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AFTER READING
OBJECTIVES
Genre Problem-Solution
Writer's Craft Write Clearly
Writing Trait Organization/Paragraphs
  • Identify the characteristics of a problem-solution paragraph.
  • Compose a problem-
    solution paragraph that is clearly written.
  • Focus on organization/
    paragraphs.
  • Use a rubric.
ELL
Organization/Paragraphs Explain that transition words make order clear in writing. Write first, next, then, after, before, also, and but on index cards, one to a card, and model their meaning and use. Help language learners use these transition words in their writing.
Writing Trait
FOCUS/IDEAS A problem is
clearly stated, and a logical solution is described.
ORGANIZATION/PARAGRAPHS
A description of the solution
follows the description of the problem, with a clear
connection between the two.
VOICE Writing is clear and shows
careful consideration of how to solve a problem.
WORD CHOICE The writer uses
transitions such as so and because to indicate a problem-solution structure.
SENTENCES Varying sentence
kinds and structures creates interest.
CONVENTIONS There is
excellent control and accuracy, including correct spelling of an irregular plural noun.
DAY 1
Model the Trait
DAY 2
Improve Writing
DAY 3
Prewrite and Draft
DAY 4
Draft and Revise
DAY 5
Connect to Unit Writing
READING-WRITING CONNECTION
  • Prudy's Problem describes a girl's problem with collecting and how she solved it.
  • The story presents the girl's problem, her recognition of it, and her solution.
  • Students will write a problem-solution paragraph clearly organized and explained.
MODEL ORGANIZATION/
PARAGRAPHS Discuss Writing Transparency 8A. Then discuss the model and the writing trait of organization/paragraphs.
Think AloudThe writer first names the problem (a messy closet, making it hard to find things) and why this is a problem (the closet made her late for school). Then the writer explains her step-by-step solution. The transition words first, next, and finally signal each step.
Writing Transparency
Writing Transparency 8A
with | without Answers
WRITER'S CRAFT
Write Clearly
Display Writing Transparency 8B. Read the directions and work together to point out unclear writing and suggest revisions.
Think AloudMAKE MEANING
CLEAR Tomorrow we
will write a problem-solution paragraph.
I could write about the trouble I
have with math homework. How
could I state my problem clearly?
To be specific, I could write, "I
think I understand math problems when the teacher explains them,
but when I get home, I can't
remember how to do them." This sentence gives enough detail to
make the problem clear.
GUIDED WRITING Some students may need more help writing clearly. Point out some writing that is unclear and have them suggest ways to revise it.
Writing Transparency
Writing Transparency 8B
with | without Answers
READ THE WRITING PROMPT
on page 219 in the Student Edition.
Prudy's Problem explains how a girl solves a problem.
Think about a problem you and your friends have.
Now write a paragraph describing the problem and how to solve it.
Writing Test Tips
  • List details about the problem and why it causes difficulty.
  • List the steps involved in solving the problem.
  • Use time-order words to make the steps in solving the problem clear.
GETTING STARTED Students can do any of the following:
  • Use a concept web with Problems I have solved or Problems in my school in the center to list possible topics.
  • With a group, discuss a school problem and why it needs to be solved.
  • Make a T-chart with the headings Problem and Solution. Add details about the chosen topic.
EDITING/REVISING
CHECKLIST
  • Is the problem described clearly?
  • Are the steps of the solution described clearly?
  • Did I use irregular plural nouns correctly?
  • Are compound words spelled correctly?
See The Grammar and Writing Book, pp. 92–97.
Revising Tips
Organization/Paragraph
  • Make sure the problem is stated clearly at the beginning.
  • Make sure the solution is described clearly. Use a word such as so or then to move from the problem to the solution.
  • Add time-order words to show the order of the steps in the solution.
PUBLISHING Students can read their paragraphs aloud in small groups. Some students may wish to revise their work later.
ASSESSMENT Use the scoring rubric to evaluate students' work.
Week 1
Summary
173g–173h
Week 2
Rules
197g–197h
Week 3
Problem/Solution
223g–223h
Week 4
Feature Story
249g–249h
Week 5
Explanatory
Paragraph 271g–271h
How-to Report
PREVIEW THE UNIT PROMPT
Think of something you learned
or figured out how to do that
involves a few simple steps. Write the steps in a how-to report. Make sure you provide all the necessary information.
APPLY
  • A how-to report explains the steps for making or doing something.
  • A how-to report may tell how to solve a problem. Make sure the steps and explanations are clear.
Writing Workshop Problem-Solution
Trait of the Week
Organization/Paragraphs
 
   
Close  
Writing Trait Rubric  
Rubric 4 3 2 1
Organization/
Paragraphs
Ideas well developed from beginning
to end; strong closure
Ideas that progress from beginning to
end; good closure
Some sense of movement from
beginning to end; weak closure
No sense of movement from beginning
to end or closure
Paragraph organized with exceptional
logic
Paragraph organized adequately
Paragraph not clearly organized
Paragraph not organized