1. TREEES TREEES FCAT PARAGRAPHS

2. TREEES is an acronym, used as a reminder to fully develop each expository or persuasive paragraph. It stands for topic sentence, reason, explain, evidence, explanation of evidence, and summary. Your paragraphs will develop through TREEES

3. T Topic sentence: the main idea is stated in the topic sentence of the paragraph R Reason: this sentence tells the reader why the idea in the topic sentence is important to know.

4. E 1 E 1 xplain the reason: this sentence expands on the idea of why the topic sentence was important and builds off of the reason. E 2 E 2 vidence: these sentences gives examples, tell anecdotes, relate statistics or facts, quote or paraphrase expert opinions, and give the convincing background information that the reader needs in order to understand and/or believe the truth in the topic sentence.

5. E 3 E 3 xplanation of evidence: this sentence or two explains to the reader how the evidence supports or qualifies the topic sentence. It helps the reader know what you mean by the evidence. S S ummary: this sentence brings it all together and closes the idea's discussion. This is most easily done by paraphrasing your own topic sentence with a sense of closure. It serves to boil down all you were saying with all your evidence. No new evidence may be presented here.

6. Example: Alaska is well known for its cold temperatures. Because Alaska is located within the Arctic Circle, they spend many months of the year frozen. Often the temperatures in the winter can reach as low as 60 degrees below zero. Because of the cold temperatures, many people have to plug in their cars to an electrical outlet to prevent the engine from freezing. The super cold temperatures will freeze the oil and liquids in the engine which will destroy the car’s engine. Therefore, the cold temperatures in Alaska add to the harsh climate of Alaska, a state still known as the last frontier.

7. Student Practice: Framed Paragraph “Vacation” ____________ was my most memorable vacation because ____________ __________________________________. (Reason) ______________ _________________________________________________________. E (Explain the reason) _________________________________________ _________________________________________________________. (Evidence) For example, ______________________________________ _________________________________________________________. (Explanation of evidence) _____________________________________ _________________________________________________________. (Summary) _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________.