ORGANIZATION SHEET FOR "FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON" PARAGRAPH
Directions: Read this sheet carefully before you write your rough draft. Follow the steps, using your opinion and reasons from the study guide sheet. DO NOT WRITE A SUMMARY OF THE STORY!
1. Topic Sentence: Write one sentence that includes the title of the story, capitalized and in quotation marks. This sentence should also include the author's name: Daniel Keyes. His name should be capitalized and spelled correctly. IT SHOULD NOT include any kind of “because” statement.
2. Reason #1 - This should come from your study guide sheet. It should state one reason in support of your opinion from your topic sentence. You should already have these reasons written on your study guide. If, after discussion and more thought, you have changed your opinion or reasons, that is okay.
Secondary support: Explain your reason by giving examples from the story or explaining your thoughts. A quote or a paraphrase is always good support. Remember to quote accurately and document the page number. Also remember that you cannot assume the reader of your paragraph is familiar with the story. You need to fully explain your reasons. You should assume that whoever reads your paragraph will be taking the other point of view. You need to have convincing proof that your opinion is the best answer. Remember secondary support was a weakness for many on the first assignment, so strive to improve that.
3. Reason #2 - This should be your second reason from your study guide sheet. This sentence should begin with a transition to let the reader know you are done with your first point and moving on to the second point. It should state the reason and restate the topic of the entire paragraph.
Add secondary support to explain this primary point, just like you did for the first primary
point. Again, remember to fully explain your reasons or give specific examples to support your point.
4. Reason #3 - This is your last reason from your study guide sheet. This sentence should also begin with a transition, one that will indicate this is your last or most important point. It should also restate the topic of the entire paragraph.
Add secondary support to explain this primary point, just like you did for the first two. Remember that a good explanation might need more than one sentence.
Concluding Sentence: DO NOT SAY anything like, “I have just told you why” or anything like that.
YOU CAN restate your three points. YOU CAN restate your topic sentence. YOU CAN do a general summary. No new information should be brought in at this time.
Here is a list of some common transition words and phrases:
first in addition next in conclusion therefore in summation
second furthermore then for example moreover for instance
third also most importantly for instance consequently besides
last another last, but not least not only...but also as a result to sum it up
Some writing reminders: Do not start sentences with conjunctions (and, but, so). Do not use you; write in the first or third person. Write out numbers under 100. Write out the word “and.” Use apostrophes in contractions. Do not use texting abbreviations! Do not use “gonna,” “kinda,” or “cuz.” Capitalize the pronoun “I” and all proper nouns. Put out your best effort in every aspect of the assignment.
Directions: Read this sheet carefully before you write your rough draft. Follow the steps, using your opinion and reasons from the study guide sheet. DO NOT WRITE A SUMMARY OF THE STORY!
1. Topic Sentence: Write one sentence that includes the title of the story, capitalized and in quotation marks. This sentence should also include the author's name: Daniel Keyes. His name should be capitalized and spelled correctly. IT SHOULD NOT include any kind of “because” statement.
2. Reason #1 - This should come from your study guide sheet. It should state one reason in support of your opinion from your topic sentence. You should already have these reasons written on your study guide. If, after discussion and more thought, you have changed your opinion or reasons, that is okay.
Secondary support: Explain your reason by giving examples from the story or explaining your thoughts. A quote or a paraphrase is always good support. Remember to quote accurately and document the page number. Also remember that you cannot assume the reader of your paragraph is familiar with the story. You need to fully explain your reasons. You should assume that whoever reads your paragraph will be taking the other point of view. You need to have convincing proof that your opinion is the best answer. Remember secondary support was a weakness for many on the first assignment, so strive to improve that.
3. Reason #2 - This should be your second reason from your study guide sheet. This sentence should begin with a transition to let the reader know you are done with your first point and moving on to the second point. It should state the reason and restate the topic of the entire paragraph.
Add secondary support to explain this primary point, just like you did for the first primary
point. Again, remember to fully explain your reasons or give specific examples to support your point.
4. Reason #3 - This is your last reason from your study guide sheet. This sentence should also begin with a transition, one that will indicate this is your last or most important point. It should also restate the topic of the entire paragraph.
Add secondary support to explain this primary point, just like you did for the first two. Remember that a good explanation might need more than one sentence.
Concluding Sentence: DO NOT SAY anything like, “I have just told you why” or anything like that.
YOU CAN restate your three points. YOU CAN restate your topic sentence. YOU CAN do a general summary. No new information should be brought in at this time.
Here is a list of some common transition words and phrases:
first in addition next in conclusion therefore in summation
second furthermore then for example moreover for instance
third also most importantly for instance consequently besides
last another last, but not least not only...but also as a result to sum it up
Some writing reminders: Do not start sentences with conjunctions (and, but, so). Do not use you; write in the first or third person. Write out numbers under 100. Write out the word “and.” Use apostrophes in contractions. Do not use texting abbreviations! Do not use “gonna,” “kinda,” or “cuz.” Capitalize the pronoun “I” and all proper nouns. Put out your best effort in every aspect of the assignment.