shoot hoopsthrow ball
The 3 Magic Connector Words (Join Ideas) Level 3 Power
and adds one more idea
≠
but shows a difference
➔
so shows what happens
WIDA 2020 Framework • Grade 6 Expressive Writing (Newcomer Scaffold) Turn to Page 2 to write your sentences →
My Hobby Writing Guide
Write on the lines • Use the helper words below each line!
Writer:
1 🟢 BEGINNING (Introduction)
Topic & Hook
Sentence 1: My favorite hobby is
.
Word Choices: soccer • drawing • video gaming • cooking • basketball • skateboarding
