English · Writing workshop resource
Writer’s Workshop Pack — Years 7–8
Ten original mentor microtexts, analysis prompts, drafting space, and revision records for the Years 7–8 reference modules.
Ingoa / Name: ____________________ Akomanga / Class: ____________________
Learning intentions
Use mentor language features as evidence: identify a feature, explain how it shapes meaning, then make a deliberate writing choice. The active Phase 3 statement supports analysis-to-imitation; it is not presented as a complete writing-production specification.
Success: each workshop page contains analysis, a draft, and a named revision decision.
Workshop 1
The writer’s eye
Original mentor microtext
The bus sighed at the kerb. Wet backpacks knocked against knees while the driver waited, one hand resting on the door.
Analyse before imitating
Underline three concrete details. What mood do they imply without naming it? Rewrite: “The students were tired.”
Draft
Draft a 120-word scene in which a reader can infer one emotion. Do not name the emotion.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 2
Sentence power
Original mentor microtext
Rain pressed against the windows. The lights flickered, and everyone looked up. Because the projector went dark, the room suddenly felt much larger.
Analyse before imitating
Label one simple, one compound, and one complex sentence. Read them aloud: where does the pace change?
Draft
Write six connected sentences about a sudden interruption. Use at least three sentence patterns and punctuate each boundary.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 3
Precise verbs and nouns
Original mentor microtext
The bird went onto the thing near the place. / The tūī landed on the rusted goalpost beside the courts.
Analyse before imitating
Circle the vague words in the first sentence. Explain what each precise replacement lets the reader picture.
Draft
Revise the supplied vague paragraph. Replace at least eight weak verbs or generic nouns, then justify two choices.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 4
Dialogue and subtext
Original mentor microtext
“You moved it.” Mara kept her eyes on the empty hook. “I put it back yesterday,” said Eli, folding the map smaller.
Analyse before imitating
Add the missing speaker actions. What does each character want? Which feeling is implied rather than stated?
Draft
Write 10–12 lines of dialogue about a missing object. Use punctuation accurately and reveal the disagreement through speech and action.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 5
A workable blueprint
Original mentor microtext
A learner finds an unsigned note in a library book. Returning it would be easy—except the message predicts something that happens at lunchtime.
Analyse before imitating
Mark the opening situation, pressure, turning decision, and changed ending. Which part must the reader learn first?
Draft
Plan a short narrative using four beats: situation, pressure, decision, consequence. A non-linear opening is optional, not required.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 6
Claim, evidence, reasoning
Original mentor microtext
Claim: the school should add a sheltered bike rack. Evidence card: on the sample wet-day count, 18 of 24 bicycles had wet seats. This is fictional practice data.
Analyse before imitating
Separate claim, evidence, and reasoning. What can the sample show? What can it not prove?
Draft
Write one evidence paragraph and one counterpoint using only the labelled practice data. Do not turn the sample into a school-wide fact.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 7
Figurative choices
Original mentor microtext
At dusk the goalposts were tuning forks; wind hummed along the wire. The last ball thudded once, then the field held its breath.
Analyse before imitating
Identify metaphor, personification, sound pattern, and onomatopoeia if present. Which image earns its place?
Draft
Write eight lines about an ordinary public place using three deliberate devices. Explain one effect in the margin.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 8
Revision has three scales
Original mentor microtext
Original: The market was busy and there were lots of people and I went around and it was good. Revision: Under the striped awnings, buyers leaned over crates while stallholders called prices across the aisle.
Analyse before imitating
Compare meaning, shape, and surface. Which revision move mattered most? What still needs work?
Draft
Revise an earlier 120–200 word piece in three passes: meaning, shape, surface. Record one decision from each pass.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 9
Audience changes the text
Original mentor microtext
One event: the library will close at 3 pm on Friday. Audience A: close friend. Audience B: whole-school notice. Audience C: family newsletter.
Analyse before imitating
List what each audience already knows, needs to know, and expects. Which details stay constant?
Draft
Write all three versions in 40–60 words. Change register and structure without changing the underlying fact.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.
Workshop 10
Portfolio evidence
Original mentor microtext
A strong portfolio shows a before-and-after draft, a finished piece, and a short explanation of one craft decision. It does not require private autobiography or public performance.
Analyse before imitating
Audit the sample contents against the rubric. What evidence shows learning rather than mere neatness?
Draft
Choose three pieces, include one revision trail, and write a 120-word statement naming two craft decisions. Sharing aloud is optional.
Revision record
I changed __________________ because it helps the reader __________________.