Nonfiction Writing:

Its More Than the Five-Paragraph Essay

Dr. Janet Allen ** 239-395-2455** www.janetallen.org

What Really Matters in Writing?

Resources Strategies Support for Writer

Engagement/Purpose

Getting Started

Building Word Banks

Developing Writing Fluency

Understanding Forms/ Features of Writing

Craft Lessons

Grammer/Usage/ Editing

Revision

Assessment/ Evaluation
Dr. Janet Allen

Writing to Learn
Source: Source: Facts: Facts:

Source:

Facts:

Response: Response:

Response:

Connection: I wonder: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ I want to know: __________________________ __________________________

Connection: Now that I know: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ Im interested in knowing: __________________________ __________________________
Dr. Janet Allen

3-2-1 Notetaking
Keeping a record of what stood out for you as you read can help you when thinking and writing about a topic. Use this organizer to note significant words and notes. Then, summarize your reading by noting the main idea for each section of your reading.

Chapter # 1

List 3 important words or phrases

Write 2 notes you want to remember

Main Idea for Section

Tr i p l e E n t r y J o u r n a l
Made me wonder/think about (questions, response, reflections, connections to self/text/world, commentary, etc.) After more reading and talking, I now think...

Significant to me (text, visuals, layout, features, etc.)

Dr. Janet Allen

Sensory Language Chart

Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch

Response Frame
I chose to read ____________(title of book) which was written by ____________(author) because ________________________ _________________. When I first started reading this book, I thought ________________ ______________ but after reading further, I discovered __________________. The story takes place ___________________ (setting) where the characters ________________ (action). The main problem occurs when _____________________. After that I discovered _____________________________. The problem finally resolved when ________________________ ______________. I can sum up my feelings about this book with one word _____________ because ________________________. If you like a book that _______________, then this is the book for you.

Dr. Janet Allen

EXPLORE P
Example What was the authors purpose for writing? Why am I reading the text? Language What are the key words/names/places/lines worth remembering?

EX L

Example

This is an example of

what genre/author/style?

O
Relate just read?

R
How can I relate to what I

E
Evaluate What are my ah-has? What questions do I have?

Organizational

Features

What organizational

features or supports

helped me read this text?

Dr. Janet Allen

EXPLORE P L

EX

Dr. Janet Allen

Writing a Fact File

What is the purpose? Who is the audience?

What research has to be completed?

How are the facts cross-checked?

What text features are used?

What should be included?

E v e r- Wo n d e r e d ?
First Paragraph Body Paragraph(s) Final Paragraph Text Features

Essay

Title

Points for Mechanics

Writing an Interesting, Organized, Ever-Wondered Essay

A collaborative example of a well-written essay...

An interesting, organized, ever-wondered essay always includes...

It sometimes includes...

Dr. Janet Allen

SPAWN
Sspecial powers Pproblem solving Aalternative viewpoints Wwhat if Nnext

S P A W N

Point of View Guide

Head: Eyes: Ears:

Mouth:

Hands:

Heart:

Peer Response: Writing a Persuasive Essay

Elements of Persuasion Organization/Impact Mechanics/Use of Language

Meets or Exceeds Criteria

Needs Some Revision/Editing

Needs Major Revision/Editing

I Was Impressed with...

These Areas Need Some Revision...

Dr. Janet Allen

Scoring Guide: Persuasive Speaking/Writing

I. Topic Development ________ out of ________ + Chosen topic has more than one side making it suitable for persuasion. + Topic has arguments and counter-arguments. + Language is used to solicit reader/listeners opinion. - Chosen topic is flat and has no possibility of argument or need for persuasion. - Language is generic and low-impact which would not entice reader/listener.

II. Facts/Details Supporting Argument ________ out of ________ + details used to sway reader/listener. + Facts chosen carefully in order to support position of writer. + Statements are made in a way that activates audience sense of logic and justice. - Details are irrelevant or weak in terms of argument. - Facts could be used in multiple ways and do not support writers position. - Writer unaware of impact on audience and doesnt anticipate arguments.

III. Research ________ out of ________ + Used reliable authorities/experts to bolster argument or position. + used statistics or facts that add weight to argument or position. + Provided logical support for audience in understandable formats (comparison, emotional appeal, illustrations, and examples). - Lacked any support from experts or authorities to bolster argument. - Statistics and facts were vague, inaccurate, and/or misused. - Offered no support to bring audience to writers point of view: examples, illustrations, emotional appeal, comparisons.

Dr. Janet Allen

IV. Organization ________ out of ________ + Writer/Speaker had a clearly chosen topic and position related to topic. + Writer presented several strong arguments in support of position on topic. + Writer used transition words/statements to hold audience to multiple arguments. + Writer let audience know what he/she hoped audience would believe. + Writer chose clear organizational structure: topic, argument, conclusion. - Writers position in relation to topic is unclear/unstated. - No transitions which left reader unsure of connections between/among points. - Audience left with uncertain opinion about writers position or opinion writer hoped audience would have. - No organizational structure which made persuasive writing seem rambling and unfocused.

V. Grammar/Mechanics ________ out of ________ + Grammar and mechanics were mostly correct and did not interfere with reading or listening. - Grammar and mechanical errors interfered with message of writing or speech.

Comments:

Suggestions:

Total ________ out of ________

Dr. Janet Allen