Connecting Reading-Thinking-Writing R-T-W Project Connecting Reading-Thinking-Writing

Building a Strong Paragraph

Critically Read Your Source(s) Check for Headings/Subheadings (this is the author helping you with main ideas) While you are reading, list important ideas from the source(s)

Critically think about and choose the three most important ideas from your list Write the three most important ideas as phrases: 1. 2. 3.

Create one topic sentence that captures the three main ideas. Consider using a complex sentence, using connecting words like “even though”, “as a result of”, “which” or other connecting words listed on the Essay Writing Guide.

Create a CER for each main idea Claim=simple sentence of a main idea Evidence=a quote from a source that supports or explains the main idea Rationale=elaboration of the quote, often using more information from the source

CER #1 Claim (main idea #1 in a simple sentence) Evidence (a quote supporting main idea #1) Rationale (elaboration of the quote, possibly giving more information from the source

CER#2 Claim (main idea #2 in a simple sentence) Evidence (a quote supporting main idea #2) Rationale (elaboration of the quote, possibly giving more information from the source

CER#3 Claim (main idea #3 in a simple sentence) Evidence (a quote supporting main idea #3) Rationale (elaboration of the quote, possibly giving more information from the source

Concluding Sentence Restate your topic sentence

The Paragraph Cut and paste your topic sentence, CER #1, CER #2, CER #3, your concluding sentence. Add transitions (you can add “First” before your first CER, “Second” before your second CER, and “Third” before your third CER.