Page 33 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade7_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 3 (continued)
6. Once you have planned the order and content of your body paragraphs, based on the thesis statement, examine the elements of a body paragraph below. Then draft the body paragraphs on separate paper.
A body paragraph consists of these elements:
• Topic sentence: A sentence that consists of a subject and opinion that works
directly to support the thesis.
• Transitions: Words used to connect ideas (e.g., for example, for instance).
• Supporting information: Specific facts and details that are appropriate for the
ACADEMIC topic and are relevant and come from a variety of sources. Extraneous details VOCABULARY should not be included, and the supporting information should not have Extraneous describes inconsistencies.
something that does not • Reflective commentary: Sentences that explain how the information is belong or to information
that is not needed for understanding.
relevant to the thesis/topic sentence and bring a sense of closure to the paragraph.
7. Now that you and your class have written a thesis statement, an outline of the organization, and the body paragraphs of the essay, you are ready to create the introduction and conclusion to the essay. Read the following information and then write the paragraphs to introduce and conclude your essay.
Introductory paragraphs include the following:
• A hook or lead (a quote, question, anecdote, or intriguing statement). • A connection between the hook or lead and the thesis
• A thesis statement describing the subject and the writer’s opinion
The conclusion brings a sense of closure to the essay. Use the following levels of questions to guide your thinking in crafting a conclusion:
• What did you say? (literal)
• What does it mean? (interpretive)
• Why does it matter? (universal)
Revising
Now that the class essay has been drafted, consider specific ways to revise your writing to make it more effective. How you use language to convey your ideas
is important to the reader’s understanding. A writer makes stylistic choices in language for effect, variety, and coherence.
Rhetorical devices show ideas in interesting ways and help your ideas have a lasting effect on your reader. Examples of rhetorical devices are parallelism, analogy, and rhetorical questions.
• Parallelism is using the same structure for similar parts of a sentence. Use parallelism to add balance, rhythm, and clarity to a sentence.
EXAMPLES: He often listened to music and danced in his seat while riding in the car. (parallel verbs)
The backpack held three books, two folders, and one snack. (parallel objects)
• An analogy compares two things and expresses the relationship between them. Use an analogy to explain or clarify an idea or object.
EXAMPLES: My need to use a computer is like my need for food and water.
My need to use a computer, like my need for food and water, is a matter of daily survival.
6 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 7
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