Week 4 - U4 - L1/3 - Explanatory Writing - Sept. 4th

SDI English 9
Week 4 - Unit 4 Lesson 1 & 3 - September 4th

Draw

How are we feeling after a long weekend?

Explain what a thesis statement is and how it is used. I can compare introductory sections of two explanatory texts and organize an introductory paragraph.

Explain explanatory writing in my own words.

Objective - remember this term from last week? It means "goal"

This should be in your notes!
You can also take a picture of it.
This is going to come up ALL year long and all of high school.

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Writing Responses

​New Vocab Words - write these down!

Explanatory Text - non-fiction (true) writing that provides information, ideas, and FACTS about a topic (the word starts with "explan" which looks almost just like "explain")

Hook - a sentence that draws the reader in and makes them interested in reading the text

Thesis Statement (or thesis) - a direct/short summary of the main idea of a text

Introduction (or introduction paragraph) - the first paragraph of a paper/text, it introduces what the text will be about

Anecdote - a short retelling of an interesting story

Topic - the subject of a text (what is the author talking about?)

Techniques - ways that authors create an effect in writing (e.g. using connotative words to help the reader connect and feel that they can relate)

Introductions

There are three major parts to an introduction:

1. The hook - this grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read the text. Think of it like a movie trailer.

2. Background information - what are we going to be talking about

3. Thesis statement - one sentence preview/summary of what the text is going to prove/share/teach (the main idea) and the claim the author is making.

Let's Practice

The Detroit Lions, often seen as underdogs in the NFL, are showing signs that they might finally win their first Super Bowl. After many years of struggle, the team has made some smart moves, adding talented players and strong leadership. With an exciting offense led by a top-notch quarterback and a defense that’s becoming tougher, the Lions are more than just hopeful—they're strong contenders. The optimism of the Detroit Lions is backed by their recent improvement, new strategies, and the rise of key players who are going to lead the team to their first ever Superbowl championship.

Let's Practice

The Detroit Lions, often seen as underdogs in the NFL, are showing signs that they might finally win their first Super Bowl. After many years of struggle, the team has made some smart moves, adding talented players and strong leadership. With an exciting offense led by a top-notch quarterback and a defense that’s becoming tougher, the Lions are more than just hopeful—they're strong contenders. The optimism of the Detroit Lions is backed by their recent improvement, new strategies, and the rise of key players who are going to lead the team to their first ever Superbowl championship.

Have you ever wondered why cheetahs can run so much faster than turtles? Animals have different ways of moving because they live in various environments and face different challenges. For instance, cheetahs need to run fast to catch their prey, while turtles are built for slow, steady movement that helps them conserve energy and protect themselves. This passage will explain how the unique body structures and adaptations of cheetahs and turtles are designed to help them move efficiently in their specific habitats and meet their survival needs.

Question: What is the main purpose of the passage?

​A. To compare how cheetahs and turtles use their speed in different ways.
B. To describe how animals have evolved to move differently based on their environments.
C. To explain why cheetahs and turtles have similar body structures.
D. To show how cheetahs and turtles compete for food in the wild.

Have you ever wondered why cheetahs can run so much faster than turtles? Animals have different ways of moving because they live in various environments and face different challenges. For instance, cheetahs need to run fast to catch their prey, while turtles are built for slow, steady movement that helps them conserve energy and protect themselves. This passage will explain how the unique body structures and adaptations of cheetahs and turtles are designed to help them move efficiently in their specific habitats and meet their survival needs.

Question: How do the ways cheetahs and turtles move help them live in their different homes? Use details from the passage to explain.

Multiple Choice

In the excerpt below which sentence is the thesis statement?

When it comes to video games, The Legend of Zelda stands out as the best ever created. Since its first release, the series has set high standards with its engaging stories, clever puzzles, and immersive worlds. Each new game builds on its iconic predecessors, consistently offering innovative gameplay and memorable adventures. This combination of creative design and lasting appeal firmly establishes Zelda as the top video game, celebrated for its influence and enduring popularity.

• Each new game builds on its iconic predecessors, consistently offering innovative gameplay and memorable adventures.

• This combination of creative design and lasting appeal firmly establishes Zelda as the top video game, celebrated for its influence and enduring popularity.

• Since its first release, the series has set high standards with its engaging stories, clever puzzles, and immersive worlds.

• When it comes to video games, The Legend of Zelda stands out as the best ever created.

Let's Practice

Have you ever wondered how the Great Wall of China was built without modern technology? This ancient marvel stretches over 13,000 miles and took centuries to complete. The wall was built by countless workers using simple tools and innovative techniques to protect their land from invaders. Today, it stands as a symbol of strength and perseverance, drawing millions of visitors who marvel at its history and grandeur.

Categorize

Options (5)

Have you ever wondered how the Great Wall of China was built without modern technology?

This ancient marvel stretches over 13,000 miles and took centuries to complete.

The wall was built by countless workers using simple tools and innovative techniques...

Today, it stands as a symbol of strength and perseverance, drawing millions of visitors who...

The Great Wall of China

Organize these sentences into the right categories:

Hook

Topic

Thesis Statement

Background Information

Open Ended

You have to write a paragraph on why students should only have to go to school 4 days a week instead of 5.

Below create a hook/opening sentence for that topic.

This should only be one sentence.

Hacks on creating thesis statements

1. Figure out what you are trying to prove/explain

2. Come up with three reasons that prove your point/pieces of evidence

3. Create a sentence that starts with "I think" or "I believe" and follow it with your three reasons

4. Remove "I think" or "I believe" from the beginning of the sentence.

5. Celebrate
   

Review Time!

Multiple Choice

An anecdote is a...

• A long, detailed explanation of a historical event

• A brief, interesting story about a personal experience

• A type of poem with a rhyme scheme

• A technical report with data and statistics

Poll

An explanatory text always...

• teaches the reader something

• keeps the reader interested

• provides factual information

• convinces someone to change their opinion

Multiple Choice

Techniques are.....

• Rules for using punctuation marks

• Specific types of paper used for writing essays

• Methods or strategies used to make writing more effective

• The length of sentences and paragraphs in a text

Categorize

Options (16)

Indiana Connections

Elephant

A plan

Mountain

Bright

Cold

Old

Slow

Run

Sing

Dance

Read

happily

newly

dreamily

softly

Organize these options into the right categories

Noun

Adjective

Verb

Adverb

Please complete the exit ticket below:
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See you next week!