8.5 Identifying Paragraph Structure

Skiing vs. Snowboarding
Unlike the sport of skiing, snowboarding does not involve the use of poles. In skiing, the skier’s feet are strapped to separate skis, and he or she can change direction using the poles. In snowboarding, on the other hand, the feet are strapped to a single board of fiberglass or wood. The snowboarder must steer by leaning in the direction he or she wants to go, as a skateboarder does. Whereas most skiers compete by racing against each other on different courses, most snowboarders compete with freestyle tricks or great feats of acrobatics.
How is this passage organized?

• description 
• cause and effect
• compare and contrast
• chronological order 

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

Droughts
Droughts occur when there is not enough water to meet people’s basic needs. Since water is such an essential part of life, droughts trigger a chain reaction of disasters. Without water, farmers have trouble producing crops and feeding livestock. A decrease in crop production and livestock occurs, and this leads to famine. Without moisture to hold down the soil, wind can easily pick up mounds of dirt and sand. An increase in dust storms occurs, and this leads to increased respiratory problems for humans. Wildfires are also common in times of drought. They destroy precious vegetation and animal habitats.
How is this passage organized?

• description 
• chronological order
• compare and contrast
• cause and effect 

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

In writing a paragraph, what is the first sentence called.

• Sequence sentence
• Capital sentence
• Topic sentence
• Concluding sentence

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

What are supporting sentences in a paragraph?

• true and false sentences

• sentences about the conclusion

• short sentences

• details about the topic sentences

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

What is the last sentence in a paragraph called?

• topic sentence
• supporting sentence
• concluding sentence
• opinion sentence

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the concluding sentence?

• tells the main idea 
• repeats the main idea using different words.
• tells a joke
• tells the action of the paragraph

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

Transition words like first, next, and lastly are used to organize the details in the middle of the paragraph.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

In writing paragraphs, you do NOT need to use complete sentences.  Subject +verb.

• true 
• false

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

'And' is a good word to start sentences in a paragraph.

• true

• false

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

Select the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

You run up and down the court. You have to be able to chase down the ball. Sometimes you play for five or six minutes straight without a time out.

• Exercise is hard.

• Basketball is an athletic sport.

• I love the Lakers.

• I played basketball last Thanksgiving.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2