The keys to an effective paragraph:

The keys to an effective paragraph: Expository paragraphs need: • A topic sentence • Transitions • Good explanations and examples • A conclusion

Organization is the key. Topic sentences and thesis statements are the heart. Transitions are the glue. Examples, evidence, and explanations are the meat. Conclusions tie it all together. The Five Elements of Expository Writing

Is this an effective paragraph? Golf is a great sport to play. It’s fun to hit a golf ball around for nine to eighteen holes. However, to become good you need lots of practice and mental toughness. It’s also pretty expensive, and you need a lot of space. Practice is easy to come by, but we need toughness too. Personally, I need a lot of mental toughness. Golf can be really fun if you are playing well, but if you are playing badly, it can cause frustration.

DO NOW: If you are reading a newspaper or magazine, how do you decide what articles to read? Give examples. Write at least six sentences. First block: prepare for your vocabulary quiz. (opulent, penchant, etc)

Go! Write a topic sentence. Slow Down! Give a reason, detail, or fact. Use a transition. Stop! Explain. Give an example. Go Back! Remind the reader of your topic.

Topic Reason/Detail/Fact Reason/Detail/Fact Support Support Support Support Conclusion

Using Colors to Teach Organization • Topic Sentence: • Green means “go.” • Green asks the writer to decide —“What am I going to prove?”“What am I going to explain?”“What information will I share?”

Using Colors to Teach Organization Reasons/Details/Facts: • Yellow means “slow down.” • Introduce key concepts to support the topic sentence.

Using Colors to Teach Organization Support: • Red means “stop!” – support your position. • Present evidence. • Provide explanation and examples.

Using Colors to Teach Organization Conclusion: • Green means “go back to your topic.” • Restate the topic and the position. • Do not introduce new information. • Use synonyms and leave your reader with something to remember.

Cats protect themselves in two ways. First, they are able to get away quickly from their enemies. Cats are fast runners when in danger. Their ability to climb trees will help in the escape. Next, cats are excellent fighters. Cats’ sharp claws can cause serious pain and stop the attack. They can also use their teeth to bite their enemies when necessary. Clearly, cats can defend and take care of themselves.

Topic Cats protect themselves in two ways. Reason/Detail/Fact First, they are able to get away quickly from their enemies. Support Cats are fast runners when in danger. Support Their ability to climb trees will help in the escape.

Reason/Detail/Fact Next, cats are excellent fighters. Support Cats’ sharp claws can cause serious pain and stop the attack. Support They can also use their teeth to bite their enemies when necessary. Conclusion Clearly, cats can defend and take care of themselves.

Informal Outlines (T-Chart) Topic = Cats can protect themselves R/D/F (First) get away from enemies Support - run fast - climb trees (Next) excellent fighters - sharp claws - teeth Conclusion = defend, take care

Accordion Paragraphs Eight Sentence Paragraph: Topic Sentence • Reason/Detail/Fact • Support • Reason/Detail/Fact • Support • Reason/Detail/Fact • Support Conclusion

Twelve Sentence Paragraph: Topic Sentence Reason/Detail/Fact Support Reason/Detail/Fact Support Reason/Detail/Fact Support Support Reason/Detail/Fact Support Support Conclusion

Accordion Paragraphs Six Sentence Paragraph: Topic Sentence • Reason/Detail/Fact • Support • Reason/Detail/Fact • Support Conclusion

Step By Step Brainstorm: “Fun ways to spend $1 million”

Informal Outlines Topic = Fun ways to spend a million dollars R/D/F Shopping Support - new wardrobe, cars (First,) (Next,) Travel - Spain, the World Cup Conclusion = happy, excited, rich

Outline to Paragraph If I had a million, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it. First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

Outline to Paragraph If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it. First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores. A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.

Outline to Paragraph If I had a billion won, I would have a great time spending it. First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores. A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with. Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go.

Outline to Paragraph If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it. First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores. . A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with. Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go. Visiting Spain has always been a dream of mine, and I really want to go to this year’s World Cup.

Outline to Paragraph If I had a billion won, I would have a great time spending it. First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores. A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with. Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go. Visiting Spain has always been a dream of mine, and I really want to go to this year’s World Cup. Clearly, if I had a million, I’d know just what to do with it!

Fun Being Rich – a color-coded version If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it.First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go. Visiting Spain has always been a dream of mine, and I really want to go to this year’s World Cup.Clearly, if I had a million dollars, I’d know just what to do with it!

Showtime ! Color code this paragraph… If you want to make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, ensure that you have the best possible cooking utensils. Target sells premium quality knives and jar openers; they will help you in your preparation . Second, be wise with your choice of ingredients. Natural peanut butter is the same price as other kinds, but it is healthier and much more delicious. Jelly made from actual fruit is only slightly more expensive than the stuff made from corn syrup, but it makes your sandwich taste much better. Finally, be sure that you use a proper ratio of peanut butter to jelly. If you have too much jelly, your sandwich will be too sweet. Also, if have too much peanut butter, your sandwich will be too chewy. In conclusion, anybody can make an amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwich as long as they follow these simple steps.

Showtime! If you want to make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, there are a few things you need to know.First of all, ensure that you have the best possible cooking utensils. Target sells premium quality knives and jar openers; they will help you in your preparation . Second, be wise with your choice of ingredients. Natural peanut butter is the same price as other kinds, but it is healthier and much more delicious. Jelly made from actual fruit is only slightly more expensive than the stuff made from corn syrup, but it makes your sandwich taste much better.Finally, be sure that you use a proper ratio of peanut butter to jelly. If you have too much jelly, your sandwich will be too sweet. Also, if have too much peanut butter, your sandwich will be too chewy. In conclusion, anybody can make an amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwich as long as they follow these simple steps.

The keys to an effective paragraph: