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Grade 7
Informational
Writing

How to Survive the Seventh Grade

Alonso, 826 Boston

Alonso was born in 2001 in Boston, Massachusetts. He lives with his mom, dad, four sisters, and dog ChiChi. He is grateful for life on earth and being with friends and

family, and he loves playing video games. He is inspired by his grandmother because she is a hard worker. Alonso would like to be a bodyguard or photographer. He would also like to learn multiple languages someday.

GETTING THERE

First, you have to know how to ride the bus by yourself. If it’s the school bus, sit in the middle because if you sit in the way back you might sit on open wrappers. Don’t sit in the way front because it’s boring and you’ll have to start a conversation with the middle-aged bus driver.

CLASSES

Social Studies is all right. It’s not too loud or too quiet. We learned how to use a map and now we’re learning about hurricanes. Don’t talk too loud or too much and you should survive Social Studies just fine.

Art is fun. You can draw anything you want—two drafts, rough and final. The art teacher lets us use our phones to listen to music, but only if you have earbuds, so don’t forget those. You can also use your phone to research pictures, so don’t forget that. If you have to eat, make sure you’re sneaky about it. Sit at my table. We talk about cool things.

On Fridays, we have PE instead of Art. PE is awesome; the first term we played dodgeball. The last day of the month we get to pick which game we get to play. Make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting sweaty. Jeans are actually okay, but a workout outfit is better. Bring water. It’s important but I usually forget.

In ELA when your teacher asks you to write an example of a para­graph using “author’s purpose,” take a very long time. Choose to write a “persuasive” paragraph. Look like you’re wasting time, but really, you are thinking. Then, in the last five minutes of class, write the following:

A black scientist named Nicolas Pierre was accidentally exposed to gamma radiation which turned Bruce Banner into the Indestructible Hulk. Now Nick must decide to use his new and improved powers for good or to SMASH! BLACK HULK WILL SMASH!

When your teacher asks why you don’t have your homework, blink slowly and stay quiet. When she asks again, say “My little sister ate it.”

In science we are learning about chemistry-names and codes. The codes are tricky; it’s pretty challenging. Make sure you have friends. I sit in the front row, third aisle from the door. I like that spot because you can see the board closely and the speakers are right near me when we watch videos. I got moved there because I get distracted easily.

Math is probably the hardest, but I enjoy it more this year than I have before. Right now we’re learning how to multiply and divide percentages and do story problems with percentages. We have to deter­mine which one is which and solve the problem. Make sure you bring a pencil. I use a mechanical pencil.

RECESS AND LUNCH

At recess, stay out of peoples’ way. They may be loud and obnoxious. If you’re like me and not very good at basketball, stay away from the court to avoid having to play. If you have to play a sport, make sure you pick the right people. Make it fair, and don’t waste time. Recess is short.

We have lunch right after recess. It’s cool but it would be awesome if we got to sit with the other 7th grade class. That can’t happen any­more because there was a fight the first day of school and they separated the classes even though both kids who were fighting were in the same class. I recommend you bring your own lunch. Don’t bring anything too fancy; like I said, the other kids will be on your case about sharing some food.

Thank you for reading my survival guide. I hope you survive. Good luck.

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