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Ideas in writing are like the engine that drives the train.

Concept of Ideas

WHAT ARE IDEAS?

Ideas contain the point of any piece of writing. They are all about information.

In a good creative piece, ideas paint pictures in a reader’s mind.

In expository writing, ideas teach. Two things make ideas work well: clarity and

details.

How to create strong ideas:

□ Find a narrow and manageable topic□ Explain accurate details that go

beyond the obvious□ Write from a unique perspective,

with fresh and original ideas.-This may include interesting but

short anecdotes if appropriate.□ Write from knowledge or experience.□ Anticipate and answer the reader’s

questions.

To successfully communicate the message, the ideas must:

Be clearSupport the controlling ideaBe focused are narrowedInclude sufficient informationBe insightfulBe originalProvide interesting detailsBe complete

A narrow, manageable topic that is unique Striking detail, strong imagery No unnecessary information (eliminate “filler”) Pose and then answer beyond the obvious questions

Information that makes the reader say “wow--Interesting!”

Important Aspects of the Trait of Ideas

The clearer the target,the better the results.

Source: www.milwaukee.k12.wi.us

How do “ideas” fit into open

responses?

OPEN RESPONSE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:

A S EAnswer the question

Support with evidence

Explain the author’s words

Answer: Support #1: Explain #1:

Support #2: Explain #2:

Support #3: Explain #3:

NOW TAKE THE ASE ORGANIZER, AND MAKE IT A PARAGRAPH:

RUBRIC:

Score:

Explanation:

4 The response is clear/well organized, complete, and accurate. It contains detailed and specific information from the text to support the claim.

3 The response is mostly clear and well organized, complete, and accurate. The evidence is important but often general information from the excerpt.

2 The response is a partial explanation and contains little to no information from the excerpt OR misinterpreted information.

1 The response is a minimal explanation and includes little to no information from the excerpt OR misinterpreted information.

0/NC:

The answer does not apply to the questions, is completely incorrect, or contains no evidence.

IDEAS WEEK 2: LET’S WORK ON OUR “IDEAS”:Rambling Autobiography:You are going to write about yourself. Anything you can think of. Don’t think about organization, don’t think about grammar, don’t think about spelling. Just write. The only parameter is to write about your life (as if you’re working on your autobiography). It may be easy to start with the day you were born? Or writing about your family? Or your favorite things? And just go from there!Just remember, don’t stop writing until you hear the timer!!!

NOW:

Reread your rambling autobiography.

What ideas are prevalent and most commonly found in your writing? Do any repeat?

What ideas are interesting to your reader?

Are there any weak ideas you would cut out?