A Well-Organized Paragraph = M.E.A.L.

A well-balanced M.E.A.L.

Aim: How do we write a well-organized paragraph? 

Do Now: Check out the well-organized paragraph graphic organizer. There is one posted on Pages on this blog. Hard copies are available in the classroom.

You should be continuing work on the essential questions from yesterday (2/10/15 post). But, how do you write a well-organized paragraph? After the mini-lesson, compose a paragraph on your assigned essential question with your partner. Then annotate it together, meaning identify each of the four elements of a well-organized paragraph. Here's an example of a well-organized paragraph that has been annotated:

A Well-Organized Paragraph

M I strongly feel that you should follow your beliefs in life regardless of whether someone is watching what you do. E For example, I believe stealing is wrong under any circumstances. It makes no difference to me if someone takes his or her eyes away from the cash register. Even if someone were able to guarantee to me that I would never ever get caught or suffer consequences for stealing, it would not change my mind about stealing from the cash register. A My sense of right and wrong is not influenced by consequences or what people might think of me as a person. The rightness of something has nothing to do with how many people are there to watch it. L The true mark of an honest person is how you live your life when nobody’s watching.

Finally, evaluate the paragraph using the CCS rubric, which is also under "Resources" on this blog. Don't forget to add comments explaining why you gave it those scores. Post your self-assessment on your blog along with your worksheet.

If you were not here yesterday, click here for the quick write and today's worksheet.  

***Don't forget to complete and turn in your "Six Elements of Engagement Daily Self-Tracker" before leaving class.***

What's Due

• Selfie poster
• Letter to me
• First post
• Essential Questions worksheet

Click here to see your homework assignment for winter break.

Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)