Writing Packet #1
Steps to Writing Success
Step 1
Choose a Topic
Look at the list of ideas below. From the list
choose a topic you believe you have something to
share. Circle the topic.
1. two things I
like about going to the lake
2. two reasons I
like spring break
3. two countries I would like
to visit
4. two reasons I like (or dislike) a
particular kind of animal
5. two hobbies I
have
Step 2
Brainstorm for
Details
Spend at least 10
minutes listing every idea that comes to your mind
about this topic. Time yourself. Don't stop until
you have thought for at least ten minutes and have at
least ten items on your list. Your list should
include facts, reasons, and specific
examples.
Step 3
Cluster to
Organize
In the center of the
space below, write the topic you chose in step 1
above. Now look at your brainstormed list of
details. Organize your details in clusters around
your chosen topic. Eliminate any details from your
brainstormed list that don't seem to fit in any
cluster.
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Step
4
Create a Topic Sentence
Remember, the topic sentence states the
paragraph's main idea. This sentence is your 1st
power
sentence.
Step
5
Create Supporting Sentences
Choose two facts or reasons which support your
topic sentence, put them into sentence form, and
write them below. These are your 2nd power
sentences.
Step 6
Illustrate Your
Supporting Sentences
For each of
the two 2nd power sentences above, write a sentence
that gives a specific example to suppport that 2nd
power sentence. Put the examples in sentence form
and write them below. Refer to your cluster for
ideas. These are your 3rd power
sentences.
Step 7
Putting Your Ideas
into Powergraph Format
Using the
sentences you created in the above three steps, fill
in the following chart. Please note that you will be
rearranging the sentences' order somewhat.
1st
Power Sentence
***** 2nd Power
Sentence #1
********** 3rd Power
Sentence #1
***** 2nd Power
Sentence #2
********** 3rd Power
Sentence #2
Congr
atulations! You have just completed a first draft of
your paragraph. Before you write your final draft,
you must evauate yourself and be evaluated by others.
You will use the information you gain from these
evaluations to make your paragraph better. You will
then write your better final draft and turn in for a
grade.
Email: kglee@webtv.net
