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Definitions
Organization
Writing Applications
Identifications
Transitional Words
100
The first sentence of a paragraph which introduces the subject for the whole paragraph.
What is a topic sentence?
100
What does it mean to put supporting sentences in CHRONOLOGICAL order?
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER presents details in the order in which they happen (tell a story, explain a process, etc.).
100
(Double)-Choose a side of the issue. Write at least two supporting details (one example, one detail, and/or one fact) for the following topic.
Participating in school activities does/does not help to develop good character.
100
Identify the topic sentence.
Owning a pet from the Animal Rescue League has many advantages. First of all, a child feels good about rescuing an abandoned or abused animal and giving it a whole new life. Another great advantage of having a pet from the pound is the price of these cute and cuddly animals. If someone remembers all of the advantages of adopting a pet from the pound, he or she might find the perfect bird, mouse, hamster, dog, or cat.
100

What type of paragraph would you see these transitional words used? 

Next

Before 

That day 

Chronological

200
The final sentence of the paragraph which restates the topic sentence and brings all of the ideas together
What is the concluding sentence?
200
What does it mean to put supporting sentences in SPATIAL order?
SPATIAL ORDER presents details according to their location(writing descriptions).
200
In your group, write down two supporting details for the following topic sentence.
Middle school students should have time for recess during the school day.
200
(Double)-First, identify the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. Then compare and contrast the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. Are they restating the same main idea?
For centuries now, mankind has turned a deaf ear to the pleas to save the mother earth. In the name of development, natural resources have been misused and now mankind is standing on the brink of ecological disaster. Now the time has come when mankind must listen because air pollution has never been as bad as it is now. More automobiles and factories are operating around us today than before. The time to act is now before it is too late. We may not be able to prevent deforestation but we can plant a few trees in our neighborhood.
200

What type of paragraph would you see these transitional words used? 

Although 

However

Likewise

Compare and Contrast

300
A paragraph has UNITY when...
A paragraph has UNITY when all sentences relate to the central focus, or main idea.
300

What does it mean to put supporting sentences in CLIMACTIC order?

CLIMACTIC order means listing supporting sentences according to their importance, building least to greatest.

300
Is the following topic sentence effective? Why or why not? If, not write a new topic sentence fixing the error(s). If it is effective, explain why.
People are like potatoes.
300
What is the best concluding sentence to go with the following topic sentence: There are three reasons why I want to learn English.
A---For all of these reasons, I am very excited about learning English. B---I also want to learn French. C---Finally, I want to learn English because I plan to move to the U.S. in the future.
300

What type of paragraph would you see these transitional words used? 

Additionally 

Most importantly

Finally

CLIMACTIC 

400
A group of structured sentences that center on one main idea or thought.
What is a paragraph?
400

If you were writing a paragraph about your new house, what order would you use to organize your supporting sentences. Explain your answer.

SPATIAL.  Going from one room and floor to the next. 

400
Write a concluding sentence for the following paragraph.
Oceans and lakes have many things in common, but they are also quite different. They are both bodies of water. A main difference is that an ocean is very large and is salt water, while a lake is usually much smaller and is fresh water. Lakes are usually surrounded by land while oceans are what surround continents. Both have plants and animals that live in them. The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes contain much smaller animals.
400
Identify topic sentence and concluding sentence in the following paragraph, and explain whether or not the paragraph is effective. Why or why not?
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on earth. Their attractive, brilliant colors catch interest immediately. They have wings of varying shapes and sizes, and some even appear to have "eyes" on them! Some butterflies are cleverly camouflaged with colors that assist them in blending with the plant life in their environments. The delicate physical structure of the butterfly (along with hair-like legs and antennae) adds to its gentle beauty. Some of these curious insects vary distinctly in size, with the largest-known wing span at four inches, and the smallest measured from wing tip to tip at one-half inch. Without these glorious, artful creations darting about in the world, our lives would indeed be much more drab and boring.
400

What type of paragraph would you see these transitional words used? 

Further on 

To the left of 

A few feet behind

SPATIAL

500
What is the purpose of a supporting sentence?
SUPPORTING SENTENCES should elaborate on, explain, or prove a paragraph’s main idea.
500

What sentences in the following paragraph are off-topic and disrupt unity? 

Although Blackbeard was one of the most feared pirates in history, little is known about his early life. Some sources say he was born in London; others suggest Jamaica or Philadelphia. A number of documents indicate Blackbeard's real name was Edward Teach, but others list his last name as Thatch or Drummond. A tall man with bushy black hair, Blackbeard made sure his appearance terrified his enemies. During battles, he would sometimes coil burning ropes in his hair. Exactly how and when he began his career is unknown. Blackbeard's most famous ship was Queen Anne's Revenge.

500
What type of organizational structure is used in the following paragraph? How can you tell?
At first we couldn't decide if the low rumbling we heard was from a train or thunder. But, within five minutes the blackening sky gave us the answer. While I grabbed the picnic basket, my dad yelled to everyone to head to the cabin. Before we had gone twenty yards, we were completely drenched.
500
Identify the topic sentence of the following paragraph. Then identify any sentences that disrupt paragraph unity.
The busy holiday shopping rush forces stores to hire temporary workers. The U.S. Census Bureau notes that in December 2006, retail sales totaled $31.4 billion. That was a 44 Percent increase from November. The only people probably busier are postal carriers. To handle the shopping rush, 1.7 million people were employed by department stores.
500
How would you use furthermore in a sentence? 

Chocolate tastes delicious; futhermore, it is good for your heart!