Paragraphs and Persuasive Writing The Tools for Successful Writing

Science Mini Lesson With a partner draw and label the parts of a tree. Share with the class. Teacher will draw and label a tree with the class. What is important about each part? How does each part contribute to the wellness of the tree?

Connect to Content How do the parts of a tree relate to developing a good paragraph? With your partner, predict the connection to a good paragraph. Let’s Share!

Branches/Limbs = Supporting sentences and details The Paragraph Tree Leaves = Concluding Sentence Branches/Limbs = Supporting sentences and details You must have at least 3 branches/limbs! Trunk = Thesis statement/ Topic Sentence Roots = Topic/Main Idea

The Paragraph Tree Graphic Organizer A good paragraph has at least 5 sentences. A good essay/ research paper has at least 5 paragraphs. (“5” IS THE MAGIC NUMBER!) Roots=Provides a good foundation to build on (Topic or Idea) Trunk=Supports the rest of the tree (Thesis Sentence/Topic Sentence) Branches (At least 3)=Fills the tree out and gives it body (Supporting Sentences/Details) Leaves=Finishing touch for the tree (Concluding Sentence)

Another Example: The Hamburger Model

The Topic Sentence (Top Bun) Very first sentence of your paragraph. Always needs to be indented. Tells what your paragraph is going to be about. There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach.

The First Detail (Lettuce) There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach. Should not be the most important detail. Needs to follow directly after the topic sentence. Needs to be full of good “lettucy” details!

The Second Detail (Tomato) There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach. Still should not be the most important detail. Needs to follow directly after the lettuce sentence. Needs to be full of more “juicy” details!

The Third Detail (Cheese) There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach. Still not be the most important detail. Needs to start differently than other sentences. Needs to be full of good “cheesy” details!

The Last Detail (Meat) There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach. Finally!! The most important detail. Save the best for last! Should start differently than most of the other sentences. Needs to be full of good “meaty” details!

The Closing Sentence (Bottom Bun) Should look a lot like the thesis statement or topic sentence. Needs to summarize the topic. Needs to be an obvious end to the paragraph. There are many reasons that I love to teach. First of all, I love to teach because I love being at school. Another reason I love teaching is that the days go by quickly. A third reason I love to teach is because I love seeing a student understand something new. Finally, I love to teach because I love to be around kids. These are just a few reasons I love to teach.

(End of Day 1 Lesson-Writing a Paragraph) Design your own model Using a sheet of plain white copy paper, design your own graphic organizer for writing a good paragraph. Be sure to label all the parts and explain how they represent the following parts of a paragraph: Topic or Idea Thesis statement/Topic sentence Supporting sentences and/or details (at least 3) Concluding sentence You model MUST have COLOR! This is due next class! (End of Day 1 Lesson-Writing a Paragraph)

Interactive Notebook-Pg. 18-What do you think about cows Interactive Notebook-Pg. 18-What do you think about cows? Write a good persuasive paragraph that states your position about cows. Can you convince me to think the way you do?

Cows for everyone! Everyone should have a cow of their own at home! First, a cow can be a gentle, loving pet. Next, a cow can give you milk and dairy products. Finally, a cow can give you beef to feed the family. Get up and go to your local sale barn to purchase your cow. Everyone should be the proud owner of a cow!

Your turn! On your own paper, use a graphic organizer of your choice to brainstorm your response to the following prompt: Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence.

As you write your letter, be sure to: Be sure to include convincing reasons and details to support your position. As you write your letter, be sure to: 1) Make sure it has a beginning, middle and ending. 2) Capture your reader’s attention. 3) State your position. 4) Include details and relevant evidence. 5) Use transition words to tie your ideas together. 6) Restate your position in the ending. 7) Make a call to action! 8) Write a strong final sentence.

Respond to the following writing prompt: Ticket out the door! Respond to the following writing prompt: Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence.