INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH 5 TH GRADE LITERACY

{TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 TH } “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” —William Arthur Ward Directions: Write a 5-8 sentence summary of The Westing Game. Circle your transition words. Above & Beyond: Write a 5-8 sentence paragraph answering the following question: If you could be paired up with Angela or Turtle to play The Westing Game, who would you pick and why? Keep on desk: (1) agenda; (2) effort sheet

{SCHEDULE} Bell Ringer Guided Notes: Introduction Paragraph Independent Practice: Introduction Paragraph Daily 5

THE INTRODUCTION Must introduce the topic quickly! Your introduction should be unbiased, unless you are asked to give an opinion. Be specific but leave important details for your body paragraph(s). Your thesis is your only claim. Your introduction should be half as many sentences as the rest of your paragraph.

THE BIG THREE There are three components of an introductory paragraph: 1.Hook 2.Bridge 3.Thesis

THE HOOK The hook should grab the reader’s attention! Hook the reader with a…. 1. Quote 2. Fact 3. General Statement  What not to do… 1. “In this essay, I will talk about…” 2. “By the end of this essay one will agree…”

THE BRIDGE A group of sentences that smoothly shift the focus of the writing from the hook to the MAIN TOPIC of the essay. The bridge is the trickiest component of the Introductory Paragraph.

THESIS The thesis is a clear sentence containing a SUBJECT and OPINION (if asked) that answers the prompt and gives the focus of the essay. A thesis comes at the end of the introductory paragraph.

EXAMPLE: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH The life of a middle school student in modern America is not always pleasant. He or she is faced with a multitude of conflicts and problems, many of which seem almost impossible to overcome. Most of these problems center around school, which is not surprising considering that the middle school student devotes an average of eight hours a day to school and school-related activities. Since school is not an option, middle school students need to be more aware. Primary problems created by school are the intense pressure for good grades, and the even more intense pressure of peers.

TEAMMATE PRACTICE! Directions: With your teammate, write an introductory paragraph for the following writing prompt: The school board is considering implementing a longer school day. Some teachers are against it because it will affect sport practices. Other teachers are for it because students need to be better prepared for high education after high school and a longer school day means more time to learn for the students. In an essay, to be read by the school board, write why the school day should or should not be longer.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE! Directions: Read the following two articles and write an introductory paragraph for the following writing prompt: How did the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl?

{DAILY 5} Read to Self: Table 4 Read with Someone: Table 5 Word Work: Table 6  Make notecards for this week’s vocabulary words  Use the notecards to study or quiz a partner. Work on Writing: Table 1 & 2  Grab one of the “Time for Kids” articles & a graphic organizer  Annotate the article (use the reminders to help you), complete the graphic organizer, & write a summary Tech Learning: 3 & 4  Choices are: (1) Typing Web; (2) Moby Max- Language, Vocabulary, or Reading Literature