Linear Writing 1. All of the sentences refer directly back to the main idea. 2. The order of the supporting detail sentences is not relevant. They can appear in any order and it will still make sense.

Linear Writing This past summer break was the best summer ever. My sister and I went shopping almost every weekend. I saw my friends at the pool a lot more than I did last summer. The best part about the summer was the vacation my family took to Florida. I also got a new puppy named Ginger!

Webbed Writing Each sentence supports the main idea, but it also links back to the previous sentence. The order does matter. If the sentences are out of order, it won’t make sense.

Webbed Writing I had to go to the doctor last week because I was sick. She said I had a bad cough and had to give me a shot. I put my head up, and I didn’t even flinch when it went into my arm. I made sure no one could tell that it hurt, but it did. After that experience, I hope I don’t have to go back to the doctor anytime soon.

Webbed Writing My brother was driving his car down town and did not see the stop sign. I saw the bus right before we hit it, but it was too late. I jerked forward as our bumper struck the bus. As we got out to assess the damage, my mind raced. The bus didn’t even have a dent, but the front of my brother’s car was scrunched like a pug dog’s nose! All I could think as I was looking at the vehicle was about what my dad was going to do to us for wrecking the car.

Webbed Writing My best friend and I went out in my dad’s boat. The boat started to rock as we sped through the waves. At first we didn’t notice it, but it kept getting choppier. We became more worried when we realized the sky was darkening. My dad turned the boat around, but it was too late--we were already caught in the storm. The rain pelted us as the boat rocked in worsening waves, but we could finally see the shore. When we finally climbed out of the boat, I was so relieved I could have kissed the ground!

Webbed or Linear? Write two paragraphs, one webbed and one linear, using the same main idea sentence: The storm approached quickly. Go back to your notes and make sure that each paragraph has the characteristics of the appropriate style of writing.

Webbed or Linear? The storm approached quickly. I gathered the supplies before heading down to the cellar. With a flashlight in one hand and my puppy squirming in the other, I could barely hang on to the bag of supplies as I pulled the cellar door open. Just as I got us safely inside, a huge gust of wind slammed the cellar door closed behind us. My little companion shivered in my arms as we waited in the cold, damp space for the storm to pass.

Webbed or Linear? The storm approached quickly. The clouds were dark and angry. Lightning bolts zig-zagged across the sky, and I was scared. Peels of thunder shook the entire house. I knew it would not be long until the sky opened up and blanketed the thirsty cracked earth. I could see the tree limbs outside my window bowing to wind’s strength. My puppy shivered in my lap and seemed to know that the storm would soon be upon us.