Types of Writing in 7th Grade English

•Informational Essay •Argumentative Essay•Narrative Writing (Use First Person Pronouns)

Types of Writing Goal/Purpose

Informational/Expository Writing

Goal of expository/informational writing:To provide information about a given topic using evidence to support the information that is being provided

Argumentative Writing Goal of argumentative writing: To get reader to acknowledge that your argument is valid and deserves consideration; a counterclaims is providedto give consideration to an opposing viewpoint

Narrative Writing Goal of narrative writing:To tell a story; must include an introduction, plot ( exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, resolution)

Type of Writing

An Important Rule for Informational and Argumentative

Writing PromptsNever use first or second person pronouns

because you lose credibility! AVOID!!!!!

** If an expository prompt asks about your life experience specifically, you can use first person pronouns. If not, you must avoid first person pronouns in expository writing.

First Person Pronouns Second Person Pronouns

I, me, my, mine, us, we, us, our, ours, etc.

“Never use Pronouns that Include Yourself!”

You, Your, Yours, You’re

“Never Talk to the Reader.”

What Can You Use for Informational/Expository and

Argumentative, Writing Prompts ?

Third Person Pronouns

he/she, his/hers, him/herit/its, they/them/their/theirs

When can you use first and second

person pronouns ? Use first person pronouns when writing a personal narrative or a first person narrative.

Use second person pronouns when writing a letter or e-mail or in dialogue between characters in a narrative.

First Person Pronouns

I, me, mine, my, ours, our, we, us, etc. “Anything that included yourself.”

Second Person Pronouns

YouTalking to the reader or when characters are talking to each

other in dialogue.

You must analyze different writing prompts to determine the type of

writing! • What is a cave? – Expository/Informational

• Provide one character trait for the main character. – Expository/Informational

• Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. – Personal Narrative

• What is your most prized position? – Personal Narrative

• Should students wear school uniforms?– Argumentative

• What is the Sequoia National Park like?– Expository / Informational

Punctuating Title

• Quotation Marks– Songs– Poems– Short Stories– Episodes of TV programs– Chapters in a book– Articles in a magazine

• Underline (or italics) BooksPlaysMagazinesTelevision ProgramsMoviesNewspapers

Only underline these titles when handwriting and italicize when typing!

ICER

ICER is a format to help your writing become more structured and organized. •Designed as a reader response•Used in other team classes•Developed into an essay

ICER Formula • I= Intro Paragraph C=Claim E=

Example from the Text R=Restate

• ICER (One Claim)

• ICECER (Two Claims)

• ICECECER (Three Claims)

ICERWhat does an ICER writing prompt look like? Here are just a few examples.

Name two adjectives to describe the main character. Provide two detailed claims to support your answer and provide an “example” for each claim from the text. ICECER

What is the significance of the author’s use of figurative language? Provide three claims and cite a text based “example” for each C. ICECECER

ICERThe job of the I is to introduce the reader to the topic and ANSWER THE QUESTION or PROMPT.

I= Introduce and Answer/Thesis• The “I” is the first paragraph of your ICER essay. When you begin writing your

I, you will need to keep the following in mind:

I=Introductory Paragraph The I is made up of an attention getter (will add on later) one broad statement sentence and one answer/mini-thesis sentence.

Formulate the “Answer/Thesis” in your head and complete an organizer.

Make sure your answer is correct and fully answers the question/prompt. Do not use the word because unless the question asks you how or why.

Credit the source (author and title). If they are not known, leave them out.Add it is clear that, it is evident that, or it is obvious that after the introductory clause.

Create a broad statement about the general topic. Indent at the broad statement for now.

*** If the thesis is wrong the entire essay is wrong.

I=Introductory Paragraph The I is made up of an attention getter (will add on later) one broad statement sentence and one answer/mini-thesis sentence.

Formulate the “Answer/Thesis” in your head and complete an organizer.

Make sure your answer is correct and fully answers the question/prompt. Do not use the word because unless the question asks you how or why.

Credit the source (author and title). If they are not known, leave them out.Add it is clear that, it is evident that, or it is obvious that after the introductory clause.

Create a broad statement about the general topic. Indent at the broad statement for now.

*** If the thesis is wrong the entire essay is wrong.

Broad Statement

• A general statement about your topic.

• Topic: Should everyone own an in-ground swimming pool?

• BS: Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming.

Broad Statement• What are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in

Pennsylvania?– Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming.

• What are the top three deadly natural disasters?– Most storms are a frequent part of nature that cause minimal to no damage, but some

storms can extremely dangerous.

• What is the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school?

– Middle school is very different from elementary school.

I= Introductory Paragraph***Second Sentence Answer the

Question

•Formula for your answer/mini-thesisAfter reading (type of source and name of

source) by (author), (it is evident that ) type your answer here.

I=Answer /Mini-thesis

Example:Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such

as swimming. After reading the article “Summer Vacations” by Iwanna Pool, it is obvious that everyone should not own an in-ground swimming pool.

Should everyone own an in-ground swimming pool?

Article Summer Vacations

Author Iwanna Pool

Answer No

A=Answer the Question

Example:Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming. After reading the article “Summer Vacations” by Iwanna Pool, it is obvious that everyone should not own an in-ground swimming pool because it takes a monumental amount of time and money to maintain.

Question: Why shouldn’t everyone own an in-ground swimming pool?

Article Summer Vacations

Author Iwanna Pool

Answer it takes a monumental amount of time and money to maintain.

I=Answer the Question• Question: What are the three most exciting vacation

activities offered in Pennsylvania? • Article: Visit Pennsylvania• Author: Patty Smith• Answer: hiking, biking, and camping

Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to visit for vacation. After reading the article “ Visit Pennsylvania” by Patty Smith, it is clear that hiking, biking, and camping are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania.

Using ICER in Your Other Classes!

• You will be expected to use ICER in other classes.

• I will show you how to write ICER if your teacher asks you to respond to a movie or personal experiences.

What does your “answer/mini-thesis” look like if you are not

using a text?Movie Real Life Experience

• Include movie title; punctuate it correctly

• Don’t worry about author or producer!

• Turn the question into your response.

• Author and title not applicable

What does your “answer/mini-thesis” look like if you are not

using a text?• Question: What are the top three deadly

natural disasters?• Movie: Deadly Storms• Author/Producer: None • Answer: tornadoes, hurricanes, and

earthquakes

I=Answer/Mini-Thesis

Most storms are a frequent part of nature that cause minimal to no damage, but some storms can extremely dangerous. According to the movie Deadly Storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes are the top three deadly natural disasters.

Or Most storms are a frequent part of nature that cause minimal to no

damage, but some storms can extremely dangerous . After watching the movie Deadly Storms, it is clear that tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes are the top three deadly natural disasters.

What does your “answer/mini-thesis” look like if you are not

using a text?• Question: What is the biggest difference

between middle school and elementary school?

– Life experience– Author: None– Answer: freedom

I=Answer/Mini-Thesis

Middle school is very different from elementary school. Freedom is one of the biggest differences between elementary school and middle school.

I=Introductory ParagraphReview

Broad Statement (1 sentence) Answer/Mini-thesis

Credit author and source if availableContains appropriate punctuationContains one of the following phrases

it is evident thatit is obvious thatit is clear that…..

Doesn’t include the word “because” in your A unless the question requires you to explain why or how

I=IntroductoryLet’s Try It!

Pre-writingOrganizer

Name one character trait to describe Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Short Story: Rikki-Tikki-TaviAuthor: Rudyard Kipling Answer: selfless

Answer________________

Answer________________

EvidenceEvidenceEvidence EvidenceEvidence

Organizer

I=Introductory

Let’s Try It! Like humans, characters in literature also have many personality

traits that define them. After reading the short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, it is evident that one character trait that depicts Rikki-tikki is selfless.

C= Claim

The job of the “C” is to

support the answer/mini-thesis !

C= Claim

Job of the C= Use your own words to make a claim that supports your answer.

Ingredients for the C

1. Indent at each C. 2. It must be two to four sentences in length. 3. Each claim must be focused on one specific example. 4. It must be detailed. 5. Use the transition word “First” for the first C, “Additionally” for the

second C, and “In summary” for the last C. 6. After the transition word, take the last part of the A and add the

word because…….

Class ACERLike humans, characters in literature also have many personality traits that

define them. After reading the short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, it is evident that one character trait that depicts Rikki-tikki is selfless.

First, Rikki-Tikki can be described as selfless because he was a very young mongoose who fought deadly snakes in order to save the lives of others. Rikki-tikki saved Timmy from the deadly snake Karait. Even though Rikki-tikki was young and inexperienced, he put his own life on the line in order to protect Timmy. After Kariate was dead, Rikki did not indulge himself in a large meal because he wanted to remain alert in case he had to protect himself or someone else in the near future. Rikki’s act of bravery and his restraint of indulgences in this situation shows that he truly thinks of others before himself, which is a true act of selflessness. .

E= Evidence

The job of the E is to provide an “evidence” from the text or everyday life to support your claim.

Evidence

While your E is the easiest part of your ICER to write, it is the most important because it supports/backs your reasoning!

If your E’s aren’t then your claim will be weak and you will not gain credit from your audience !

E=Evidence

Things to remember! •C is dating E.

•Yes, I said they’re dating, so you should never split them up, or you will be sorry!

•Every C is followed by an E! No exceptions! They are one paragraph!

E= Evidence

Rules ! Rules! Rules ! – When providing evidence from a text, the E must be taken

word for word from the text, and it must contain quotation marks; if you leave off quotation marks, you are plagiarizing.

– The E must be strong!

– Every E must start out with a transitional phrase that connects to the main idea (topic sentence)• Mr. White’s ability to be easily persuaded can be supported by the

text when it states, “………………………….”

Evidence

•If you are watching a movie then you must paraphrase. In this case, direct quotes are not necessary; however, you must still begin your E with a transitional phrase.

• The theme everyone is different can be supported by the movie when it indicates, …

Real-world ExperienceMiddle school is very different from elementary school. Freedom is one of the biggest differences

between elementary school and middle school. In middle school students are given many freedoms because they are getting older and need to

learn how to be more responsible. Some of the freedoms given to middle school students are changing classes without teacher guidance and choosing where to sit during lunch. For example, in middle school students are dismissed at the bell and can navigate the hallways on their own, but in elementary school, students usually have to follow their teacher to the next class. Also, students in middle school can sit with a friend at lunch; however, in elementary school students have to eat with their homeroom.

EvidenceTie it to the main idea!!!

Text Movie Real Life

…….can be supported by the text when it states, “….”

………… can be supported by

the movie when it

indicates ………………

For example,

**Your examples could

be mixed in with your C.

Class ACERLike humans, characters in literature also have many personality traits that define them.

After reading the short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, it is evident that one character trait that depicts Rikki-tikki is selfless.

First, Rikki-Tikki can be described as selfless because he was a very young mongoose who fought deadly snakes in order to save the lives of others. Rikki-tikki saved Timmy from the deadly snake Karait. Even though Rikki-tikki was young and inexperienced, he put his own life on the line in order to protect Timmy. After Kariate was dead, Rikki did not indulge himself in a large meal because he wanted to remain alert in case he had to protect himself or someone else in the near future. Rikki’s act of bravery and his restraint of indulgences in this situation shows that he truly thinks of others before himself, which is a true act of selflessness. Rikki’s selfless personality can be supported when the text states, “That bite paralyzed Karait, and Rikki-tikki was just going to eat him up from the tail, after the custom of his family at dinner, when he remembered that a full meal makes a slow mongoose, and if he wanted all his strength and quickness ready, he must keep himself thin. He went away for a dust bath under the castor-oil bushes, while Teddy’s father beat the dead Karait. ‘What is the use of that?’ thought Rikki-tikki. ‘I have settled it all;’ and then Teddy’s mother picked him up from the dust and hugged him, crying that he had saved Teddy from death, and Teddy’s father said that he was providence, and Teddy looked on with big scared eyes.”

Second C and E

• Before you begin your second C, you must use a transition word.

Claim Transition

First Claim First,

Second Claim Additionally,

Third Claim In conclusion

Second C/E

Like humans, characters in literature also have many personality traits that define them. After reading the short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, it is evident that one character trait that depicts Rikki-tikki is selfless.

First, Rikki-Tikki can be described as selfless because he was a very young mongoose who fought deadly snakes in order to save the lives of others. Rikki-tikki saved Timmy from the deadly snake Karait. Even though Rikki-tikki was young and inexperienced, he put his own life on the line in order to protect Timmy. After Kariate was dead, Rikki did not indulge himself in a large meal because he wanted to remain alert in case he had to protect himself or someone else in the near future. Rikki’s act of bravery and his restraint of indulgences in this situation shows that he truly thinks of others before himself, which is a true act of selflessness. Rikki’s selfless personality can be supported when the text states, “That bite paralyzed Karait, and Rikki-tikki was just going to eat him up from the tail, after the custom of his family at dinner, when he remembered that a full meal makes a slow mongoose, and if he wanted all his strength and quickness ready, he must keep himself thin. He went away for a dust bath under the castor-oil bushes, while Teddy’s father beat the dead Karait. ‘What is the use of that?’ thought Rikki-tikki. ‘I have settled it all;’ and then Teddy’s mother picked him up from the dust and hugged him, crying that he had saved Teddy from death, and Teddy’s father said that he was providence, and Teddy looked on with big scared eyes.”

Additionally, Rikki-tikki can be described as selfless because he put his life on the line for the garden animals. Rikki knew that he could be killed by Nagaina, but he put that aside in order to help the garden animals live in peace. One specific example of Rikki’s selfless behavior was when he chased Nagaina into her hole. His actions were selfless because he put himself in extreme danger by entering her territory. This decision put him at a disadvantage and could have cost him is life; however, the well-being of the garden animals and Timmy’s family were more of a concern to him than his own life. These claims are sustained in the text when it states “Still, the instant’s delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the rat-hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail, and he went down with her–and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on savagely, and stuck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.”

R= Restate It!

The job of the R is to restate the answer/mini-thesis and wrap-up the

writing response!

R=Restate It!

• You’re not done until you add the R.• The “R” in ICER is the wrap-up paragraph which restates the

main points of your paper.– Indent

• Start your “R” with a transitional phrase – In summary– In closing

• Direct the reader to your answer/ mini-thesis• Sum up the claims in one sentence• End with a memorable sentence

NEVER WRITE.. THAT IS WHY!!!! You will receive a zero if you write… That is why.

Class ICERSee Handout for final essay example

Group Writing Practice