September, 2013

Learning Targets I can introduce a topic clearly and group related information into a paragraph I can develop the topic with facts, definitions, or other examples I can provide a concluding statement related to the information being presented

Introduction: v 1 topic v 3 points v 8 sentences The 3.8 Paragraph is made up of

Sentence 1: The topic sentence vThe first sentence states the three points you are going to make about the topic. Example: My dog Bopper is friendly, likes to be in the involved with our family, and is always getting into trouble.

Sentences 2 and 3: Discuss point 1 v Sentences 2 and 3 develop the first point you wish to make with details, reasons, or examples. Example: Bopper loves people and is friendly toward everyone he meets. If a visitor comes to the door, Bopper is right there jumping up to greet him/her with a sloppy kiss on the face.

Sentences 4 and 5: Discuss point 2 v Sentences 4 and 5 develop the second point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: Wherever the family is in the house, there is Bopper right in the middle of it all. I think he enjoys dinner time most because he is usually under the table getting the scraps my brother and I toss to him.

Sentences 6 and 7: Discuss point 3 v Sentences 6 and 7 develop the third point with details, reasons, or examples. Example: He usually gets into trouble, though, when he brings the newspaper to my dad because Bopper forgets that it is not a bone. By the time Dad can get the paper from him, Bopper has eaten most of the front page.

Sentence 8: The conclusion (or clincher) v Sentence 8 concludes the paragraph by restating or summarizing the topic sentence. Example: Even though Bopper may be overly friendly, likes to be involved in everything, and is tough on Dad’s newspaper, our family loves him like a member of family.

Now, let’s put it all together: My dog Bopper is friendly, likes to be in the involved with our family, and is always getting into trouble. Bopper loves people and is friendly toward everyone he meets. If a visitor comes to the door, Bopper is right there jumping up to greet him/her with a sloppy kiss on the face. Wherever the family is in the house, there is Bopper right in the middle of it all. I think he enjoys dinner time most because he is usually under the table getting the scraps my brother and I toss to him. He usually gets into trouble, though, when he brings the newspaper to my dad because Bopper forgets that it is not a bone. By the time Dad can get the paper from him, Bopper has eaten most of the front page. Even though Bopper may be overly friendly, likes to be involved in everything, and is tough on Dad’s newspaper, our family loves him like a member of family.

Here is another example: Though there are many beautiful college campuses, I would argue that Notre Dame’s is the best. There are many gorgeous buildings, famous for their architecture and style. The Golden Dome is the most well-known symbol of the University, painted in 14 carat gold! Along with the buildings, the landscaping is unforgettable. Trees, flowers, fountains, and statues can be found around every corner, and the grounds are perfectly mowed. Finally, campus is an incredibly peaceful place. Whether you visit the grotto for late night reflection, or walk around one of the two lakes for exercise, you will be able to find a place that allows you to relax. While some people know of Notre Dame only as a place of football, I know Notre Dame to be a beautiful place to live and visit.

Let’s practice! 1. Highlight the paragraph (UNIFORMS) and explain what the highlighting means. use yellow for the topic sentence and the closing sentence; use pink for the supporting detail; use green for the example or extension that goes with the supporting detail

Highlighted Paragraph The main reason kids need uniforms is that uniforms make life easier for everyone. First of all, if kids wore uniforms they would be on time for school. Picking out clothes for school would be a snap since they wouldn’t have to make decisions about what to wear. Uniforms would make things easier for parents too. If all kids wore khakis and button-down shirts, parents wouldn’t have to buy them so many different kinds of clothes. Finally, uniforms would make things easier for teachers. If kids wore uniforms to school, there wouldn’t be so many fights on the playground because everyone would have the same clothes and no one would get teased because of what they wore. So you see, if kids wore uniforms to school, it would be easier on everyone.

More Practice! 2. (FALL) Cut the sentences apart and lay them on your desk in the correct order. Glue them, in the correct order on a piece of white paper. Highlight the sentences.

Time to write! Now it is your turn! Choose a topic of your choice and write a 3.8 paragraph. Here are some ideas OR you can choose your own!  What a new student needs to know about my school  Weekends should be longer  A narrow escape from trouble  My first/best friend  A visit to a relative’s house  A dedicated teacher or coach  School field trip  Principal for the day  A typical lunch  A memorable bus ride

Learning Target Check Learning Target Did you hit the target? How do you know? I can introduce a topic clearly and group related information into a paragraph. Yes or No I can develop the topic with facts, definitions, or other examples. Yes or No I can provide a concluding statement related to the information being presented. Yes or No Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________________________