Writing Task: For this assignment students will choose a topic and write a four paragraph informative essay using evidence from the text to support their controlling idea.

Question

Unit Standards:
ELA.C.2: Write informative/expository texts to explain complex ideas.
ELA.6.C.2.1: Write informative texts, clearly introduce and organize information, develop with facts, use transitions, precise language, and a conclusion.
ELA.6.R.1.1-5: Analyze texts for key ideas, details, craft, structure, and integration of knowledge.
Your essay will include:
A clear controlling idea
At least 4 paragraphs (introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Effective and logical organization
Topic development that includes cited textual evidence
Appropriate transitions
Precise language and vocabulary
Concluding statement (conclusion)
Sample Essay
Your final essay must be:
Typed using 12 pt font. Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman are appropriate. Must have at least 4 well-developed paragraphs.
Upload typed essay into the Unit 7 Lesson 13 dropbox.
Use Check My Work to avoid plagiarism.
Rubric:
This rubric outlines how you will be graded on your essay. Please use this rubric to make sure your essay includes everything listed on the rubric: Rubric
This assignment is a portfolio grade. Portfolios count as 25% of your grade.
Sample Timeline: Use this sample timeline to help you self-pace during this unit and practive self-discipline. You have three choices for the type of essay you can write for this assignment: ⭐
1. Informative: For this choice you will choose a topic and educate your reader on that topic. (Example: The role of water in our lives).
2. Compare and Contrast: For this choice you will examine two or more topics (objects, people, or ideas, for example), comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences. You may choose to focus exclusively on comparing, exclusively on contrasting, or on both. (Example: Virtual school vs. brick and mortar school).
3. Cause and Effect: For this choice you will examine a cause and effect relationship for your topic. (Example: The effects of fast food and junk food on overall health).

If you need help choosing a topic, you can pick a topic that interests you or one from this topic list.
If you need to safely research your topic, you can use EBSCO in Connexus. Click here to watch Mrs. Moore give a EBSCO tutorial.
Writing Task: For this assignment students will choose a topic and write a four paragraph informative essay using evidence from the text to support their controlling idea.
Choose the type of informative essay you want to write as well as your topic. Be sure you know enough about your topic to write a well-developed 4-paragraph essay. You may need to research your topic to learn more about it. Click here to watch a video about how to research in EBSCO.
Write your controlling idea (thesis statement). Click here to see example controlling ideas.
Identify 3 pieces of textual evidence that support your controlling idea.
Draft your body paragraphs. Include at least one piece of textual evidence in each body paragraph.
Add transitions between and within your body paragraphs to help create an organizational structure.
Add precise vocabulary and subject-specific vocabulary to your body paragraphs.
Write your introduction and conclusion. Your controlling idea will be the LAST sentence of your introduction.

Writing Task: For this assignment students will choose a topic and write a four paragraph informative essay using evidence from the text to support their controlling idea.
Ask yourself: What is the main idea you want to convey to your reader?
Use these sentence stems to help you write your controlling idea.
Watch Mrs. Moore use the sentence stems to write her controlling idea here.
Learn more about controlling ideas here.
More controlling idea resources:
General Information On Controlling Ideas (Thesis Statements)
How To Write a Controlling Idea (Thesis Statement) For An Informative Essay
How To Write a Controlling Idea (Thesis Statement) for a Compare and Contrast Essay
.How To Write a Controlling Idea (Thesis Statement) for a Cause and Effect Essay Controlling Idea Examples
Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another.

They are like bridges between parts of your essay.

They are cues that help the reader understand the ideas in your writing.
Be sure to add transitions between your paragraphs for a smooth flow.
Ensure that you vary your transitions. Do not use the same transition over and over again.
Use this resource to help you come up with some transition words to include in your essay.
For further help, watch this video.
The following concept maps, outlines, and graphic organizers can help you structure and organize your informative essay:
Informative Writing Graphic Organizer ~ Mrs. Moore will use this one in Live Lesson as an example.
Informative Writing Graphic Organizer ~ with fillable boxes.
Outline Form
Concept Web Form
Venn Diagram
Your informative essay should contain at least 2 body paragraphs.
Use your controlling idea to determine the topic of your 2 body paragraphs.
Your body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and end with a concluding sentence to wrap up the paragraph..
Give at least 3 supporting details in each body paragraph that directly relate to your controlling idea.
Use this document to help you craft your body paragraphs.
Watch Mrs. Moore write her body paragraphs here.
More body paragraph resources:
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Creating a body paragraph
Writing body paragraphs
Your introduction should introduce your informative topic.
Ask yourself: What is the main idea you want to convey to your reader?
DO:
Start your essay with an engaging hook. Click here to see how to write a hook.
Include general background information about your topic. Save details for the body paragraphs.
The LAST sentence of your introduction should be your controlling idea.
Have at least 3 sentences
DON’T
Do not start your essay with “I think,” “I believe,” or “This essay is going to be about,” etc.
Do not give away too much information. You want your reader to desire to read further.
Click here for more information about introductions and conclusions.
Your conclusion should RESTATE your controlling idea in a new, fresh way.
Ask yourself: What is the main idea you want your reader to walk away with?
DO:
Use synonyms to restate your controlling idea in a new, fresh ways.
End your essay with a clincher. Click here for essay clincher ideas.
Have at least 3 sentences
DON’T
Do not end your essay with “I hope you enjoyed this essay” or other first person language.
Do not simply restate the controlling idea word for word.
Do not introduce new information in the conclusion.
Click here for extra help writing your conclusion.
Click here for more information about introductions and conclusions.

Refer to the grading rubric to help you edit and revise your essay.
How to check your spelling/grammar
Tips for revising/editing your essay
ARMS video - revising
CUPS video - editing
Editing and Revising PPT

Answer 1

The Importance of Sleep for Health and Well-being

Sleep is an essential component of human health, playing a critical role in various physiological and psychological functions. In today's fast-paced society, many individuals prioritize productivity over sufficient rest, often resulting in sleep deprivation. This essay explores the significance of sleep for overall health, including its influence on physical well-being, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Ultimately, adequate sleep is indispensable for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One of the primary reasons sleep is vital is its impact on physical health. During sleep, the body engages in numerous restorative processes, including muscle repair and growth, immune system strengthening, and hormonal balance. According to the National Sleep Foundation, "Sleep is crucial for growth and development in children and teens," highlighting the importance of sleep in every stage of life (National Sleep Foundation). Moreover, lack of sleep has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that individuals who sleep less than seven hours a night are more prone to these chronic health conditions, emphasizing that prioritizing sleep can enhance physical well-being.

In addition to its physical benefits, sleep significantly influences cognitive function. Research has shown that adequate sleep improves learning, memory, and problem-solving skills. The brain consolidates information acquired during the day while we sleep, making it easier to recall and utilize this knowledge when awake. A study published in the journal Sleep found that participants who had a full night’s rest performed better on cognitive tests than those who were sleep-deprived (Walker, 2017). This demonstrates that insufficient sleep can lead to decreased focus, creativity, and decision-making abilities, ultimately affecting daily productivity and quality of life.

Finally, sleep is crucial for emotional and mental health. Insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, and increased stress levels. The Sleep Foundation states, "Experts recognize that sleep plays a critical role in mood regulation," suggesting that disrupted sleep can contribute to mental health disorders such as depression (Sleep Foundation). Furthermore, a lack of sleep can hinder an individual's ability to manage emotions, resulting in poor interpersonal relationships and a decline in overall happiness. Prioritizing sleep is therefore essential not just for physical and cognitive function, but also for maintaining emotional well-being.

In conclusion, sleep is a fundamental pillar of health that should not be overlooked. Its benefits extend across various aspects of life, influencing physical health, cognitive performance, and emotional stability. As society continues to embrace a culture of busyness, it is important to recognize the value of rest. By prioritizing sleep, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Thus, fostering good sleep habits is an investment in one's health that pays dividends in numerous ways.