The keys to an effective paragraph:

• A topic sentence

• Transitions

• Good explanations and examples

• A conclusion

Expository paragraphs need:

The Five Elements of Expository Writing

Organization is the key.

Transitions are the glue.

Conclusions tie it all together.

Topic sentences and thesis statements are the heart.

Examples, evidence, and explanations are the meat.

Golf is a great sport to play. It’s fun to hit a golf

ball around for nine to eighteen holes. However,

to become good you need lots of practice and

mental toughness. It’s also pretty expensive, and

you need a lot of space. Practice is easy to

come by, but we need toughness too. Personally,

I need a lot of mental toughness. Golf can be

really fun if you are playing well, but if you are

playing badly, it can cause frustration.

Is this an effective paragraph?

Write a topic sentence.

Go!

Give a reason, detail, or fact. Use a transition.

Slow Down!

Explain.Give an example.

Stop!

Remind the reader of your topic.

Go Back!

Topic

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Reason/Detail/Fact

Conclusion

Support

Support

Support

Using Colorsto Teach Organization

Topic Sentence:• Green means “go.”

• Green asks the writer to decide —“What am I going to prove?”“What am I going to explain?”“What information will I share?”

Using Colorsto Teach Organization

Reasons/Details/Facts:• Yellow means “slow down.”

• Introduce key concepts to support the topic sentence.

Using Colorsto Teach Organization

Support:• Red means “stop!” – support

your position.

• Present evidence.

• Provide explanation and examples.

Using Colorsto Teach Organization

Conclusion:• Green means “go back to your

topic.”• Restate the topic and the position.• Do not introduce new information.• Use synonyms and leave your

reader with something to remember.

Cats protect themselves in two ways.First, they are able to get away quickly from their enemies. Cats are fast runners when in danger. Their ability to climb trees will help in the escape. Next, cats are excellent fighters. Cats’ sharp claws can cause serious pain and stop the attack. They can also use their teeth to bite their enemies when necessary. Clearly, cats can defend and take care of themselves.

TopicCats protect themselves in two ways.

Reason/Detail/FactFirst, they are able to get away quickly from their enemies.

SupportTheir ability to climb trees will help in the escape.

SupportCats are fast runners when in danger.

Reason/Detail/FactNext, cats are excellent fighters.

SupportCats’ sharp claws can cause serious pain and stop the attack.

ConclusionClearly, cats can defend and take care of themselves.

SupportThey can also use their teeth to bite their enemies when necessary.

Informal Outlines (T-Chart)

Topic = Cats can protect themselves

R/D/F

(First) get away from enemies

- run fast

- climb trees

(Next) excellent fighters - sharp claws

- teeth

Conclusion = defend, take care

Support

Accordion Paragraphs

Eight Sentence Paragraph:Topic Sentence

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Conclusion

Twelve Sentence Paragraph:

Topic Sentence

Reason/Detail/Fact

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Support

Conclusion

Support

Support

Reason/Detail/Fact

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Support

Accordion Paragraphs

Six Sentence Paragraph:Topic Sentence

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Reason/Detail/Fact

Support

Conclusion

Step By Step

Brainstorm:

“Fun ways to spend $1

million”

Informal Outlines

Topic = Fun ways to spend a million dollars

R/D/F

Shopping

Travel

Support

- new wardrobe, cars

- Spain, the World Cup

Conclusion = happy, excited, rich

(First,)

(Next,)

If I had a million, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.

If I had a billion won, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.

Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go.

If I had a million dollars, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

.A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.

Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go.

Visiting Spain has always been a dream of mine, and I really want to go to this year’s World Cup.

If I had a billion won, I would have a great time spending it.

Outline to Paragraph

First, I would take a week and have a fabulous time shopping at my favorite stores.

A new wardrobe would be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play with.

Next, I would take several weeks to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go.

Clearly, if I had a million, I’d know just what to do with it!

Visiting Spain has always been a dream of mine, and I really want to go to this year’s World Cup.

Fun Being Rich – a color-coded version

If I had a million dollars, I would have

a great time spending it. First, I would take a

week and have a fabulous time shopping at

my favorite stores. A new wardrobe would

be essential, and I’d buy a few cars to play

with. Next, I would take several weeks to

travel to places I’ve always wanted to go.

Visiting Spain has always been a dream of

mine, and I really want to go to this year’s

World Cup. Clearly, if I had a million dollars,

I’d know just what to do with it!

If you want to make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, ensure that you have the best possible cooking utensils. Target sells premium quality knives and jar openers; they will help you in your preparation . Second, be wise with your choice of ingredients. Natural peanut butter is the same price as other kinds, but it is healthier and much more delicious. Jelly made from actual fruit is only slightly more expensive than the stuff made from corn syrup, but it makes your sandwich taste much better. Finally, be sure that you use a proper ratio of peanut butter to jelly. If you have too much jelly, your sandwich will be too sweet. Also, if have too much peanut butter, your sandwich will be too chewy. In conclusion, anybody can make an amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwich as long as they follow these simple steps.

Showtime ! Color code this paragraph…

If you want to make a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, ensure that you have the best possible cooking utensils. Target sells premium quality knives and jar openers; they will help you in your preparation . Second, be wise with your choice of ingredients. Natural peanut butter is the same price as other kinds, but it is healthier and much more delicious. Jelly made from actual fruit is only slightly more expensive than the stuff made from corn syrup, but it makes your sandwich taste much better. Finally, be sure that you use a proper ratio of peanut butter to jelly. If you have too much jelly, your sandwich will be too sweet. Also, if have too much peanut butter, your sandwich will be too chewy. In conclusion, anybody can make an amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwich as long as they follow these simple steps.

Showtime!