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Sofia's Ballet Recital Letter: Choosing Words for Effect

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Sofia's Ballet Recital Letter: Choosing Words for Effect

See how a writer's words help you feel, hear and picture a big night.

Read the letter

Dear Abuela

1Dear Abuela, Last night was my first ballet recital, and I wish you could have seen it! Before the show, I peeked out from behind the heavy red curtain. The seats were packed with families, and my knees started to wobble like jelly.

2Then the music began. Soft violin notes floated through the hall, and my group tiptoed onto the stage. We dipped and twirled like leaves in a breeze. During my solo, I leaped so high that I felt like I was flying.

3Near the end, my friend Grace's slipper slid off and skidded across the floor. For one second, the whole room held its breath. Grace just smiled, kicked off her other slipper, and kept dancing in her socks. The crowd cheered so loudly that the floor seemed to shake.

4When we bowed, my cheeks were glowing and my heart was thumping. Mom handed me a bunch of yellow roses. Next year, I hope you can sit in the front row.

5Love, Sofia

Sofia's word choices

Use the letter to answer each question.

1.
In paragraph 1, Sofia writes that her knees "started to wobble like jelly." What does this phrase help you understand?
Question 1 options
2.
Read paragraph 2 again. Underline the sentence with words that tell what the music sounded like.

3.
In paragraph 3, Sofia writes that the slipper "skidded" across the floor. Why is skidded a better choice than went?
Question 3 options
4.
In paragraph 3, Sofia writes that "the whole room held its breath." What does this phrase show?
Question 4 options
5.
Match each word Sofia used to what it helps you picture.
6.
Which words from paragraph 4 show that Sofia felt excited and happy after the show?
Question 6 options

Revise like Sofia

Choose words that give each sentence the effect the writer wants.

7.
Sofia wrote more sentences about the recital. Write the word from the box that fits each sentence best. One word is not used.

The stage lights like tiny stars.
My little brother up and down in his seat.
My teacher "Bravo!" from the back row.

8.
Sofia wants readers to feel how proud she was at the end of the show. Which sentence does that best?
Question 8 options
9.
Sort the words. Does each word help you hear a sound or picture a movement?
10.
In her first draft, Sofia wrote, "The music was nice." Rewrite the sentence with words that help the reader hear or picture the music.