s ss
Go to page
AFTER READING
OBJECTIVES
Genre Informational Paragraph
Writer’s Craft Topic Sentences
Writing Trait Organization/
  Paragraphs
  • Identify the characteristics of an informational paragraph.
  • Write an informational paragraph with a topic sentence.
  • Focus on organization/paragraphs.
  • Use a rubric.
ELL
Organization/Paragraphs Make sure English learners can decode words in the prompt. Work with students to complete a cloze sentence that addresses the prompt and could be used to launch writing.
Writing Trait
FOCUS/IDEAS The paragraph
focuses on important facts about the main idea.
ORGANIZATION/PARAGRAPHS
The paragraph includes a
topic sentence that states
the main idea, supporting
details, and a concluding
sentence.
VOICE The writer's voice is
unique and knowledgeable.
WORD CHOICE The writer uses
exact words to communicate facts.
SENTENCES Sentence lengths
and kinds are varied. Evidence
of sentence combining is
present.
CONVENTIONS Grammar and
mechanics are excellent, including use of sentence combining.
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
  • Talking Walls: Art for the People is a photo essay about murals that are displayed all across America.
  • Talking Walls: Art for the People consists of well-developed paragraphs that state a main idea and include supporting details.
  • Students will write an informational paragraph about an art form.
MODEL ORGANIZATION/ PARAGRAPHS Discuss Writing Transparency 28A. Then discuss the model and the writing trait of organization/paragraphs.
Think Aloud The writer has written an informational paragraph about murals. The topic sentence asks a question to get the reader's attention and tells the paragraph's main idea. Other sentences in the paragraph give supporting details. The concluding paragraph sums up the main idea.
Writing Transparency
Writing Transparency 28A
with | without Answers
WRITER'S CRAFT
Topic Sentences
Display Writing Transparency 28B. Read the directions and work together to decide which topic sentence goes with which details.
Think Aloud TOPIC SENTENCES
Tomorrow we will write informational paragraphs about art forms that we like. I want to be sure that I include a strong topic sentence that will get the reader's attention. Maybe I'll ask a question in the topic sentence. This sentence should also tell the main idea of the paragraph. I might even use a strong adjective that tells how I feel when I look at this type of art.
GUIDED WRITING Some students may need more help with topic sentences. Work with them to identify such sentences in the reading selection.
Writing Transparency
Writing Transparency 28B
with | without Answers
READ THE WRITING PROMPT
on page 351 in the Student Edition.
Talking Walls describes special murals.
Think of a kind of art that you know well.
Now write an informational paragraph about this kind of art.
Writing Test Tips
  • Use a strong topic sentence that tells exactly what the paragraph will be about.
  • Use precise words that help readers understand the facts.
  • Organize the details logically, such as in time order or space order.
GETTING STARTED Students can do any of the following:
  • Write down all the facts they already know about the art form.
  • Work with a partner to make a concept web with the name of the art form in the center.
  • Work with a group to discuss various art forms.
EDITING/REVISING
CHECKLIST
  • Does the paragraph begin with a topic sentence that states the main idea?
  • Do the paragraph's details support the main idea?
  • Are some sentences combined to avoid wordiness?
  • Are words with -tion, -sion, and -ture spelled correctly?
See The Grammar and Writing Book, pp. 216–221.
Revising Tips
Organization/Paragraphs
  • Begin with a topic sentence that states the paragraph's main idea.
  • Organize the details in a logical order such as time order or space order.
  • End with a concluding sentence that sums up the paragraph.
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
Taking Notes
303g–303h
Week 2
Outlining 331g–331h
Week 3
Informational
Paragraph 353g–353h
Week 4
Writing About a
Picture 379g–379h
Week 5
Write Good
Paragraphs
407g–407h
Research Report
PREVIEW THE UNIT PROMPT
Write a research report about a
monument or statue that
symbolizes freedom in the United
States. Discuss the monument
itself, its history, and why it is
important. Find information in
sources such as books,
magazines, CD-ROMs, and the
Internet.
APPLY
  • A research report is an
    informational article based
    on research.
  • A research report is made
    up of informational
    paragraphs.
Writing Workshop   Informational Paragraph
Trait of the Week
Organization/Paragraphs
 
   
Close  
 
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