COMPREHENSIVE EXPOSITORY AND OPINION WRITING GUIDE FOR GRADES 2 & 3 STUDENT PAGES SECTION 5: INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Transcription

1 COMPREHENSIVE EXPOSITORY AND OPINION WRITING GUIDE FOR GRADES 2 & 3 STUDENT PAGES SECTION 5: INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

2 Student Reference Sheet THREE TYPES OF LEADS A descriptive segment Imagine a mammal with the bill of a duck and the tail of a beaver. A question Have you ever seen a platypus? An anecdote When I saw a platypus on a science show on TV, I thought nature was playing a joke on me! 294

3 IDENTIFYING THREE TYPES OF LEADS (1) Student Page Read the lead sentences below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill in the summarizing framework. What is your favorite holiday? If you love candy and costumes, I bet your answer is Halloween! descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: BONUS: Place an E beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an expository piece. Place an O beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an opinion piece. 297

4 IDENTIFYING THREE TYPES OF LEADS (2) Read the lead sentences below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill in the summarizing framework. Coughing and sneezing, I felt burning hot and freezing cold at the same time. As doctors will tell you, many of us get sick with the flu in the winter. Getting enough rest and eating healthy foods are two important ways to keep you healthy. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: BONUS: Place an E beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an expository piece. Place an O beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an opinion piece. 298

5 IDENTIFYING THREE TYPES OF LEADS (3) Student Page Read the lead sentences below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill in the summarizing framework. There are jelly beans of every color in the display case and the smell of honey-roasted peanuts fills the air. Welcome to the most delicious place in the whole world, Sam s Sweet Shop! Feel your taste buds dance in delight as you taste the absolute best chewy, fruity treats and crunchy, nutty candies ever. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: BONUS: Place an E beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an expository piece. Place an O beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an opinion piece. 299

6 IDENTIFYING THREE TYPES OF LEADS (4) Read the lead sentences below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill in the summarizing framework. At camp last summer, I was eager to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. This is the world s best sport and it is called archery. It is quite easy to learn, but you need to have very strong arms and lots of patience to get really good at archery. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: BONUS: Place an E beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an expository piece. Place an O beside the introduction paragraph if you think it s the beginning of an opinion piece. 300

7 TOPIC SENTENCES: GOOD AND BETTER (1) Read the pairs of topic sentences below and circle the more effective one. I am going to tell you all about my grandmother. - Or - My grandmother is my hero because she tells funny jokes and bakes me brownies. Doing art projects and playing at recess are my favorite things to do at school. - Or - Here s what I like best about school. This is my report about grizzly bears. - Or - Grizzly bears are good swimmers and fast runners. 302

8 TOPIC SENTENCES: GOOD AND BETTER (2) Read the pairs of topic sentences below and circle the more effective one. The loveable Panda Bear lives in the bamboo forests of China and is rarely spotted in the wild. - Or - My favorite animal is the Panda Bear. Baseball is the world s greatest sport because it requires speed to run the bases as well as strength to smash the ball into the outfield. - Or - I am going to tell you why I think baseball is the world s best team sport. My sister is a great friend. - Or - My sister is my best friend because she knows many great games and she always plays fair. 303

9 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (1) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. What lives in the ocean but barks like a dog? The answer to that question is the California sea lion. These mammals are known for their playful behavior and their amazing ability to dive to depths of 600 feet or more. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 304

10 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (2) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. After being bitten and stung by many different kinds of insects, I try to avoid most creepy crawlers. But there is one tiny bug that is always welcome in my yard. Red with shiny black spots, ladybugs are pretty and they keep harmful insects out of the garden. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 305

11 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (3) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. Listen to the shrieking sound effects and watch the bright flashing lights. You have arrived at the arcade where you can play many exciting games such as pinball and air hockey. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 306

12 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (4) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. Do your parents work hard? Most certainly do, and I believe even the littlest kids can help out with many chores. Washing the car and weeding the garden are two of the easiest ways to help your busy parents. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 307

13 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (5) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. Listen to the birds sing in the morning, climb a tall tree or take a walk in the quiet woods. These are just a few of the wonderful things you can do every day if you live in the country. Without a doubt, life in the country is a better choice than staying in a crowded city. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 308

14 TRANSLATING TOPIC SENTENCES INTO PREWRITING PLANS (6) Read the introduction paragraph below and decide if the lead is a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote. Put a check mark next to your choice. Then, underline the topic sentence and fill out the author s prewriting plan. Remember, effective topic sentences will outline the main ideas or main reasons that the piece will explore. From the minute I discovered finger painting as a little kid, I have liked art. It is important that we start an art club at school for students like me who want to learn more about painting and drawing, and display our work for people to see. descriptive segment question anecdote TOPIC: MAIN IDEA/REASON #1: MAIN IDEA/REASON #2: BONUS: Is this an introduction paragraph for an expository or an opinion piece? How do you know? 309

15 STARTING WITH A QUESTION (1) Read the summarizing framework below and write a lead sentence for the introduction paragraph about summer. Use the technique of a question and the given sentence starters. TOPIC: Summer Main Reason #1: Enjoying the outdoors Main Reason #2: Family vacations Your Lead Sentence: Sentence Starters Are you eager? What is your? Do you know anybody who? Can you imagine? 312

16 STARTING WITH A QUESTION (2) Read the summarizing framework below and write a lead sentence for the introduction paragraph about summer. Use the technique of a question and the given sentence starters. TOPIC: Winter Sports Main Reason #1: Sledding Main Reason #2: Ice Skating Your Lead Sentence: Sentence Starters Do you want to? Would you like? Have you ever had the chance? Can you imagine? 313

17 STARTING WITH A QUESTION (3) Read the summarizing framework below and write a lead sentence for the introduction paragraph about summer. Use the technique of a question and the given sentence starters. TOPIC: My Birthday Party Main Reason #1: Piñata Main Reason #2: Chocolate Cake Your Lead Sentence: Sentence Starters Did you have? Can you describe? Have you ever been to? Will you ever forget? 314

18 STARTING WITH A QUESTION (4) Read the summarizing framework below and write a lead sentence for the introduction paragraph about summer. Use the technique of a question and the given sentence starters. TOPIC: A Campfire Main Reason #1: Telling Stories Main Reason #2: Toasting Marshmallows Your Lead Sentence: Sentence Starters Can you imagine? Wouldn t it be exciting to? Have you ever? Are you hoping? 315

19 THREE WAYS TO WRITE A LEAD (1) Read the summarizing frameworks and the completed example below. Try to write a lead for this expository or opinion piece two different ways. TOPIC: Best Friends Main Idea #1: Have sleepovers Main Idea #2: Play games Example: A Descriptive Segment Meet Becky. Tall and pretty with her straight blond hair, my best friend has a gift for gymnastics. I love watching her do cartwheels and handsprings. She never seems to get tired! Anecdote (remember: an anecdote is a short story from your own experience.) Question Sentence Starters The first time? Do you? Let me introduce? Have you? 320

20 THREE WAYS TO WRITE A LEAD (2) Read the summarizing frameworks and the completed example below. Try to write a lead for this expository or opinion piece two different ways. TOPIC: Bus Safety Main Idea #1: Stay seated Main Idea #2: Talk, but don t shout Student Page Example: A Descriptive Segment It can be a bumpy, loud ride with crowds of kids chatting and laughing. Some stand to talk to the people behind them and others wave from the windows. Anecdote (remember: an anecdote is a short story from your own experience.) Question Sentence Starters I remember when Why is it so important? I learned Can you imagine? 321

21 THREE WAYS TO WRITE A LEAD (3) Read the summarizing frameworks and the completed example below. Try to write a lead for this expository or opinion piece two different ways. TOPIC: Fish Main Idea #1: Covered with scales Main Idea #2: Breathe through gills Example: An Anecdote I became interested in fish and other sea life when I visited the aquarium. The colorful tropical fish looked so pretty swimming around the bright coral reefs. Anecdote (remember: an anecdote is a short story from your own experience.) Question Sentence Starters What is? Picture a Are you curious about? Look into the 322

22 THREE WAYS TO WRITE A LEAD (4) Read the summarizing frameworks and the completed example below. Try to write a lead for this expository or opinion piece two different ways. TOPIC: Summer Foods Main Idea #1: Watermelon Main Idea #2: Corn-on-the-Cob Student Page Example: A Question What is your favorite taste of summer? Anecdote (remember: an anecdote is a short story from your own experience.) Question Sentence Starters Taste the Feel your I was so proud At the farmer s market 323

23 WRITE A LEAD AND A TOPIC SENTENCE Read the summarizing frameworks below and write a lead to an expository or opinion piece about baseball. Remember, your lead can be a question, a descriptive segment or an anecdote (a short story from your own experience). Then, write a topic sentence telling us what your piece will be about and the two main ideas it will explore. Use the sentence starters if you find them helpful. TOPIC: Baseball Main Idea #1: Playing the Field Main Idea #2: Batting Lead: Topic Sentence: Sentence Starters The first time I What is your? Have you ever? Hear the I play The sound of 324

24 NAME USING (3) INFORMATIVE VERBS IN INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS (1) Directions. Student Page Read the summarizing framework and introduction paragraph for the expository piece below. First, Activity underline the topic print sentence. Then, replace the boldfaced phrase with an informative verb in one of the sentence starters, below. Body Copy. Topic: Dolphins Main Idea #1: Ocean dwellers Main Idea #2: River dolphins Imagine an animal that looks like a smiling fish and can leap out of the water and high into the air. You re probably thinking of a dolphin. There are many different kinds of these air-breathing mammals living in oceans and rivers around the world. Informative Verbs It is interesting to learn about the. It s important to understand that there are. We ll explore the. Let s find out about the. This piece will examine the. 326 Bonus: What kind of lead appears in the introduction paragraph above? (Circle your choice) A question A descriptive segment An anecdote

25 USING NAME (3) INFORMATIVE VERBS IN INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS (2) Directions. Body Copy. Topic: Bighorn Sheep Main Idea #1: Huge curved horns Main Idea #2: Hooves made for climbing Student Page Read the summarizing framework and introduction paragraph for the expository piece below. First, underline Activity the topic print sentence. Then, replace the boldfaced phrase with an informative verb in one of the sentence starters, below. If you thought sheep were only found on farms, think again. When I went to the mountains last summer, I was lucky enough to see a Bighorn Sheep standing on a rocky cliff. These amazing animals use their huge hooves and horns to survive in steep places. Informative Verbs It is interesting to learn about the. It s important to understand that these. We ll explore the. This piece will focus on how these. Bonus: What kind of lead appears in the introduction paragraph above? (Circle your choice) A question A descriptive segment An anecdote 327

26 NAME USING (3) INFORMATIVE VERBS IN INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS (3) Directions. Student Page Read the summarizing framework and introduction paragraph for the expository piece below. First, Activity underline the topic print sentence. Then, replace the boldfaced phrase with an informative verb in one of the sentence starters, below. Body Copy. Topic: Africa Main Idea #1: Deserts Main Idea #2: Jungles Do you dream of traveling to Africa? If you re like me, you believe it would be the adventure of a lifetime to see this captivating continent. We would visit vast deserts as well as dark, dense jungles. Informative Verbs You re probably eager to learn about the. Remember, we will see. We ll explore the. Let s discover the. Bonus: What kind of lead appears in the introduction paragraph above? (Circle your choice) A question A descriptive segment An anecdote 328

27 USING NAME (3) INFORMATIVE VERBS IN INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS (4) Directions. Body Copy. Topic: Earning Money Main Idea #1: Washing cars Main Idea #2: Raking yards Student Page Read the summarizing framework and introduction paragraph for the expository piece below. First, underline Activity the topic print sentence. Then, replace the boldfaced phrase with an informative verb in one of the sentence starters, below. Imagine having money to spend any way you please. You could buy a ticket to that movie everybody s been talking about! You could even treat yourself to an ice cream cone after school. You can wash cars or rake lawns for your neighbors to earn extra money. Informative Verbs We ll explore how to. Let s find out how to. We ll examine how to. Let s learn how to. Bonus: What kind of lead appears in the introduction paragraph above? (Circle your choice) A question A descriptive segment An anecdote 329

28 FIND THE MATCHING CONCLUSION (1) Read the summarizing frameworks and the conclusion paragraphs below. Draw a line matching the summarizing framework with the corresponding conclusion paragraph. TOPIC: Television Main Reason #1: Nature Shows Main Reason #2: Cartoons Like everybody in my class, I love recess, but I enjoy doing science experiments and art projects even more. Surely, you will agree that kids learn a great deal from these exciting hands-on activities. TOPIC: Favorite Things to do at School Main Reason #1: Science Experiments Main Reason #2: Art Projects BONUS: A word referent appears in each of these conclusion paragraphs. See if you can spot and circle them. Some people spend too much time in front of this glowing small screen and others don t watch TV at all. I believe that it s fine to watch television for little while every day. Afterall, who wouldn t want to laugh along at the cartoons and learn from the nature shows? Without a doubt, watching television can be amusing and educational. 332

29 FIND THE MATCHING CONCLUSION (2) Read the summarizing frameworks and the conclusion paragraphs below. Draw a line matching the summarizing framework with the corresponding conclusion paragraph. TOPIC: Music Main Idea #1: Singing Main Idea #2: Playing an instrument Imagine catching a quick glimpse of a cheetah as it zips across the African grasslands or seeing a peregrine falcon dive to earth at breathtaking speed. Without a doubt, spotting either of these famous speedsters in their natural habitat would be an experience to remember. TOPIC: Speedy Animals Main Idea #1: The Cheetah Main Idea #2: The Peregrine Falcon BONUS: A word referent appears in each of these conclusion paragraphs. See if you can spot and circle them. Music is a powerful way to spark creativity and bring people together. Singing and playing an instrument are activities you can enjoy for a lifetime. So why not make some magical melodies with the chorus, the band or the orchestra today. After all, everybody should have the chance to discover their own talents. 333

30 FIND THE MATCHING CONCLUSION (3) Read the summarizing frameworks and the conclusion paragraphs below. Draw a line matching the summarizing framework with the corresponding conclusion paragraph. TOPIC: Orca Main Reason #1: Habitat Main Reason #2: Behaviors TOPIC: Carnivorous Plants Main Reason #1: Where they grow Main Reason #2: How they eat BONUS: A word referent appears in each of these conclusion paragraphs. See if you can spot and circle them. Are you captivated by this sleek, smart, black and white creature of the deep who swims in all of the world s oceans? Do you find its natural behaviors unique? If so, you will surely agree that the Orca is the most fascinating marine mammal of them all. So, the next time you visit a swampy habitat, keep an eye out for these colorful insect gobblers. Certainly, you should have the chance to see a carnivorous plant with your own eyes. 334

31 WRITING A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (1) An effective conclusion will sum up the main ideas of an expository/informative piece and leave a lasting impression on the reader! We can revise a boring conclusion using two techniques: a series of questions a general restatement of the topic sentence Here s an example of a boring conclusion followed by a successful revision based on this prewriting plan: TOPIC: My Room Main Idea #1: comfy bed Main Idea #2: shelves for books Student Page So now you know all about my room. You know about my comfy bed and about my bookshelf. I hope you liked my report. THE END So, are you impressed with my wonderful room? Did you enjoy jumping and lounging on my comfy bed? Was my bookshelf as full of terrific books as I promised? You can see why my room is a most special place! Now it s your turn! Fill in your prewriting plan with two special places in and around your house. Then write a conclusion using a series of questions and a general restatement of the topic sentence: TOPIC: Special Places in and Around my House MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: 337

32 NAME WRITING (3) A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (2) An Directions. effective conclusion will sum up the main ideas of an expository/informative piece and leave a lasting impression on the reader! We can revise a boring conclusion using two techniques: Activity print Student Page a series of questions a general restatement of the topic sentence Here s an example of a boring conclusion followed by a successful revision based on this Body prewriting Copy. plan: TOPIC: Treasure Hunters Main Idea #1: where to hunt Main Idea #2: technology needed Main Idea #3: what to do with treasure So now you know all about treasure hunting. You know where to look for treasure. You know what technology you need and you can think about what to do with your treasure. I hope you liked my report. THE END So, are you intrigued with treasure hunters? Would you enjoy exploring the places treasure might be found? Perhaps you d love to learn the technology that might lead to a big discovery? And wouldn t the best part be deciding what to do with all that treasure? Treasure hunting is certainly an exciting and educational undertaking! Now it s your turn! Revise the following boring conclusion using a series of questions and a general restatement of the topic sentence: TOPIC: Beachcombing for Shells Main Idea #1: Where to hunt Main Idea #2: Supplies you ll need Main Idea #3: Types of shells 338

33 NAME WRITING (3) A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (3) An Directions. effective conclusion will sum up the main ideas of an expository/informative piece and leave a lasting Activity print Student Page impression on the reader! We can revise a boring conclusion using two techniques: a series of questions a general restatement of the topic sentence Body Here s Copy. an example of a prewriting plan and the boring conclusion based on it: TOPIC: Rainy Day Fun Main Idea #1: board games Main Idea #2: baking cookies Main Idea #3: art projects So these are things to do on a rainy day. You can play board games, bake cookies, or do art projects. Have fun doing these things on the next rainy day. THE END Now it s your turn! Revise this boring conclusion by restating each main idea as a question, and by restating the topic, describing it with an adjective: 339

34 WRITING A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (4) An effective conclusion will sum up the main ideas of an expository/informative piece and leave a lasting impression on the reader! We can revise a boring conclusion using two techniques: a series of questions a general restatement of the topic sentence Here s an example of a prewriting plan and the boring conclusion based on it: TOPIC: Planning a Picnic Main Idea #1: where to go Main Idea #2: food to bring Main Idea #3: supplies to bring Now you re ready for your picnic. You need to figure out where to go, what food to eat, and the stuff you ll need to sit on and eat with. Picnics are goo family fun. THE END Now it s your turn! Revise this boring conclusion by restating each main idea as a question, and by restating the topic, describing it with an adjective: 340

35 WORD REFERENTS (1) Imagine you are writing an opinion or expository piece about dogs or the stars. Create some word referents that you could use in place of the words dogs or stars. DOGS Adjectives Nouns STARS Adjectives Nouns 342

36 WORD REFERENTS (2) Imagine you are writing an opinion or expository piece about cats or children. Create some word referents that you could use in place of the word cats or children. CATS Adjectives Nouns CHILDREN Adjectives Nouns 343

37 NAME STEP ONE: (3) MATCH Directions. CONCLUSIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS; ADD BODY PARAGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Activity print Body Copy. Student Page Choose one of the summarizing frameworks below and cut it out. (Make sure you select the topic that you find most interesting because you re going to be researching it!) 1. TOPIC: Horseshoe Crab MAIN IDEA #1: Appearance MAIN IDEA #2: Habitat 2. TOPIC: Egg Layers MAIN IDEA #1: Birds MAIN IDEA #2: Snakes 3. TOPIC: Sea Stars MAIN IDEA #1: Different Kinds MAIN IDEA #2: Where they live 4. TOPIC: Rainforest Trees MAIN IDEA #1: Kapok Tree MAIN IDEA #2: Rubber Tree 345

38 NAME STEP TWO: (3) MATCH Directions. CONCLUSIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS; ADD BODY PARAGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Activity print Body and cut Copy. it out. Student Page Choose the introduction paragraph that corresponds to the summarizing framework you have selected 1. Have you ever seen a Sea Star? These spine-covered sea critters are quite common and easy to find on the beach. Often called Starfish, many different kinds of Sea Stars live in saltwater environments around the world. 2. Can you name this amazing seashore creature that sports a hard brown shell and a spiky tail? Learn to recognize the horseshoe crab s unique appearance and to spot it in its seashore or saltmarsh habitat. 3. Do you enjoy a plate of scrambled eggs for breakfast? If so, thank a chicken! But chickens aren t the only creatures that lay eggs. Birds, snakes, and insects are just three types of egg-layers to learn about. 4. At the museum, I saw a exhibit about the rainforest. Learning about the animals was great, but I was also fascinated to discover the many types of trees that grow in this extraordinary environment. The kapok tree and the rubber tree are two of the most interesting. 346

39 NAME STEP THREE: (3) MATCH Directions. CONCLUSIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS; ADD BODY PARAGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Activity print Body and cut Copy. it out. Student Page Choose the conclusion paragraph that corresponds to the summarizing framework you have selected 1. Would you recognize a horseshoe crab if you saw one? Will you look for this fascinating crustacean next time you visit the ocean habitat? Horseshoe crabs are definitely interesting creatures. 2. Do you dream of visiting the rainforest someday? Would you be thrilled to see a towering kapok tree soaring up into the sky or the milky white sap of a rubber tree? Without a doubt, they are worth seeing. 3. Found in shallow tropical waters as well as in the cold, murky depths of the ocean, sea stars come in a surprising range of sizes and colors. You will surely want to keep an eye out for sea stars the next time you are at the shore. 4. Next time you visit a nature center or museum, see if they have displays of different types of eggs. See if you can identify eggs laid by birds, snakes, and insects. Different types of egg layers certainly produce a variety of eggs in varied sizes, shapes, and colors! 347

40 NAME STEP FOUR: (3) MATCH Directions. CONCLUSIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS; ADD BODY PARAGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Activity print Body Copy. Student Page Write a body paragraph about each main idea in the box below. This will be the body of the piece. MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #2: 348

41 Definitive Words & Informative Verbs DEFINITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES These types of words help you sum up your expository and opinion pieces with authority. Without a doubt After all For sure Surely Clearly Truly Certainly Definitely Absolutely INFORMATIVE VERBS These types of words can help you restate your main idea or main reasons in your conclusion paragraph. learn about understand discover explore examine uncover find out focus on remember 351

42 SUMMING IT ALL UP WITH DEFINITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES (1) Read the example of a strong conclusion paragraph. Underline the definitive word or phrase and circle the word referent used to refer to the topic. Then, revise the second conclusion paragraph. Use a caret to insert a definitive word or phrase. Bonus: Add a word referent for the underlined word. Example: Topic: Bison Main Idea #1: Bison farms Main Idea #2: Bison in the wild Wouldn t you love to visit a bison farm and learn more about raising these grazing beasts? Can you imagine the thrill of seeing a shaggy, brown bison in the wild? Clearly, these super-sized animals of the American Plains have a special place in our hearts. Topic: Lunch at School Main Idea #1: Buying lunch Main Idea #2: Bringing lunch from home Do you like to buy lunch in the cafeteria or bring a sandwich from home? Either way, you would agree that lunchtime gives us a welcome break from schoolwork. Without a doubt Certainly For sure Truly Surely After all Clearly Definitely 352

43 SUMMING IT ALL UP WITH DEFINITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES (2) Read the example of a strong conclusion paragraph. Underline the definitive word or phrase and circle the word referent used to refer to the topic. Then, revise the second conclusion paragraph. Use a caret to insert a definitive word or phrase. Bonus: Add a word referent for the underlined word. Example: Topic: Road trips Main Idea #1: Audiobooks and music Main Idea #2: Taking breaks Long road trips can be a blast if you enjoy listening to music and audiobooks in the car. Keep in mind also that you ll need to stop often and take short walks to stretch your legs when you hit the highway. After all, road trips never need to be boring. Topic: Field Trips Main Idea #1: Where to go Main Idea #2: Raising money Wouldn t you love to go on a field trip to a zoo or museum with your class? Why not plan a bake sale or car wash to raise money for a field trip? You will be proud of your efforts no matter how much you actually earn. Without a doubt Certainly For sure Truly Surely After all Clearly Definitely 353

44 SUMMING IT ALL UP WITH DEFINITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES (3) Read the example of a strong conclusion paragraph. Underline the definitive word or phrase and circle the word referent used to refer to the topic. Then, revise the second conclusion paragraph. Use a caret to insert a definitive word or phrase. Bonus: Add a word referent for the underlined word. Example: Topic: Piñatas Main Idea #1: Fun at a birthday party Main Idea #2: Candy and toys Are you hoping to have a donkey-shaped piñata at your next birthday party? Will you fill it with candy or little toys? Either way, breaking open the colorful container of fun and seeing the tiny treasures fall out will be exciting. For sure, piñatas are festive! Topic: Heroes Main Idea #1: Public servants Main Idea #2: Famous people Main Idea #3: Someone we know Who are the heroes in your life? Firefighters, sports stars and caring family members all deserve our admiration. For most of us, people who help others and those who have accomplished something special are our heroes. Without a doubt Certainly For sure Truly Surely After all Clearly Definitely 354

45 SUMMING IT ALL UP WITH DEFINITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES (4) Read the example of a strong conclusion paragraph. Underline the definitive word or phrase and circle the word referent used to refer to the topic. Then, revise the second conclusion paragraph. Use a caret to insert a definitive word or phrase. Bonus: Add a word referent for the underlined word. Example: Topic: Tadpoles Main Idea #1: Losing tail Main Idea #2: Growing legs Next spring, try to check the ponds and streams around your home for tadpoles. If you re lucky, you ll get the chance to see one of these baby amphibians lose its tail and grow legs as it slowly transforms itself into a frog. It is truly one of nature s miracle. Topic: Being a Firefighter Main Idea #1: Helping people Main Idea #2: Driving a fire engine Do you dream of being a firefighter? If you like helping people and driving a big red fire engine, being a firefighter could be a great job for you. Without a doubt Certainly For sure Truly Surely After all Clearly Definitely 355

46 WRITING NAME (3) CONCLUSIONS (1) Read Directions. the summarizing framework and the introduction paragraph below. Then, compose a conclusion to this opinion piece. Remember, your conclusion needs to restate the main reasons. You can use the sentence starters to help with a definitive word or phrase. Activity print TOPIC: Body Copy. Tacos Main Reason #1: Spicy Fillings Main Reason #2: Crispy Shell INTRODUCTION: Oh, yes! Along with many of my classmates, I cheer whenever I see tacos on the menu in the cafeteria. With spicy fillings stuffed into a crispy shell, these popular Mexican specialties are my absolute favorite! CONCLUSION: Sentence Starters It s clear that. You will definitely. Without a doubt,. You ll absolutely. 359

47 WRITING NAME (3) CONCLUSIONS (2) Read Directions. the summarizing framework and the introduction paragraph below. Then, compose a conclusion to this opinion piece. Remember, your conclusion needs to restate the main reasons. You can use the sentence starters to help with a definitive word or phrase. Activity print Student Page TOPIC: Why do zebras have stripes? Body Main Copy. Reason #1: Stripes may confuse predators Main Reason #2: Stripes may repel insects INTRODUCTION: Why do zebras have stripes? The surprising answer to that question is nobody really knows for sure. But there are several possibilities. One theory is that the striking black and white patterns may protect zebras from predators and another is that the stripes keep biting insects away. Let s take a closer look at both of these ideas. CONCLUSION: Sentence Starters It is truly amazing that. You will surely. Without a doubt,. After all,. 360

48 NAME WRITING (3) CONCLUSIONS (3) Directions. Read the summarizing framework and the introduction paragraph below. Then, compose a conclusion to this opinion piece. Remember, your conclusion needs to restate the main reasons. You can use the sentence starters to help with a definitive word or phrase. Activity print TOPIC: Komodo Dragons Body Copy. Main Reason #1: Largest of all lizards Main Reason #2: Deadly bite Student Page INTRODUCTION: Fire-breathing dragons aren t real, but Komodo Dragons, with their flickering, forked tongues, sure are! In my opinion, this colossal lizard is the scariest animal on Earth. Also known as a land crocodile, it is feared for its size as well as its deadly bite. CONCLUSION: Sentence Starters Clearly. You will surely. Watch out for. It is certainly scary to think. 361

49 WRITING NAME (3) CONCLUSIONS (4) Read Directions. the summarizing framework and the introduction paragraph below. Then, compose a conclusion to this opinion piece. Remember, your conclusion needs to restate the main reasons. You can use the sentence starters to help with a definitive word or phrase. Activity print Student Page TOPIC: Sea Turtles Body Main Copy. Reason #1: Nesting sites Main Reason #2: Water pollution INTRODUCTION: When I visit an aquarium, I always spend a long time looking at the gigantic sea turtles. With their big eyes, they look ancient and intelligent to me. That s why I was so sad to learn how few are left swimming freely in our oceans. Because of water pollution and a lack of safe nesting areas, the future of the sea turtle is uncertain. CONCLUSION: Sentence Starters After all,. You will surely. Without a doubt,. How can we. 362

50 Directions. Read the two body paragraphs for the expository piece below. On a separate piece of paper, write an introduction and conclusion paragraph to go with them. Activity print TOPIC: Kites Body Main Copy. Idea #1: Making your own Student Page NAME WRITING (3) INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (1) Main Idea #2: Stunt kites Making your own kite is quite easy. All you have to do is cut a diamond shape out of a white plastic garbage bag and color it with bright markers. Then, take two straight sticks, one a little bit longer than the other. Tie the shorter of the two sticks across the longer one to form a cross. Attach a ball of string and your colorful diamond to the cross. You re done. Chances are, you ll be able to make your homemade kite take flight. Think of how proud you ll be! body As you become a more experienced kite-flyer, you re probably going to want to get a stunt kite. Shaped like a bird with wide, outstretched wings, these light kites can do dives from high into the sky, straight down to the ground, and back up again! You can also make them twist and turn in the sky. It takes practice to get the hang of flying a stunt kite, but it is definitely worth the time. 365

51 Directions. Read the two body paragraphs for the expository piece below. On a separate piece of paper, write an introduction and conclusion paragraph to go with them. Activity print Student Page NAME WRITING (3) INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (2) TOPIC: Signs of Spring Body Copy. Main Idea #1: Rainy days Main Idea #2: Flowers bloom In most parts of the world, spring is the wettest season of all! If we re eager for warmer weather, we might find the gray skies and drizzle frustrating. But the plants and trees need these gentle showers so that they can bloom beautifully in the coming months. body As the rain falls from the sky, tiny bursts of color pop up from the ground. You know that spring is here when you see flowers like sunny yellow daffodils and tall tulips start to bloom. Let s not forget the lovely violet lilacs, with their unforgettably sweet scent, that thrive in the spring. 366

52 Directions. Read the two body paragraphs for the expository piece below. On a separate piece of paper, write an introduction and conclusion paragraph to go with them. Activity print TOPIC: Ultimate Frisbee Body Copy. Main Idea #1: Speed Student Page NAME WRITING (3) INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (3) Main Idea #2: Strength Speed is a must if you expect to play frisbee. To win at this great game, you must throw a Frisbee into your team s zone on one end of the playing field. The other team tries to grab it and throw it in the other direction. Just like in soccer, you need to run almost non-stop! If you are able to keep up a steady pace on the soccer field, you have one of the skills you need to be an Ultimate Frisbee champion. You ll get a great work-out while you re at it. body You are also going to need strength. The strong arms and shoulders of a football player are needed in order to hurl the Frisbee from one end of the playing field to the other. Like football, the game can get rowdy and exciting as players dive and tumble to catch the Frisbee in flight. But an important difference between the two sports is that Ultimate Frisbee players never tackle each other. 367

53 Directions. Read the two body paragraphs for the expository piece below. On a separate piece of paper, write an introduction and conclusion paragraph to go with them. Activity print Student Page NAME WRITING (3) INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS (4) TOPIC: Pumpkins Body Copy. Main Idea #1: Foods made from pumpkins Main Idea #2: Jack O Lanterns Of course, everybody loves pumpkin pie, but that s only one of many delicious foods you can make from this favorite fruit. Think about brewing up a batch of spicy pumpkin soup to warm you up on cool autumn nights. Make sweet pumpkin muffins or pancakes for a delicious breakfast. Toasted and salted pumpkin seeds are a great body snack too! I ve even tasted pumpkin ice cream! You know Halloween is on its way when you see the smiling or snarling faces of Jack o lanterns all over your neighborhood. They set a spooky mood for everyone to enjoy! It s easy to carve a pumpkin and make it glow by putting a candle inside. They re the best Halloween decoration! 368