Writing Paragraphs Week 2
Today’s Agenda Reminders Unit 2 The Importance of Brainstorming Unit 3 The Topic Sentence
Reminders Class website with PDF copy of textbook. academicparagraphs.wordpress.com Get photocopy of textbook at Greenhouse Bookshop Bring paper and pen/pencil EVERYDAY!
Brainstorming What is brainstorming?
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
Why Brainstorm? Generate ideas See which ideas are strong or weak See if you have a lot to say about the subject Help organize the ideas you have visually See what you know and what you need more info about Have something to guide you WHILE you write
Brainstorming
Types of Brainstorming Web/Map List Outline
Brainstorm: WEB
Brainstorm: LIST
Brainstorm: Outline Topic (partial) Example: BAD BEHAVIORS IN SOCIETY I. On the road A. Road rage 1. Obscene gestures 2. Screaming 3. Retribution (despite intention) B. Not yielding C. Distracted 1. Cell phone a. Talking b. Texting 2. Talking to others II. Movies A. Loud Kids B. Comments during movie C. Cell phones 1. Light a. texting b. checking 2. Go off during movie
You Try It
Brainstorming
Brainstorming CLOTHING AND FASHION
Brainstorming Directions: Brainstorm as many ideas as you can about the topic: CLOTHING AND FASHION
Brainstorming: TRANSPORTATION
Brainstorming: SOMETHING VALUABLE
TOPIC SENTENCES
Topic Sentences
Topic Sentences
Topic Sentences
Features of Good Topic Sentences Controls or guides the whole paragraph Not a general fact that everyone accepts as true Ex. Libraries have books.
Features of Topic Sentences A good topic sentence is specific Ex: Tea is delicious. Vs. Green tea has many health benefits. However a good TS is not TOO specific Ex: This dictionary contains 42,000 words.
Features of Topic Sentences A good topic sentences has controlling ideas which are words or phrases that help guide the organization of the paragraph. The reader knows what the writer is going to discuss because of controlling ideas!
Some Examples The best season for kids is winter.
Examples Soccer is popular for many reasons.
Soccer is popular for many reasons. It is good exercise. You can play almost anywhere. It is not specific to any one culture or country. You build good team work. It is a good past time to watch. Fans can sometimes cause problems. Racism is a serious issue in soccer.
Topic Sentences People from many cultures live in Los Angeles. The reader expects the writer to talk about the types of different cultures or groups who live in Los Angeles.
Topic Sentences
Topic Sentences Pg. 48 in textbook
Topic Sentences
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
More Topic Sentence Practice
Ways of Improving Topic Sentences Certain phrases help FOCUS a Controlling Idea: ‘for a number of reasons’ ‘for three main reasons’ (Or the number of reasons you have) ‘in the following ways’ Make it more specific: Tennis is an enjoyable sport for both young and older people. Now show WHY with reasons for young people and older people.
Create the Topic Sentence
Create the Topic Sentence
Language Practice
She really does not. Begins arrives has are do
Homework
Homework