As we review informational writing, please copy the resources below into your Class Notebook.

Ms. Ellis’ Notes on Informational Essay Writing

---

 

Legend:

Any information that is grade specific will be highlighted in the appropriate color below.

10th Grade Specific

11th Grade Specific

---

 

Introductory Paragraphs

• Expectations:

  1. Intriguing Hook (lead) that is unbiased. (1-2 sentences)

  2. Substantial background information that tells your audience about your topic. What is it? What is important to know prior to hearing your reasons? (2-3 sentences)

  3. Clear and concise thesis Statement (using the umbrella or list method). (1 sentence)

• Resources:

  • TYPES OF LEADS

  • Umbrella Statement Example

  • Umbrella Statement Blank

---

Student Examples:

Click below to see images of student examples and the in-class activities completed w/ Ms. Ellis.

• 10th Grade In- Class Practice/ Student Examples

• 11th Grade In-Class Practice/ Student Examples

---

 

Body Paragraphs

Expectations:

1. Clear topic sentence or transitional sentence at the beginning of each paragraph including reason. (1 sentence)

2. Explanation of reason.

3. Evidence #1 to back up reason.

4. Explanation of evidence #1.

5. Evidence #2 to back up reason.

6. Explanation of evidence #2.

7. Evidence #3 to back up reason.

8. Explanation of evidence #3.

9. Clear and concise closing statement or transitional sentence that leads into next reason. (1 sentence)

10. You must use 6-7 pieces of evidence in your entire essay. (Includes intro and conclusion). NOTE: 11th grade = 7-8 pieces

    • i.e.- You may have a quote for your hook (1), five pieces of evidence in your body paragraphs (5), end your conclusion with a notable quote (1) = 7 total pieces of textual evidence utilized in your essay.

11. Vary the ways you integrate quotations in your essay.

    Essay Requirements

    (10th Grade= 6-7 pieces of textual evidence)

    Reg.- Use 3 types of quotation integration strategies & 1 paraphrased piece of evidence.

    -paraphrase (1)

    -explanatory phrase + comma (1)

    -complete sentence + colon (1)

    -make quotation part of  your sentence (1)

    Hon.- Use all types of quotation integration strategies & at least 1 paraphrased piece of evidence.

    (11th Grade= 7-8 pieces of textual evidence)

    1. Paraphrasing (2)

    2. Complete sentence w/ a colon (1)

    3. Explanatory phrase w/ comma (1)

    4. Make quote part of own sentence (2)

    5. Short quotations part of own sentence (2)

       Resources:

• 

• Integrating Quotations

  • Reminders:

  • Thoreau ends his essay with a metaphor: “Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in.” Note the location of the period.

  • Thoreau ends his essay with a metaphor: “Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in” (paragraph 3). Note the location change of the period after citation.

  • Vary your tags! (Do not repeat “said”). i.e.- gasped, replied, stated, explained, informed, proclaimed, rebutted, suggested, etc.

  • Paraphrasing: Rule #1: Do NOT repeat the same keywords as the original author. Rule #2: Do NOT look at the quotation more than twice. If you stare at the author’s words too long, you will be unable to come up with your own original synonyms.

  • Know the difference:

    • Comma= ,

       (Use an introductory dependent clause prior to the comma)

      • If you use the word “that” you DO NOT use a comma.

    • Colon= :

         (Must be preceded by a complete sentence)

    • Semicolon= ;

      (May NOT be used to introduce a quotation)

  • When quoting poems, include the line break. i.e.- “Roses are red,/ Violets are blue…”

  • Only use an ellipsis (…) when it won’t change the meaning of the quotation.

  • In- Class Practice: (10th Grade)

    • Paraphrasing In- Class Practice

    • Integrating Quotations In- Class Practice

• Transition Words and Clauses

• Transition Words List #2

• Transition Sentences and Words- Student Copy

---

Concluding Paragraph

Expectations:

1. Mirror your introduction’s hook. (optional)

2. Restatement of your thesis. (1 sentence)

   • You must REWORD your thesis. Do not write your thesis statement in the exact same way!

3. Recap major points in body paragraphs. (2-3 sentences)

   • DO NOT mention new information. This is a summary section.

4. Discuss controlling idea and set it in a larger context. How will others be affected? OR Redefine key terms to help audience better understand your topic.

Resources:

• Types of Conclusions

• Look in the Student Examples section to see conclusions from your own peers.

---

Proofreading:

1. Do you have clear and concise Sentences?

2. Writing Checklist

Directions: Revising your Fall Writing Interim

1. Rewrite your essay based on the notes you received.

2. I will review each portion of the essay and then you will rewrite just that piece.

3. The following class I will check your rewrites and review the next section.

   • i.e.- I will teach introductory paragraphs; you will rewrite your introduction; I will check your revised introductory paragraph.

4. By the end of the workshop, you will have revised your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

5. Type up the revised paragraphs into a final draft. Please use the following set up when typing.

   • Font= Times New Roman

   • Size of Font= 12 points

   • Line Spacing= Double Spaced

   • Header in Left- Hand Corner= Name, Teacher, Date, Period

   • Title of Essay= Centered in the Middle

   • Use this template for assistance: Student Essay Template

6. Legend

     

---

 

Let’s Take It Digital!

1. Upload your final essay onto your Digital Portfolio under “Informational Writing.”