Month 5 – COlD ClIMATES

The Essential Guide to Grade 4 Writing: Month 5 | ©2013 Empowering Writers

Month 5 – COlD ClIMATES

Student Reference SheetWhat your Introduction paragraph Needs

a Lead: Catch the reader’s attention with: • a question • a quote * • a descriptive segment • a statistic * • an anecdote • an amazing or unusual fact*

*These types of leads require the author to have specific background on the topic and are best used in process pieces where students will have time to research accurate information.

a Topic Sentence: Briefly, clearly, tell the reader what the piece will be about.

The wind howls and snow quickly accumulates on the cold grassy surfaces. Nightfall comes early as school children rush home eager to see how much snow the latest storm will bring. Cold weather, playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep warm, make winter an exciting season.

(Type of Lead: descriptive segment)

Isn’t it exciting looking out the window and watching the snow pile up? What could be better than grabbing your winter gear and heading out for an afternoon of sledding? Who doesn’t love a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket on a cold winter day? Cold weather, playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep warm, make winter an exciting season.

(Type of lead: question)

Read each introduction paragraph that follows. Pay attention to the different kinds of leads. The lead appears in italics. The topic sentence is underlined. Notice that the topic sentence in each example is the same!


SP1


Student Reference Sheet

SP2

I will never forget the time that it snowed all day. My friends came over and we

built a snow fort big enough for us to hide in. When we got cold, we scrambled inside and

drank hot chocolate and planned our first snowball fight of the season. Cold weather,

playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep warm, make winter an exciting season.

(Type of Lead: anecdote)

On a day back in 1921 something amazing happened. In Silver Lake, Colorado

76 inches of snow fell. That is 6 feet 3 inches in just twenty-four hours! Cold surprises,

playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep warm, make winter an exciting season.

(Type of Lead: amazing fact – research based)

Local meteorologist, Art Feller says, “Everyone should always be prepared for a late

winter snowstorm.” Cold surprises, playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep warm,

make winter an exciting season.

(Type of Lead: quote – research based)

In a recent poll, 75% of people choose winter as their favorite time to get away to

the nearby mountains. Cold surprises, playing in the snow, and finding ways to keep

warm, make winter an exciting season.

(Type of Lead: statistic - research based)

The Essential Guide to Grade 4 Writing: Month 1 | ©2012 Empowering WritersThe Essential Guide to Grade 4 Writing: Month 5 | ©2013 Empowering Writers

leads and Topic Sentences -1

SP3

Name:

Read each introduction paragraph. Fill in the author’s prewriting plan in order to highlight each main idea. Underline the lead in red and the topic sentence in blue. Then, on the line below each paragraph, tell which kind of lead the author used.

“If I try to beat someone, then I can only get as good as they are. If I try to be as good as

I can be, there’s no telling where that might lead,” says Shaun White, renowned snowboarder and

Olympic gold Medalist. In order to be a great snowboarder, like Shaun, it takes a profound love

for the sport, hours upon hours of practice, and perseverance, or a willingness to keep trying even

when you feel defeated.

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 ______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 ______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Type of lead: _______________________________________________________________

(continued)


SP4

leads and Topic Sentences - 1

Have you ever dreamed of endless skies and scenic views? Is the idea of hiking a glacier

exciting? Or would you prefer a dog sled ride across the frozen tundra for an up close view of

the local wildlife? If awesome scenic views, first hand encounters with wildlife, and endless

opportunities to hike appeal to you, then Alaska is calling.

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Type of lead: _______________________________________________________________

BoNUS:

Which of the leads used in these two examples require you to research the topic? ______________



SP5

Currently, 10% of land on Earth is covered with glacial ice. That includes glaciers, ice

caps, and the ice sheets of greenland and Antarctica. About 75% of the earth’s freshwater

is found in these ice formations. The study of glaciers includes how they move, how they

are formed, and the many interesting facts regarding these mountains of ice.

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Type of lead: _______________________________________________________________

Name:

Read each introduction paragraph. Fill in the author’s prewriting plan in order to highlight each main idea. Underline the lead in red and the topic sentence in blue. Then, on the line below each paragraph, tell which kind of lead the author used


SP6


This is the largest island in the world, surrounded by beautiful crystal clear oceans

teeming with many species of whales. It is the home of the Northern lights, and the

Midnight Sun. Depending on when you visit you can have days the sun never sets. While

this location is not for everyone, the terrain, unusual climate, and proximity to the North

Pole make greenland a unique vacation destination.

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Type of lead: _______________________________________________________________

BoNUS:

Which of the leads used in these examples require you to research the topic?________________


Name:


Analyzing Conclusion paragraphs

SP7

Name: The concluding paragraph should “sum up” the main ideas of an expository/informative

piece. However, this should not be a totally redundant restatement of the main ideas.

So now you know what takes to be a great snowboarder – love for the sport, hours upon hours of practice, and perseverance. THE END

Based on the conclusion paragraph, fill in the author’s prewriting plan below.

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Now read the revised conclusion below. Underline the main idea #1 in red, main idea #2 in blue, main idea #3 in green.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a world class snowboarder? Can you imagine having so much passion for a sport that you are willing to practice for countless hours? How many people have the ability to push themselves even when it is not always going well? Without a doubt, you need to work hard to be the best in your sport.

aNaLYZE IT:

• Compare the “before and after” concluding paragraphs. Write each main idea above the sentence in revised version.

• In the revised version, what techniques does the author use to restate each main idea? ______________

• Place a check beside the general restatement of the TOPIC SENTENCE.


Revise This Conclusion paragraph!

SP8

Name:

Read this conclusion paragraph. Fill in the author’s prewriting plan below. List ideas in the blanks for each main idea.

So now you know all about Alaska. You know about the wildlife, the climate, and the landscape. THE END

TOPIC: ____________________________________________________________________

Main Idea #1 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _______________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 ______________________________________________________________

Revise this conclusion paragraph by restating each main idea as a question. You

may use the following sentence starters to help you:

Wouldn’t it be exciting__? Aren’t there times you wish ___?

Have you ever considered ___? Isn’t it thrilling ___?

How would you like to ___? Who wouldn’t enjoy ___?


SP9

Revise This Conclusion paragraph!

Main Idea #1 _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Main Idea #2 _________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Main Idea #3 _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

BoNUS: On another paper, write a new and improved conclusion paragraph using the

main idea questions you created above. Then, see if you can replace your main idea and topic

“blurbs” (wildlife, climate, landscape) with word referents. Write a final sentence as a general restatement of the ToPIc SENTENcE using a general adjective

.


Name:


Student page

SP10

Name:

The North or South pole, Extremely Cold Regions - 1

Would you like to live in the coldest place in the world? I will tell you about the North

and South Poles. The coldest temperature at the North Pole was -90.4° Fahrenheit while

the coldest temperature at the South Pole was -128.6° F. Both poles are very dry. The

average temperature at the North Pole is 0° F and the average temperature at the South

Pole is -58° F. The terrain at the North Pole is covered by the Arctic Ocean and surrounded

by continents. The South Pole is covered by the continent of Antarctica and surrounded

by ocean. The North Pole is surrounded by land and it is mostly frozen underneath. The

South Pole is mostly ice. The native people of the North Pole include the Inuits and the

Yupiks. The people of the South Pole only live there a short time to study and then they

come home. Both the North and South Pole have months of daylight with no darkness

and months of darkness with no daylight. The animals of the North Pole include polar

bears, walrus, seals and whales. The animals of the South Pole include whales, seals and

penguins. Animals in both poles must have reasons they can live there. I hope you now

know the difference between the North and South Pole. The End


Student page

SP11

Name:

The North or South pole, Extremely Cold Regions - 2

Would you like to live in the coldest place in the world? If so, you could move to the South Pole

and live on the continent of Antarctica. Maybe you would like to move to the Artic Circle and meet

with the Inuit and Yupik people? Let’s compare both ends of the Earth, the North and South Poles,

and learn what life is like in these extremely cold regions. We will focus on the harsh environment,

observe people living in these remote areas, and learn about animals that inhabit both polar zones.

It is amazing to think about the cold temperatures recorded on opposite ends of the Earth.

Although both the North and South Poles are known for their extremely cold climates, one Pole is

much colder than the other. The South Pole would have to take the prize as the coldest place in

the world. In July of 1983, at the vostok Research Station in Antarctica, the temperature dipped

to -128.6°F. On the other hand, the North Pole has recorded a temperature of -90.4°F, in Siberia.

In the same way, both climates are incredibly dry, making the air feel even colder. The average

temperature at the South Pole is -58°F while the average temperature at the North Pole is 0°F.

Think about the average temperature where you live! How does it compare?

Have you ever wondered about the terrain of the North and South Poles? Surprisingly, they

are as opposite as the names imply. The North Pole is known as the Arctic Region, covered by the

Arctic Ocean and surrounded by continents. In contrast, the South Pole known as the Antarctic

Region is covered by the continent of Antarctica and surrounded by ocean. Even though both

extremes are known for icebergs, the Antarctic landmass is 97 % ice, whereas the Arctic sits atop

12 feet of frozen ice. Another difference is the Arctic region is surrounded by well-known areas

such as Alaska, Canada, and Russia. The Antarctic region is surrounded by ice, ice, and more ice.

(continued)


Student page

SP12

It is true that the people who live in cold climates must adapt to the frigid temperatures.

Native people called the Inuits and Yupiks live near the North Pole. They must wear heavy clothing,

eat high fatty food, and stay active to survive the long winter season. On the other hand, the South

Pole is not inhabited by humans. Yes, people do work at the Antarctic research stations, but only

for very short periods of time. While at these stations, they must wear special clothing and spend

most of their time indoors. People in both regions must get used to months of daylight with no

darkness and months of darkness with no daylight. Can you imagine sleeping in the daylight and

working in the dark for six months at a time?

Many animals live in both the Arctic and Antarctic Regions. However, polar bears and

penguins will never cross paths. The North Pole is inhabited by polar bears, walrus, seals, and

whales. Resilient mammals like wolves, foxes, hares, lemmings, reindeer, and oxen also live on the

frigid soil of the Arctic. Conversely, marine mammals like whales, seals and flightless penguins live

on the Antarctic ice. Each of these animals have distinctive traits, such as extra layers of blubber or

double coatings of fur or feathers which help them adapt to the extreme temperatures. The polar

bear seems much more equipped to survive on the North Pole than a penguin on the South Pole.

It is incredible to think of these adorable black and white birds surviving an average temperature

of -58°F, much less -128°F.

The next time you are outside on a cold winter day and your fingers and toes are numb, think

about the people who live or work at the North and South Poles. The outrageous temperatures

in these harsh surroundings limit the people and animals that live and breathe the severely cold

environment. The Poles really are the coldest places on Earth.


The North or South pole, Extremely Cold Regions

1) Number each paragraph.

2) Circle the introduction paragraph.

3) Underline the main idea sentence in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5.

4) Write a word or two (blurb) in the margin next to each paragraph to tell what each paragraph is about.

5) If you wanted to find about the landscape of each of the poles, which paragraph would you skim and scan? _____________

6) If you wanted to find a statistic about the coldest temperature at the North and South Poles, which paragraph would you skim and scan? ________________

7) If you wanted to answer a question about the animals living at the North and South Poles, which paragraph would you skim and scan? ________________

8) If you wanted to add this detail, where would you put it? (Siberians live in Russia and many work at the research stations located on the outer perimeter of this frigid country.) Paragraph # ___________________

9) List at least three differences and three similarities between the North and South Poles.

Similarities: __________________ __________________ __________________

Differences: __________________ __________________ __________________

Name:

SP13

Student page

(continued)



Student page

SP14

What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

INTRODUCTIONLead/Topic Sentence

Conclusion

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Main Idea #3____________

Main Idea #2____________

Main Idea #1____________

EXPOSITORY PILLARPREWRITING FRAMEWORK

©2005 Empowering Writers

ToPIc:_____________VS.____________

MaIN IdEa #1: ___________________

MaIN IdEa #2: ___________________

MaIN IdEa #3: ___________________

10) What is this piece all about? Fill in the summarizing framework:

Student page

SP15

Name:

Cruising the Alaskan Shore - 1

My name is Tim and this is a story about my cruise. I went with my parents on an

Alaskan cruise. We packed all of our stuff and drove to the airport. Mom said, “Tim did

you get all of your things?” I said, “Yes!” We rode on a plane to the place where the cruise

started. We took all of our suitcases to our room on the ship and unpacked them. Then

we decided to go to the deck and see what was going on. We saw pretty ice mountains

and pretty water. Then we went to eat. The food was good. After that, we went back to

our room and went to sleep. The next day we went back to the deck and looked at the

water. We saw some whales jumping out of the water. Then I took a picture of the whales

to show my friends. They would like my pictures. Next, we heard the whales make a loud

sound. After that, we went back inside because it was cold. We ate again and went to our

room. We did the same thing the next day. Then it was time to go home and we packed

our stuff and went back to the airport. We flew to our home and drove to our house. That

is my story about my cruise to Alaska. I hope you liked my story.


Student page

SP16

Name:

Cruising the Alaskan Shore - 2

“Mom, look at that ice mountain!” I gasped as I stood staring out from the deck of

the ship. I reached in my coat pocket and grabbed my new camera. This was one picture

I didn’t want to miss. My friends would never believe what I was witnessing, unless I

brought back proof.

The natural ice sculpture loomed above the water, towering from the surface of the

ocean and bending toward the ship. In the middle of the bluish white glacier was a hole,

seemingly carved out on purpose. Drifts of snow covered the top of the statue like a

white carpet. As the ship moved through the water, the iceberg appeared to be moving

with us; however, I knew that was not possible. I clicked the button on the camera!

“Perfect,” I concluded as I viewed my picture through the viewfinder lens. It was just as

magnificent in the small photo as it was looking directly at it.

The ship sailed on, encircling the monument. In the middle of the icy cold water,

between the glacier and the ship, I noticed a circular swell of water, as though something

was rising from the ocean floor. I wonder what’s going on, I thought as I walked to

the other side of the ship’s deck. A shiver ran down my spine and my mind began to

exaggerate my concern over the mysterious swell. To my surprise, the captain came over

the loud speaker and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Look

(continued)


Student page

SP17

to the left side of the ship and you will be able to observe a pod of whales jumping and

swimming alongside the boat.” “Whew!” I sighed and quickly ran back to the other side

of the deck.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Jumping out of the water was the most enormous

animal I’d ever seen. Its body was long and sleek, gliding up and out of the water in full

view of the ship’s spectators. A loud roar resonated through the crowd as we looked

in amazement at the magnificent creature, fanning its tail and dipping under the deep

sea with very little splash. One after the other, whales leaped out of the water and dove

in again putting on an outstanding show for all to see. My heart leapt with every jump

and my eyes stayed glued to the huge mammals. I was so mesmerized I almost forgot

to capture the moment with a picture. As I tried to snap a few photos, my hands were

shaking in disbelief. I quickly took 5 or 6 pictures and stuffed the camera back in my

pocket, not wanting to miss one upward vault of the flawless creatures. I watched for

what felt like an hour, my feet not moving an inch from their initial spot. And then, as

quickly as they had appeared, the whales swam away, leaving us longing for more.

One thing was for sure, the whales would be the highlight of my Alaskan cruise. I’ll

never forget those majestic creatures catapulting out of the water and diving back into

the ocean with unbelievable grace and beauty. I can still feel my body trembling in awe

at the sight of those huge beasts. My hope is that someday I can return to Alaska to

relive this awesome experience.


Cruising the Alaskan Shore - 21) Circle the title. Ask if this suggests a story problem or adventure.

2) Circle and label the entertaining beginning. Underline and label the technique the

author used to grab the reader’s attention.

3) Find the elaborative detail. Identify which story critical element was elaborated and

label as character, setting or object.

4) Underline the suspenseful sentences, including the red flag word.

5) Bracket the single, fully elaborated MAIN EVENT.

6) Find and underline the suspense.

7) Find and underline the conclusion.

8) Box the extended ending. Fill in the summarizing framework.


Name:

SP18

Student page

Narrative Writing Summarizing Framework

• This story is about . character

• The problem, adventure, or experience was that . single significant main event

• The problem was solved, adventure/experience concluded when . solution/conclusion

• Story critical elements to be described:

__________________________ __________________________ ________________________ character setting object

SP19


DETAIl-GENERATING QuESTIONS

• What does it “look” like?(sound like? feel like? taste like? smell like? seem like?)

• Why is it important?(Why is that important to your main idea?)

• Is each detail in a separate sentence?(Separate the Grocery List!)

• Did you give a specific example?(Avoid general language such as “stuff”, “things”, “nice,” etc.)


Good…and Better!

1) __________ Snowmobiling is a fun way to see the snow covered countryside.

__________ Snowmobiling through the picturesque forest provides an exciting look at

the snow-topped mountains and majestic evergreen trees.

2) __________ A fully-lined, insulated parka is essential for staying warm while

snowboarding down frozen trails and around glacial peaks.

__________ Everyone needs a parka to keep them warm while snowboarding down

the mountain.

3) __________ It is really, really important to carry a flare when snow skiing.

__________ A flare is a critical piece of equipment for even expert snow skiers so they

can be easily located in case of an emergency.

Read each pair of sentences. In one sentence the author simply presents an important detail. In another, the author presents the same detail....only better! Label each sentence...gOOD if the author simply presents an important detail, and BETTER if the author fully elaborates! Underline the sensory information that make the revision better.


Name:

SP20

Student page

What Does it look like? Why is it Important

SP21

Name:

1) Read this detail sentence from a paragraph about winter clothes. Ask, What does it look like? Why is it important?

Every kid needs a ski coat.

Your revision: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

2) Read this detail sentence from a paragraph about shoveling snow. . Ask, What does it look like? Why is it important?

Some people like to shovel snow with a flat shovel.

Your revision: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

It is not enough for an author to simply list details in a paragraph. Instead, the author needs to elaborate. One way to elaborate is to explain how something looks, feels, sounds, and to explain why that detail is important. Read the detail sentences below. Help the author elaborate by responding to: What does it “look” like? Why is it important?

Example: Read this detail sentence from a paragraph about tobogganing: You can go down a hill on a toboggan.

The revision: For a winter thrill you can hop on a sleek red toboggan and speed down a snow covered slope.


find the Overly General Words and phrases

SP22

Name:

Read the paragraph about my backpack. Look at the words in boldface print. These words are way too general and do not add to the elaboration of the piece.

My backpack was filled with everything I would need for exploring on a winter day.

There was all kinds of stuff that I would need to keep safe and warm. I put many kinds of items that I might need in case I got lost. I even packed junk that would be good for

journaling my adventures.

My backpack was filled with everything I would need for exploring on a winter day.

There were flexible gloves and a wool cap with ear flaps, plus a pair of polarized sunglasses that I would need to keep safe and warm. I put in a GPS with batteries and an extra large compass in case I got lost. I even packed binoculars, and a journal with several pens so I could record my observations.

Now read the revised paragraph. The author has provided specific examples instead of overly general words or phrases. Decide which paragraph is more powerful.


Name:

SP23

Can you Give a Specific Example?

1) I carry lots of things in my backpack when I snow ski.

Your revision: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

2) Our garage is fulled with stuff for playing in the snow.

Your revision: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

3) I wear a helmet, goggles and face mask when I ski.

Your revision: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

When reading, it is always more interesting when the author includes specific examples.

Example: The corner store sells candy. This is very general.

This revision has specific examples.

The corner store sells everything from chocolately peanut butter cups to bright, multi-colored gummi bears!Look at each detail sentence below. Each one has a general detail. Replace the general detail with some vivid, specific detail.


Name:

SP24

Breaking up the Grocery list

Ex. When you go sledding, you need a sled, warm jacket, warm boots, ear warmers, and

sunglasses.

Revision: When you go sledding, you need a lightweight sturdy sled, easy to carry up the hill. A warm jacket is another essential necessity for an entertaining day of riding the slopes. Warm boots and ear warmers add an extra layer of protection on really cold days. Never leave home without a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s glaring reflection on the snow covered mounds.

When mom packs your lunch for a day in the snow, be sure she includes a sandwich, chips, pickles, cookies, snack crackers, water, and a soda.

Your revision: ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Sentence Starters:

No lunch is complete without_______. Don’t forget the _________

Be sure to include________________. I always enjoy_____________.

There’s also__________________. Another essential snack is_____________.

One must-have snack is________. My favorite lunch surprise is________.

Details are always more powerful when they appear one at a time rather than grouped together in a list. Read the “grocery list” and revision, below.

Now break up the grocery list, below. Revise this using, “What does it look like? Why is it important?” You can use the “sentence starters” at the bottom of the page.


SP25

using Detail - Generating Questions

The key to surviving a blizzard is preparation. You should have batteries, candles, matches, and flashlights on hand. You should have a battery powered radio. You should have plenty of water and food. You should have stuff in your garage to help you. You should never go outside in the cold, blowing snow, or drive in a car during a blizzard.

USE THE DETAIL GENERATING QUESTIONS:

The key to surviving a blizzard is preparation. You should have batteries, candles, matches, and flashlights on hand. (Is each detail in a separate sentence? Separate these details. Then, about each detail, ask yourself: “What does it look like, why is that important?”) You should have a battery powered radio. (Why is that important?”) You should have plenty of water and food. (can you give a specific example? Why is this important?) You should have stuff in your garage to help you. (What kind of stuff? Be specific. Tell what this stuff looks like and why it is important?) You should never go outside in the cold, blowing snow, or drive in a car during a blizzard. (Why is this important?)

Sentence StartersBe sure to ________________________ . It is critical to have _______________ .

Another must-have item is ___________ . Well-prepared people will __________ .

Don’t forget to ____________________ . Of course, you’ll need _____________ .

Additionally, you’ll need to ___________ .

Sample Modeled Revision:

Read the paragraph below on the topic of preparing for a blizzard. The author has simply listed a number of facts. None of the facts have been elaborated on in an effective way. On another paper, revise this paragraph by applying the detail-generating questions (in bold print) as indicated. You may use the sentence starters on the bottom of the page to improve the redundant sentence variety.

Name:


SP26

MAIN EVENT

Don’t Summarize! Make a Scene!

FULLY ELABORATED MAIN EvENTS are made up of a balance of:

• ACTION

• DESCRIPTION

• THOUGHTS/FEELINGS

• DIALOGUE/EXCLAMATION

And just for fun….

• SOUND EFFECT

Here are the productive questions that help to generate a fully elaborated

MAIN EvENT:

ACTION: What did you do?

(Tell it in slow motion, S-T-R-E-T-C-H I-T O-U-T!)

DESCRIPTION: What did you see, hear, feel?

THOUGHTS/FEELINGS: What were you wondering, worrying, feeling?

DIALOGUE/EXCLAMATION: What did you say or exclaim?

SOUND EFFECT: What did you hear?



Student page

SP27

Name:

Comparing Summaries and fully Elaborated Main Events

1) gus got trapped in the blizzard. He was scared.

2) First gus pulled his hood up over his head. Then he turned in a circle trying to decide which direction to walk. Next he heard a dog. After that he followed the smell of smoke. Finally he went inside a strange house.

3) gus’s heart beat faster by the second. He couldn’t feel the ends of his fingers or toes. The wind was blowing the snow across the terrain, causing white-out conditions. He pulled the hood of his jacket over his head and spun around, unable to decide which direction to walk. He could feel himself losing all sense of direction and he knew he must think fast. What should I do first, he wondered as the snow piled up on his jacket. The wind was brutal and he wasn’t sure how long it would be before he froze. Think gus, think, he told himself! Just then, he heard the faint sound of a dog barking in the distance. A glimmer of hope sparked his natural survival instincts. He listened anxiously for the echoing bark of the far-away creature, willing to follow the howl wherever it led. But the barking stopped and despair returned. “What next, boy scout?” he wondered out loud. All of a sudden, the smell of smoke began to fill his nostrils. A weak smile formed on his lips and relief washed over him. He staggered in the direction of the smoky smell, forgetting that his feet were completely numb. Thankfully his nose led him to an remote house in the middle of the snow covered landscape. He wobbled up the porch steps and banged on the wooden door. In seconds the door opened and a large dog greeted him with a bark. gus glanced up into the sympathetic face of a motherly woman. Finally he was safe!

Read each version of a main event about getting caught in a blizzard. Which is the most entertaining? Why?


The Main Event

SP28

Name:

While snowmobiling through the forest, I encountered a bear.

REMEMBER: • The main event is the MOST IMPORTANT part of a story!

• The main event should take up the largest amount of writing within a story.

• The main event should occur as though in slow motion – with every small detail told.

• The main event is a time for the author to show off and really entertain!

directions: Read the summary of the main event below. Imagine what is happening. Then, in order to ELABORATE on the main event, ask:

• What did you do? (action) • What did you see, hear, feel? (description)• What did you wonder/worry? (thoughts/feelings)

• What did you say? (dialogue/exclamation) • SOUND EFFECT?


SP29

ASKa question

lISTpros and cons

lINKpros and cons with

“yes, buts…”

CHOOSEyour position and arguments

Student Reference page


forming and Writing Opinions - pros/Cons

SP30

Name:

Issue: Should I live in a cold climate? - pROList Pros (P) and cons (c)

If you were PRo-coLd cLIMaTE, it would be important to think about what someone with an opposing view might argue. A good opinion writer would acknowledge their view and then gently refute them. Here are some examples. Add you own “yes, but” statement on each blank, below.

Their argument: Your “Yes, but statement”

Sure, you’d need layers of clothing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . but you can always strip off a layer if you get too warm.

It’s necessary to cut wood daily, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . but this is a great excuse to spend more time outside.

Chapped skin can be a problem, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . but you can use lotion and lip balm to keep your skin soft.

If you get sick with a cold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . you can spend a day by the fire and take some cold medication.

Of course there’s a danger of frostbite, . . . . . . . . . but ___________________________________________.

Blizzards can cause power outages, . . . . . . . . . . . . . although______________________________________.

Snow can cause school cancellations,. . . . . . . . . . . .but____________________________________________.

In cold climates pipes can freeze and burst, . . . . . .but___________________________________________.

While ice can cause trees to snap and fall, . . . . . . . ______________________________________________.

Shoveling snow is hard work, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .but___________________________________________.

Staying indoors during frigid weather can

cause cabin fever, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .however_______________________________________.

P Snow skiing c Chapped skin P Ice FishingP Watch the snowfall c Sick with a cold c Frozen pipesc Layers of clothing P Sit by the fire c Trees snapP Drink hot tea/cocoa c Frostbite c Slick highwaysP Snowmobiling c Power outages c Cabin feverP Snowball fights P/c School cancellations P Ice skatingc Cut wood daily P Ice Hockey P Sledding


Name:

SP31

forming and Writing Opinions - pros/Cons

Issue: Should I live in a cold climate? - CONList Pros (P) and cons (c)

If you were coN-coLd cLIMaTE, it would be important to think about what someone with an opposing view might argue. A good opinion writer would acknowledge their view and then gently refute them. Here are some examples. Add you own “yes, but” statement on each blank, below.

Their argument: Your “Yes, but statement”

Snow skiing is fun for the whole family, but it’s easy to fall and break an arm or leg.

While drifting snow can be beautiful, it’s easy to have a heart attack shoveling it.

Snowmobiling is an exciting sport, yet it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

Enjoying a quiet evening by the fire is nice, but__________________________________________.

Although children enjoy a snowday off from school, _____________________________________________.

Ice hockey is the perfect cold-weather game, but__________________________________________.

Plenty of folks enjoy ice fishing, however______________________________________.

Though ice skating is a favorite past time, _____________________________________________.

A snowy climate is perfect for sledding, but__________________________________________.

P Snow skiing c Chapped skin P Ice FishingP Watch the snowfall c Sick with a cold c Frozen pipesc Layers of clothing P Sit by the fire c Trees snapP Drink hot tea/cocoa c Frostbite c Slick highwaysP Snowmobiling c Power outages c Cabin feverP Snowball fights P/c School cancellations P Ice skatingc Cut wood daily P Ice Hockey P Sledding


Choose your position

SP32

Name:

CHOOSE your position and arguments from your list. Either:

PRo - cold climate or coN - cold climate

Use sentence starters to create sentence variety.

• I’ve always wanted to ________________________________________ .• This climate would be great for me because I enjoy _________________ .• Wouldn’t it be fun to _________________________________________ .• The best thing about cold climate is _____________________________ .• I would totally enjoy _________________________________________ .• The main reason I would enjoy the cold climate is __________________ .• Can you imagine being able to _________________________________ .• Another important reason _____________________________________ .• One other positive factor ______________________________________ .• My favorite activity in the cold climate is __________________________ .

Should I live in the cold climate?

Write a paragraph explaining your position. Be sure to include all the reasons, as well as a “yes, but” statement to acknowledge and gently refute the opposing view.


Documents

Month 5 – COlD ClIMATES