1. Writing Paragraphs with a Purpose

2.  Writing clearly and effectively  Supporting your opinion with evidence  Making sure everything in your writing has a purpose and isn’t just “fluff”

3.  Make your POINT, stating your opinion/ POSITION  ILLUSTRATE your point with INFORMATION, such as quotations, examples, facts from literature, situations from life, lessons learned, etc.  And last, but not least, write sentences that EXPLAIN or EXPAND your ideas to show the link between those examples and your position statement.

4.  In your first sentence, answer the following questions:  What is the point of this paragraph?  What is your stance on this particular issue?  Most times, the point of the paragraph is also known as the TOPIC SENTENCE. Example: While it may seem like a healthy alternative, Diet Coke is worse for you than regular Coke.

5.  The information is the evidence used to support/develop the point.  Answer the following question when illustrating your point:  How is the point supported with specific data, experiences, or other factual material?  Types of Information:  Information from readings or class discussions  Personal experience  Representations in the media (newspapers, magazines, television)  Statistics Example: To elaborate, according to the American Cancer society, two studies done by Italian researchers show that high amounts of aspartame lead to an increase in blood-related cancers.

6.  The explanation is the writer’s analysis, elaboration, and evaluation of the point and information given, connecting the information with the point.  Your explanation should answer the following question:  What does the information provided mean?  How does it have to do with the point that I am trying to make? Example: These two studies therefore suggest that aspartame, a prime ingredient of Diet Coke, is not healthy for the human body. While sugar in real Coke may cause weight gain, aspartame in Diet Coke has the potential to lead to death.

7. While it may seem like a healthy alternative, Diet Coke is worse for you than regular Coke. To elaborate, according to the American Cancer society, two studies done by Italian researchers show that high amounts of aspartame lead to an increase in blood-related cancers. These two studies therefore suggest that aspartame, a prime ingredient of Diet Coke, is not healthy for the human body. While sugar in real Coke may cause weight gain, aspartame in Diet Coke has the potential to lead to death.

8. Ironically, rock climbing accidents can also be caused by user error. Of the many dangers that rock climbers face, many can be prevented. Each year nearly one out of every three accidents is preventable. According to certified guide Jessie Guthrie, “many people—even advanced climbers—get hurt every year because of careless errors.” Careless errors typically involve failure to check partner’s equipment and lack of basic rescue skills. Because of user error and other avoidable mistakes, rock climbing can be harmful.

12.  You may divide yourselves up in groups of two to three (no more!)  In these groups, you will be assigned a topic to write about (ACT prompt)  You will work with your other group members using Google docs in order to write a PIE paragraph that responds to the prompt  After, you SUBMIT THESE TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM  You have until the end of the hour!

13.  I will be choosing a few of these paragraphs for the class to look over  We will be reviewing strengths, weaknesses, and PIE paragraph format for each example we look at  Hopefully, this will help you for the writing portion of your exam!