1. Step Up to Writing
A Student’s Guide

2. Expository Paragraphs Explain, Show, Inform or Prove
Need a Title
Have a topic sentence
Use transitions
Explain and give examples
Have a conclusion

3. Accordion Paragraphs Green Yellow Red Go! Slow Down! Stop! Go Back!
Write a topic sentence.
Slow Down!
Give a reason, detail, or fact. Use a transition.
Stop!
Explain. Give an example.
Go Back!
Remind the reader of your topic

4. The parts of a paragraph
A paragraph can be stretched from a 5 sentence paragraph to an 11 sentence
paragraph. All you need to do is add more R/D/F’s or E’s.
8 sentences
Topic sentence
Reason/Detail/Fact statement E
Conclusion
11 sentences
Topic sentence
Reason/Detail/Fact statement E
Conclusion

5. Topic Sentences Green asks the writer to decide:
Green means “go.”
Green asks the writer to decide:
“What am I going to prove?”
“What am I going to explain?”
“What information will I share?”

6. Topic Sentences Topic Sentences Occasion/Position Statements
Occasion: The reason you are writing
Position: What you plan to prove or explain
Starter Words
After
Even though
Until
Before
Although
When As
Whenever
While
Since
Unless If
When students write paragraphs, they must start with strong topic sentences.
If you want to write a good, clear paragraph, try using the accordion paragraph method.

7. Power Statements
List how many reasons your are going to cover to support your topic.
Everyone knew SEVERAL things about writing paragraphs.
There are THREE reasons why Rifka, the main character in “Letters from Rifka,” by Karen Hess, is a dynamic character.
Two
Several
Some
Three
A number of
A few
Four
A couple
Many
A myriad
A plethora
Numerous

8. And, But, Or Statements
Use these conjunctions to help you write your topic sentence.
The characters in the story were all dynamic, but only one was round.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. did a great job making his characters come to life, but he relied on many flat characters.
And
But Or
Nor
Yet So

9. Where or When + What’s Happening
In the short story + there are two dynamic characters Sometimes + authors use stereotypes in their novels
Where + What’s Happening
When + What’s Happening

10. Question and Statement Topic Sentences
Should teachers give more homework? What is your dream for the future? What is the best place to get pizza? Some parents think it’s a good idea. My dream is play professional baseball. Without a doubt it is Pizza Hut.

11. Transitions Reason, Detail or Fact Statements need transitions.
Transitions help your writing flow and keep you organized.
One way Another way The first The second
One example Another example One Also
First of all Second Last
First In addition Equally important

12. Reason/Detail/Fact Yellow means “slow down.”
Introduce key concepts to support the topic sentence.

13. The E’s Red means “stop and explain Present evidence.
Provide explanation and examples.

14. The E’s Examples E’s back up your reasons, details, or facts.
Explanations
Evidence
E’s support your topic sentence.
Events
Experiences
Expert Opinions
E’s make your writing interesting and believable.
Elaboration

15. Conclusions Go back to your topic Find your key words Use synonyms
Summarize information, encourage readers, convince the audience or challenge them to think
The final statement is important!!!
In fact
Obviously
Clearly
Certainly
Definitely
Truly
All in all
To sum up
Surely

16. T T t T T-Chart Topic: RDF (Reason, Detail, or Fact) Explain RDF

17. Make an outline

18. Make an outline

19. Step 1: Create an informal ouline
Safety reasons
-help yourself
-save others
Social reasons
-parties
-summertime
-vacations
Conclusion=Benefits of being a great swimmer

20. Expanding the T-Chart 8-Sentence Accordion Paragraph
Create an Accordion Fold Front Back
Topic Sentence
Explanation or Example
Reason, Detail or Fact
Reason, Detail or Fact
Explanation or Example
Explanation or Example
Reason, Detail or Fact
Conclusion

21. Step 2: Convert Outline to Sentences
Title=Reasons for Learning to Swim
Learning to swim is an essential skill for all children.
One reason to learn to be a strong swimmer is safety.
If you are in a dangerous situation, such as in a sinking raft or boat, you can swim to shore.
If you are a good swimmer, you can also help save others who may be drowning.
Being able to spend time with others is another reason for learning to swim.
Birthday and school year-end parties are often located around the pool.
Many people plan their vacations for warmer climates so that happy hours may be spent splashing in the ocean.
The heat of summer makes us all want to cool off by enjoying water sports, such as water skiing, diving, and surfing.
Learning to be a great swimmer can clearly make your life safer and more enjoyable.

22. Step 3: Compile the Paragraph
Reasons for Learning to Swim
Learning to swim is an essential skill for all children. One reason to learn to be a strong swimmer is safety. If you are in a dangerous situation, such as in a sinking raft or boat, you can swim to shore. If you are a good swimmer, you can also help save others who may be drowning. Being able to spend time with others is another reason for learning to swim. Birthday and school year-end parties are often located around the pool. Many people plan their vacations for warmer climates so that happy hours may be spent splashing in the ocean. The heat of summer makes us all want to cool off by enjoying water sports, such as water skiing, diving, and surfing. Learning to be a great swimmer can clearly make your life safer and more enjoyable.