Paragraphs
What should each sentence start and end with?
Capital and a period.
What is purpose of informative/expository writing?
inform or teach readers about a topic
What is the purpose of argumentative writing?
To get reader to acknowledge that your side is valid and deserves consideration as another point of view. Tries to persuade or convince using reasons and evidence.
The company had to demolish the building to make room for the new parking lot.
What does demolish mean?
destroy
What is one reading strategy you can use to help you remember important ideas?
- mark key ideas / highlight / underline
- take notes
- scan headings
- look at pictures
- be on the lookout for reading signposts
- make predictions
What does a Topic Sentence do and where does it go?
States the main idea of the paragraph. First sentence / at the TOP.
Does informational writing have bias or opinion?
No
What is an opposing claim / counterclaim?
A statement that acknowledges the other person’s side of an argument
Kale hates all types of seafood. He detests tuna just as much as she dislikes shrimp.
What does detest mean?
hates
What does it mean when someone asks you to identify the "main idea" of a paragraph or passage?
The central, or most important idea in a paragraph or passage
What should you include right after every idea or piece of EVIDENCE you use from another source?
Citation
For example...
According to Bill Gates, too much time playing video games harms the hippocampus area of the brain (Andrews, 2012).
True or false?
Counterclaims should be included in an informative essay
False
True or False
In order to write an argumentative essay, you must take a side on an issue.
True
If the lightbulb is too dim to illuminate the room, it should be replaced.
What does illuminate mean?
light up
What is one sentence starter you can use when adding elaboration/explanation to your writing?
This shows...
This means...
In other words...
This is important because...
What are 2 things an introduction paragraph should include?
- Hook to grab the reader's attention
- Background information
- Thesis statement that tells the reader what the essay is going to be about
Is this a fact or an opinion?
Basketball is the most competitive sport in the Salem Keizer School District
opinion
"most competitive"
What are 3 things a body paragraph in an argumentative essay needs to include?
Correct answers:
- Reasons + evidence + explanation/elaboration
- Citations
- Topic sentence
The Sahara Desert has scorching temperatures during the day; however, at night it can be quite chilly.
What does scorching mean?
hot
What is one supporting detail in this paragraph?
Mrs. Andrews likes teaching at Whiteaker. First, she really likes teaching. Second, she enjoys getting to know students in her classes. She also plays soccer. In addition, she works with some caring and creative people. Finally, Mrs. Andrews learns from her students even as they learn from her.
She really likes teaching
She enjoys getting to know students
She works with creative and caring people
She learns from her students...
What is explanation (elaboration) in a body paragraph?
When the author explains why the evidence is important, why it matters, or what it means.
What are 3 things a body paragraph in an informative/expository essay should include?
Correct answers:
- Topic sentence
- supporting details
- citations
- elaboration/expanation of details
What is the claim?
Parents should be fined when their children bully because it will send a message. Some say it is very difficult for parents to manage their children when they leave the house and go to school. Despite this, thirteen million kids are bullied each year and something needs to be done. The fines will encourage parents to focus on anti-bullying in the home
Parents should be fined when their children bully
I love chocolate cake, but on the other hand, I absolutely loathe vanilla icing.
What does loathe mean?
intense dislike
What type of evidence can a writer use to support their claim in argumentative writing? (name at least 2)
facts, examples, quotes, studies, anecdotes/stories, statistics