Step Up to Writing Introduction

Three Kinds of Writing Narrative Informative/ explanatory Argument

Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence - states main idea Key Idea - supports topic sentence Explain - supports key idea Conclusion - restates main idea

Topic Sentence Green means “go” Introduces the topic of the paragraph, expresses the main idea, reveals the writer’s purpose

Simple Topic Sentence Examples When I have free time, I enjoy several different hobbies. Starbucks is one of my favorite places to go get a treat. Teachers should not assign homework.

Key Idea Yellow means “slow down.” Introduce reasons, facts, details to support the topic sentence.

First, I love to snow ski in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Examples: First, I love to snow ski in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To begin, Starbucks baristas make the best chai tea latte ever! First, research shows no connection between student performance and homework. 7

Transition Examples First – Another – Next First – In addition – Equally important First – Second – Third First of all – Besides – In addition To begin – Next – A final First of all – The next – Another Initially – Then – After that One – Another – Finally To begin – At the same time - Finally Remember you can bury the Transition Water safety was the first skill I learned at camp.

Explain Red means “stop” Present examples, evidence and elaboration (“the E’s”) to support key idea.

The E’s The E’s Examples Expert opinion Explanations Everyday life Evidence Events Experiences Expert opinion Everyday life Effective quotations Elaboration Exact information

Examples of E’s (REDS) To begin, Starbucks baristas make the best chai tea latte ever! The spicy cinnamon and fluffy foam tickle my tongue. First, I love to snow ski in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I feel exhilerated when I gracefully descend a steep peak.

Conclusion Green means “go back” Restate topic sentence creatively.

6 Sentence Paragraph Topic Sentence Key Idea (reason, fact, detail) Explain Key Idea (reason, fact, detail) Explain Conclusion 13

Topic Sentence Time! Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students.

Time for a Yellow Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students. First, I like my students because they are responsible.

EVERY Yellow must be supported by a Red! Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students. First, I like my students because they are responsible. Almost all of them brought in their required materials on the first day of school. Every student completed a friendly letter on time.

Add another Yellow Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students. First, I like my students because they are responsible. Almost all of them brought in their required materials on the first day of school. Every student completed a friendly letter on time. Also, my students are likable because they persevere.

What comes after EVERY yellow? Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students. First, I like my students because they are responsible. Almost all of them brought in their required supplies on the first day of school. Every student completed a friendly letter on time. Also, my students are likable because they persevere. After an unsettling first day of navigating campus with 30 pound backpacks, muscling into the lunch line, and listening to teachers recite unending lists of rules, they came back! They even stuck with my self-portrait art lesson when their drawings looked like bald aliens!

Add Conclusion Even though the year just started, I already really like my new students. First, I like my students because they are responsible. Almost all of them brought in their required supplies on the first day of school. Every student completed a friendly letter on time. Also, my students are likable because they persevere. After an unsettling first day of navigating campus with 30 pound backpacks, muscling into the lunch line, and listening to teachers recite unending lists of rules, they came back! They even stuck with my self-portrait art lesson when their drawings looked like bald aliens! All in all, I can’t wait to see what my students accomplish this year.