ELD Benchmark

Introduction Paragraph

Goals of Introduction Grab the

reader’s attention

Bridge Present sub-

topics; forecast Present thesis;

argument

Step #1 The Hook Begin with a quote, A statistic, A brief anecdote, Opposing view, An analogy, Relevant questions

(not “Have you ever…”)

Step #2 The Bridge Connect hook

to forecast Meaning for

hook Why you

chose it

Step #3 Forecast

Preview subtopics

Brief detailsBody

paragraphs

Step #4 Thesis

ThesisOne sentenceEnd of

paragraphConstant

referral Restate often

Introduction Example

Introduction part 1 Hook

Statistic (about topic) “Only 10 of 2,000

qualified applicants are accepted into the fire academy each year”

Quote (related to topic) Harry S. Truman once

said, “I am the President of the most powerful nation in the world. I take orders from nobody, except photographers.”

Hook- continued Anecdote (story about someone who works in

your topic area) “a day in the life” Put reader in that person’s shoes

“Each day, Susan gets up at 5:00 a.m. After she jogs, feeds the dogs, showers and prepares breakfast, she does the most important thing of the day– she drives to her job at Sunrise Nursing Home. Here, she will be greeted by the people who rely on her for their daily exercise, activity and conversation. . .”

Introductions part 2 Transition (bridge)

“Bridges” or connects the hook to the thesis

Explains or follows-up the hook

Explains importance of statistic

Explains meaning of quote

Explains significance of anecdote

(stat) Only 10 of 2,000 qualified applicants are accepted into the fire academy each year.

(transition) Firefighting is a highly coveted position and honorable field; it takes a person who is both physically and mentally strong to survive in this field.

Transition part 2 State the issue or topic make a statement about its importance or impact on

society

(stat) Only 10 of 2,000 qualified applicants are accepted into the fire academy each year. (transition) Firefighting is a highly coveted position and honorable field; it takes a person who is both physically and mentally strong to survive in this field. (transition 2) Each day, firefighters put their lives on the line for people in need. They rush into burning buildings while others rush out, and we depend on them to be there in our greatest time of need.

Introduction part 3 Thesis Done for you already! Look at your outline

(stat) Only 10 of 2,000 qualified applicants are accepted into the fire academy each year. (transition) Firefighting is a highly coveted position and honorable field; it takes a person who is both physically and mentally strong to survive in this field. (transition 2) Each day, firefighters put their lives on the line for people in need. They rush into burning buildings while others rush out, and we depend on them to be there in our greatest time of need. (thesis)The career of a firefighter is a rewarding and demanding profession that requires many hours of education and certification.

The Senior Project

Body Paragraphs

Goals of Body Paragraphs

Introduce a subtopic

Present supporting details

Analyze details Refer to thesis Transition to next

subtopic

Goal #1 Introduce subtopic

Topic sentence Subject of

paragraph Possible transition

from previous paragraph

Goal #2 Present Details Lead-in and set-up

data Write author/title in

sentence Use data cards

Paraphrase Summary Direct quote

Citations

Goal #3 Analyze details and refer back to thesis

Commentary or analysis

Connects detail (quotes/data) to thesis

Educated opinion

Goal #4 Transition/Conclusion Repeat details and

your analysis as needed

Transition to next paragraph

Or conclude paragraph

Sample Body Paragaph Format

Topic Sentence Lead-in/Set-up then data (citation) Student Analysis Lead-in/Set-up then data (citation) Student Analysis Closing Sentence

Plug in Example

The Senior Project

Conclusion Paragraphs

Goals of Conclusion Paragraph Paraphrase or

restate thesis Review or

summarize main points

Make a final impression on reader

Goal # 1 Thesis Transition from

previous paragraph Do not use “In

conclusion…” Stress importance

of thesis Use different words

Goal # 2 Review Main Points Summarize body

paragraphs Brief, a few

sentences Don’t repeat

introduction

Goal # 3 Final Thoughts Echo the

introduction (anecdote)

Challenge reader Call to action Look to the future Pose questions

Plug in Example