Let's Write More Sentences! Lesson 2

Transcription

1 1 Let's Write More Sentences! Lesson 2 Here is what we will learn in this lesson: What is the subject of a command sentence? What are the parts of a paragraph? How do I write titles correctly and indent? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 1: Subjects of Command Sentences In Let s Write Sentences, we talked about the four different types of sentences. One of these types of sentences is a command sentence. Command sentences ask or tell people to do something. This may sound strange, but every single command sentence has the SAME subject. Yikes! You may wonder: how is that possible? Since command sentences are always speaking to someone (you must address the person to whom you are speaking if you are going to ask him or her to do something), the subject is always the word you. What s tricky about this is the word you does not even appear in a command sentence. Since this is the case, the subject is actually called you understood, and it is written like this: (you). This means that the subject is the word you, but since it is not written or spoken in the sentence, it is understood and is therefore in parentheses. Command Sentence Please pass the salt. Stop that this instant! Give me my coat. Subject (you) (you) (you)

2 2 Parts 2: Build a Paragraph Now that we understand how to write sentences, both simple and compound, let s talk about how we can combine these sentences to make a paragraph. Writing a Paragraph When you write a paragraph, think of a sandwich or delicious cheeseburger to help you remember the parts that you need. The top bun stands for the topic sentence. The topic sentence should be general with no specific details. It should tell your reader the main idea of your paragraph. The meat, cheese and toppings stand for your supporting details. These details should support your main idea and should be in a clear, logical order. The bottom bun stands for your concluding sentence. This is the sentence that wraps your paragraph together but does not introduce any new ideas. Sometimes, this sentence is a restatement of your main idea.

3 3 Part 3: Titles Titles are a way to introduce your reader to what you are writing about in a paragraph. There are some special rules that you must follow when you write a title. A title must: 1. Give information about paragraph You want to include a title that tells about what you are writing about. That means if you are writing about lions, your title should include something about lions. Example: The following paragraph might be titled: Amazing Deer Amazing Deer The deer ran across the yard. It was magnificent with long, almond colored antlers. Gracefully, it jumped the fence, and disappeared into the dew covered morning. 2. Be capitalized and punctuated correctly Your title must be typed above your paragraph or piece of writing and it must be centered. You will click on the special center icon at the top of your Word document to do this instead of spacing over to the middle of your paper. Titles normally do not have any end punctuation (period, question mark, or exclamation point). In addition, do NOT underline or italicize your title. Capitalizing your title is also very important. There are some rules that you need to follow to do this correctly. 1. Always capitalize the first word in the title. 2. Always capitalize the last word in the title. 3. Capitalize all important words in your title. 4. Never capitalize articles (a, an, the) or prepositions (on, to, of, etc.).

4 4 Now you try it: Capitalize the following titles using the rules above. 1. my vacation (2 capitals missing) 2. how to make a cake (3 capitals missing) 3. billy the kid (2 capitals missing) Write a title about the paragraph below: Today, my grandpa and I went on an interesting trip. This morning we hopped in grandpa s rusty truck and drove to the local museum to see an exhibit on dinosaurs. There were bones everywhere! I had so much fun exploring the museum with him. *** Not only is it important to include a title with your paragraph, you should also make sure the first line of your paragraph is indented. Before you begin typing your first sentence, you need to hit the Tab key ONCE to begin your paragraph. The Tab key is on the on the left side of your keyboard, above the Caps Lock key. You will only indent your paragraph on the first line. Never use the Space Bar to space over. You need to use the Tab key.

5 5 Let s Write More Sentences! Lesson 2 Assignments: When you type your assignments in Word, please make sure to use MLA format. Also, when you me your assignments, please make sure that the subject line includes your name, the class name (LWMS), and the assignment number or numbers. Example: Subject: Joe-LWMS-2A 2A Use the Dictionary or (if sending more than one) Subject: Joe-LWMS-2B and 2C For this assignment, you will be using a dictionary (the book, not the internet) to look up words. You will have 3 parts for each word, and you need to type these in a Word document to to me. Here is an example of what you need for each word: 1. Tree Type the word. 2. A tall plant with a wood stem and branches. Type the meaning of the word. 3. The tree is very tall. Write a sentence using the word, but do not END the sentence with the word. Please look up two of these three words for your 2A assignment: trot, giddy, celebration. 2B Identify Parts of a Paragraph Cut out the following sentences, and organize them into a paragraph. Remember, you need a topic sentence (tells the main idea), detail sentences, and a closing sentence. Type your paragraph into a Word document and it to me when you are finished with it.

6 6 We swam with our friends and played games in the water. Yesterday, I went to the local swimming pool with my two cousins. Our day at the pool was a blast and full of memories. I went off the diving board for the first time! 2C Write a Title Read the following topic sentences for paragraphs about different ideas. Write a title for each one. Remember to follow the rules we talked about in this lesson. Type the sentence and your title in a Word document and it to me. 1. My high school graduation was a memorable day that I will never forget. 2. Dinosaurs have been extinct for thousands of years. 3. I plan to do a variety of exciting activities during my summer break. 4. The Chicago Bulls are the best NBA basketball team. 5. Being an astronaut when I grow up is my dream career.