1. 4-SQUARE WRITING TECHNIQUE This is a strategy that helps students organize the major and minor supporting details of their writing. It also helps them use transition words.

2. 4 Square Writing Technique ECR Paragraph Structure All Extended Constructed Responses (ECR’s) and must be turned in using the 4-square writing technique. Technology Education ECR’s must be a minimum of four paragraphs.

3. Paragraphs A paragraph must have one major detail and at least three minor details.

4. The main idea is your opinion or point of view in the ECR. Example: I will be successful in school.

5. Major and Minor Details Major details explains how in support of the main idea. Minor details explains how in support of the major detail.

6. 4 Square Writing Technique ECR Paragraph Structure 1 st Paragraph One Major Detail Three Minor Details 2 nd Paragraph3 rd Paragraph4 th Paragraph One Major Detail Three Minor Details Restate All Major Details Conclusion Sentence One Major Detail Three Minor Details

7. Major Detail Sentences 1 st Paragraph How will you be successful in school #1? 2 nd Paragraph How will you be successful in school #2? 3 rd Paragraph4 th Paragraph How will you be successful in school #3? Restate reasons #1, #2, and #3 of how you will be successful in school

8. Major Detail Sentences 1 st Paragraph I will complete all of my assignments. 2 nd Paragraph I will pass all classes. 3 rd Paragraph4 th Paragraph Become more mature. I will be successful in school because I will complete all of my assignments, pass all my classes, and become more mature.

9. Minor Detail Sentences 1 st Paragraph I will complete all of my assignments. How will you complete all of your assignments #1? #2? #3? 2 nd Paragraph I will pass all classes. How will you pass all of your classes #1? #2? #3? 3 rd Paragraph4 th Paragraph Become more mature. How will you become more mature #1? #2? #3? I will be successful in school because I will complete all of my assignments, pass all classes, and become more mature.

10. Minor Detail Sentences 1 st Paragraph I will complete all of my assignments. Keep a journal of my work Stay focused on my grades Share my assignment with my parent 2 nd Paragraph I will pass all classes. Complete all work assigned with at least a “B” Find tutoring when I need it Find a “study- buddy” 3 rd Paragraph4 th Paragraph Become more mature. No hanging in the halls Follow my schedule every day Be responsible, respectful, and ready to learn I will be successful in school because I will complete all of my assignments, pass all classes, and become more mature.

11. Transitional Phrases Start the first paragraph off with a transitional phrase like:  First…  One reason…  First of all… Start the second paragraph off with a transitional phrase like:  Second…  In addition…  Also…

12. Transitional Phrases Start the third paragraph off with a transitional phrase like:  Third…  Another reason…  Next… Start the fourth paragraph off with a transitional phrase like:  Finally…  So you can see…  To sum up…

13. Combine all transitional phrases, major, and minor details in paragraph form. 1 st Paragraph One reason I will be successful in school is that I will complete all of my assignments. I will keep a journal of my work and stay focused on my grades. I will also share my assignments with my parents. Do this for all of your paragraphs.

14. Put it all together One reason I will be successful in school is that I will complete all of my assignments. I will keep a journal of my work and stay focused on my grades. I will also share my assignments with my parents. In addition to completing my assignments, I will pass all my classes. I will have to complete all work assigned with at least a “B” and find tutoring when I need it. I will also find a “study-buddy” Another reason I will be successful in school is that I will become more mature. I will not hang in the halls. I will follow my schedule every day. This will be easy if I can be responsible, respectful, and ready to learn. So you can see, I will be successful in school because I will complete all of my assignments, pass all classes, and become more mature. I can see the scholarships start to roll in. This may be the best decision in my life.

15. Let’s do one together. Vote on these topics: Fiber-Optic Cables Synthetic Materials Cross-Bracing Structures Trouble-Makers In School Career Choices