Writing 101RENNS

Know this . . .

“What separates most good writing from bad is the writer’s ability to move back and forth between main ideas and specific details.”

RENNS is taken from . . .

Troyka, Lynn Q. Handbook for Writers. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002.

R - Reasons

Reasons support the main idea

• Main Idea: Solitude

• Topic Sentence: When the noise of life starts to deafen me, I know I need solitude.

• Supporting Detail: And when I need solitude, I go down to the beach.

E - Examples

Examples provide support

• Main Idea: Cactus

• Topic Sentence: In Globe, Arizona the variety of cactus plants is amazing.

• Supporting Detail: For example, the Prickly Pear cactus bloom every summer after the July rains.

N - Names

Names provide support

• Main Idea: Sightseeing

• Topic Sentence: This summer we went sightseeing in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Supporting Detail: We visited the only replica of the Parthenon.

N- Numbers

Numbers provide support

• Main Idea: Resorts

• Topic Sentence: Post Falls, Idaho offers a beautiful lake side resort.

• Supporting Detail: All 500 rooms at the resort offer upscale amenities including a private balcony.

S - Senses

Senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch – provide support

• Main Idea: Flower garden• Topic Sentence: Flower gardens provide

beauty all year.• Supporting Detail: The delicate petals of

the delphiniums quivered in the gentle breeze, allowing their sweet fragrance to ascend upward.

Let’s Practice . . .

Take this simple sentence and add some RENNS

I like watching television.