Ideas & Content Ideas & Content -what you have to say - the reason for writing your paper What’s the message you are trying to convey?

Ideas & Content Things You Should Know… Be an observer- pay attention to the world around you. Write small- narrow down your topic Show don’t tell – Details, details, details Cut the deadwood – Separate the good details from the snoozers Don’t try to tell too much – Keep it focused

Telling My grandma was a very brave little girl.

Showing One day when my grandmother was a little girl, she and her friends cut across a pasture on their way home from school. When a bull charged them, she turned, got her friends behind her, pulled out her long sewing scissors from her bag, and stuck them up the nostrils of the bull. He didn’t bother them any more.

Telling vs. Showing On your Thinking Paper…. Directions: Make these telling examples SHOW. 1. The room was a mess. 2. She was a kind person. 3. He had a temper. Homework: choose one telling statement and make it show! – The storm was violent. – The dog looked dangerous.

Ideas & Content Close read the student example The Redwoods. In the margin, note any questions you have for the writer Underline words that are too broad, too general, too vague What details would you add if you were going to revise this piece?

Ideas & Content Close read the student paper Mouse Alert. Underline your favorite parts. In the margin, write some notes to the author. Ask any questions that occur to you.