2. Writing Information 101

3. Paragraphs A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a main idea and related details to a reader. A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a main idea and related details to a reader. A paragraph can stand alone or can be combined with other paragraphs to create a longer paper. A paragraph can stand alone or can be combined with other paragraphs to create a longer paper. The first line of a paragraph is indented. We do this so that readers know that a new idea is being introduced. The first line of a paragraph is indented. We do this so that readers know that a new idea is being introduced.

4. Paragraphs A good paragraph has the following key elements: A good paragraph has the following key elements: A focused topic A focused topic A main idea expressed in a topic sentence A main idea expressed in a topic sentence Details supporting the main idea Details supporting the main idea A concluding sentence A concluding sentence Paragraphs vary in length. In general a good 8 th grade paragraph is 7-9 sentences long. Paragraphs vary in length. In general a good 8 th grade paragraph is 7-9 sentences long.

5. Example Walking to Physical Fitness Walking is my favorite way to exercise. Walking thirty to forty minutes every morning is a great way to relax. When I walk with a friend, I can talk about the day ahead or share some challenges I am facing. When I walk by myself, I can meditate and get rid of my stress. Walking regularly also improves my general health. Fitness experts recommend an exercise routine to keep the heart strong. Furthermore, walking every day lessens my risk of disease. I know the positive effects walking has made in my life, and I will continue my walk to physical fitness.

6. Example “Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the elements of a good paragraph: “Walking to Physical Fitness” has all the elements of a good paragraph:  A focused topic: walking as a form of exercise  A main idea expressed in a topic sentence: Walking is my favorite way to exercise.  Details supporting the main idea: a great way to relax, walk with a friend, walk by myself, improves my general health, keeps the heart strong, lessens my risk of disease  A concluding sentence: I know the positive effects walking has made in my life, and I will continue my walk to physical fitness.

7. Limiting a Topic Limiting a topic is the first step in writing a strong paragraph. Limiting a topic is the first step in writing a strong paragraph. Many topics are too broad to talk about in 7-9 sentences. Many topics are too broad to talk about in 7-9 sentences. We must focus or limit the topic so that we can talk about it completely in a single paragraph. We must focus or limit the topic so that we can talk about it completely in a single paragraph.

8. Limiting a Topic 3 ways to narrow the topic “Childhood”: 3 ways to narrow the topic “Childhood”: 1. Childhood  Birthday parties The best birthday party I ever had 2. Childhood  My friends My friends in the seventh grade My best friend in seventh grade My best friend in seventh grade 3. Childhood  Summer vacations Family trips The time my family went camping The time my family went camping The night it rained and our tent collapsed The night it rained and our tent collapsed

9. Example Topic: Sports Sports Indoor sports Indoor sports Soccer Soccer Girl’s Soccer Girl’s Soccer Girl’s soccer at Sandcreek Middle School Girl’s soccer at Sandcreek Middle School The girl’s soccer game at SMS on a specific date The girl’s soccer game at SMS on a specific date The best shot in the girl’s soccer game at SMS on the above date The best shot in the girl’s soccer game at SMS on the above date

10. Writing a Topic Sentence The topic sentence of a paragraph expresses the single main idea the writer wants to communicate to the reader. The topic sentence of a paragraph expresses the single main idea the writer wants to communicate to the reader. All the other sentences in a paragraph explain the topic sentence. All the other sentences in a paragraph explain the topic sentence. It keeps the writer on track as they write. It keeps the writer on track as they write. It helps the reader understand the message of the paper. It helps the reader understand the message of the paper.

11. Writing a Topic Sentence A topic sentence is neither too broad nor too narrow. A topic sentence is neither too broad nor too narrow. If it is too broad, you will not be able to discuss it in a single paragraph. If it is too broad, you will not be able to discuss it in a single paragraph. If it is too narrow, you will have difficulty writing an entire paragraph about the topic. If it is too narrow, you will have difficulty writing an entire paragraph about the topic.

13. Examples Too Broad: Mystery novels are fun to read. Too narrow: The last mystery novel I read was 300 pages long. Just Right: The plot of the novel May Tomorrow Never Come is suspenseful. Too Broad: Eating correctly is important. Too narrow: Spinach is an excellent source of iron. Just Right: An important step in preventing heart disease is eating fruits and vegetables daily.

14. You Try It! Is it focused? Is it focused? 1. Good teachers can be found in any school. 2. Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. 3. Good movies are hard to find. 4. A good teacher listens patiently to her students.

20. What is a thesis statement? 4 It is an arguable statement. 4 It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic. 4 It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation. 4 It establishes a direction for the entire paper. 4 It is usually stated in your introduction.

21. What is a thesis statement? 4 It is an arguable statement. 4 It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic. 4 It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation. 4 It establishes a direction for the entire paper. 4 It is usually stated in your introduction.

23. What is not a thesis statement? 4 A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. 4 A thesis is not an announcement of purpose. 4 A thesis is not simply a topic. 4 A thesis is not a fact.

24. Writing a Thesis A thesis has two parts A thesis has two parts Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic) Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic) Topic: Community College Students Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees. Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.

25. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What causes violence in children? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

26. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

27. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The education system in the United States. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

28. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

29. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

30. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my garden last year. Poor A thesis statement is not too narrow!

31. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

32. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust in the classroom. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

33. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

34. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Advertising has bad effects on all of society. Poor A thesis statement is not too broad!

35. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

36. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Toy ads on television teach children to be greedy, competitive, and snobbish. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!