Explanatory/Informational Text

Question

TDW Assignment

Writing Prompt: Analyze how supporting details contribute to the development of two or more central ideas within an informational text in at least 350 words. Choose one of the three articles to complete this assignment.

Worldwide Loss of Bees
3-D Printing
Trapped in a Cave

Assignment Directions:
You have read an informational text. Write an essay analyzing how the author uses supporting details to develop two or more central ideas in the text. Be sure to:
Identify the central ideas in the text.
Explain how specific supporting details help develop and clarify each central idea.
Use textual evidence to support your analysis of how the supporting details contribute to the development of the ideas.
Organize your essay clearly, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Use transitions to connect your ideas and ensure your essay flows smoothly.
Scoring Criteria: Your response will be scored based on the following criteria:
how well you analyze the central ideas and their supporting details
how effectively you organize and structure your essay
the strength of your evidence and how well it supports your ideas
your use of language, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure
Writing Reminders:
Plan your response before you begin writing.
Write clearly and stay focused on answering the prompt.
Edit your response for grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

Checklist for Writing Success
Introduction
Have I clearly introduced my topic?
Did I include a strong controlling idea (thesis statement)?
Development
Did I use relevant facts, details, and/or quotes to support my topic?
Have I included my own thoughts and ideas along with evidence from the text?
Do I have at least 350 words?
*Check out how to display word count in Google Docs and Microsoft Word docs
Organization
Are my ideas logically organized?
Did I use transitions to connect ideas and make my writing flow smoothly?
Is my introduction clear, and do I have a conclusion that supports my ideas?
Language
Did I use precise vocabulary that strengthens my ideas?
Are my sentences varied and easy to understand?
Have I checked for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors?
Is my tone appropriate for my audience and topic?

Grading Rubric

Score
Development
Structure
Language
4
🔲 well-developed response with in-depth ideas
🔲clearly introduces topic with a focused controlling idea (thesis statement)
🔲 provides relevant facts, details, and quotes
🔲skillfully integrates original thinking with text evidence
🔲 clear and effective conclusion
🔲 strong organization that enhances the response
🔲 smooth flow between ideas
🔲 uses effective transitions to connect ideas
🔲 skillful use of precise vocabulary and varied sentence structures
🔲virtually no errors in usage and conventions
🔲voice and tone enhance the response
3
🔲 complete response that examines the topic
🔲 introduces the topic and maintains a clear controlling idea (thesis statement)
🔲 includes sufficient facts, details, and quotes
🔲 includes some original thinking with text evidence
🔲 conclusion supports the information presented
🔲 clear organization that supports the controlling idea (thesis statement)
🔲 transitions used to connect ideas
🔲 ideas are mostly well-connected
🔲 good use of vocabulary and sentence variety
🔲 few minor errors in usage and conventions that do not affect readability or interfere with meaning
🔲 maintains an appropriate tone
2
🔲 response attempts to examine the topic
🔲 introduces the topic but lacks clarity in the controlling idea (thesis statement)
🔲 includes some facts and details, but is repetitive or underdeveloped
🔲 limited original thinking, mostly relying on the text
🔲 conclusion is weak or unclear
🔲 organization is inconsistent or unclear
🔲 transitions are limited or ineffective
🔲 ideas may be disconnected or confusing
🔲 limited vocabulary use, with some confusing word choices
🔲 frequent errors in usage and conventions that may affect readability and interfere with meaning
🔲 inconsistent tone
1
🔲 response is very brief or lacks a clear focus
🔲 no clear controlling idea (thesis statement) or introduction
🔲 little to no relevant facts or text evidence
🔲 conclusion may be missing
🔲 lacks clear organization and structure
🔲 few or no transitions used
🔲 ideas are disorganized and unclear
🔲 vocabulary and sentences are unclear or confusing
🔲 major errors in usage and conventions that affect readability and interfere with meaning
🔲 tone is inappropriate or missing

Answer 1

The Impact of Supporting Details on Central Ideas in "Worldwide Loss of Bees"

The article "Worldwide Loss of Bees" explores two significant central ideas: the critical role that bees play in pollination and the alarming decline in bee populations due to various environmental threats. The author employs a range of supporting details to deepen readers' understanding of these ideas, reinforcing the importance of bees to global ecosystems and agriculture.

One of the core central ideas is the essential role of bees in pollination, which sustains not only the food supply but also diverse ecosystems. The author supports this idea by detailing the statistics related to bee pollination, noting that "approximately one-third of the food we consume relies on pollination by bees." This statistic underscores the profound impact bees have on our diets and agriculture, highlighting their indispensable contribution to food production. Additionally, the text provides specific examples of crops, such as almonds and blueberries, that rely heavily on bee pollination. By illustrating how various food sources are directly linked to bee activity, the author effectively strengthens the reader's recognition of bees as keystone species within our ecosystems.

In contrast, the second central idea addresses the severe decline in bee populations caused by factors such as pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Supporting details reveal the alarming statistics behind this decline, including that "over 40% of bee species are currently facing extinction." This stark statistic serves to emphasize the urgency of the issue, immediately prompting readers to grasp the severity of the crisis. Furthermore, the article discusses specific pesticides known to be harmful to bees and references scientific studies linking these chemicals to declining bee health. By providing concrete evidence and data, the author enhances the reader's understanding of the direct threats facing bee populations and positions these declines as not merely an environmental concern but a potential disaster for food security.

The interplay between these two central ideas—the necessity of bees and their troubling decline—creates a compelling narrative that emphasizes the need for immediate action. Through the use of vivid examples and distressing statistics, the author articulates a clear call to action, advocating for policy changes and increased public awareness to protect these vital pollinators.

In conclusion, the supporting details in "Worldwide Loss of Bees" work intricately to reinforce the central ideas of the article. By elucidating the importance of bees in pollination through relevant facts and alarming statistics about their decline, the author not only informs the reader but also instills a sense of urgency. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that recognizing the value of bees is critical not just for their survival but for human sustainability as well. Through a well-structured approach, the article effectively drives home the interconnectedness of bees and humanity's future, making a compelling case for their protection.

Answer 2

make it sound like a 8th grader wrote it

Answer 3

The Importance of Bees and Their Decline in "Worldwide Loss of Bees"

In the article "Worldwide Loss of Bees," the author talks about two main ideas: how important bees are for pollination and how their numbers are shrinking at an alarming rate. The supporting details used by the author help to explain these ideas better and show why we should care about bees.

The first central idea is that bees are crucial for pollination, which helps many plants grow and produce food. The author supports this point by sharing a surprising fact: "Approximately one-third of the food we consume relies on pollination by bees." This fact really highlights how much we depend on bees for food. The article also gives specific examples of crops like almonds and blueberries that need bees to thrive. By mentioning these foods, the author shows that bees are not just important for nature; they are also essential for our meals. This makes it clear that if bees disappear, our food supply could be in trouble.

The second central idea the article discusses is the significant decline in bee populations caused by different dangers, such as pesticides, modern farming, and climate change. To support this idea, the author provides a shocking statistic: “Over 40% of bee species are currently facing extinction.” This number really makes you think about how serious the situation is. The article also talks about specific harmful pesticides and shares results from scientific studies that show how these chemicals hurt bees. By giving us these details, the author helps us understand that this isn't just a small issue; it’s a big problem that could affect our food and the environment.

These two ideas—how important bees are and how they are in danger—are connected and make a strong case for why we need to protect them. The article uses facts and statistics to show that without action, we could be facing a major crisis. It feels urgent when reading about how we might lose bees and, in turn, lose the food we love.

In conclusion, the supporting details in "Worldwide Loss of Bees" help build up the main ideas in the article. By showing us how important bees are for pollination and explaining the reasons behind their decline, the author makes it clear that we all need to care about these little creatures. The article does a great job of connecting bees to our everyday lives and gives us a reason to take action to protect them. Without bees, our future could be at risk, and it’s up to us to help save them.