Preparing To Write/Drafting
Should you know a lot about a topic or rely on only outside research when starting a nonfiction, expository piece?
You should be an "expert" at the piece, however, you can use outside research (books/internet) to help you strengthen ideas.
What do we do when we revise?
Add in, take out information
What is the rule about the first word in a sentence?
Capitalize the first letter in a sentence.
After rehearsing, what is the next step to create your book?
Table of Contents (think about putting chapters in a logical order with enough content for each chapter)
What does it mean to elaborate and why is it important to do in our writing?
Add on details and information. Gives reader a clearer picture of what we are explaining.
What punctuation marks can be used at the end of a sentence?
period/question mark/exclamation point
What is the purpose of a 'mini Table of Contents?'
Help organize ideas within a chapter
What does it mean to balance facts and ideas in our writing?
We should have a mix of factual information, as well we ideas (opinions) to make interest our readers.
What is one strategy you can use if you do not know how to spell a word.
Think about the parts of the word. Circle it and go into research book to help find proper spelling.
What are the connecting words and phrases called that connect sentences and paragraphs?
Transition Words
Elaborate on this topic: gorilla adaptations
Example: Gorillas have opposable thumbs that help them pick up items off the ground. They often grab small pieces of grass.
Edit: the lizards have various adaptations that help them survive in the forest for example some lizards have long legs that help them move quickly along the forest floor
The lizards have various adaptations that help them survive in the forest. For example, some lizards have long legs that help them move quickly along the forest floor.
What are 3 examples of transition words you can use in your writing?
Examples: First, Finally, For example, In contrast etc.
Turn this fact into an idea: Dogs come from wolves.
Example: It is interesting to note that dogs come from vicious predators, the wolves.
Give one example of a time where one paragraph should end and another begin.
Example: When you are moving onto a different subtopic within a chapter.