Paragraph Basics
What is a paragraph?
A group of sentences that focuses on one topic.
They use their smooth, sleek bodies and strong tails to swim easily through the ocean water. Rows of sharp teeth help them grab and eat fish, seals, and other sea animals. Their super powerful noses can smell tiny drops of blood from very far away. Some of them hunt deep underwater, while others like to swim near sandy beaches. Special body parts help these amazing fish survive and thrive in oceans all over the world.
What is missing?
The topic sentence!
What should be at the top LEFT of your page if you are following the NMS writing code?
Your name and learning group!
What should every sentence start with?
What is punctuation?
A set of special symbols—like periods, commas, and question marks—used in writing. They act like road signs for readers, showing where to pause, when a sentence ends, or what kind of feeling is being expressed, making stories clear and easy to read.
In grade 6, how long should a paragraph be?
Atleast 5-8 sentences!
Sharks are some of the most impressive hunters living in the ocean today. In conclusion, these amazing ocean animals have many special traits that help them survive.
What is missing?
Supporting details!
What should be at the top RIGHT of your page if you are following the NMS writing code?
The date!
What should every sentence end with?
Punctuation! (Periods, question marks, exclamation marks)
The type of punctuation you would put at the end of a question.
Question mark.
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence introduces what you will be talking about in your paragraph!
Sharks have a super strong sense of smell that helps them track down food from far away. They can detect a single drop of blood floating in thousands of gallons of seawater. Their sensitive noses guide them directly toward wounded fish or other prey hiding in the dark ocean water. This amazing ability makes them one of the most effective hunters in the entire underwater world.
What is missing?
A conclusion sentence!
When you are following the NMS writing code, what kind of spacing should you be using?
Double spacing (write on one line, skip the next, write on one line, skip the next)
Sentences should always be _________.
Complete!
A punctuation sign you put at the end of a sentence to show big feelings, like excitement, surprise, fear, or anger.
Exclamation mark!
What is a supporting detail/supporting sentence?
Supporting details give the reader more information about your topic!
Sharks are incredible ocean hunters that rely on special traits to find their food. Their powerful sense of smell can detect a single drop of blood floating in thousands of gallons of seawater. Because of this amazing ability, sharks are able to survive and thrive in oceans all over the world.
What is missing?
There is only ONE supporting detail sentence. You need at least 3
Should you put "The end" at the end of your assignments?
No! It is not needed.
What are some tools you can use to edit spelling/grammar and punctuation?
iPads, dictionaries, spelling pages, ask a friend, ask an adult, or read your work aloud.
The type of punctuation you would put at the end of a sentence that is a statement.
Period.
What is a conclusion sentence?
A conclusion sentence ends off or wraps up all of your ideas! It can help you to smoothly transition to the next paragraph!
Sharks are powerful ocean predators that use their sharp teeth to catch fish. Speaking of fish, my favorite dinner to make on Tuesday nights is grilled salmon with a side of rice. Rice actually grows in flooded fields called paddies, which require a ton of water to farm. Water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding are really popular during the hot summer months. Summer vacation is definitely the best time of year because you get to sleep in late every single day.
What is the problem with this paragraph?
They have more than one topic/it is not focused.
What should you be looking for when editing your work?
Spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes and punctuation mistakes!
Why does Ms. Malvasi always suggest to read your final work out loud before you pass it in?
Because you are more likely to find the mistakes if you are reading exactly what is on your page!
A punctuation mark that is used to show a pause or to list something in the middle of a sentence.
Commas. (,)