How do you write a closing paragraph that stays on topic

for a prompt?

In this lesson, you will learn how to conclude your response by referring to the prompt and

the “big ideas” of your response.

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Identify the Question and Type of Writing

Write Your Response

Revise Your Response

Plan Your Response

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Dear Family,

I know that a pet is a big responsibility, but I know that if we all care for it, we can really enjoy it. I think that getting a pet is a good idea. Taking care of a pet would teach us responsibility and animal science. Finally the whole family will have fun with the pet.

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A pet is a good idea because it can teach us about responsibility. Pets need to be fed and watered on a regular basis. They need regular visits to the veterinarian to make sure they are healthy. Most pets cannot take care of themselves. They need people to help them. By taking care of a pet, we are learning how to be responsible.

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A pet in our family can teach us about animals. My friend Jim has a pet iguana. He feeds it and waters it every day. He did a research project based on what he learned about his iguana. We could learn about how our pet’s body works. We could do research at the library about our pet. We could also learn a about animals that are similar to our pet, especially if they are wild or endangered. A pet is a way to learn more about animals.

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A pet would be lots of fun for everyone. Imagine how much fun it would be for Dad and I to play fetch with a dog. Mom could teach a parrot to sing while she’s in the kitchen. We could all relax while our cat is batting a ball of string on the carpet. Pets are a great way to have fun.

Let’s ReviewA Common Mistake

Writing a closing paragraph that doesn’t refer to the original prompt or

question.

Opening Body 2Body 1 ?Body 3

Let’s ReviewA Common Mistake

Imagine your family is trying to decide whether or not to get a pet. Take a position on this subject. Would you like to have a pet or not? Write a letter to your family explaining why getting a pet is, or is not, a good idea. Support your opinion with strong reasons.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Re-write your thesis statement.1

2 Summarize your most important supporting details.

3 End with a strong sentence telling why your idea is important.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Re-write your thesis statement.1

I think that getting a pet is a good idea.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

2 Summarize your most important supporting details.

1. Teaches responsibility2. Teaches about animal science.3. Lots of fun for everyone.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

1. Teaches responsibility

2. Teaches about animal science.

3. Lots of fun for everyone.

Pets teach us about responsibility and about animal science. They are also lots of fun for everyone.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

3 End with a strong sentence telling why your idea is important.

Who will be reading this? My family

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

3

I know that a pet is a big responsibility, but I know that if we all care for it, we can really enjoy it.

The “hook”My family

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

If we all pitch in to take care of it, we can all learn from the pet as well as enjoy it.

I know that a pet is a big responsibility, but I know that if we all care for it, we can really enjoy it.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

I think that getting a pet is a good idea. Pets teach us about responsibility and about animal science. They are also lots of fun for everyone. If we all pitch in to take care of it, we can all learn from the pet as well as enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Re-write your thesis statement.1

2 Summarize your most important supporting details.

3 End with a strong sentence telling why your idea is important.

In this lesson you have learned how to conclude your response by referring to the prompt and

the “big ideas” of your response.

Let’s ReviewGuided Practice

Using the steps in this lesson, write a closing paragraph for the following prompt:

The local science museum has decided to close on certain Saturdays during the year. Write a letter to the museum director about whether you agree or disagree with their decision. Support your opinion with strong reasons.

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Look at the closing paragraph from the lesson. Can you write a different closing paragraph using different reasons?

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Look at the closing paragraph. How would this paragraph change if the reader was NOT your family? Choose a person below. Change the paragraph for that reader.

(a) Your teacher(b) Your best friend

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

I think that getting a pet is a good idea. Pets teach us about responsibility and about animal science. They are also lots of fun for everyone. If we all pitch in to take care of it, we can all learn from the pet as well as enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Let’s Review

Quick Quiz

Using the steps in this lesson, write a closing paragraph for your response to the prompt below.

The fifth grade is deciding on a theme for the end-of-year dance. Write a letter persuading your classmates to use your idea for the dance. Support your opinion with strong reasons.