 Read the Jack Story aloud at your table. It’s a great story, and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy it!  Is there anything wrong with the story?  Cut apart the sentences into strips and glue them down in an order that your group decides makes sense.

 How were the stories the same?  How were they different?  Did the order of each table’s story make sense? Why or why not?

 This is easy to follow—like having a road map. Nothing is out of place.  Everything connects—it is easy to see how one thing connects to another.  I have a lead that catches your attention—it makes you want to read on.  I have a strong ending—this makes my paper unforgettable.

 Your essay should › Target a specific audience and purpose › Organize clear ideas into meaningful sequence

 The organization enhances the central idea(s) and its development. The order and structure are compelling and move the reader through the text easily. The writing is characterized by › Effective, perhaps creative sequencing; the organizational structure fits the topic, and the writing is easy to follow. › A strong, inviting beginning that draws the reader in and a strong satisfying sense of resolution or closure. › Smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, and ideas). › Details that fit where placed.

 Think about it this way: have you ever read a book that had SUCH a boring beginning that you never finished reading it?

 Have you ever read a story that seems to go on and on without a point, then it just ends and you just aren’t sure what you read in the first place?

 Have you ever read something that didn’t make sense because the sequence was all out of whack?  It could be that organization was lacking!

 This trait is the internal structure of your writing.  It’s the skeleton of the piece

 The opening should get and hold a reader’s attention.

 Bold statement  Little known fact  Quotation  Brief anecdote  Vivid description  Brief dialogue  Summary of a popular myth you’re about to dispel  A question

 The order should be: › Logical › Effective › Careful linking of one idea or paragraph to another.

 The ending should: › Tie up loose ends › Leave the reader with something to think about.

 Suggest a conclusion you hope your readers draw.  Raise a new related question.  Surprise the reader.  Give some “food for thought”.  A comment that suggests “more to come”  A quotation that connects the main message  Sum up without being redundant.

Introduction Conclusion Details and examples

Interesting opening Mix of sentence types Details in time order

Direct appeal to audience Ending that both summarizes and expands

Thesis statement Logical support for opinion

Brainstorming Beginning MiddleEnd Tsunamis are tidal waves caused by earthquakes deep in the ocean. How to prepare Occur mostly in the Pacific Cause great damage in low-lying areas Scientists trying to develop better warning systems Move very fast Slow as they move toward shore What to do—move to higher ground