Do Now  Why did you choose the news article that you chose? Was it because of the headline? Was it because of the subject matter? Was it because of the picture. Please tell me in your journal why you chose the newspaper article that you chose.

The Parts of the Paragraph  The Topic Sentence  Tells your readers what your paragraph is about.  The Body  Is the main part of the paragraph.  Where all of the information the reader needs to know about the subject is found.  Supports the topic sentence  The Closing “Clincher”  Sentence comes after all the details have been included in the body  This sentence can:  Remind the reader of the subject  Keep the reader thinking about it  Link the paragraph to the next one if this is part of a longer composition

The Topic Sentence  Formula for writing a good topic sentence  An interesting subject + a specific feeling or feature about the subject = an effective topic sentence  Examples:  The average cost of a Hollywood film (interesting subject) runs between $30 and $50 million. (specific feature)  My Uncle John (interesting subject) is normally a likable and friendly man, but when there is a group of people and one of those instant cameras around, he becomes a real pest. (specific feature)

Types of Paragraphs/Essays  Expository  Presents facts, gives directions, defines terms, and so on.  It should clearly inform readers about a specific subject.  Descriptive  Presents a single clear picture of a person, a place, a thing, or an idea.  It should contain plenty of sensory details.  Narrative  Tells a story  Should include details that answer the 5 W’s (Who? What? When? Where? and Why?) about the experience or event.  Persuasive  Expresses an opinion and tries to convince the reader that the opinion is valid.  Contains supporting points that help solidify your argument

 To share information with your reader  Inform, explain, examine, discuss, or interpret  What are some examples of expository writing?  Newspaper  Biography  Reports  Cook books  Etc. Purpose of Expository Writing

What is a thesis statement? – The thesis statement should identify the limited focus that you plan to address in your essay. – The point in which everything in the essay should relate Where is it located? – Typically at the end of the first paragraph Thesis statement formula – Specific topic + a limited focus = an effective thesis Forming a Thesis Statement

Types of Details to Include  Facts- specific statement that can be proven to be true. Cite sources of facts unless they are common knowledge.  Statistics- Factual statements that include a numerical value. Cite the source unless it is common knowledge.  Quotations- exact words of experts or authorities (must be in quotes and cited) We will talk more about this later

Types of Details to Include (continued)  Paraphrase- restate in your own words what someone else has said. The source of the paraphrase must be cited  Anecdotes- brief stories that make a point. Cite the source of the anecedote.

Selecting Main Points  After you have written your thesis statement, you need to decide what main points you want to use to support it.  Ask yourself over and over, does this detail support my thesis?

Your assignment  Secaucus Patriots News Article  You will play the role of reporter/ writer  Take a look at the assignment sheetWr