1. A Good Paragraph is like a Good Cheeseburger!

2. I. What is a Paragraph? A. A group of sentences (usually ~5-8) that develop a single main idea B. This main idea is called an assertion, and it is expressed in the topic sentence.

3. II.Topic Sentences A. Must have 2 things: 1. A topic (i.e., subject, what your paragraph is about) 2. An attitude about that topic (assertion) that will “hold the paragraph together.” Examples: Recylcing should be required by law. Richmond offers a variety of entertainment options for families.

4. II. Topic Sentences (Continued) B. Must always be a complete sentence (not like a title) The importance of recycling. C. Should not just state a fact or make an announcement This paper will be about recycling. Kobe Bryant went straight to the NBA from high school. D. Should not be too broad to cover in a single paragraph. Must have one clear focus. Teenagers ignore rules.

5. III. Supporting Details A. Need at least three major ones (better to have four or five) B. Can be reasons, examples, senses C. Must all relate to the assertion in the topic sentence. Don’t contradict yourself or ramble off topic (unity)

6. What makes this topic sentence weak? This paper will be about running a marathon.

7. What makes this topic sentence weak? Working is extremely unpleasant.

8. It doesn’t have to be torture! The Writing Process

9. I. What Type of Writer are YOU? A. Free-form writers: You prepare a bunch of drafts and eventually get enough pieces from each to make a paper. You feel like you aren’t great with organization and structure. B. Structured writers: develop a clear plan, maybe even an outline, and follow it. You are organized but perhaps not as creative and free.

10. C. Over-Writers: You produce massive amounts of text that you must prune down. You have trouble deciding what to include and what doesn’t belong. You may tend to ramble off of the subject. D. Under-Writers: You produce only a skeleton paper and then have to flesh it out later with more details. You have trouble getting enough information.

11. II. Prewriting: The Cure for “Blank White Page” Syndrome A. Brainstorming (alone or with others) B.Freewriting C. Clustering / Mapping (pg. 24 LBH) D. Ask the “big six” questions

12. Let’s try this together with a topic Tell me everything that comes to your mind when you hear the word... (drumroll please)... Facebook

13. III. Compose the First Draft A. Unlike diamonds, first drafts aren’t forever. They can (and should!) be subject to radical change. B. Avoid the student temptation to sit down and write and turn in whatever you produce after 30 minutes of “effort.” It shows!

14. C. Consider writing directly on the computer (but save and print often!) D. If you write on paper, double space and leave big margins E. Take breaks at logical points to rest and reflect (of course you can’t do this if it is due the next morning!)

15. F. Consider the audience (think about Grandma) G. Consider the tone

16. IV. Revise, Revise, Revise A. Don’t confuse revision with proofreading! B. Set your first draft aside for at least a half of a day. C. Approach the revision process with the right attitude (don’t be like an American Idol wanna-be)

17. V. Proofread A. Look for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, word omission, transpositions B. Let it sit overnight C. Read it aloud D. Run your finger along under each word E. Don’t rely on spell check!