1. Organization – Key Qualities The writing has a brilliant beginning. The writing has a brilliant beginning. The writing has a mighty middle that develops logically. The writing has a mighty middle that develops logically. The writing concludes with an excellent ending. The writing concludes with an excellent ending. The details tie together so writing is easy to follow. The details tie together so writing is easy to follow.

2. Think about: Grouping Details Logically Are the details in an order that makes sense? Are the details in an order that makes sense? Do all the details tie together? Do all the details tie together? Is the writing easy to follow? Is the writing easy to follow?

3. Ways to begin – Strong Leads Make a bold statement – startle the reader. Make a bold statement – startle the reader. Begin with a little known fact. Begin with a little known fact. Open with a quotation. Open with a quotation. Tell a brief, related anecdote. Tell a brief, related anecdote. Set the scene with a vivid description (like the stage set for a play.) Set the scene with a vivid description (like the stage set for a play.) Let two characters engage in brief, relevant dialogue. Let two characters engage in brief, relevant dialogue. Tell Something you (or people in general) have long believed – something you’re about to show is true or untrue. Tell Something you (or people in general) have long believed – something you’re about to show is true or untrue. Put the piece right into motion: Start with something happening. Put the piece right into motion: Start with something happening. Raise an important question – to which you’ll provide an answer. Raise an important question – to which you’ll provide an answer. Let the reader in on a secret – which is also good for endings. Let the reader in on a secret – which is also good for endings.

4. Ways to end – Strong Conclusions Suggest a conclusion you hope the reader drew. Suggest a conclusion you hope the reader drew. Tell something you learned about the world/yourself. Tell something you learned about the world/yourself. Tell something that surprised, startled, disappointed, or pleased you. Tell something that surprised, startled, disappointed, or pleased you. Raise a new, related question. Raise a new, related question. Surprise the reader. Surprise the reader. End with a scene or comment that suggests ‘more to come.’ End with a scene or comment that suggests ‘more to come.’ End with a quotation or dialogue that connects to the main idea or message. End with a quotation or dialogue that connects to the main idea or message. Sum up – if you can do it without being redundant. Sum up – if you can do it without being redundant.

5. Sea Snakes – Champion Divers Work as a group. Work as a group. Take the sentence strips out of your envelope and put them in order. Take the sentence strips out of your envelope and put them in order. Challenge: Can you organize sentences into 2 paragraphs. Challenge: Can you organize sentences into 2 paragraphs.

6. First Lines of Published Authors Michael Crichton – He should have never taken that shortcut. – Timeline Tom Sanders never intended to be late for work on Monday, June 15. – Disclosure Things never turn ot the way you think they will. – Prey Janet Evanovich – The way I see it, life is a jelly doughnut. – Ten Big Ones Sometimes, there’s a decision to be made between winning fairly and cheating for a good cause. – Motor Mouth When I was 12 years old, I accidentally substituted salt for sugar in a cake. – 12 Sharp

7. Writing to Inform Natural Disasters

8. Choose Your Natural Disaster Avalanches Avalanches Earthquakes Earthquakes Volcanoes Volcanoes Tsunamis Tsunamis Hurricanes Hurricanes Tornadoes Tornadoes

9. Research Use Office of Library Resources Use Office of Library Resources Write in bullets Write in bullets Paraphrase (DO NOT COPY) Paraphrase (DO NOT COPY) Use the following categories Use the following categories characteristics – causes…. location/terrain where usually occurs memorable disaster (describe) how to cope with disaster Source your research Source your research

10. Label Index Cards Organize Research Category of Research Name and Topic Date Source:

11. Writing an Outline

12. Organize Your Research Report Paragraph 1. Introduction/Opening – Remember, even though it is a research report you want to grab your audience! Paragraph 1. Introduction/Opening – Remember, even though it is a research report you want to grab your audience! Paragraph 2 – 4 Details – This is the meat of your research report and where the organization trait is applied. Paragraph 2 – 4 Details – This is the meat of your research report and where the organization trait is applied. Paragraph 5 – Closing – End with a bang! Paragraph 5 – Closing – End with a bang!

13. Sources https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organi zation-Trait/SeaSnakes_sentences.doc https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organi zation-Trait/SeaSnakes_sentences.doc https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organi zation-Trait/SeaSnakes_the-answers.doc https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organi zation-Trait/SeaSnakes_the-answers.doc https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organization- Trait/Computing-Batting-Averages-for-assessment.doc https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/language_arts/docs/Organization- Trait/Computing-Batting-Averages-for-assessment.doc http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/feebased/index.html