PACED Paragraph Format

1. PACED Paragraph Format When you respond in writing to an assignment, there are a few important steps you should complete in order to develop well-constructed written responses.

2. P - Prewrite Begin brainstorming about your writing topic or assignment by sketching out a graphic organizer or map of what you think you want to write.

3. For instance…. Why are safety rules important during science labs? Provide three examples to support your answer. Science rules keep students and equipment safe.

4. Let’s Practice…. Writing Prompt: How would changing the time school starts benefit students? Use a web to organize your thoughts.

5. A - Answer • The “A” is the first line of your ACED paragraph. When you begin writing your A, you will need to keep the following in mind: • Credit the source (author and title) If they are not known, leave them out. • Flip the question into your answer. • Never tell why unless the question asks why; this means that you leave out the word because unless the question asks why. • Add, “it is clear that,” “it is evident that,” or “it is obvious that” after the introductory clause.

6. Take a Look…Prompt: What is the importance of knowing rules of grammar? • Part I Mention the Source and Author: • English teacher • Part II Restate the Question: • The importance of knowing the rules of grammar • Part III Provide an Answer: • Understanding the basics will result in better writing. • Put It Together… • According to ___________, the importance of knowing the rules of grammar is that understanding the basics will result in better writing.

7. For instance…. Why are safety rules important during science labs? Provide three examples to support your answer. According to Ms. Kuntz, safety rules are important during science labs to prevent injuries to students and damage to equipment.

8. Let’s Practice…. Writing Prompt: How would changing the time school starts benefit students? At this point, distribute “A” Practice handouts.

9. C - Cite Cite proof from the text to support your answer. It is best to quote the evidence word for word from the source. When doing so, be sure to punctuate and capitalize correctly.

10. C at Work • C—Cite an example to support your opinion. • Start with a transition word or phrase. • Cite a specific example from what you have learned. To begin, Mrs. Lizewski states, “Knowing basic comma and end mark rules will allow one to better express ideas to the reader.”

11. For instance…. Why are safety rules important during science labs? Provide three examples to support your answer. First, Ms. Kuntz noted, “Long hair should always be tied back.”

12. For instance…. Writing Prompt: How would changing the time school starts benefit students?

13. Thus….we have an “A”nswer statement and a “C”ite sentence. According to Ms. Kuntz, safety rules are important during science labs to prevent injuries to students and damage to equipment. First, Ms. Kuntz noted, “Long hair should always be tied back.”

14. E - Explain Explainhow the “proof” you cited supports your original answer. These are called “follow-up detail sentences.”

15. E at Work • E—Explain how your cited evidence supports the opinion you stated in your original answer. Write as many concise sentences as it takes. The reader has a developed understanding of language mechanics, so by using correct punctuation the writer will provide the reader with directions that will assist in comprehension of the expressed ideas. Intended pauses resulting from correct placement of commas add clarity about the subject.

16. For instance…. Why are safety rules important during science labs? Provide three examples to support your answer. Long hair should be tied back during experiments because untied hair can be accidentally dragged through the chemicals being used. This could result in damage to the hair.

17. An “A”nswer, “C”ite, and “E”xplain together… According to Ms. Kuntz, safety rules are important during science labs to prevent injuries to students and damage to equipment.First, Ms. Kuntz noted, “Long hair should always be tied back.” Long hair should be tied back during experiments because untied hair can be accidentally dragged through the chemicals being used. This could result in damage to the hair.