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CHAPTER 8:

Formal Writing to Learn

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Writing TemplateTopic sentence followed by transition words.

•The topic sentence is a general statement or opinion.

•Use from three to five examples to develop the topic or opinion.

•Use transitions when needed.

•Include a summary sentence at the end, if you wish.

•Incorporate a variety of sentences: long and short, simple and complex.

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Writing Template Example

Student Example My dog is crazy! First . . . Second . .

. Then . . . It is hard to believe . . . My dog is crazy! First, his favorite trick for a treat is sneezing. Second, he sits like a seal. His hind legs go straight out behind him while his front legs prop up his body. Then, when the phone rings at home, he “talks” so loudly I cannot hear who is on the line. It is hard to believe a dog can be so strange.

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Spool Paper

• System for organizing information.Introductory paragraph with thesisBodyConcluding paragraph

• Used as a transition to independent writing.

• Effective for essay examinations and research papers.

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Spool Paper Graphic

• Introductory Paragraph starts with a lead (Power 0). The last sentence is the thesis (Power 1).

• Body contains at least two paragraphs. Each paragraph deals with one of the topics in the thesis (Power 2s) and includes supporting details (Power 3s and 4s).

• Concluding Paragraph starts with a restatement of the thesis (Power 1), followed by a Power 0.

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Spool Paper Planning Sheet

Introductory Paragraph0. Lead

1. Thesis statement

Body2. Topic Sentence

3. Detail sentence 3. Detail sentence 3. Detail sentence

2. Topic Sentence 3. Detail sentence 3. Detail sentence

3. Detail sentence

Concluding Paragraph1. Thesis statement (Use different words.)

0. Clincher

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Essay Examination Process

Step 1: Read the question. Highlight verbs and key words.

Step 2: Change the question to a topic sentence.

Step 3: Determine an organizational format. Use it to record notes.

Step 4: Write the response using your notes.

Step 5: Reread the question. Make sure all parts

have been addressed in your response.

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R A F T

Components of Writing

Role, Audience, Format, Topic

• Broadens your understanding of writing possibilities.

• Makes writing assignments specific and well focused.

• Is enjoyable for the reader and the writer!

• Enables you to create your own writing assignments.

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R A F TRole: Who are you? George Washington? an oak tree? a fraction? a character in a story?

Audience: To whom are you writing? Your parents? Congress? the editor of your paper?

Format: What form will it take? Complaint? cartoon? poetry? video? obituary?

Topic + strong verb: Apologize to the king, defend

the decimal point, praise the pituitary gland for a job well done.

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R A F T

Role Audience Format Topic/Task

You are a member of the International Olympic Committee

Brazilian Government

Letter

Include at least 3 facts and important ideas

Propose ideas on how to build a water purification system to insure the safety of athletes and spectators at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Use knowledge gained in your research of water quality.

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