Day+Three

Class Day - Three

Accordian Paragraphs

Using an Informal Outline

=Topic Sentences - 13 different method for writing topic sentences=


 * Occasion/Position Statements


 * ** Power Number Statements **
 * A Power (Number ) Statement is a sentence that contains a number word. The //number word//is the focus of the sentence; it tells your reader that a list of information will follow. Power (Number) Statements can be short or long; in fact, they can be any grammatical structure that you need or want.
 * Helpful number words:
 * a couple of
 * a number of
 * numerous
 * some
 * various
 * a few
 * four
 * plenty of
 * a myriad
 * many
 * several
 * Avoiding "There are" - The words "There are", these are, and here are can become a problem. Students may use these words as a crutch when they write Power( Number) Statements. To help students solve this problem, have them start their sentence with a who, what, where, or when, This will give them a concrete way to solve the "there are" syndrome. (I created a tombstone in my room and killed words or phrases. "There are" was killed for topic sentences.)

Example:


 * Topic = Friends**

who - Mary and her sister Margaret are my //two// best friends. what - The word friendship means //two// things. where - At school I have //several// good frineds. when - Last summer my best friend Sam traveled to //three// unusual places.


 * Topic = School Lunches**

who - Stan, the new student in fourth grade, always brings the same //two// great things for lunch. what - Pizza with the special meat topping is the most popular item at lunch for //two// reasons. where - At Washington Elementary students have //many// choices at lunchtime. when - Each day I look forward to eating my //three// favorite foods at lunch.

http://linoit.com/groups/Steph%27s%20Group/canvases/Steph%27s%20Group


 * However Statements
 * And, But and Or Statements
 * A Few Good Prepositions
 * To, Plus a Verb


 * ** The List Statements **
 * A common method for writing a topic sentence is to list the categories that you will address in your paper. There are several types of lists you can use.
 * A list of words (commas)
 * All college students need money, courage, friends, and encouragement.
 * The corner cafe offers the best in service, food, and atmosphere.
 * A list of phrases
 * My grandparents prefer to vacation in Mexico, in the Northwest, and in the Bahamas.
 * The Smiths love their new home but are having trouble with the garage door and with the new sprinkler system.
 * A list of dependent (cannot stand alone) clauses
 * When I found my lost puppy, when I won the trip to Florida, and when I met a group of teachers from Russia, I realized that life is great and full of surprises.
 * A list of independent (can stand alone) clauses
 * High school graduates can attend community college, they can enroll in state universities, or they can study at private schools throughout the United States.
 * Run for offic e; join a club; march in the band. Activities like these will make high school more rewarding.


 * Get Their Attention
 * A Rhetorical Question


 * ** Side-by-Side Statements **
 * Sometimes using two simple sentences - one for the occasion and one for the position - is the right way to go. This technique is especially powerful if your goal is to put emphasis on your position.
 * Young children belong in car seats. The car seat belongs in the back of the car, not in the front.
 * Snow on the playground is exciting. Making and throwing snowball will get you in trouble at school.


 * Semicolon Topic Sentence
 * Two Nouns and Two Commas
 * Using a Quotation