Download Paragraph Writing: Structuring a Well-Written 3.5 Paragraph for Career Planning and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Grammar and Composition in PDF only on Docsity!
Writing a Well-Structured Paragraph
Objectives
- Students will recognize the parts of a 3.5 paragraph.
- Students will write a well structured 3.5 paragraph.
Time frame to Complete
1½ hours or two 45 minute sessions
Standard(s) Addressed in Lesson Convey Ideas in Writing
Benchmark(s) Addressed in Lesson W.4.1; W.4.4; W.4.10; W.4.
Materials
- Paragraph practice worksheet 1
- Paragraph practice worksheet 2
- Career Planning Tools o What do you want in a boss? Worksheet o What does an employer want? Worksheet
Activities
Step 1 Explanation - Explain to students how writing will help them on their journey to choosing and completing a career path through use on applications, assignments, and reports that are required on their path. Explain that a well structured 3.5 paragraph consists of a topic sentence (a generalization), the body (related particulars), and a concluding sentence (the generalization restated).
Step 2 Model - Distribute the Paragraph Practice 1 Worksheet. Review the defined parts of a 3.5 paragraph. Next, look at an example of a well written paragraph with the different sections being distinguished in some manner. (color, size of text, different font etc.) See attached sample paragraph 1. Discuss the topic sentence and how it is a broad generalized statement about the topic. Point out the body of the paragraph and how the sentences are related ideas to the topic. Look at the conclusion sentence and discuss with the students how this is a restatement of the topic sentence.
Step 3 Guided practice- provide the students with another sample paragraph. (Sample paragraph 2) Let the students highlight the 3 main parts on their own using 3 different colored markers. (Example- yellow to highlight the topic sentence, blue to highlight the body, and green to highlight the concluding sentence.) Then, go over their markings as a large group.
Topic Sentence
Body
Concluding Sentence
Step 4 As a practice exercise in writing a 3.5 paragraph, have the students fill in the blanks to the provided statements on the Practice Exercise 1 worksheet. When all the blanks have been completed have them rewrite the statements in paragraph form. Point out that statement 1 will be the Topic Sentence. Statements 2-4 will form the Body and statement 5 will be the Concluding Sentence.
Step 5 To help students with the brainstorming process for writing a paragraph on their own have them complete two of the Career Planning Tool worksheets. (“What do you want in a boss?” and “What does an employer want?”) They will use this information to complete the questions on Paragraph Practice Worksheet 2.
Step 6 Let the students know that they will now use the information from the two career planning activity sheets to complete the questions on the Sample Paragraph 2 worksheet.
Step 7 Application- Now that the brainstorming activities are completed; allow students to choose one of the topics listed on Paragraph Practice 2 Worksheet. They will use their personal responses to the questions to write a well constructed 3.5 paragraph in response to their chosen topic.
Assessment/Evidence
- Highlighted sample paragraph
- Completed Paragraph Practice Worksheets 1 and 2
- Student written 3.5 paragraph
Adaptations for Beginning Students
Writings will be done as large group or in small groups with teacher support as needed.
Adaptations for Advanced Students
Students will develop a 3.5 essay in response to the topics provided.
Paragraph Practice 2
Name_________________________________________________ Date_______________________
3.5 Paragraph: a paragraph that makes three points in five sentences.
Sentence one – The topic sentence that presents the subject of the paragraph.
Sentences two, three, and four – Sentences that support the topic sentence with specific examples.
Sentence five – The last sentence is the conclusion which re-states the topic sentence.
Practice a 3.5 – Add either a word or phrase in each blank.
- The occupation I might chose is ______________________________________
- List three important attributes or skills needed to qualify for a job in this occupation. You may use the Career Planning Tool “What Does an Employer Want” to identity the skills needed for the occupation of your choice.
- List three important characteristics you would like your employer to possess. You may use the Career Planning Tool “What Do You Want in a Boss?” to identify the characteristics you think are important.
Chose one of the topics below and write a 3.5 paragraph.
Topic 1
Write a 3.5 paragraph about three important skills you need to qualify for a job in the occupational field of your choice.
Topic 2
Write a 3.5 paragraph about the three important characteristics you would like an employer to possess.
CAREER PLANNING TOOL: WHAT DOES AN EMPLOYER WANT?
Name_________________________________________________ Date_______________________
Indicate the occupation of your choice For those attributes you believe an employer wants, place a check in the Yes box; For those you think an employer does not want, place a check in the No box; and For those you are uncertain about or think that the expectation is likely to differ depending on the nature of the job or work situation, check the Maybe box.
Occupation: ______________________________________________
Quality Yes No Maybe
- Timeliness
- A strong work ethic
- Willingness to do whatever is asked
- Willingness to work late or weekends
- Honesty
- Observes safety rules
- Good grammar
- Ability to pace oneself
- Careful about appearance
- Willingness to learn
- Politeness 1 2. Willingness to work for low wages
- Good math skills
- Married with dependent children
- Respect for others
- Leadership
- Good physical and mental health
- Physical strength
- Good writing skills
- Computer skills
What are three important attributes you need to qualify for a job or a promotion in the occupational field of your choice?
