1. Writing Parent Academy

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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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).

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

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

9. 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

10. 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).

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. Summarize vs. Paraphrase vs. Quote

20. 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

21. Deconstructing Writing Tasks
Prepared by Jane Besuden
Updated April 2017

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

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

29. Thank you for Attending! Questions?