Freedom Writers Writing Assignments

Name: ________________________
Part 1: Descriptive Paragraph

Using the information you gathered while watching the film (look back at your character statistics chart), write a descriptive
paragraph of your chosen character.

Make sure the paragraph follows proper paragraph format:

Indentation
double-spacing
topic sentence
supporting details
concluding sentence
is about one clear message

The final product should be typed and should include:

the course information (your name, the date, teacher’s name, the course)
a title for the paragraph
an image of the character

In the paragraph, make sure to include the following information about your chosen character:
The character’s name, role in the story, physical appearance and age
How the character acts and talks
5 character traits/adjectives that describe him/her (example: generous, brave, independent) with proof that supports
your observations (proof should come as what the character did in the movie that made you think of that trait)

Evaluation Checklist for Freedom Writers Descriptive Paragraph

When you finish a typed draft of your piece, go through the following checklist to make sure all items have been included to the
best of your ability. Partial marks will be given for partial work.

Criteria to include Self Teacher

(1 point each = 20 points) Check Evaluation
Course information, title for paragraph and image of character have been included
Paragraph is indented and double-spaced
Paragraph has a topic sentence
Paragraph has at least 3-4 supporting detail sentences
Paragraph has a concluding sentence
Includes character’s name and role in the story
Includes a brief description of the character’s physical appearance
Includes 5 character traits and proof of each (10 points – 1 for each trait and 1 for proof of each) /10 /10
Information is included about how the character acts and talks
Piece is organized to create a clear message
Attention has been paid to avoid spelling, punctuation and grammar errors – they don’t affect
meaning

/20 /20

Comments:
Part 2: Diary Entries from Character’s Perspective

From the perspective of your chosen character, you will write a diary about 2 different events that occurred in the novel. Make
sure to keep in the voice of your character, using “I”. Each entry should be ½ page to 1 page in length when typed and double-
spaced in 12 point font. The final product should include the course information (your name, the date, teacher’s name, the
course) and a title for each diary entry.

Character Diary #1 – Your first day of school and Erin Gruwell’s first day as your teacher

In this response, you should respond to how you are feeling this first day of classes, especially with Ms. Gruwell as your English
teacher. What do you think about her? What assumptions do you make? Do you want her to succeed or not? If you are
writing as Erin, what are your ambitions and how do you think you’ll make them happen?

Character Diary #2 – Response to your visit to the Holocaust Exhibition

In this response, focus on your reactions to the whole day trip Ms. Gruwell has just taken your class on. Describe what it was
like seeing the exhibit and learning about Holocaust victims and survivors. Can you connect to those people? How did the day
make you feel? What was it like to have a conversation with one of the survivors? What did you learn from the experience?
What do you think about Ms. Gruwell’s generosity in planning this day especially for your class?

Evaluation Checklist for Freedom Writers Character Diary Entry #1

When you finish a typed draft of your piece, go through the following checklist to make sure all items have been included to the
best of your ability. Partial marks will be given for partial work.

Criteria to include Self Teacher

(1 point each = 18 points) Check Evaluation
Course information and title for each piece have been included
Piece is indented and double-spaced
Piece is written as a diary entry
Piece is long enough to have meaning and purpose
Piece has an opening thought/topic sentence
Piece has at least 4-5 supporting detail sentences
Piece has a concluding sentence
Includes character’s thoughts and feelings about the issue /4 /4
Includes the character’s reaction to the situation /4 /4
Piece stays true to the voice of your character
Piece is organized to create a clear message
Attention has been paid to avoid spelling, punctuation and grammar errors – they don’t affect
meaning

/18 /18

Comments:
 Evaluation Checklist for Freedom Writers Character Diary Entry #2

Criteria to include Self Teacher

(1 point each = 18 points) Check Evaluation
Course information and title for each piece have been included
Piece is indented and double-spaced
Piece is written as a diary entry
Piece is long enough to have meaning and purpose
Piece has an opening thought/topic sentence
Piece has at least 4-5 supporting detail sentences
Piece has a concluding sentence
Includes character’s thoughts and feelings about the issue /4 /4
Includes the character’s reaction to the situation /4 /4
Piece stays true to the voice of your character
Piece is organized to create a clear message
Attention has been paid to avoid spelling, punctuation and grammar errors – they don’t affect
meaning

/18 /18

Comments:

Part 3: Personal Diary/Journal Assignment

As we have been watching the film and doing some writing activities, you have been asked to keep an account of some of the
things that are going on in your life. Each day of activities, you will be asked to write a diary or journal entry about your life.
Each entry should be ¾ of page to a page in length. Each entry should include information about things that are important to
you. The entries will be graded for completion. If permission is granted, your teacher will read the entries and provide
feedback, but if you want to keep the information private, you must simple show the work has been completed.

Personal Diary/Journal Assignment Checklist

You will be given 2 points for each entry. To receive full points, it must be legible and be ¾ page to a page in length. Each entry
should also include the date.

Diary Entry 1 Comments:

Diary Entry 2
Diary Entry 3
Diary Entry 4
Diary Entry 5
Diary Entry 6
Diary Entry 7
Total /14

Marks will also be given in the unit for completing questions about the “Return to Auschwitz” article, as well as some of the
other personal narrative pieces responses and discussion (Diary of Anne Frank, Hana’s Suitcase, etc.)