Week Four

Here is the first paragraph we were arranging in class:

How to Write a Paragraph

Writing a paragraph starts with introducing a topic. Your topic can be anything, but it should be personally interesting to you, yet general enough that anyone can relate to it. For example, “Why I Hate Shopping” might be better than “Shopping.” Then you need to support the paragraph with supporting sentences and examples. Make sure that your support doesn’t stray too far from the main idea, and try to think of interesting examples. (You might feel stuck at this point. But keep opening and closing drawers in your mind until you find something to say.) Finally you need to think of a conclusion. The conclusion will often restate your topic, but it can also show your topic in a new light, leaving the reader with a refreshing thought.
For you, that last sentence is really a beginning; the beginning of proofreading what you have just written.

This week's assignment:
1)Everone: Do the written grammar assignment (paper) that I gave you at the end of class, and bring it to the next class.

2) Anatoliy, Vladimir, and Helene: Do the Quia assignment and practice typing. Please write 5 sentences on your blogs about what you like to do. (For example, "I like to go to the mall with my family. I like to watch movies.") Please practice typing as much as you can.

3) Lileana, Juventino, Javier: Please read my comments on your blogs from last week and make the changes. (Go to "Edit Post" to make the changes.) Let me know if you have problems doing this. Also do the essay assignment, below.

Everyone else: Please work on writing a short essay! Write about a topic of your choice (look at our list of topics. If you want to expand on a topic you used before, that is OK) Each paragraph should have at least 3 sentences.
First paragraph: Introduction, with the topic sentence at the bottom.
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Examples and supporting ideas for the topic.
Paragraph 5: The conclusion
HELPFUL HINT: Make an outline first:
Main idea:
First support/examples:
Second support/examples:
Third support/examples:
Conclusion

Remember to open and close the drawers in your mind if you get stuck. And email me if you have questions or problems.