978-1259989582 Chapter 3 Part 2

Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Discussion Questions for Online/Hybrid Classes

1. When writing an essay and putting together its supporting points, which is easier to

use: a computer file or a hand-written draft? Why? Why might you want to move

sentences around? (LO 3.3)

2. Think about an exciting or memorable event in your life. Write three different

attention-getters to start an essay about this event. Share your answers and as a

class determine which of the three attention-getters is most effective and why. (LO

3.3)

3. Why is the use of different sentence lengths especially important in an online

discussion? Why are organized paragraphs critical? (LO 3.1 and LO 3.2)

4. The chapter explains that you should put your second strongest point first in an

essay, your weakest point in the middle, and your strongest point at the end. Do you

agree with this organizational pattern? Why or why not? (LO 3.3)

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Graphic Organizers

Putting the Pieces Together: The Introductory Paragraph

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Putting the Pieces Together: The Body Paragraphs

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Putting the Pieces Together: The Concluding Paragraph

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Teaching Tools

Designing an Essay

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Grading Rubric for a Basic Essay

Evaluated Area Possible Points Student Score

Introductory Paragraph

Attention-getter

Thesis statement

Overview of main points

Body Paragraphs

Topic sentences

Supporting ideas

Transitions

Concluding Paragraph

Restate thesis

Summarize main points

Wrap up the essay

Memorable ending

Additional feedback:

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Writing Attitude Survey

1. How do you feel about writing in general?

2. What are some characteristics of good writing?

3. Why is effective writing important?

4. How confident are you in your writing abilities?

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

6. What kinds of writing do you enjoy?

7. What kinds of writing do you dislike?

8. How much time do you spend writing each week for work, school, and yourself?

9. What joys and challenges have you faced as a writer?

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Chapter Three

Writing Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays

Writing Topics

1. Write an essay using one of the thesis statements created in Class Activities and

Sample Discussions #1.

2. Write an essay about effective strategies for relieving stress. Remember to create a

thesis statement and to use supporting points to support your thesis.

3. Write a paragraph about your favorite restaurant. Who is your audience? What is

most important for them to know about the restaurant?

4. Write a paragraph that discusses the characteristics of an ideal employer.

Remember that all sentences should support the main point or thesis.

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