Paragraph Writing

Paragraph Writing Explanatory and Argumentative

Remember, a paragraph should look like a hamburger: Introduction/ Claim Supporting Details Conclusion

*A WELL-CONSTRUCTED PARAGRAPH* • Use at least 5 complete sentences! • Indent! • THINK before you write! • Your BEST formal writing—no slang! • Each sentence should support the main topic of that paragraph. • Avoid “garbage lines.” • Write neatly !

What is a “completesentence”? • It must have a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb). • It must be a whole thought (an independent clause). NOT–- John, my brother, a professional soccer player.(No verb!) *John, my brother, is a professional soccer player. NOT— Staying up late all night watching movies. (No subject!) *My family was staying up late all night watching movies. NOT— The one in the middle.(Huh? What about it?!) Because I can’t climb it.(Huh? What was the question?)

What is slang? IDK. Maybe my BFF knows. Cause she is totes smart, yeah, totes ma’goats. So, yeah… Kinda, dude. Cuz like that would be way cool.

What are “garbage lines”?They are sentences that just fill up space; they don’t say or add anything significant.For example: • I am going to write about the subject of poverty. • Well, this story has some very interesting themes. • Many people have many different feelings about this topic.

LET’S TRY IT TOGETHER! Look at the worksheet entitled Space Facts. Read the directions in the left column carefully. Then read the information given, about writing the Explanatory Paragraph.

What are the differences between comets, meteors, and meteorites?

Topic Sentence

3 ways that they are different. (3 to 6 sentences)

Transition words used in the sentences. • A main difference… • Another way they are different…. • A third Difference…

Concluding sentence…. • (Remember the Hamburger Idea…)

Everyone write this down: • (Indent)Comets, meteors and asteroids vary in a lot of ways.

A main difference is in their sizes.

Comets and asteroids are both small solar system bodies, and meteors are small rocks or particles of debris in the Earth’s solar system.

A second difference is in their compositions.

Comets and meteors both have a visible, fuzzy outline, or tail, and an asteroid does not have this characteristic.

A third difference is where they are located.

Comets and asteroids both orbit the Sun, and meteors exist in our solar system.

Concluding sentence: • Many people think that comets, meteors and asteroids are mostly the same, but there are quite a few differences.

Introduction/ Claim Supporting Details with transitions Conclusion

YOUR TURN! An Explanatory Paragraph: How Are Snowflakes Formed

PROBLEM!!!!!!!! • Your TOPIC SENTENCES told more than introducing the topic!!!!!

How are snowflakes formed? • TOPIC SENTENCE SHOULD ONLY STATE YOUR TOPIC, NOT PART OF THE PROCESS!!! • An interesting scientific process is the formation of snowflakes. • The subject of how snowflakes are formed is quite a unique procedure. • Snowflakes form in a step-by-step process.

The snowflake paragraph was an EXPLANATORY paragraph. Now we need to shift to writing an ARGUMENTATIVE paragraph.

Argumentative Paragraphs • The first sentence must contain aCLAIM (your opinion about the issue). • You MUST choose a side to argue. • Your claim must be supported byat least 3 sentences withEVIDENCE (facts, examples, real reasons why your opinion is right.) • The final sentences are a strong CONCLUSION, in which you revisit (restate) the claim, and leave the reader with a strong final thought on the topic.

LET’S TRY IT TOGETHER!

TEACHER EXAMPLE: (WRITE THIS DOWN in paragraph form) • The Magnetic Locker Organizer can be a helpful addition to your school supplies. (CLAIM).

Sentence #2: • First, this product has three shelves, which adjust for different sizes of books. • Reason #1 with a transition word

Sentence #3: • Another great feature is its adjustable width so that it fits in all lockers. • Reason #2 with a transtion…

Sentence #4: • Third, it also comes with magnets for hanging pictures and notes on the door, which utilizes the door space, as well. • Reason #3 with a transition

Sentences 5 and 6: • The Magnetic Attraction Locker Organizer will help you save time because things are easy to see and find. You’ll also be happier and feel more in-control because you are organized. • 2 Conclusion sentences which tell WHY this is helpful and beneficial.

Your Turn! An Argument Paragraph: The Perfect Meal

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE: • SENTENCE ONE: YOUR CLAIM • SENTENCES TWO through FOUR: REASONS with TRANSITIONS SENTENCES FIVE and SIX: Concluding sentences that tell WHY your claim is a good idea, beneficial, etc. Write an Argumentative paragraph from the information from the following slide:

The Argument ESSAY: Extending your 5-sentence Argument Paragraph into a 5-paragraph Argument Essay!

Argument __ Paragraph Essay_____ • The first paragraph must contain anattention-getting beginning andyourCLAIM (your opinion about the issue). • You MUST choose a side to • argue. • Your claim must be supported byat least 3 paragraphswithEVIDENCE (facts, examples, real reasons why your opinion is right). • In these 3 paragraphs you • should address the claim of the • opposing side. • The final paragraphis a strong CONCLUSION, in which you revisit (restate) the claim, and leave the reader with a strong final thought on the topic. • The first sentence must contain aCLAIM (your opinion about the issue). You MUST choose a side to argue. • Your claim must be supported byat least 3 sentences withEVIDENCE (facts, examples, real reasons why your opinion is right). • The final sentence is a strong CONCLUSION, in which you revisit (restate) the claim, and leave the reader with a strong final thought on the topic.

An Example of an Argumentative ESSAY: TITLE: School Daze

Hook Claim Reason 1 (with supporting info.) Is staying awake in history class a battle? Does math class, to you, equal heavy eyelids? If you’re often tired in class, you are not alone. Many people struggle with this. They also feel there is a reason for this sleepiness: classes in middle and high schools start too early and should consider a later start time. Only 15 percent of American adolescents get all the sleep they need. This is about nine hours a night, according to a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Lack of sleep can affect concentration, moods, health, safety, and grades. If school started just an hour or two later each day, teens would get the sleep their bodies require. Their concentration abilities, grades, and overall health will all subsequently improve. A teen's biological sleep cycle calls for going to sleep late and waking up late, studies show.If they are biologically programmed for this, schools should accommodate it! Some of their classes start as early as 7:00 A.M. That's just too early. Most adult jobs don't start until 9:00, so why should kids begin their own days so early? Studies have shown that giving a later school-start time can result in improved grades.To give students more snooze time, Meta High School in Meta, Minnesota, changed its start time from 7:30 to 8:00 in the morning. "Academic performance and attendance have improved," says Kyla Wahlstrom, a researcher who's studied the effects of the later start time. There are also fewer peer relationship problems, fewer fights with parents, and much less depression reported, she says. So even though some teachers may say that kids will just sleep in class no matter what time it starts, there is evidence that a later start time has definite benefits. About 40 other school districts in 18 states have delayed their start times over the past decade, the NSF reports. Another 100 are now considering it. Hopefully, all schools will soon get on board with the idea that they need to consider a later start time. Teens need that extra hour of sleep, and starting later would help them be more prepared to learn. Reason 2 (with supporting info.) Reason 3 (with supporting info.) Addressing Opposing Claim Claim Conclusion

YOUR TURN! An Argument Essay: What Do Athletes Owe Their Fans?

Paragraph Writing