8 th Grade Daily Lessons – Informative Writing Week 5 Week Of February 10-14, 2014

1. W.7.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. W.7.2c Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. W.7.2.a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. 8thGrade Daily Lessons – Informative Writing Week 5Week Of February 10-14, 2014 W.7.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. W.7.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. W.7.2e Establish and maintain a formal style. W.7.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

2. Monday, February 10, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals Word of the Week Review Parts of a Sentence Exam. To read and organize three types of sentences used in introductory paragraphs. • Fill in the blank with the correct word of the week. 1. The students were ____________, during the lesson, so they did not receive ___________ from Mrs. Caple. 2. It is ____________ that students listen when in class, and it is _________ that they follow directions during an emergency situation.

3. Word of the Week • contrive (v) to devise a plan in a creative manner or to plot or scheme The bride and groom contrived away to escape the reception without being noticed by the guests.

4. Access Prior Knowledge Where is the thesis statement located? What is its purpose? What are the purposes of the three body paragraphs? Elements of an Essay

5. Introductory Paragraph It is the first impression of your essay. The first sentence should engage the reader to want to continue reading. Why is the introductory paragraph so important?

6. Introductory Paragraph The first sentence is the grabber, meaning it grabs the reader’s attention. The next few sentences transitional, meaning they connect or relate the grabber sentence to the thesis statement (the focus of the essay). The last sentence is the thesis statement, meaning that it is a single sentence that state the main idea of the essay. How is it organized?

7. Introductory Paragraph How is it organized?

8. Introductory Paragraph The Grabber: What type of grabber is used?

9. Introductory Paragraph Grabber plus first transitional sentence.

10. Introductory Paragraph Grabber plus 1st and 2nd Transitional Sentences

11. Introductory Paragraph Grabber plus two transitional sentences that tie the grabber to the thesis statement.

12. Introductory Paragraph Example Certain men were born to be dynamic leaders while others were born to be remarkable learners. Abraham Lincoln was born to exude both traits. Through various areas of his life, he demonstrated similar characteristics of men in the Bible. His upbringing, career choices, and leadership in the White House established Lincoln as one of the most notable Presidents in the history of the United States. born to be remarkable learners. It starts with a grabber, then has two transitional sentencesthat tie the grabber to the thesis statement.

13. Introductory Paragraph With their sense of loyalty, their ability to be trained, and their companionship, dogs fit the bill as the perfect pet. The author Aldous Huxley once said, “To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence, the constant popularity of dogs.” People tend to bring pets into their lives because they enjoy the fact that pets think their owners are wonderful in every way. Exit Assessment: Put the following sentences in the proper order (Grabber, Transitions, Thesis) by writing orange, green, & blue in the proper order).

14. Introductory Paragraph Why is the 1st paragraph important? What are the three parts of an introductory paragraph and what order should they appear? Closing

15. Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals To define and apply different types of sentences to begin an introductory paragraph. • Which of the following are coordinating conjunctions? • And, yet, until, but, so after, for, although, nor, so, or whenever • Diagram and label the following: • It snowed so much last night, so we are not having school today.

16. Introductory Paragraph Why is the 1st paragraph important? What are the three parts of an introductory paragraph and what order should they appear? Access Prior Knowledge

17. Introductory Paragraph Start with a famous quote. Define an unfamiliar but relatable word. Use an anecdote (a brief relatable story). Start with a Proverb or Scripture. Start with a surprising fact. Setting up the scene 1st Sentence (The Grabber) should contain one of the following approaches:

18. Introductory Paragraph Guided Practice

19. Introductory Paragraph Write the grabber sentence for your introductory paragraph by choosing one of the methods learned today. Then write 1-3 transitional sentences that tie into your thesis statement (you have already created your thesis statement). ASSIGNMENT

20. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals To analyze and evaluate opening paragraphs. • Diagram and label the following: • He shall send them a savoir (Isaiah 19:20c).

21. Access Prior Knowledge What the three types of sentences used in an introductory paragraph and what order are they used? What are the six different types of grabbers? Which one did you use? Elements of an Introductory Paragraph

22. Assignment – Part 1 Students will exchange introductory paragraphs with their table-mate to read, analyze, and evaluate. Students will read classmate’s paragraph. Recognize if the paragraph is understandable. Does it make sense? Determine which type of grabber is used. Locate the verb in first sentence and point out if it is an action verb or linking verb. Calculate how many transitional sentences are used. Question if the transitional sentences effectively tie into thesis. Create a list of suggestions for improvement and justify your reasons (tell them how your suggestions will improve their paragraph. Evaluating Introductory Paragraphs with your Table-mate for 15 minutes.

23. Assignment – Part 2 Read your introductory paragraph again and implement the necessary changes. If you are unsure, email Mrs. Caple copy of introductory paragraph and a specific question to answer. Do NOT ask what do you think. Example, does my 2nd and 3rd sentence transition from the grabber to the thesis statement. Evaluate and Apply Suggestions for Improvement

24. Closing What is the most important thing that you learned today to improve your introductory paragraph? What changes did you make to improve your introductory paragraph? What did you learn today?

25. Thursday, February 13, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals To identify the qualities of the body paragraphs in an essay. To write the first body paragraph. • List the six types of grabbers for an opening sentence.

26. Access Prior Knowledge What are the three basic components laying out an essay? What are the components of the introductory paragraph? What is the purpose of the thesis statement? Elements of an Informative Essay

27. Body Paragraphs of an Essay The body paragraphs are the “meat” of the essay. They should convey the main point or points of the thesis statement. What is the purpose of the three body paragraphs in a five paragraph essay?

28. Body Paragraphs of an Essay Each paragraph should have a topic sentence that states one of the main points of the thesis statement. It should be followed with sentences that contain supporting details for the topic sentence. What are the elements of each body paragraph?

29. Body Paragraphs Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that states the point or focus of the paragraph. Provide supporting details by stating concrete facts, quotes, or statistical data. Explain how the supporting details backup the main point of paragraph or overall thesis statement. Use a transition words to start the topic sentence of the next paragraph and use transition words to relate details to a topic in the paragraph. Developing and Organizing Each Body Paragraph.

30. Body Paragraph Model: Thesis Statement – then First Body Paragraph. • What is the topic sentence? • What transition words are used? • Similarly, the ocean of outer space exudes dangers, and it presents several unique challenges for explorers. • The fast vacuum existing in space provides a unique challenge. Vacuums do not have an atmosphere; therefore, they do not contain air pressure. Without air pressure, the human body has no oxygen to sustain itself. After several minutes without oxygen, people lose consciousness and eventually die. Their blood then gradually begins to boil. Furthermore, without an atmosphere, the rays of the Sun cause radiation poisoning. • What is used in the paragraph to support the topic sentence: factual data, statistics, quotes, ideas, or evidence?

31. Transition Words A comprehensive list of transition words Click on the following link for a list of transition words to use in essay.

32. Assignment 1st Sentence - The topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. 2nd – 4th Sentences - The supporting detail sentences should state facts, evidence, ideas, or quotes that back up the topic sentence. Be sure to use a few transition words to help the reader understand how all of the sentences are connected. Write the first body paragraph for your essay.

33. Closing What was the most difficult part of writing the body paragraph? Did you use the link to think of an interesting or more appropriate transition word. What was something new that you learned today about writing? What did you learn today?

34. Friday, February 14, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals To analyze and evaluate the first body paragraph. • Write a sentence that demonstrates that you know the meaning of the word “contrive”.

35. Access Prior Knowledge What is the purpose of each body paragraph in an essay? What is the organization of a body paragraph? Purpose and Organization of a Body Paragraph

36. Assignment – Part 1 – 15 minutes Read your classmate’s Introductory paragraph and 1st body paragraph and analyze the 1st body paragraph for the following: Does the topic sentence state a point brought out in the thesis statement? Does it use an action verb? Do the following sentences support the topic sentence? What type of details did they use (facts, evidence, statistics, or direct quotes)? Did they use appropriate transition words? List the transition words. Does the paragraph make sense? Is it easy to understand? List specific suggestions for improvement and specific items of accomplishment. Analyze and evaluate your classmate’s paragraph. Today, the 1st & 3rd rows will exchange paragraph with the person directly behind them.

37. Assignment Part 2 Make suggested changes for improvement. Read introduction and 1st body paragraph again to ensure that it makes sense, it engages the reader, and it flows for easy understanding. Evaluation of 1st Body Paragraph – If you finish early then quietly read book for book talk.

38. Closing What item to you need to change for improvement? What did you do well in your body paragraph? What was the most valuable thing that you learned from this exercise today? What did you learn today?

39. Monday, February 17, 2014 Practice Prior Skills Learning Goals To write the 2nd body paragraph. • Diagram and label the following sentence: • God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering. (Genesis 22:8a) • Sarah became a mother of nations. (Genesis 17:16b)

40. Access Prior Knowledge What is the purpose of the body paragraph? Why are transition words important? Informative Writing and Body Paragraphs

41. Body Paragraph Model: Thesis Statement – then 2nd Body Paragraph. • What is the topic sentence? • What transition words are used? • Similarly, the ocean of outer space exudes dangers, and it presents several unique challenges for explorers. • The presence of meteors and micro-meteors present another obstacle in space; these pieces of rock and metal are left over from the formation of the solar system. Many of these objects travel at a flashing speed. The Earth's blanket of air, usually protects people from meteor impacts. However, in space, people and spaceships are vulnerable to collisions with meteors. The chance of meteor impacts is relatively small, nonetheless, it could cause serious damage. • What is used in the paragraph to support the topic sentence: factual data, statistics, quotes, ideas, or evidence?

42. Assignment 1st Sentence - The topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. 2nd – 4th Sentences - The supporting detail sentences should state facts, evidence, ideas, or quotes that back up the topic sentence. Be sure to use a few transition words to help the reader understand how all of the sentences are connected. Write the second body paragraph for your essay.

43. Closing How did you know what type of information to include in your second body paragraph (paragraph 3)? Was it easier to write the second body paragraph? Why or Why not? What was the most important thing that have learned that you will remember to do when you write your 3rd body paragraph? What did you learn?

44. Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Prior Skills Learning Goals To read book for book talk presentation. Book must be finished by Friday, February 21, 2014. If you have finished book then review summary rubric on turnitin.com and begin writing summary. • Fill in the blank with the correct words of the week. • The students showered the winner with ____________. • The students have so ____________ that we have not finished the assignment. • It is important to be _______________ about studying for finals.