Step Up to Writing A Student’s Guide

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

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

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

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?”

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make an outline

Make an outline

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

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

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.

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.