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Lesson 3: Introductions
Key Concepts:
An explanatory text is nonfiction writing that provides information, explanation, and clarification about a topic.
What is a thesis statement?
- After reading the thesis statement, the reader should know the writer’s purpose for the text.
- A thesis statement always appears in the essay’s introduction.
What are the three elements writers should include in their introductions?
- A hook to engage the reader.
- Background information on the topic.
- The thesis statement.
What is an anecdote?
- An anecdote is a short, personal story that illustrates a point or concept.
What are three techniques writers use to engage readers in an introduction?
- A compelling fact or statistic.
- A thought-provoking question.
- A vivid description or anecdote.
Practice:
- Overall Topic: Adopting a pet
- Main Idea: The benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue
- Point #1: Saving the animal’s life
- Point #2: Controlling pet overpopulation
- Point #3: Cost-effectiveness of shelter pets
Thesis Statement: Adopting a pet from a shelter not only saves a life but also helps control pet overpopulation and is often more cost-effective than purchasing one from a pet store or breeder.
Lesson 4: Organizing Explanatory Texts
Key Concepts:
When a writer begins an explanatory text, they choose an overall organizational structure to organize their ideas.
What is parallel structure?
- Parallel structure is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence, used to create balance and emphasis.
What is a rhetorical device?
- A rhetorical device is a technique used by writers to convey meaning or persuade through language.
Text Structure:
| Definition | Example | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Sequential | Chronological order of events (first, next, last) | | Cause and effect | Demonstrating how one event leads to another | | Compare and contrast | Highlighting similarities and differences between two subjects | | Problem and solution | Presenting a problem and offering a solution |
Practice: Thesis Using Parallel Structure: Adopting a pet from a shelter is beneficial because it saves the animal’s life, helps control pet overpopulation, and lowers costs for new pet owners.
Lesson 5: Developing the Topic
Key Concepts:
Writers research their topic to choose information that will help them develop their topic.
What three things should writers ask themselves when selecting information to use in their essays?
- Is the source credible?
- Does the information support my thesis?
- Is the information relevant and up-to-date?
What does it mean to paraphrase?
- To paraphrase means to restate information in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.
What is plagiarism?
- Plagiarism is using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution, presenting them as your own.
When writers use the MLA style, they create citations in two places: in-text citations and a works cited page.
In-text citations should include the author’s last name followed by the page number where the information was found.
Practice:
- Thesis Statement: Chefs often use a method called mise-en-place, which helps them organize their ingredients.
- Examples: "A recipe for potato leek soup requires butter, onions, and potatoes."
- Technical Vocabulary: mise-en-place, ingredients, preparation.
Lesson 6: Voice
Key Concepts:
What is active voice?
- Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action.
What is passive voice?
- Passive voice is when the subject receives the action of the verb.
**Active voice is recommended most of the time because it's more direct and engaging.
In which situations is it useful to use passive voice?
- Passive voice may be useful when the doer of the action is unknown or less important than the action itself.
Which form of a verb is used to indicate past or completed action?
- The past tense form of the verb is used.
In the sentence, "Martha slammed the ball into the net," the verb slammed is active because it is followed by the ball, which is the direct object and directly receives the action from the verb.
When you find a direct object in a sentence, the sentence is written using active voice.
Practice:
- Active Voice: Our dog wore the colorful sweater.
- Active Voice: Thousands of tourists visit the Grand Canyon every year.
- Active Voice: The scientists observed changes in the DNA.
Lesson 7: Verbs
Key Concepts:
A compound subject consists of two or more simple subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and” that connects the subjects.
Transitive verbs are used to express meaning and tone.
| Verb Mood | What it Expresses | Example | |----------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------| | Indicative | States facts or opinions | She runs every day. | | Imperative | Gives commands or requests | Please close the door. | | Subjunctive | Expresses wishes or hypothetical situations| If I were rich, I would travel. | | Conditional | Indicates conditions or hypothetical situations | If it rains, we will stay inside. |
Why might a writer of an explanatory text use the indicative mood more than any other verb mood?
- The indicative mood is often used to convey factual information and clear understanding.
Practice:
-
If the weather improves, we will go to the beach tomorrow.
Verb Mood - Conditional -
Please close the door quietly.
Verb Mood - Imperative -
I have a dentist appointment on Monday.
Verb Mood - Indicative -
If I were a bird, I would fly across the ocean.
Verb Mood - Subjunctive
Lesson 8: Phrases
Key Concepts:
A phrase is a group of two or more words that make up a grammatical unit.
What are modifiers?
- Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that provide description in sentences.
| Term | Definition | Example | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Noun | A person, place, thing, or idea | Dog | | Noun Phrase | A group of words that function as a noun| The small dog | | Verb | An action or state of being | Run | | Verb Phrase | A group of words containing a verb | Is running | | Adjective | A word that describes a noun | Happy | | Adjectival Phrase | A group of words that describe a noun | Full of life | | Adverb | A word that describes a verb | Quickly | | Adverbial Phrase | A group of words that describe a verb | In a hurry | | Preposition | A word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word | On, in | | Prepositional Phrase | A group of words that begins with a preposition | In the garden | | Participle | A verb form used as an adjective | Running | | Participial Phrase | A group of words containing a participle | Running through the fields | | Absolute Phrase | A group of words that modifies the entire sentence | Her heart pounding |
Practice:
- Noun Phrase: a brave young knight
- Verb Phrase: was gleaming
- Adjectival Phrase: loyal, trusty horse
- Adverbial Phrase: Without hesitation
- Prepositional Phrase: Deep within the cave
- Participial Phrase: Opening the ancient chest
- Absolute Phrase: The treasure found
Lesson 9: Connections and Transitions
Key Concepts:
A transition is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between two ideas.
What does a connection show?
- A connection shows how two ideas are related or similar.
What does a distinction show?
- A distinction shows the differences between two ideas.
The effective linking of ideas and of sections within a text is called coherence.
What are some transition words that show connection?
- Additionally, furthermore, moreover, also.
What are some transition words that show distinctions?
- However, on the other hand, in contrast.
Practice: Transition Words in Lisa’s Paragraph:
- Firstly, Additionally, Moreover.
Topic Sentences:
- Firstly, adopting a shelter pet helps address the crisis of homeless animals.
- Additionally, shelter pets often come vaccinated and spayed or neutered, which reduces costs for adopters.
- Moreover, adopting a pet fosters a sense of gratitude and companionship, benefiting both the animal and the owner.
Lesson 10: Format and Style
Key Concepts:
Precise language is specific and clear.
What is domain-specific vocabulary?
- Domain-specific vocabulary refers to words and phrases that are specific to a particular field of study or profession.
Why would a writer need to include definitions and explanations of domain-specific terms?
- To ensure that all readers understand the specialized terminology used in the writing.
When writing using formal style, what should writers avoid?
- Slang, colloquialisms, contractions, and overly casual language.
Writing in an objective tone means that writers of explanatory texts do not share their own personal opinions, experiences, or thoughts in their writing.
Why should writers of explanatory texts maintain a formal style and objective tone?
- To convey information in a clear, unbiased manner, which enhances credibility.
Practice: Rewrite: Learning to play a new video game can be difficult, but with some effort, one can become proficient. New Sentence: Mastering a new video game requires dedication, but with consistent practice, players can achieve proficiency.
Rewrite: Current video games have enhanced graphics and diverse character options compared to those created ten years ago. New Sentence: Contemporary video games feature advanced graphical fidelity and a broader range of character options for interaction, surpassing the limitations of video games developed a decade prior.
Rewrite: Learning to play a new video game is about understanding the controls and optimizing gameplay. New Sentence: Mastering the intricacies of a new video game involves familiarizing oneself with the controls and employing strategies for optimal progression.
Rewrite: Diving into a new video game is always an exciting experience, and players will love how every challenge keeps you engaged. New Sentence: Engaging with a new video game provides a thrilling experience, as players find themselves captivated by the challenges that demand their focus and skill.
Lesson 11: Informational Text Conclusions
Key Concepts:
What is a concluding section (or concluding paragraph) and what is its purpose?
- A concluding section wraps up the text, summarizing the main points and providing a final perspective on the topic.
Conclusions that can be drawn or inferred based on the available information are called inferences.
Why does an explanatory text need a strong concluding section?
- A strong conclusion reinforces the main ideas, leaving the reader with a lasting impression and clear understanding of the topic.
What is the typical structure of an informational or explanatory text (essay)?
- Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
A strong final statement in a conclusion that gives the reader a sense of closure is called a closing statement.
Type of Closing Statement | Explanation
- Bookend the introduction: Connect back to the introduction for coherence.
- Make a strong statement: Leave the reader with something impactful to consider.
- Contextualize the topic: Place the topic in a broader context or implication.
- Call to action: Encourage readers to take specific actions related to the topic.
- Draw from an expert: Use expertise to lend credibility and finality.
Practice: Closing Statement: By choosing to adopt rather than shop, you contribute to a more compassionate society and give a deserving animal a second chance at life. Method Used: Call to action.
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