Language Arts Unit

4th Grade Study Guide- Lesson 9                       “Dear Mr. Winston” Comprehension Skills and Strategies: Conclusions and Generalizations Genre: Realistic Fiction Grammar Skill: Compound and complex sentences Vocabulary Strategies: Antonyms Writing Skills:      Informative Writing: Explanatory Essay      Focus Trait: Organization Spelling Skill: Vowel + /r/ Sounds Spelling Word: spark, prepare, cheer, tear, scarf, scare, repair, earring, scarce, weird, sharp, rear, spare, gear, hairy, compare, alarm, harsh, upstairs, square Challenge Words:  weary, startle, appear, barnacle, awareness Vocabulary Words fault- responsibility for a mistake. borrow-to get something from someone with the understanding that you will be giving it back. reference- a book that gives special information. fainted- to lose consciousness for a short while. genuine- sincere, honest. local- of a certain limited space or place. apologize- to say one is sorry. proof- evidence of truth or accuracy. slimy- like slime in appearance or texture. insisted- to demand.

Informative explanatory Writing

Writing an Informative/Explanatory/Expository Piece

What is an explanatory/expository essay?

The expository essay is a kind of essay that asks students to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

In third grade, you learned how to use a graphic organizer.  Now, you will choose what kind of expository essay you would like to write and pick a corresponding graphic organizer to help you write your essay!

Volcano eruptions — Causes and Effects
What are the causes of and effects of volcanic eruptions?
Use the links below to help you answer this question and then use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay:

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

Resources:
LINK 1
LINK 2

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Classify the winter and summer sports -- Classification
Use the links below to help you answer this question and then use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay:
Graphic Organizer

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Resources:
http://www.olympic.org/sports
http://www.paralympics.org.uk/sports

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A good teacher and a bad teacher -- Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast what YOU think makes a good and a bad teacher!
Use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay!

Graphic Organizer

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A good (or bad) parent -- Definition
Discuss what you think makes a good or bad parent.
Use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay!
Graphic Organizer
(Hint: Print 2 and use one for good parents and one for bad parents!)

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Favorite Athlete - Description
Describe your favorite athlete in detail!
Use the links below to help you answer this question and then use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay!

Graphic Organizer

Resources:
Link 1
Link 2

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Baking a cake - Sequence
Sequence the steps to bake a cake!
Use the links below to help you answer this question and then use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thoughts for your essay!
Graphic Organizer

Resources:
http://www.wilton.com/cakes/making-cakes/baking-cakes.cfm
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/davids-yellow-cake/

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Don't understand?  Here are some great additional resources for putting together your expository essays.

Link 1

Link 2

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Now that you have picked a topic and filled out your graphic organizer, it's time to complete your essay!
How do we set up an expository essay?

Paragraph 1: The Introduction

• Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)
• Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic)
• Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic)
• Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
• Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main Idea

Paragraph 2: Example #1

• Topic Sentence Example #1 (from the Introduction)
• 3 Examples sentences that prove your Topic Sentence
• Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #1

Paragraph 3: Example Paragraph #2

• Topic Sentence Example # 2 (from the Introduction)
• 3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence
• Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #2

Paragraph 4: Example Paragraph #3

• Topic Sentence Example #3 (from the Introduction)
• 3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence
• Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #3

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)
• Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic)
• Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic)
• Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
• Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main Idea

Adopted from: http://www2.asd.wednet.edu/pioneer/barnard/wri/essay_model.htm

Here's an example:

My dog, Romeo, is the best pet anyone could have. He is beautiful and easy to care for. Playing with him is lots of fun. He always takes care of me. There isn't a better pet anywhere.

Romeo is a beautiful tricolor Sheltie. He is mostly black with white and a bit of brown. Caring for him is easy because I simply have to make sure he has fresh water and food every day. I exercise him by throwing his toys. Romeo is a good pet because he is nice looking and doesn't require much care.

Romeo is lots of fun to play with. He loves to play catch. He follows me around the house with a toy and drops it on my foot so I will kick it. He can catch just about anything, but his favorite is chasing a Frisbee. I really have fun playing with Romeo.

Romeo takes care of me. He always follows me when I leave a room. When I am sitting on the couch he plops down right beside me. When we are outside in the woods he always makes sure that I keep up with the rest of the family. He always watches out for me.

As you can see, Romeo is a great pet. I am proud of him and he doesn't require much care. Playing with him is always enjoyable. He watches over me and keeps me safe. Romeo is absolutely the best pet anyone could even have!

Adopted from: http://www2.asd.wednet.edu/pioneer/barnard/wri/essay_model.htm

Do you know what type of expository essay this is?

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Now, open a blank word document from your google drive and get started. However, be sure to use your graphic organizer to help you and take a look at the check list and rubric below:

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Use this check list and rubric to check your work:

_____ 1. Did I write what I wanted to write?

_____ 2. Did I use information from my graphic organizer?

_____ 3. Did I tell the purpose of my writing in the beginning?

_____ 4. Will my readers understand what I am saying?

_____ 5. Did I use details to explain?

_____ 6. Do I have an introduction, body, and conclusion?

_____ 7. Do my sentences begin differently?

Adopted from http://tinyurl.com/ogg4etp

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• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2a Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2b Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2c Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also,because).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2e Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.