Understanding Tsunamis: Nature's Unstoppable Force

1. ELACC8W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. e. Establish and maintain a formal style. f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

2. ELAcc8W2 - Informative/Explanatory WRITING What are the purposes? What does the writer include in it? How is it structured? What is it? Where can it be found? What are the types?

3. Natural disasters occur all over the planet. They are disturbances, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and blizzards, that are created in nature that cause fatal damage to man and animals. One such disaster is the Tsumani- a series of giant waves. Tsunamis are created by undersea disturbances, such as earthquakes or giant landslides. As the waves travel away from the point of the undersea disturbance, they grow taller and gain higher speeds. However, tsunami waves do not look like normal waves that curl and crash against the beach. Instead, they look like a moving wall of water. In order to understand tsunamis, it is important to understand how Earth is formed. Tectonic plates, or giant pieces of Earth’s crust, sometimes push against each other. At times this motion can be subtle; other times it can be violent. An earthquake is caused when two plates push and pull against each other and suddenly release a tremendous amount of energy. It is impossible to stop a tsunami. However, early warning systems and accurate weather forecasting equipment can warn people of the danger. Special buoys floating in the ocean record waves and send information to scientists on land. These scientists can then warn people to get away from the shore and head to higher ground. Sometimes an early warning can save thousands of lives from the deadly force of a tsunami. Tsunamis are enormous waves that are dangerous and unstoppable. Man’s power is no match for the force of a Tsunami. A Tsunami will kill and destroy man and his possessions.

4. INTRODUCTION • The INTRODUCTION (beginning) needs to present the topic and grab the attention of the audience. It needs to include the focus sentence for the entire essay (thesis statement). • A thesis STATEMENT IN THE INTRO. LETS THE READER KNOW WHAT THE WRITING WILL EXPLAIN.

5. THE BODY The BODY (middle) will be the bulk of the essay and it will contain all the important facts that you are covering. This is where the audience will get their questions answered. Remember to answer these questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how. The BODY must SHOW (not TELL) the reader the INFORMATION. INCLUDE Precise Language (VIVID VERB and SENSORY LANGUAGE) to make your writing JUICY AND EXCITING (not boring). INCLUDE definitions, related vocabulary, facts, quotes, examples and transitions to EXPLAIN YOUR TOPIC SMOOTHLY

6. THE CONCLUSION • The CONCLUSION the end where you will summarize the essay. It should spur the reader or listener to learn more about the topic. You will say something the reader will remember (BANG! BANG!)