Step Up To Writing: A Quick Review

What do those colors mean again?

Step Up To Writing: Traditional Paragraph

• GREEN: GO!–topic sentence of paragraph

Example: Will Smith is a multi-talented artist.

Step Up To Writing: Traditional Paragraph

• YELLOW: SLOW DOWN!–Gives the reader a main reason, detail, fact

that relates to the topic sentence– Includes transition words/phrases• next…another…furthermore…in addition

Example: Will Smith is a multi-talented artist. Musician, television star, and movie star – these labels all describe Will Smith.

Step Up To Writing: Traditional Paragraph

• RED: STOP!–Tell more about the yellow

Example: Will Smith is a multi-talented artist. Musician, television star, and movie star – these labels all describe Will Smith. In the early 80s Will Smith started his rise to fame as the ‘Fresh Prince’ of the rap-duo “DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.” Soon he transitioned into television stardom as the star character in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Conquering the air waves was not enough; soon, Will Smith hit theaters as well and eventually became a big box-office draw.

Step Up To Writing: A Jefferson Twist

• Pinks: While you’re stopped let’s chat…– Explains the red in even more detail

Example: Will Smith is a multi-talented artist. Musician, television star, and movie star – these labels all describe Will Smith. In the early 80s Will Smith started his rise to fame as the ‘Fresh Prince’ of the rap-duo “DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.” Together they topped the charts with hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” Both teens and parents alike were drawn to this music that was hip, fresh – and free of foul language. But, music was not enough for Mr. Smith.

Soon he transitioned into television stardom as the star character in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” a television show based on the title character of a “Fresh Prince” hit of the same name. Smith has often said it is on this show he learned about acting and it ran for six seasons; the show’s popularity continues today as a new generation enjoys this family hit in syndication.

Conquering the air waves was not enough; soon, Will Smith hit theaters as well and eventually became box-office draw. Starring in small-budget films such as “Six Degrees of Separation” did not make Will much money, but it proved he could act. Soon, big-budget features followed, such as “Independence Day” and “Men In Black.” Mastering comedy then action-adventure left Smith wanting to prove himself in…

Step Up To Writing: Traditional Paragraph

• GREEN: GO BACK!– Concluding sentence– Reminds the reader of the topic

…..Soon, big-budget features followed, such as “Independence Day” and “Men In Black.” Mastering comedy then action-adventure left Smith wanting to prove himself in…Without question, Will Smith has proven to be a man of many talents.

A Special Note About Reds and Pinks

• There is no “magic number” of reds or pinks. • In 8th grade there is no special rule that says

“three reds for every yellow”– Yes, in 6th grade there was a magic number…

• It is the “just right” amount – however many you need to REALLY EXPLAIN your topic

Assignment

• Look at the handout featuring the “Will Smith” paragraph(s).

• With a partner, discuss the differences between the two paragraphs– Not just “one is longer” !!!!

Simple Example Paragraph: Practice

If I could meet any person in the world, it would be Amelia Earhart. Ms. Earhart was a woman ahead of her time. For instance, when most other women did not work outside the home, Amelia Earhart chose to have a career in aviation – at the time this was an unlikely career choice for a woman. In fact, she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo. Personally, Ms. Earhart married and chose to keep her maiden name. She also viewed marriage as an equal partnership between a husband and wife. Both personally and professionally, Ms. Earhart clearly had a world-view that is more aligned with the standards of today than yesteryear. A conversation with Ms. Earhart would truly be inspirational.

Practice on your own

• See handout• Identify the green, yellow, reds, and pinks– Colored pencils– Highlighter– Label with a little G, Y, R, and P

• Discuss with a partner– Is this your final answer?

Simple Example Paragraph: Answers

If I could meet any person in the world, it would be Amelia Earhart. Ms. Earhart was a woman ahead of her time. For instance, when most other women did not work outside the home, Amelia Earhart chose to have a career in aviation – at the time this was an unlikely career choice for a woman. In fact, she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo. Personally, Ms. Earhart married and chose to keep her maiden name. She also viewed marriage as an equal partnership between a husband and wife. Both personally and professionally, Ms. Earhart clearly had a world-view that is more aligned with the standards of today than yesteryear. A conversation with Ms. Earhart would truly be inspirational.

Acknowledgments

• Step Up To Writing and Sopris West (publisher)

• Filipp Braun for inspiring content