Great Paragraphs: An Introduction To Wri

The second level of a three-book series, Great Paragraphs introduces students to the process of paragraph writing and teaches them how to generate, develop, and organize their ideas. The variety of exercises include group and pair work as well as relevant study of reading skills, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization, providing comprehensive practice in writing process and development. Model sentences and paragraphs on a range of topics provide solid examples of paragraph organization and cohesion. Each model paragraph includes brief pre- and post-reading questions that focus on features such as structure and rhetorical patterns. Sentence-level work helps students understand different lengths and types of construction and gives them practice combining shorter sentences into longer, cohesive ones. A final writing task in each unit asks students to practice paragraph writing in any rhetorical style on an assigned topic (throughout Part 1) or adhere to the mode featured in the unit (Part 2). Part 2 also features five additional writing assignments on a variety of topics. Writer's Notes present brief strategies that help students write effectively. Language Focus introduces grammar topics related to the type of writing practiced in the unit. Proofreading sections offer a variety of exercises that help students look for grammatical errors and correct their own compositions. Sequencing activities provide practice using writing devices that connect or act as a transition between words and phrases. Copying exercises ask students to practice paragraph form, helping them become familiar with the flow of sentences and transitional elements. Analyzing a Paragraph takes students through a series of questions that help them fully understand the different elements of a paragraph. Peer Editing Sheets use specific questions to guide students through their classmates' work and teach them how to constructively comment and offer suggestions for improvement.