Study guide: Find a topic and build a useful paragraph
Use context and paragraph order to write a focused opinion with a supplied reason.
Ideas to explain in your own words
- Choose a topic that fits all the important details in a short paragraph.
- Infer one word’s meaning from an explicit context clue.
- Choose a supporting sentence and place it after a topic sentence.
- Write an opinion supported by a relevant reason from a supplied choice.
Watch your reasoning
- The shelf, chairs, and sign all help describe the class book corner. The other choices bring in topics the paragraph does not explain.
- The loose items with no clear places support not organized. The passage neither empties, locks, nor describes the material of the box.
- Pencils are drawing supplies and connect directly to setting up the table. The other sentences introduce unrelated subjects.
- The first reason explains how these labels help identify bin contents. The other details do not explain this label choice.
A worked review example
Find a Paragraph’s Main Topic: A useful title is “Our Class Book Corner.” “Two Chairs” names only one detail and leaves out the books and sign. Use Nearby Words to Explain a Word: Cluttered means not organized here. The passage describes loose items with no clear places; sorting them into trays changes that condition. Keep a Paragraph on One Topic: Our class set up a drawing table. We placed blank paper in a tray. We put pencils in a cup. The table is ready for drawing. Each sentence connects to the table, unlike the bicycle note. Say What You Think and Why: I prefer paper-size pictures because they show which sheets belong in each bin. I would use those pictures. This is a preference with a stated reason, not proof that everyone will agree.
Make a practice plan
- Try the supplied lesson problems without looking at the answers.
- Compare your method with the worked examples and explain any correction.
- Use the new review cases, then complete the transfer task on paper or in your own document.