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Name: _________________________________ #:_____ Date: __________________________________ Period: _____ Section: WRITING

TYPES OF WRITING IN 7TH GRADE

Types of Writing Goal/Purpose

Informational/ Expository Writing

Goal of expository/informational writing: To provide ________________ about a given topic using ________________ to support the information that is being provided *If you have a TDA (Text -Dependent Analysis), it will include information from a text to support your answer! Otherwise, the structure is very similar to informational/ expository writing.

Argumentative Writing

Goal of argumentative writing: To get reader to acknowledge that your argument is ________________ and deserves consideration; a ________________ is provided to acknowledge an opposing viewpoint

Narrative Writing (Uses first person pronouns)

Goal of narrative writing: To tell a ________________; must have a clear __________ (exposition, inciting incident/conflict, rising action, climax, resolution and perhaps a denouement when appropriate)

An Important Rule for Informational and Argumentative Writing Prompts:

DO NOT use first or second person pronouns because you lose credibility!

First Person Pronouns Second Person Pronouns

I, me, my, mine, us, we, us, our, ours, etc.

“Never use Pronouns that Include Yourself!”

You, Your, Yours, You’re

“Never Talk to the Reader.”

** If an expository prompt _____________________________________________________________ specifically,

you can use first person pronouns. If not, you must avoid first person pronouns in informational writing.

What Pronouns Can You Use for Informational/Expository and Argumentative Writing Prompts?

Third Person Pronouns

he/she, his/hers, him/her it/its, they/them/their/theirs

When can you use first and second person pronouns?

Use __________________________ pronouns when writing a personal narrative or a first person narrative.

Use __________________________ pronouns when writing a letter or e-mail or in dialogue between characters in a narrative.

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Prompt Type of writing

What is a cave?

Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Provide one character trait for the main character. Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

What is your most prized possession? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Should students wear school uniforms? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

What is the Sequoia National Park like? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

“QUOTATION MARKS” ITALICS (typed) or UNDERLINED (handwritten)

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

PUNCTUATION PRACTICE:

1. Song: Stitches 6. Magazine article: Pink is Best

2. Short story: Rikki Tikki Tavi 7. Newspaper: The Cranberry Eagle

3. Book: The False Prince 8. TV show: Peppa Pig

4. Movie: Legally Blone 9. Chapter of book: Organizational Leadership

5. Poem: The Highwayman

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ICER is a ________________ to help your writing become more __________________ and __________________.

ICEEER Formula:

I = Intro Paragraph C = Claim E = Evidence/Explanation/End R = Restate the main idea

Examples of ICER setup:

One claim: I CE R How many paragraphs? _______

Two claims: I CE CE R How many paragraphs? _______

Three claims: I CE CE CE R How many paragraphs? _______

Name two adjectives to describe the main character. Provide two detailed claims to support your answer and provide “evidence” to support your answer.

o Format: ______________________________

What is the significance of the author’s use of figurative language? Provide three claims and provide “evidence” for each C.

o Format: ______________________________

What is the job of the I?

The job of the I is to_____________________ the reader to the topic and __________________ the question/prompt.

Components of the “I” paragraph (listed in order): First sentences: _______________________________________ (2-4 sentences)

Next sentence: _______________________________________

Final sentence: _______________________________________

The “I” is the first paragraph of your ICER essay. When you begin writing your I (introductory paragraph), you will need to keep the following in mind:

The “I” for the types of writing we’re discussing now is made up of a one broad statement sentence and

one thesis statement.

Formulate the thesis in your head. If your thesis is wrong, the _____________________ is wrong!

Make sure your thesis is correct and fully answers the question/prompt.

Follow the “thesis recipe” to construct your thesis.

After writing your thesis, create a broad statement about the general topic. The broad statement should

not repeat __________________________________________from your thesis!

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“Recipe” for your thesis:

THESIS = Re-state the question + include your answer

Must contain your claim points (two or three point)

For should or should not questions – should = ______ should not = _____

Do not write: Yes, students should be permitted to use cell phones in school…

EXAMPLE 1: Choose a character trait to describe Captain John “Jay” Jonas. Give two reasons to support your

answer.

THESIS: Captain John “Jay” Jonas, a New York City firefighter, is a heroic man because he risked his own life

to save others and had to make quick, life altering decisions under pressure.

EXAMPLE 2: Should everyone get an in-ground swimming pool?

THESIS: Everyone should own an in-ground swimming pool because it is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends, and it promotes healthy living.

EXAMPLE 3: What are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania?

THESIS: The three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania are hiking, biking, and camping.

EXAMPLE 4: Should students be allowed to carry cell phones in school?

THESIS: Students should be allowed to carry cell phones in school because it is an excellent way to

communicate with others in case of an in school emergency, and it is a fantastic resource that can be used

for learning.

EXAMPLE 5: What are the three most thrilling rides at Kennywood Amusement Park?

Answer: Jack Rabbit, Phantom’s Revenge, Thunderbolt

THESIS: The three most thrilling rides at Kennywood Amusement Park are the Jack Rabbit, Phantom’s

Revenge, and the Thunderbolt.

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Thesis Practice

1. Poem: “The Highwayman” Author: Alfred Noyes Question: What is the mood of the poem? Answer: Mysterious

Thesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2: Short Story: Rikki Tikki Tavi Author: Rudyard Kipling

Question: Describe two characteristics of Rikki Tikki Tavi. Answer: Brave and loyal

Thesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Question: What are three toppings to put on cupcakes? Article: Cupcakes Galore Author: Marcy Baker Answer: fondant, whipped icing and buttercream icing

Thesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Question: What is the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school? Life experience Author: None Answer: freedom

Thesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Question: Choose a character trait to describe Captain John “Jay” Jonas. Give two reasons to support your answer.

Some people can be characterized based on what they choose to do with their lives. Captain John “Jay”

Jonas, a New York City firefighter, is a heroic man because he risked his own life to save others and had

to make quick, life- altering decisions under pressure.

Broad

Statement Thesis

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o This is a ___________________ ______________________ about your topic

o Your broad statement will have a ____________________ or a _____________________ connotation

depending on your answer to the question.

o Your broad statement cannot contain ____________________________________________________ from

the prompt/question.

o Consider using the word _________________ or ________________ in your broad statement when

appropriate.

Example 1:

Topic: What are the three most thrilling rides at Kennywood Amusement Park?

• Broad Statement: Amusement parks are places where adults become kids,

and rides take people on terrifying yet captivating adventures.

Example 2:

Topic: Should Students Be Allowed to Carry Cell Phones in School?

Answer: Cell phones are as common as the pencils in a teacher’s desk. Students should be allowed to carry cell

phones in school because it is an excellent way to communicate with others in case of an in school emergency,

and it is a fantastic resource that can be used for learning.

o This broad statement leans toward the positive because the answer leans toward the positive!

Answer: Cell phones are a common distraction in schools. Students should not be allowed to carry cell phones

in school because they are a major distraction in class, and during an emergency, too many phones in use can

jam up the phone lines.

o This broad statement leans toward the negative because the answer leans toward the negative!

Broad Statement Practice

1. What are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Question: Choose a character trait to describe Captain John “Jay”

Jonas. Give two reasons to support your answer.

Article: Steve Jobs was a low tech parent Author: Nick Bilton Question: Should kids’ use of electronic devices be monitored? Give two reasons to support your answer Answer: Yes REMEMBER: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH = BROAD STATEMENT + THESIS!

_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Job of the C= To support your thesis!

Recipe: CLAIM = Transition + Topic sentence (includes your point)

Claim = A topic sentence that must be written in your own words o (main idea of the paragraph that must be tied to the thesis)

Ingredients of the claim: 1. Indent 2. Transitional phrase 3. Focused on one specific reason 4. Must be strong

NOTICE:

There is a comma after the ___________________ word or phrase.

Examples of transitions for the “C” –

Example:

First, Captain Jonas, a fireman for one of New York City’s fire departments during the attacks of September

11, 2001, can be described as heroic because he willingly risked his own life to save others.

INDENT!

1st sentence:

Broad

statement

sentence

2nd

sentence:

Thesis

sentence

Comma after the transition!

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Things to remember! o The job of the first E is to provide “_______________” from the text or everyday life to support your claim.

o What do you do if you can’t make a connection between your “C” and your “E?” Or, you’ve realized that your “C” doesn’t support your “I?” ________________________________________________________!

o While your E is the easiest part of your ICER to write, it is the extremely important because it supports/backs your claim.

o Your E (evidence) must be a direct quote if using a text as a source. If not, you must ___________________ your evidence.

o If your E’s aren’t __________ then your claim will be _____________ , and you will not gain credit from your audience !

o When providing evidence from a text, the E must be taken ______________ from the text, and it must contain _______________________________; if you leave off quotation marks, you are plagiarizing.

o The E must be ______________ and contain the necessary ______________ for your reader to understand.

o Your E cannot be the longest written piece in your paper. ______ to ______ sentences is the ideal length.

o Every E must start out with a ___________________________________ that credits the source. Example: According to the novel Heroes of 911 by Allen Zullo, “….”

o If you are watching a movie then you must __________________ your evidence. In this case, direct quotes are not necessary; however, you must still begin your E with a transitional phrase.

o In the movie Beauty and Beast the glass case that held a rose helped develop the theme.

o ____________________ into your explanation!

- Do not write: My evidence… the evidence….

o Your explanation must be written _________________________________________________ and must be at least ______ sentences in length.

o In your own words, _____________ your thinking! How does the evidence provided support the claim?

Ways to Analyze Evidence and Get Others to Follow Your Thinking: This shows… because… This means… This is important to notice because… This is significant because…

The part of this which seems especially relevant is the…

This suggests… This demonstrates… This illustrates…

o Wraps up the claim o Starts with a transition (not “In conclusion” because that is for the final paragraph of your essay!!!)

Therefore, As a result, Finally

: Therefore, it is without a doubt that Captain Jonas is the true definition of a hero.

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To begin, Captain Jonas, a fireman for one of New York City’s fire departments during the attacks of

September 11, 2001, can be described as heroic because he willingly risked his own life to save others.

According to the novel Heroes of 911 by Alan Zullo, “Seconds later, a man in a business suit rushed in

from outside and yelled, ‘A second plane just hit the other tower!’ ‘They’re trying to kill us,’ Jonas

declared. A firefighter muttered to Jonas, ‘We’re going to be lucky if we survive this.’ Jonas nodded

and said, ‘Good luck.’ When it was Jonas’s turn to get orders, Hayden told him, ‘Just go upstairs and

do the best you can.’ ‘All right, Chief. You got it.’ Jonas hurried over to his men and said, ‘Okay,

here’s the deal. We’re going upstairs on a rescue mission to help out whoever needs it.’” This

demonstrates Jonas’s heroism because he endangered his own life for others. Firemen risk their lives

every day, and any situation they face could be life-threatening; Captain Jonas knew that his mission at

the burning World Trade Center was going to be unlike any other situation his crew or he had ever

encountered, and it may even cost them their lives. Despite Jonas’s shock and fear of the treacherous

situations that lie ahead, he and his crew heroically persevered through a hailstorm of deadly debris to

rescue the injured citizens from a blazing high-rise fire that was ignited by one of the deadliest acts of

terror in United States’ history. Moreover, Jonas and his crew’s true act of bravery and heroism were

illuminated when, without thinking, they continued their pursuit inside the unstable high-rise that was

under attack by an unknown enemy; Jonas and his crew’s decision to continue their mission was

extremely heroic because they knew that their chance for survival was unlikely, yet they were still

determined to proceed. Therefore, it is without a doubt that Captain Jonas is the true definition of a

hero.

Things to remember: o The job of the R is to _______________ the thesis and _____________ the writing response!

o You’re not done until you add the R.

o The “R” in ICER is the wrap-up paragraph, which restates the ________________________ of your essay. _______________ your “R” paragraph.

o Start your “R” with a _________________ word or phrase ! – Examples: _______________________________________________________________________

o NEVER WRITE _________________________!!!!! You will receive a zero if you write that.

o Do NOT introduce any ________________________________ in your R!

In conclusion, Captain John “Jay” Jonas can be described as an exceptionally heroic man. His perseverance

and willingness to risk his life for others and his courage to make life-altering decisions that could ultimately result in

dire consequences are just a few examples of his heroic actions on such a tragic day. Life, even with its struggles, is a

beautiful and immeasurable gift that each person is freely given. What people choose to do with that gift can leave

an infinite mark on the lives of those around them. When faced with a truly daunting situation, only the rarest of

persons are willing to sacrifice that gift for others. Those few are known as heroes.

E Explanation

E Evidence

C Claim

E End

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Things to know:

o The “I” paragraph of an ARGUMENTATIVE writing piece has a different formula; there is one extra piece,

which is the ______________.

– This is ______ to _______ sentences that help __________________________________________.

– The purpose of this component is… • To catch the attention and interest of the readers so that they want to read on • To reveal the topic of the paragraph/essay and perhaps the manner in which it will be

developed (compare/contrast, classification, definition, persuasive, etc.). • To set the tone of the writing: serious, humorous, sarcastic, etc.

– We will discuss these more in detail later in the year.

o But for now, just know that the formula for the “I” of an argumentative piece of writing is:

– _________________________ + _____________________________ + _____________________

____-____ sentences one sentence one sentence

Things to know:

• TDA question vs. informative / explanatory question:

– What is the difference?

• TDA question will have a passage/reading to go along with it, which means you need to back up your answer with an example/quote from the text!

• Informative/explanatory prompt will NOT have a passage/reading to go along with it…NO EXAMPLE/QUOTE! You have to give information from your own brain!!! Also, you will begin with an attention grabber!

• You’ll get more instruction about TDA writing in reading class. We’ll also practice it later

this year.

You can use ICER in ALL of your classes!

It is a writing structure to help you organize your ideas in a logical way.

When executed properly, it will help you clearly answer any given question.