5 th grade writing strategies 1.2b (2q) create multi-paragraph expository compositions: provide...

5th Grade Writing Strategies 1.2b (2Q)Create multi-paragraph expository compositions: Provide details and transitional expressions

that link one paragraph to another in a clear line of thought.Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.

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Learning Objective

Name _________________________

Today, we will identify an effective1 transition between paragraphs.1 usefulCFUWhat are we going to do today?What does effective mean?

CFUStudents, you already know how to identify the main idea, and you know that most supporting details have something in common that support the main idea. That is how ideas are connected within a paragraph. We will use your knowledge of main ideas and supporting details to develop effective transition sentences between paragraphs.

1. Blue whales are the largest animals in the world. 2. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons. 3. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant, and their hearts can weigh as much as an automobile.(Adapted from nationalgeographic.com)

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Why is sentence #1 the main idea?Which sentence is a supporting detail? Why?

Activate (or provide) Prior Knowledge

The main idea tells what the entire paragraph is about.Supporting details are sentences that elaborate or tell more about the main idea.

EDI Strategy

2nd idea

1st idea

Transition Sentence




Concept Development

CFU Why do we use transitions? Why is the transition sentence in the example effective?Which is another transition sentence that could be used in the example above? Why?

A It is not possible to walk on Jupiter.B Although Mars is solid and rocky, Jupiter’s surface is made up of gas.

In your own words, what is a transition? A transition is __________________.

A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. ● Transitions between paragraphs connect the main idea of one paragraph to the main idea of the next paragraph. ● Transition sentences between paragraphs contain main ideas from both paragraphs. ● To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.

Planetary Surfaces 1. The planet Mars is fairly similar to Earth. 2. The surface of Mars is completely solid, consisting mostly of rocks and dust. 3. There are old volcanoes and many craters created by meteors crashing onto the surface.

4. Unlike Mars’ rocky surface, Jupiter is made up primarily of gas. 5. Jupiter is called a “gas giant” because it is extremely large and does not have a solid surface. 67 words

Adapted from: http://www.universetoday.com

Main idea of paragraph 1:

● The surface of Mars is solid and rocky.

Main idea of paragraph 2:

● The surface of Jupiter is made up of gas.

Example:

Effective transition sentence: Unlike Mars’ rocky surface, Jupiter is made up primarily

of gas.Not an example of an effective transition sentence: Jupiter is made up primarily of gas.

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Importance

A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. Transitions between paragraphs connect the main idea of one paragraph to the main idea of the next paragraph. Transition sentences between paragraphs contain main ideas from both paragraphs. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.

It is important to identify an effective transition between paragraphs because:

1. identifying effective transitions will make your writing smoother.

CFUDoes anyone else have another reason why it is important to identify an effective transition between paragraphs? (pair-share) Why is it important to identify an effective transition between paragraphs? Which reason is more important to you? Why?

2. identifying effective transitions will help you do well on tests.

President Barack Obama’s education began many years before becoming president. From 1988-1991, he attended Harvard Law School. From there, he was a lecturer at University of Chicago Law School for many years. While teaching and lecturing, Obama decided to begin his political career. From 1997-2004, Obama was a senator in the Illinois State Senate. After that, from 2005-2008, he was the Senator from Illinois in the United States Senate. In 2009, he became the 44th President of the United States of America. 82 words




Skill Development/Guided Practice Name _______________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.

Step #1: Read the question. Circle important information in the question.Step #2: Read each paragraph. a. Identify the main idea of each paragraph. (underline) Hint: Look for the sentence that tells what the paragraph is about.

Step #3: Identify the best transition between paragraphs. (circle) Hint: Look for the sentence that combines the main ideas from both paragraphs.

Identify an effective transition between paragraphs.

The Pioneers

1. Pioneers, the first people to settle North America’s frontiers, had many different reasons for heading West. 2. Many were in search of inexpensive, sometimes even free, land on which to grow their crops. 3. Others saw the opportunity to get rich by mining gold. 6. Still, others were drawn by the excitement of adventure.

4. For instance, people traveled slowly. 5. On the Oregon Trail it would take four to six months to make the 2,000 mile trip. 6. The oxen pulling the wagons were not fast moving animals. 7. Roads could often be very bumpy or muddy, causing the wagons to go even slower. 97 words Adapted from: http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210182/diseases.html Adapted from: http://library.thinkquest.org/6400/Dangers%20on%20the%20Trail.htm

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1. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 1 and 2?

A With the prospect of gold, California’s population increased rapidly in 1849. B While many pioneers left seeking land, it wasn’t always free. C In making the trip West, the pioneers relied heavily on their oxen. D In search of these new lives out West, the pioneers faced a long, slow journey.

In search of these new lives out West, the pioneers faced a long, slow journey.

CFU How did I identify the important information in the question? How did I determine the main idea of the paragraph? How did I combine the main idea from each paragraph to determine the effective transition? Why was my answer choice an effective transition? How did you identify the important information in the question? How did you determine the main idea of the paragraph? How did you combine the main idea from each paragraph to determine the effective transition? Why was your answer choice an effective transition?




Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued) Name ______________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.


The Pioneers (continued)

1. Disease was a frequent problem. 2. Fresh, clean water was not available for many days at a time. 3. Cholera4, for instance, caused serious illness, often resulting in death. 3. Lice5 were also common.

4. Storms and fire were a constant threat. 5. Similarly, there were many rivers that needed to be crossed. 6. Many of these were fast and deep, making these crossings extremely dangerous. 7. The wagon trains also had to face American Indians or other pioneers trying to steal their livestock at night. 8. These were just a few of the dangers faced on the trails. 90 words4 a disease caused by eating infected food or drinking infected water5 a small insect that feeds off skin and hair, causing constant itching


A Many of the pioneers were children, making these dangers especially risky. B Disease was a problem, but not as much as the rivers. C Pioneers seeking adventure really would have found danger. D The pioneers faced other dangers besides disease.

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The pioneers faced other dangers besides disease.

CFU How did I identify the important information in the question? How did I determine the main idea of the paragraph? How did I combine the main idea from each paragraph to determine the effective transition? Why was my answer choice an effective transition? How did you identify the important information in the question? How did you determine the main idea of the paragraph? How did you combine the main idea from each paragraph to determine the effective transition? Why was your answer choice an effective transition?






1. In your own words, what is an effective transition between paragraphs?2. Identify an effective transition between the paragraphs below.


A Regular visits to the dentist will keep your smile bright. B Without teeth, it would be difficult to speak properly. C Because they are an important part of the digestive system, it is important to take good care of your teeth. D Wisdom teeth have no real purpose today, and they are often taken out.

Teeth, First Step of the Digestive System

1. Teeth are an important part of the digestion process. 2. The job of the teeth is to tear and crush the food down into small enough pieces so that it can fit down our throats. 3. Without teeth, it would be very hard to eat food.

5. Brushing your teeth twice a day will help keep your teeth in good health. 6. Flossing is a good habit to maintain, as well. 7. Of course, avoiding sugary foods and drinks will help avoid tooth decay, too. 8. Taking proper care of one’s teeth should be a priority for everyone. 91 words

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Because they are an important part of the digestive system, it is important to take good care of your teeth.



ClosureA transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.

What did you learn today about identifying effective transitions between paragraphs?Day 1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day 2 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




Independent Practice Name __________________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.




Save the Tiger 1. Tigers live in a wide variety of habitats. 2. They reside in the warmer areas of East and Southeast Asia. 3. Sometimes, they are found in the cold, southern region of Russia, as well. 4. Forests, tall grasslands, and even swamps are their homes.

5. Tiger populations have declined so much that they are now in danger of becoming extinct. 6. There were thought to be around 100,000 tigers in the wild at the beginning of the 1900s. 7. It is estimated that there are now only 3,500-5,500 tigers remaining in the wild.

8. Tough anti-poaching laws have been enacted in India, Russia, and China. 9. Large areas of land have been put aside as tiger reserves, as well. 10. These efforts have helped raise the tiger population significantly over the years. 11. Continued efforts can only help to bring the tiger back from the brink of extinction. 136 wordsAdapted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger

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Logging and human movement into these habitats has led to a sharp decline in the tiger population.

To help combat the decline in the tiger population, major conservation efforts have been put in place around the world.


A Tigers prefer to live in warmer areas due to better hunting opportunities. B Tigers mainly feed on larger and medium-sized animals. C Logging and human movement into these habitats has led to a sharp decline in the tiger population. D Although tigers are very adaptable animals, they are poor hunters.


A To help combat the decline in tiger populations, major conservation efforts have been put in place around the world. B Climate change is causing the tiger population to decrease. C Lions are also in danger of becoming extinct. D Tigers are becoming extinct, and nothing is being done to protect them.




Periodic Review 1 Name ____________________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.Identify an effective transition between paragraphs.

The Indians of the Pacific Northwest 1. The Pacific Northwest consists of the western coasts of southern Canada and the northern American states of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. 2. It is an area comprised of peaceful beaches marked by beautiful, dense forests of cedar and giant redwood trees. 3. Indians of this area settled here over 16,000 years ago. 4. Seals, sea otters, and even whales were a great food source for the Indians. 5. Fish were also an important part of their diet. 6. In addition to the fish found year-round in the oceans, salmon caught in the fall could often feed tribes for the entire year. 7. The Pacific Northwest Indians never worried about having enough food.

8. Wooden boards and logs cut from the red cedar trees of the forests were used to build Big-Houses. 9. Because the Indians did not have nails, these planks were held together with wooden pegs. 10. These structures ranged greatly in size. 11. They could be anywhere from 20 to 60 feet wide and 50 to 150 feet long. 159 words

Adapted from: http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1387-american-indians-northwest-bands

1. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 1 and 2? A This coastal environment had a great influence on the food source of the Pacific Northwest Indians. B The Pacific Northwest Indians relied heavily on the nearby forests. C The cold, coastal environment made it nearly impossible for the Pacific Northwest Indians to hunt on land. D Food was always a concern for the Pacific Northwest ndians.

2. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 2 and 3? A Although fish was an important part of their diet, the Pacific Northwest Indians ate mostly land animals. B The Pacific Northwest Indians made their own clothes. C The ocean was not only a great food source, but the bones of fish could also be used as jewelry. D While the Indians used the ocean as their primary food source, they looked to the nearby forests for their shelter.

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Chilkat cedar plank house with framed doorway, Chilkoot, Alaska, 1894 Library of Congress

This coastal environment had a great influence on the food source of the Pacific Northwest Indians.

While the Indians used the ocean as their primary food source, they looked to the nearby forests for their shelter.




Periodic Review 2 Name __________________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.


Water Conservation

1. Water is one of Earth’s most valuable resources. 2. Water is needed by all living things. 3. About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, but only 1% of that water can be used by people. 4. The remaining 69% of water is either frozen in ice caps or is salt water, like that found in the ocean. 5. With water usage at an all-time high, the available water supply is quickly running out.

6. The recycling process takes water that has already been used and treats1 it with chemicals so that it can be reused. 7. Recycled water is not safe for humans to drink, but it is safe to use in home toilet systems. 8. It is also safe to use in watering farmlands and other landscapes2 like parks and fields. 9. Recycling is one way that governments are helping in the water conservation effort.

10. Turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, for example, would save up to eight gallons of water every day. 11. That’s 200 gallons a month! 12. Taking a shower, rather than a bath, would save an average of 50 gallons with each wash. 13. By watering your plants and lawn in the late evening or early morning when it’s cool, you can avoid water evaporating in the heat. 14. These simple ideas would go a long way in conserving water.1 cleans 2 areas of land Adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/kids/index.html 220 words1. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 1 and 2? A Research shows that people should drink at least eight glasses of water every day. B In an effort to keep water from running out, some countries have started recycling water. C Scientists agree that there is no way to restore the water supply. D People could take the salt out of water and recycle it.

2. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 2 and 3? A Lakes and ponds help conserve water for later use. B Recycling is one way the government makes money. C Although helpful, recycling doesn’t help with watering plants. D You may not be able to recycle water, but there are many things you can do at home to help conserve water.

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In an effort to keep water from running out, some countries have started recycling water.

You may not be able to recycle water, but there are many things you can do at home to help conserve water.






Periodic Review 3 Name __________________________________A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence used to connect one idea to another. To write a transition sentence, you must know the main idea of both paragraphs being connected.


The Quakers 1. The Quakers were a group of people that were not happy with the strict rules of the Puritan Church in England in the 1600s. 2. So they created their own church where they could decide how to worship God themselves. 3. This was not a popular idea, and many Quakers were beaten and jailed. 4. In the late 1600s, many Quakers left for North America and settled throughout much of the East Coast.

5. Quakers believed in equal rights for minority1 groups, which was very radical2 and widely disliked. 6. Quakers were especially supportive of women, American Indians, and slaves. 7. In fact, many Quakers helped slaves escape on the Underground Railroad. 8. Many Quakers went to jail and/or paid large fines for aiding these slaves. 9. The Quakers did not believe that war was right in any circumstance. 10. Many refused to fight during the American Revolution, as well as World Wars I and II. 11. The Quaker belief that people could express their opinions directly through their actions was so strong that they were willing to be labeled as traitors3.1 a group of people of a different race, religion, etc. from most other people in that country 3 someone who is not loyal to their country, friends, or beliefs 172 words2 very new and different Adapted from: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/after1500/religion/quakers.htm

1. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 1 and 2? A The Quakers did not like to treat slaves and women fairly. B The Quakers were not only different in the way they worshipped God, but how they treated people equally in society. C The Quakers only went to war in self-defense. D The Quakers were unhappy about how much money the Puritan Church demanded from them.

2. Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraph 2 and 3? A The Quakers were only allowed to go to war in order to spread their religious views. B The Quakers held other beliefs, such as being against war. C Many Quakers would fight for what they believed in. D Although Quakers didn’t believe that war was right, many were forced to fight.

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The Quakers were not only different in the way they worshipped God, but how they treated people equally in society.

The Quakers held other beliefs, such as being against war.



5 th grade writing strategies 1.2b (2q) create multi-paragraph expository compositions: provide...

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