mrsclementsclassroom.files.wordpress.com · Web viewEssay Organization. A good essay is like an ice cream cone: the more scoops the better! Imagine that every scoop of ice cream

Language Arts 7 Mrs. Clement

Essay Writing Workshop

Essays are like…

Watch the following commercial. Take notes as you watch. What is the product in the commercial? What are the selling points? How many times is the product

mentioned?

Product: ___________________________________

Selling points:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What you will learn how to:

Organize an essay Transition between paragraphs Provide evidence for your ideas Proofread your essay Write 6 types of amazing essays

Why are essays important?

- Writing a well-organized essay is the perfect way to practice giving an excellent speech, a convincing debate or even convincing your parents what to get your for Christmas!

- Whether you want to be an engineer, a veterinarian, a doctor, a pilot, a dancer or an actress, essay writing skills can help you win grants (money for projects), explain complex ideas, introduce you to clients, solve problems, work out difficult situations and convince others of your ideas.

- If you write well, you will speak well, If you speak well, you will think well.

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Number of times mentioned:

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Essay Tool Kit

Organization …………………………… 4

Paragraph Structure …………………………… 6

Topic Sentences……………………………

Evidence……………………………

Transitions ……………………………

Conclusion ……………………………

Proofreading ……………………………Essay Organization

A good essay is like an ice cream cone: the more scoops the better! Imagine that every scoop of ice cream you put on your cone is an idea in your essay. Use the ice cream scoops below as an organization tool for your essay. Write an idea in each scoop (for example: on the topic of candy, I would write chocolate in one scoop, gum in another, and sour

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candy in the third scoop). Save one scoop for your topic. Save the cone for your conclusion.

Your topic: ____________________________________

Tip: it can be helpful to think of essay organization like a science experiment.

Think: What is the purpose of this essay? What is my hypothesis? What evidence do I have to support my

hypothesis?

Now I will tell people whether I was right about my hypothesis

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Paragraph Structure

Paragraphs are the most important part of an essay. Imagine eating an ice cream cone and one of the scoops falls off- the whole ice cream cone will be lost without it. Each paragraphs need to connect to all the other “scoops”; they need to stick together with transition sentences and similar ideas.

There are several ways to set up an essay: you can compare and contrast two ideas; present a “grocery list” of ideas in a sequential paragraph; demonstrate the cause and effect of a situation; and finally, you can use descriptive paragraphs to share an idea.

6 Types of Paragraphs:Enumerative:

- First, second, third- furthermore- also

Purpose of walls:A. Defense (… Hadrian’s wall)B. Protection (… pasture walls)C. Memorial (… Vietnam Memorial)D. Support (…house walls)

Cause-Effect Paragraph:- because of- therefore- as a result of

Destruction caused by earthquakeA. buildings rocked, some collapsedB. gas mains burst causing firesC. telephone poles fell cutting off

communicationD. highways buckled cutting off

support

Sequential:- order of events- directions- first, then, next- as, when, finally

Baking a cake:A. First mix the flour and sugarB. Then mix the egg and butterC. Combine the ingredientsD. Put in the ovenE. Bake for 30 min.

Compare-Contrast (Persuasive)

- different from- the same as- unlike- similar to

Bicycle racers and ski racersA. both physically fitB. planned race courseC. determined to succeedD. cold and wet conditions

Tip: it can be helpful to think of essay organization like a science experiment.

Think: What is the purpose of this essay? What is my hypothesis? What evidence do I have to support my

hypothesis?

Now I will tell people whether I was right about my hypothesis

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Descriptive:

How does something:- look- taste- feel- smell

The Statue of LibertyA. stands 305 feet tallB. torch in left handC. tablet dated July 4, 1776D. crown with seven spikes (7 continents

of the world)

Narrative:

- tells a story- uses specific details- characters, a setting, a

conflict, and a resolution- Time and place and person- sequential order of events and

chronology.

My grandfatherA. Has a button collection; Buttons

found all over the worldB. Each button tells a story; sample

storyC. Passing on the buttons to meD. What the buttons represent

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ESSAY #1: Enumerative

An enumerative essay provides several pieces of evidence for a topic. It helps convince people about something, or educates them in detail about a topic. This type of essay is an excellent for debate topics, showing that you know about a topic in great detail, or for highlighting all the amazing things you have learned in a particular subject (i.e. this is a great essay to use on exams).

Choose a topic that you know quite a bit about. Think about all the evidence you have to convince people that this topic is something you are an expert on.

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a enumerative essay.

An natural disaster that causes damage

An event that had unexpected outcomes

An experience that had negative consequences

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Outline

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Fill out a short outline using a topic of your choice. Write a short sentence each piece of your evidence.

Topic: _______________________

A ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

B ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

C ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for an enumerative essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

In this essay I will tell you all about ___________________[topic]. There are three things you should know about ____________________[topic]: _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], _______________ [third scoop].

Paragraph #1

Firstly, _________________________________________ [first scoop].

Evidence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Connect your scoop to the next scoop by reminding people what the topic is you are discussing: _________________________________________________________

Paragraph #2

Secondly, _________________________________________ [second scoop].

Evidence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #3

Thirdly, _________________________________________ [third scoop].

Evidence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Conclusion:

Today I told you all about ___________________[topic]. I think you will agree that _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], _______________ [third scoop] make _______________[topic] pretty awesome.

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ESSAY #2: Cause-Effect

Cause-effect essays help people understand the effect one situation has on another. For instance, if I forget to eat breakfast I am cranky, which means I might get upset at my friend, they might do poorly on their test and then the teacher will be upset. This is called the domino effect. Another way to think about cause-effect is to think about a natural disaster, such as an earthquake and to list the effect of the disaster on various parts of our lives.

Choose a topic that will illustrate the cause-effect relationship. It may help to choose a natural disaster, or a “domino-effect” event.

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a cause-effect essay

An natural disaster that causes damage

An event that had unexpected outcomes

An experience that had negative consequences

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Caus

e

Effect

Effect

Effect

Effect

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OutlineFill out a short outline using a topic of your choice. Write a short sentence each piece of your evidence.

Topic: _______________________

A ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

B ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

C ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for a cause-effect essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

In this essay I will tell you all about ___________________[topic]. There are three things you should know about ____________________[topic]: _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], _______________ [third scoop].

Paragraph #1

Firstly, _________________________________________ [first scoop].

Effect: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #2

Secondly, _________________________________________ [second scoop].

Effect: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #3

Thirdly, _________________________________________ [third scoop].

Effect: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Conclusion:

Today I told you about _________________[first effect], _______________ [second effect], _______________ [third effect], but there are many more reasons make ________________________[topic] is _________________ [adjective].

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ESSAY #3: Sequential

Sequential essays are helpful when explaining the steps it takes to perform an activity. Whether you are riding, running, baking, sewing, drawing, this “list” of directions helps people to perform an activity just as you would recommend it being done.

The most importance steps of sequential essays are clear instructions, an organized order of events, and a reason it is done the way you suggest.

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a sequential essay

How to bake a cake

How to make write a book

How to learn a sport

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Outline

First

Next

Then

Lastly

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Write a short essay that explains how to do something. Choose something you are good at. Brainstorm the sequence of events needed to perform this particular activity. Fill in the blanks below for your essay outline.

Topic: _______________________

A ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

B ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

C ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for a sequential essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

There are ____ [number] basic steps needed to _________________ [topic]: _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], _______________ [third scoop] and _______________. Follow these steps for a successful ________________, every time.

Paragraph #1

The first step to ___________________________[topic] is to _________________________________________ [first scoop].

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #2

The next step, __________________ [second scoop] is quite simple.

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #3

As you complete this next step, _______________________ [third scoop], remember to ____________________.

Explanation: _________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Conclusion:

Making a ________________________[topic] is as easy as 1, 2, 3 when you follow these simple steps: _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], _______________ [third scoop]. Enjoy!

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ESSAY #4: Compare-Contrast

Compare-Contrast Essays are a great way to show the similarities and differences between two things. The goal of this type of essay is to build a bridge between the two things, not simply to show how they are different. Imagine two puzzle pieces that don’t fit together properly. Your job as the writer is to help the pieces fit together.

Think of two things that are similar but different (fruit, animals, sports, countries). The topic sentence (the middle puzzle piece) for the paragraph will tell readers how they are similar, but the evidence in the paragraph will show how they are different.

REMEMBER: It is not always necessary to agree with one side or the other. Sometimes you are simply a middle piece connecting two different sides.

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a compare-contrast essay

Cinderella and Snow White are similar stories; however, one is about hard work, and the other is about running away from your problems

French is more difficult than Spanish because it has more rules.

While cats are cute, dogs are smart.

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Similarity 1

Similarity 2

Similarity 3

Difference in A

Difference in B

Difference in A

Difference in A

Difference in B

Difference in B

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Outline

Fill out a short outline using a topic of your choice. Write a short topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph to show what is similar, and

one point for differences.

Topic: _______________________First Similarity ____________________________________Differences topic A ________________________________

______________________________________Differences topic B _________________________________

______________________________________

Second Similarity: _________________________________Differences topic A ________________________________


______________________________________

Third Similarity: ___________________________________Differences topic A ________________________________


______________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for a compare-contrast essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

___________________[topic A] and ___________________[topic B] have many similarities, but the three most significant ones are: ______________________________________, ______________________________ and _________________________.

Paragraph #1

___________________[topic A] and ___________________[topic B] are similar in that they both ______________________________________ [similarity]. [topic A similarity in more detail] _____________________________________________________________________________________________One major difference is that {difference for topic A] ________________________________________________________________________________________________________while in [topic b] ____________________ ___________________________________________________________

While there are some differences between them, _________[topic A] and ____________ [topic B] both ____________________________________

Paragraph #2

Similarly, ___________________[topic A] and ___________________[topic B] are both have _______________________ [second similarity]. [topic A similarity in more detail] _____________________________________________________________________________________________One major difference is that {difference for topic A] ________________________________________________________________________________________________________while in [topic b] ____________________ ___________________________________________________________

Both _________[topic A] and ____________ [topic B] have ____________________________________ [similarity], even if they do not ______________________________{major difference]

Paragraph #3

Another remarkable similarity is that ___________________[topic A] and ___________________[topic B] both have _______________________ [third similarity]. [topic A similarity in more detail] __________________________________

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___________________________________________________________One major difference is that {difference for topic A] ________________________________________________________________________________________________________while in [topic b] ____________________ ___________________________________________________________This is the third reason they are more similar than different.

Conclusion:

_________________ [topic A], _______________ [Topic B] are similar in that they: _______________________[similarity 1]. ___________________[similarity 2]. ____________________[similarity 3]. However, they key differences between them _____________, ___________ and _________________ make them unique and ____________ [adjective] _______________________________[topic].

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ESSAY #5: Descriptive

Descriptive essays are used to create a detailed summary about a specific topic. This is a factual essay that describes how something looks, tastes, feels, sounds like.

The most importance tip for descriptive essays is to research the most important facts about a topic. Ask yourself: what would people want to know about this subject?

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a descriptive essay

The most memorable birthday I ever had was scary, noisy and fun.

The field trip was exciting because of the sights, sounds and interesting information.

An experience people always want to have is going to a concert.

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sight

sight

sound

taste

feel

smell

sound

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OutlineWrite a short essay that provides at least three facts about a topic. Brainstorm the significant information on a particular. Fill in the blanks below for your essay outline.

Topic: _______________________

A ________________________________________________________________________________________

B ________________________________________________________________________________________

C ________________________________________________________________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for an descriptive essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

There are many incredible ____________ [noun] about __________________[topic], but the three most incredible are: ____________________________[first fact], ____________________ [second fact], and ____________________________ [third fact]

Paragraph #1___________________________[fact one] is one of the most fascinating

parts about _______________ [topic]

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #2Additionally, _____________________ [second fact]

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #3

Most importantly, _______________________ [third fact].Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Conclusion:While there are many amazing facts about

________________________[topic] I have shared with you the most fascinating ones: _________________[first fact], _______________ [second fact], _______________ [third fact]. I hope that this essay interested you in ________________ [topic] and that you enjoyed learning about it as much as I did.

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ESSAY #6: Narrative

Narrative essays are used to create a detailed summary about a specific topic. This type of essay is specific and tells a story about an event or a person.

The most importance tip for narrative essays is to summarize the time, place, conflict, and sequential events about a topic. It is usually helpful to sequence events in chronological order. Write about what lessons were learned in this event: “The moral is… don’t eat cheeseburgers on a first date.”

Brainstorm some interesting topics you could use for a narrative essay

An event that is a part of your experience.

An event that could have occurred in the life of someone close.

An experience that occurred in the near past or which is currently ongoing.

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Write a short essay that provides at least three facts about a topic. Brainstorm the significant information on a particular. Fill in the blanks below for your essay outline.

Topic: _______________________

A ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

B ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

C ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

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Fill in the blanks below to create the outline for an descriptive essay. Write 3-4 short sentences that explain what you will be talking about in more detail.

The __________________[topic] was an incredible [noun]: _________________[first scoop], _______________ [second scoop], and _______________ [third scoop]

Paragraph #1

___________________________[fact one] is one of the most fascinating things about _______________ [topic]

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #2

______________________________________ [second fact]

Explanation: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Paragraph #3

___________________________________________ [third fact].

Explanation: _________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Conclusion:

While there are many amazing facts about ________________________[topic] I have shared with you the most fascinating ones: _________________[first fact], _______________ [second fact], _______________ [third fact]. I hope that this essay interested you in ________________ [topic] and that you enjoyed learning about it as much as I did.

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Topic sentences

Topic sentences signal to the reader what they are about to learn about. They are like chapter titles in a book, or song titles on music. A clear, concise topic sentence will get the reader excited about what they are learning about.

Example topic sentences:TOPIC: things teens do for fun

There are lots of things that teens like to do for fun, but here are the top three.

What are some things that teens like to do for fun? Going to the mall, hanging out with friends, and playing video

game are several things teens like to do for fun.

Write three topic sentence for each of the following ideas:

1. Amazing idea for a Christmas presents:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The best places to eat out.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Three tools for topic sentences:

Write a statement about the topic Ask a question about the topic Give a juicy detail abut the topic

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Write about your favourite time of year.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After Although As As if As long as As soon as Because Before Even

Even if Even though If In order that In order to Since So that Though Unless

Until When Whenever Where Wherever Whether While

Evidence

Supporting sentences clarify the topic sentence of a paragraph. They help answer the question “so what?” This is the most important part of each paragraph. If you didn’t have the evidence, it would be like eating an ice cream cone made from ice shavings: cold, but not delicious.

Evidence can be expressed in several ways:

A …it can give general information:

Several things happened on the first day Kitten are the softest pet you can own.

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of school. Jane missed the bus, Joey forgot his notebook and Alex went tot eh wrong homeroom.

Kittens are soft because their fur is always kept clean because cats love to lick themselves. This is what makes them so adorably soft and lovable.

Monkeys are one of the most intelligent animals. Scientists have studied the brains and behavior of many animals and have come to realize that monkeys display more intelligent thoughts and behaviors than other animals.

Herbivores are healthier than omnivores because they eat producers, plants that can be found at the bottom of the food chain.

B …it can provide examples:

Over time, birds’ beaks have adapted to the way they find food. For example, the each has a hooked beak to catch fish….

Walls and fences are often built to keep people out or to keep people in. In East Germany, the Berlin wall was built to prevent people from leaving the country. On the other hand, The Great Wall of china was built to keep invaders out.

Hercules, a very popular Greek Hero, was incredibly brave. He destroyed the Nimean line, and vicious flesh eating cranes. He also destroyed the three-headed dog, Cerberus.

Herbivores are healthier than omnivores because they eat do not eat food that stores fat, such as fish, cows and chickens.

C …it can tell a story:

The behavior of chickadees is always interesting to watch. The dominant bird always feeds first, while the other birds wait their turns .The birds have acrobatic abilities that make it possible to feed upside-down.

Walls and fences are often built to keep people out or to keep people in. In East Germany, the Berlin wall was built to prevent people from leaving the country. On the other hand, The Great Wall of china was built to keep invaders out.

Rosa Park’s brave action helped to end bus segregation laws in the United States. One day in 1955 Rosa Parks refused to go to the back of the bus…

Herbivores are healthier than omnivores. If you take Olivia, for instance, she is always bubbling with energy. One time she jumped into a puddle just for the fun of it.

D …it can show a sequence of events:

The lobster industry in Main has changed

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Humpback whales are among the most magnificent creatures of the sea. These mammals are 45 feet in length. Their take is 12 feet wide. The 30 grooves in their throat allow them to open wide and eat a ton of fish.

dramatically over the last 100 years. In the old days the industry was done by hand. Over time, rowboats increased business. Today, motor boats cover a large amount of space in a short period of time.

Monday was particularly awful. In the morning I forgot my lunch and missed the bus. As I walked to school it began to rain. The pop quiz In the last block of the day really sealed the deal. It was officially a horrible day.

Herbivores are healthier than omnivores because they eat producers rather than consumers. As food travels through the food chain, animals take in toxins through a process known as bioaccumulation. This means that several worms that eat contaminated dirt are eaten by a chicken, which is eaten by us. We have accumulated a large dose of toxins simply by eating contaminated chickens.

Which is your favourite way of presenting evidence? _________________________________________________________Why? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Transitions

Transitions serve as a bridge between ideas. They provide connections between words, sentences, and paragraphs. There are many examples of transitions in your textbook. Also, notice how professional writers use them to improve their style and to add emphasis. Below are a few examples of transitions (some of these words/phrases could be placed in more than one category). Add to these lists as you think of other transitions.

To give examples:

for example, for instance, to illustrate, in particular, specifically, to be specific, as proof

To add information:and, and then, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, too, plus, additionally, again, another

To indicate time:at the same time, now, nowadays, up to now, presently, at present, today, so far, from then on, until then, in the past, in the future, formerly, later, later on, next, tomorrow, before, initially, meanwhile, to begin with, thus far, then, after, afterwards, earlier, at the outset, immediately, soon, in a few (minutes, hours, days, etc.), gradually, previously, first/second/third, etc.

To compare:similarly, likewise, just like, just as, in the same way, in comparison

To contrast or concede a point:otherwise, in contrast, on the other hand, instead, still, whereas, despite this, but, however, just the same, nevertheless, on the

To give examplesTo add informationTo indicate timeTo compareTo contrast or concede a pointTo sum up, restate, clarify, or show cause and effectTo emphasize

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contrary, in spite of, yet, granted that, even though, although, though

To sum up, restate, clarify, or show cause and effect:in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, in summary, to summarize, in brief, truly, in other words, thus, so, hence, accordingly, clearly, in short, consequently, therefore, for that reason, obviously, as a consequence, that is, in effect, put simply, stated briefly, of course, in a way, last of all, finally, because, since, as a result, in closing, to reiterate, to repeat, as has been stated

To emphasize:foremost, most important, especially, indeed, in fact, truly, surely, certainly, as a matter of fact, above all, without a doubt, most of all, to emphasize

Directions: Circle the best transitions from the choices in parentheses. Be prepared to explain your answers. Pay attention to punctuation in addition to meaning. For added practice, substitute other possible transitions in the sentences below.

1. I would like to see you tomorrow, (so/ however/ again) let’s have lunch together.

2. My sister loves to eat, (finally/ moreover/ but) I don’t care much about food.

3. That restaurant is awful. Yesterday, (and/ for example/ however), I found a bug in my soup.

4. She felt exhausted; (therefore/ nevertheless/ whereas), she took a nap.

5. He expected to do well on the test, (and then/ in brief/ for) he had studied diligently.

6. John eats five big meals a day; (as a result/ despite this/ hence), he never gains weight.

7. Josephine ate too fast. (Consequently/ Likewise/ In contrast), she had indigestion.

8. I was watching the game; (furthermore/ meanwhile/ first), the soup boiled over.

9. The music’s too loud. (Besides/ In fact/ Although), it’s making the

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windows rattle.

10. This morning, I will be in Dayton. (In effect/ Above all/ Later), I will be in Xenia.

11. I like to read; unfortunately, (so/ soon/ though), I hardly have any time to read for fun.

12. Before I wrote the research paper, I read five books; (in addition/ on the contrary/ yet), I scanned seven magazine articles and interviewed two experts on the topic.

NOTE: In addition to words, sentences can act as transitions. These transitional sentences can also occur in the beginning, middle and/or end of a paragraph. If one body paragraph is, for example, about the writer’s experience with overspending on trendy clothes and the next body paragraph is about overspending on credit cards, there might be a transitional sentence at the beginning of the second paragraph. It might read like this, “Not only were my financial problems caused by buying trendy clothes, but also I got into trouble using credit cards.” The first part of the sentence sums up the previous paragraph, and the second part of the sentence points forward to the content of the next paragraph. Thus, the sentence is a bridge between ideas—it is a transition. Using transitional words, phrases and sentences strengthens the organization of all writing.

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Conclusion

The Conclusion serves two purposes: a) It signals the end; b)It gives the reader something to remember. The conclusion need not be long; three to four well-worded sentences should do the job. It may look backward or forward: Looking backward it returns to the Introduction, restating the Thesis and summarizing the points. Looking forward it forecasts the future or discusses implications, restating the Thesis, summarizing the points and tying them together with the prediction.

Never start your Conclusion with the unnecessary and annoying“In summary....” Or “In conclusion....” etc.

Conclusion Words - Sometimes “conclusion” words like these will help you write the conclusion of an essay. Most of the time, using the word or phrase in the middle of a sentence is better than making it the first word of the conclusion.

in fact in conclusion for these reasons as a result of in effectaltogether

indeed surely clearlyto sum upoverall trulyall in all

due to obviously definitely ultimately thus in effect consequently

Four Strategies for Writing a Conclusion - To help you focus the conclusion, try one of these strategies. Each essay is different. Sometimes it is best to summarize the key points of the paper. At

other times you will want to push your reader to take action. You might just want your readers to think about an issue, or you may want to use the last paragraph of the paper to make another attempt to convince the reader of your thesis.

A. Summarize information - Obviously, buying U.S. savings bonds to save for college expenses is a good idea. They don’t cost a lot of money. They are secured by our own government. In fact, they are guaranteed to grow, and they are a tax advantage as well as an investment in your child’s future.

B. Provide food for thought - To sum up, it is important to buy, install, and maintain proper equipment to prevent a home fire. Train your family by developing a plan in case of a fire: discuss and practice the plan. Take all necessary precautions to prevent a fire in your home, and you will go a long way toward protecting your loved ones and home.

Hint #1

Hint #2

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C. Encourage action - Ask your employer about saving for college with U.S. savings bonds. Write: U.S. Savings Bonds for Education, Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20226, or call 1-800-4USBond. This certainly could be the first important step in planning for the future.

D. Convince the reader - The point is, write. A letter or card is truly a unique gift - a piece of yourself. And if kids come home from school talking about pen pals or writing to a senator or editor, you’ll know they’re participating in National Card and Letter Writing Week. Encourage them because they’re learning about the value of the written word.

Try Repetition/ Try Repetition/ Try Repetition

Repeating a word or phrase might help you emphasize your thesis. Example: Reading the classics, reading news magazines, and

reading textbooks will definitely improve your vocabulary.

Try using sentence fragments and repeating words. It is okay to use sentence fragments in your writing if you use them for emphasis. A fragment is a phrase - a group of words that go together but are not a complete thought. Example: Water down the drain as we brush our teeth. Water from improperly placed lawn sprinklers. Water used to wash driveways. To save this precious resource, everyone must acknowledge the waste and take time to turn off the faucets.

! ! ! Get Emotional ! ! !

Always make sure the emotion is appropriate to your topic and to the assignment. Example: Young children should not suffer. Infants like Stephanie cannot call for help. They need you and they need

me. If we recognize neglect, we must speak up!Use a Quotation (www.quoteland.com or

www.brainyquote.com)

Example: In 1961, President John F. Kennedy encouraged all Americans to “ask what you can do for your country.”

Those involved in Habitat for Humanity asked and found a wonderful answer. Habitat volunteers, like those described in this

report, work year round to improve the lives of their fellow Americans.

Use an Anecdote (a brief story)

Hint #3

Hint #4

Hint #5

Hint #6

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http://www.brainyquote.com/

http://www.quoteland.com/


Example: My mother is 78. She recently needed knee surgery. The operation lasted 90 minutes, but the recovery included a ten day stay at the rehab clinic. The nurses took great care of my mom, but I know that her charming personality helped. She thanked the nurses for their efforts, she complimented them when they finished a task, she tried to follow their orders, and she smiled even when the therapy became a challenge. Her positive attitude encouraged all of the nurses to give her great service. Those who complain about poor service might want to try my mother’s strategy - charm and manipulate.

+++ End on a Positive Note +++

Gloom and doom usually don’t work. Readers like to know that a solution is possible. Leave them with a sense of hope.

Example: Many smokers struggle to quit smoking; however, they have doctors, pharmacists, and friends to support and encourage them. (Not - Stop smoking; it will kill you).

Imitate the Professionals

Reading and watching what professional writers do with conclusions to their articles, columns, and editorials is a good way to get ideas for concluding your paragraphs, essays, or reports.

Hint #8

Hint #7

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Proofreading

This last step will make all the difference with your final mark. Many students increase their mark an entire grade simply by creating 2, 3 and even 4 drafts. Each draft polishes your words and clarifies your ideas.

Proofreading takes several forms: looking for grammar mistakes looking for incorrect spelling creating more concise wording finding better evidence

Kittens

Kittens are the most incredible pet

in the whole world There are three

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reasons why you should own one are: they are ___________, ___________ and ______________.

Kittens are _____________. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kittens are _____________. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kittens are _____________. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I think you will agree that kittens are the best pet in the whole wide world. They are ____________, ___________ and ___________, like no other pet can be.

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Works Cited

Funk, Robert, Elizabeth McMahan, and Brian Way. “Composing Effective Paragraphs.” Print Preview: A Guide to Academic Writing Success. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada Inc., 2005. 40-56.

Green, Brian, and Sarah Norton. “Writing Introductions and Conclusions.” Essay Essentials with Readings. 3rd ed. Scarborough: Thompson Nelson, 2003. 97-108.

Scarry, John, Sandra Scarry, and Clifford Werier. “Understanding Essay Form.” The Essay Workplace. Scarborough: Thompson Nelson, 2002. 19-36.

Auman, Maureen Step Up to Writing by http://www.sopriswest.com

Lye, Matthew. Student Tutor © Laurier Writing Centre, www.wlu.ca/writing

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http://www.sopriswest.com/

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