Writing Parent Academy

Let’s talk Main Idea What is Main Idea? How were you taught to find the Main Idea in text?

Determine Main Idea Old view: The gray squirrel’s tail has many uses.

Main Idea is … Main Idea = the topic + the point Examples and details prove the point Topic Who or what the story is about Point The point being made about the topic

Determine Main Idea Deeper view: Topic (who/what) Gray squirrel’s tail Point (point about uses of tail) Used for protection from the rain Details to support Point: Used as umbrella Curls over head in rain Flicks tail to shake off raindrops Main Idea/Topic Sentence The gray squirrel’s tail is used for protection from the rain.

Let’s try together … Main Idea = Topic + Point Topic Point Details to support Point: Main Idea is… Topic-Beaver’s tail Points-swims, steers or goes fast; slaps water for danger; balance/walk Main Idea- The beaver’s tail has many uses (on both land and water).

One more … on your own Main Idea = Topic + Point Main Idea-Some animals stay together to provide protection to the group.

Writing Standards Intermediate Grades-Overview Prepared by Mrs. Besuden Updated: April 2017

Types of Writing Opinion Informative/Explanatory Narrative What do you think, based on what you read? LAFS.#.W.1.1 Informative/Explanatory Convey ideas and information to the reader LAFS.#.W.1.2 Narrative Create a story, either real or imagined LAFS.#.W.1.3

Opinion Your thoughts Introduce topic clearly Logical, ordered reasons State opinion Clear organizational Structure Logical, ordered reasons Link opinion to reasons Use transitions Concluding statement Restate opinion Opinion writing should reflect information presented in articles. Make sure to choose the opinion with the MOST support to avoid struggling finding ways to support your opinion. Remember, the writing is 50% evidence (comes from the articles) and 50% elaboration (your own words).

Informative / Explanatory Convey ideas and information Introduce topic clearly Provide general observation and focus Group related information Develop topic with facts Link ideas Using transitions Use precise language Domain specific language and vocabulary Provide a concluding statement Informative/Explanatory, formerly known as Expository, examines topics in detail and clearly conveys information and ideas.

Narrative Stories-real or imagined Orient reader by establishing a situation Introduce characters Use narrative techniques to develop experiences and events Dialogue Description Pacing Use transitions, concrete words, phrases, sensory details Provide a conclusion When writing a story based on text or continuing a story from text, reference the information in the articles. Keep with the theme, characters, and style similar. Provide a clear, logical transition from the articles to your story.

Text Based Writing Goal Length Voice Audience Rewrite what you just read Similar to completing a research paper Must include an introduction and conclusion Length Similar to the average of the articles read Voice Personality of writer comes through writing Audience Varied Determined by other articles

What Should My Plan Look Like? Plans take many shapes Use what works and makes sense Outlines are simple to use Similar to a “list” Organizes thoughts Sequential flow Based on experience, students don’t take time to plan. Stress planning, if nothing else just to jot ideas down. It does not need to be a formal plan.

What do I do first? Read the passage Then, read and decide what the task/prompt is asking Reread the passage and underline key ideas that might support your answer Plan your writing Write your answer

Summarize vs Paraphrase Prepared by Jane Besuden Updated April 2017 materials used from Core Connections training Paraphrasing is NOT plagiarism. Plagiarism is blatant copying of text without using quotes and referencing the author.

Summarize Use main ideas of someone else’s work in your own words Provides an overview of the topic Simplify the work Shorter than original work About 1/3 the size of the original Leave out the irrelevant

Paraphrase Rewriting another writer’s words or ideas in your own words without altering meaning Roughly same length as original work Use another writer’s work without plagiarizing Ideas of writer is more important than style Simplify context so others can understand Reference the work of others

Summarize vs. Paraphrase vs. Quote

Example Students have petitioned the School Board to allow candy vending machines on campus. According to recent research, candy bar breaks throughout the day can increase the level of energy a student may feel. This in turn leads to higher grades on tests and better participation in the classroom. The School Board is looking into this research and may soon be putting vending machines on all campuses. Summary Research has shown students may experience increased energy and participation by eating candy bars. Schools may soon be allowing this delicious treat on campus. Paraphrase Students have asked the School Board to make a decision about installing vending machines for candy bars on campus. Recent research has shown students have increased energy levels leading to more participation in their classes which leads to better grades. Students may soon see these types of vending machines appear on campus. Summary-just the facts, ma’am Paraphrase-save amount of text, using own words

Deconstructing Writing Tasks Prepared by Jane Besuden Updated April 2017

Goal Understand how to break apart a task or prompt in writing To know what question is being asked Which articles/resources need to be referenced in the written response

Key words to look for Informative/Explanatory Opinion Narrative Explain Describe How are x and y alike or different Opinion State your opinion Give your opinion What do you support Narrative Tell or Tell about Rewrite Compose a sequel Finish the story Write the next chapter

Example single text The title of this selection is Because of Winn-Dixie. Explain why this title is appropriate for this passage. Base your answers on key details in the text. Be sure to include: an introduction with a topic clearly stated and group related information in paragraphs and sections concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. linking words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because) precise language to explain the topic a concluding statement

Example single text Determine what conclusion scientists drew about the effect that wolves have on their habitat. Explain what happened within each habitat in Banff National Park and why. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Example of multiple text The readings talked about animals and zoos. Write an essay in which you give your opinion: Should animals be kept in zoos, or not? Use information from all three passages in your essay. Manage your time carefully plan your essay write your essay revise and edit your essay Be sure to include an introduction; support for your opinion using information from the passages; and a conclusion that is related to your opinion. Your writing should be in the form of a well organized, multi-paragraph essay.

Example of multiple text The readings talked about school uniforms. Write an essay in which you give your opinion as to whether school uniforms should be mandatory at your school.  The readings explained about weathering and erosion. In your opinion which one of these natural occurrences affect Florida the most. The readings talked about water powered engines. Write to explain how a water powered engine works. The readings talked about the possibility of life on other planets. Write an essay in which you give your opinion as to whether there is life on other planets.

Look for… Reference texts or include details from the articles, story, graph, chart, illustration, or picture.

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