Informational Writing

Paragraphs

100

the last paragraph of an essay

What is the conclusion?

200

the second, third, and fourth paragraphs of a five paragraph essay

What is the body?

300

the first paragraph of an essay

What is the introduction?

400

Two ways to "HOOK" your audience

What is by asking a question or stating an interesting fact/ description?

500

These two paragraphs are pretty much the same except one has a HOOK, and one brings the essay to a satisfying close.

What are the introduction and conclusion?

Teach or Inform

100

words that are related to the topic and make the writer sound like an expert

What is technical language or language related to the topic

200

The purpose of Informational writing

What is to teach or inform an audience about a topic

300

the category that deals with staying on topic (actually sticking to your thesis statement)

What is focus?

400

the area that deals with fully and clearly expressing and interpreting your ideas

What is development?

500

This is a sentence from an essay: There are hundreds of different dances that are known around the world. This is an example of a?

what is HOOK

Transitional Words

100

Many animals, such as the tiger, live relatively solitary lives; ___________________, others live in social groups. The gorilla lives in a group consisting of a male, his harem, and their children. a) furthermore b) in contrast c)for instance

B) in contrast

200

In Antarctica, there are pools of water amidst the frozen environment. Scientists believe that the water doesn’t freeze _____________hot spots in the land beneath the pools. The only life in the water is one type of bacteria. TO THE CONTRARY CONTRARY TO To the opposite (effect or result), on the other side Greece was one of the few true democracies of history; contrary to popular opinion, the United States is not a democracy but a republic. UNLESS If not, if any case other than, except that We will go tomorrow unless it rains; in which case, the trip will be cancelled. WHEREAS While on the contrary He spoke fr eely, whereas she was evasive. YET Nevertheless, however The air is cold, yet the sun is warm. Familiarize yourself with each transition category and the transitional words which are found in that category. When you feel you have mastered these words, work through the following exercises to test you mastery. Exercise 1 Read the sentences below and choose one transition from the words above each sentence that best completes the statement. furthermore in contrast for instance 1. Many animals, such as the tiger, live relatively solitary lives. Others, ___________________, live in social groups. The gorilla lives in a group consisting of a male, his harem, and their children. Since Yet Furthermore 2. Drinking is dangerous in combination with pregnancy, driving, and drugs, ____________________, excessive drinking can lead to liver disease. a) Because of b) Although c) While

A) Because of

300

I enjoy science fiction movies. The plots are usually exciting. _____________, the characters are often especially odd and interesting. a) In addition b) Like b) Nevertheless

In Addition

400

Japanese cars, such as Honda and Toyota, are famous for their fuel economy. ________________, European cars such as Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are known for their luxury. a. Likewise b. In contrast c. For instance

In Contrast

500

At the amusement park, Robin begged until her father took her on the Ferris Wheel.__________, once the wheel began to move, she started to cry. a. However b. Moreover c. Therefore

However

Grammar

100

to move from one paragraph to another and make your ideas connect smoothly you should use...

What are transitional words?

200

Is this sentence written correctly? on our way to the beach, the tire blew out.

NO! The first word in a sentence should be capitalized!

300

Is this sentence written correctly? When reading a book, i like to sit on the porch in the sun.

What is NO! ALWAYS capitalize the word 'I', EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SENTENCE!

400

What is missing from the following sentences? Last night I watched the Pro Bowl game on ESPN Are you going to a Super Bowl party to watch the big game

A PERIOD at the end of the first sentence! A QUESTION MARK at the end of the second sentence!

500

What's incorrect in the following sentence? Can you Believe I'm going to the Nicki Minaj concert?

DO NOT CAPITALIZE COMMON WORDS IN THE MIDDLE OF SENTENCES! 'believe'

Evidence & Elaboration

100

The part of the paragraph that connects the evidence to the writer's own knowlegde, and where the writer gives more details, explains further, or uses a personal connection

What is elaborate?

200

The part of the essay where the reader finds details in the text to support their thinking.

What is evidence?

300

Give an example of how to begin a sentence when adding evidence from the text.

what is: In passage 1, the author states, As noted in the text (text title), As the author mentions in passage 2, etc...

400

What are some examples of ways you can start a sentence when you want to elaborate, or explain further?

What is: this shows, this demonstrates, as you can see, to explain further, etc...

500

True or False: Citing evidence from the text is NOT enough. The writer must also elaborate by adding their own thoughts or knowledge, or personal connection.

What is TRUE