Writing Frames

Narrative Writing Compare-and-Contrast Writing

Descriptive Writing Cause-and-Effect Writing

Writing Summaries Problem-Solution Writing

How-To Writing Additional Writing Frames

Opinions and Persuasion

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 1
Model

Personal Narrative Paragraph

The chorus competition was the most embarrassing
I

experience of my life! Everything went wrong. E First, when I

I got to the auditorium, I realized I was wearing a green shir t. The first sentence
introduces the
paragraph and tells
D
It was supposed to be white. E Next, I tripped when our what it will be about.
singing group walked on stage. E Then, I sang the wrong
E
verse in the first song. E Finally, it was time for my solo. Examples explain what
made the night so
D
When I tried to hit the high note, my voice cracked. I embarrassing.

wanted to run off the stage! D But when it was over, my D

Descriptive details
friends cheered. C That made everything seem okay. make the story more
interesting.

C
The concluding
sentence explains
why the moment was
important or what the
writer learned from the
experience.

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 1
Frame

Personal Narrative Paragraph

Tell about your most embarrassing experience.

was the most embarrassing experience of my life!

First, .
(details)

Next,
(details)

Then,
(details)

Finally,
(details)

(concluding sentence)

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 2
Model

Personal Narrative Essay

I
I’ll never forget the time I was mean to my best friend,
Lili. Lili is nice and smar t and fun to be around. But she is also I

quiet and she dresses differently from other kids. The introduction tells
what and who the
narrative will be about.
P CW It all began when a girl named Alicia said that she

was having a slumber par ty. She told me I could come only if P

Each paragraph after
I ignored Lili for the entire week. I really wanted to go to the the introduction tells
the next event in
par ty, so I agreed. D I didn’t talk to Lili. I didn’t eat lunch with chronological order,
the order in which they
her. I didn’t walk to school with her. I pretended she didn’t occurred.

exist. CW
Each paragraph begins
P CW One day, Alicia and I found Lili in the bathroom
with connecting words
and phrases that help
crying. Alicia laughed at her. At recess she told everyone in explain the order.

school that Lili was a big crybaby. CW Later, I went to Lili’s

D
house to say I was sorry. Soon we were talking and laughing Descriptive details
support the main idea
like old times. But the next day at school, I ignored Lili again. of each paragraph.
They make the
narrative more
interesting.

Continued
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Model

P
Finally, it was the day of the slumber par ty. D My
CW

mom drove me to Alicia’s house. I rang the doorbell, but no

one answered. D Then I heard laughing and saw all the girls
pointing at me. D The slumber par ty had been one big trick.
CP
That’s when I realized that being Alicia’s friend meant CP
The concluding
being mean. I didn’t want to be mean. I just wanted my best paragraph explains
what the writer
friend back. It took a long time for Lili to forgive me. I’m glad learned from the
experience. It can
also tell the last event
that she did. Having a best friend who is nice and caring is in the chronological
sequence.
better than having a bunch of friends who are mean.

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 2
Frame

Personal Narrative Essay

Tell about a time when you learned an important lesson.

INTRODUCTION
I’ll never forget the time .

BODY
It all began when
(details)

One day, _________________________________________________________________________________________________

(details)

Later, .
(details)

Finally,
(details)

CONCLUSION
That’s when I realized

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Model

Descriptive Paragraph—Place
The best place in the world is Fenway Park, home of
I

the Boston Red Sox. D When you first look around, you see I
the green wall in left field called the Green Monster. D You The first sentence
introduces the place.
also see thousands of people wearing red and white jerseys.
D
The smell of popcorn and hot dogs surrounds you. D You D
can hear the fans cheering and chanting the players’ names. Descriptive details help
the reader see, smell,
At times, you can’t even hear the person next to you. D You hear, and feel the place.

can feel the stands shake as people stomp and scream.

C
There is nowhere I’d rather be than at Fenway, cheering for C
The concluding
my favorite team. sentence summarizes
the paragraph.

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 3
Frame

Descriptive Paragraph—Place
Describe your best place in the world.

The best place in the world is

When you first look around, you see

(details)

The smell of

surrounds you.

You can hear

(details)

You can feel

(details)

(concluding sentence)

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Model

Descriptive Paragraph—Person
I
My favorite person is my uncle, Harry. D He is a small
man. He is only a little taller than I am. D His hair is red and I
curly. It kind of goes with his name, Harry! D His favorite The first sentence
introduces the person
being described.
thing to wear is a bowtie. D When he talks, his voice is loud
and it makes people stare. P But he is kind and friendly to
D
everyone he meets. P He is great at telling jokes. I even like Descriptive details help
the reader see and hear
his silly knock-knock jokes. P He always makes me feel good the person.

about myself. C It’s no wonder that I think Harry is so great!

P
When you describe a
person, tell what he or
she is like to be with.

C
The concluding
sentence summarizes
the paragraph.

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Frame

Descriptive Paragraph—Person
Describe your favorite person.

My favorite person is

He (She) is
(physical details)

His (Her) favorite thing to wear is

When he (she) talks, his (her) voice is

(details)

He (She) is great at
(details)

He (She) always makes me feel

It’s no wonder that I think is so great!

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Model

Biographical Essay
Fred Marquez is my grandfather. He is a tall, strong man
I

with thinning white hair and a big smile. He was born in 1948
in Chicago. He had a younger brother and a sister. He has
I
been an important part of my life because he has taught The introduction tells
who the biography is
me the value of hard work and family. about and why he is the
subject.
P CW
When my grandfather was 13, his father got sick and
died. D To help suppor t his family, my grandfather began a P
Each paragraph after
paper route before school. He also worked in a store on the the introduction tells
about another part of
weekends. He did not mind working hard to help his family. the subject’s life, in
chronological order.
P CW
Later, my grandfather enlisted in the army and
fought in the Vietnam War. CW When the war was over, he CW
Connecting words
married my grandmother and went to college. He graduated signal the order of
events.
and became a high school teacher.
D
Details help create
a full picture of the
person’s life.

Continued
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Model

P
While he was still teaching, my grandfather was
D

named teacher of the year three times. CW During his summer

breaks, he tutored students and volunteered for a charity that
built homes for people in need.
CP
I am so proud of my grandfather. His accomplishments CP
The concluding
have taught me that things can be tough, but you shouldn’t paragraph draws
conclusions about the
biographical subject’s
let this get you down. You can still have a great life. He has life. It also explains
what the writer learned.
also taught me how impor tant it is to help your family.

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Frame

Biographical Essay
Write about someone who has been an important part of your life. Tell what you’ve learned from that person.

INTRODUCTION
is (was) my .
(relationship)

He (she) was born in in .

(year) (place)

.
(details about childhood)

He (she) has been an important part of my life because .

BODY
When was ,
(age) (important event or experience)

Later, .
(details about work, family , or experiences)

While .
(additional details)

During

CONCLUSION
His (Her) accomplishments have taught me .

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Model

Summary Paragraph

SuperCroc
In 2000, scientist Paul Sereno discovered the skeleton of one of
the largest crocodiles ever. Dr. Sereno found the fossil in sub-Saharan
Africa. This ancient crocodile is known as SuperCroc. SuperCroc lived
110 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed Earth. It weighed
about 17,500 pounds (8 metric tons). That is 10 times heavier than the
modern crocodile. SuperCroc was about 40 feet (12 meters) long. Its
skull was 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, and it had 132 teeth.
TS
The topic sentence
Summary states the main idea of
the paragraph being
summarized.

This passage explains that an ancient crocodile called

TS

D
SuperCroc was the largest crocodile to ever live. D It was Some details give
important information
discovered in Africa. F SuperCroc weighed 17,500 pounds. and are included in the
summary. Other details
F
In addition, it was 40 feet long and 10 times larger than are left out.

crocodiles today.
F
Facts support the main
idea.

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Frame

Summary Paragraph
Read this paragraph about an important discovery. Then write a summary of it.

Lyuba
In 2007, an important discovery was made. The mummy of a baby
woolly mammoth was found in arctic Russia. The woolly mammoth,
a female, was named Lyuba by scientists. It is believed that she died
about 40,000 years ago. Woolly mammoths are ancient mammals
related to today’s elephants. They went extinct thousands of years
ago. Lyuba is important because she is the world’s best-preserved
woolly mammoth. Scientists have been able to study Lyuba’s organs,
eyes, trunk, skin, and teeth. They hope to understand why woolly
mammoths became extinct at the end of the Ice Age.

This passage explains

.
(important fact or detail)

.
(important fact or detail)

In addition,
(important fact or detail)

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 7
Model

Book Report
I
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a
story about a poor boy named Charlie Bucket. Charlie wins a
tour of the Willy Wonka chocolate factory. The book has great
I
descriptions of Charlie’s amazing adventure in the factory. The introduction gives
the title and author of
I think everyone should read it. the book. It also gives
general information
SU
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells how Charlie about the book and
tells the writer’s
wins the last Golden Ticket to tour the factory. D Charlie is opinion.

a good boy, but the other winners are all bad in some way. SU
The next paragraph
Augustus Gloop eats too much. Veruca Salt is spoiled. Violet summarizes the book.
Important events
Beauregarde is addicted to gum. Mike Teavee watches and characters are
described.
television all the time. These children are punished in ways
that have to do with their behavior. D For example, Augustus D
Details help explain
what happens and why.
falls into the chocolate river. Violet becomes a big blueberry
because she eats gum she shouldn’t. D Because Charlie is CW
Connecting words and
good, he doesn’t get punished. CW At the end of the tour, he phrases help show the
order of events.

Continued
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Model

EN
is the only one left. At the end of the book, Willy Wonka
EN
The writer tells what
happens at the end of
tells Charlie he has won the entire factory! the book.
R
One reason I like the book is that it is funny. Also, the
R
author really makes you care about Charlie. He is rewarded This paragraph gives
reasons for the writer’s
for his good behavior. I think this teaches an impor tant lesson opinion of the book.

about how to behave and treat other people.

CP
CP
I think everyone would enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate The concluding
paragraph restates the
Factory. The book is funny, has great descriptions, and has an writer’s opinion.

exciting ending. I strongly recommend this book!

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Frame

Book Report
Write a book report about one of your favorite books.

INTRODUCTION
by is a story about
(title of book) (author’s name)

.
(general information about the book)

The book .
(information about what makes the book good)

I think .
(your opinion of the book)

BODY
tells how
(title of book) (description of important characters and events)

.
(details)

At the end of the book, .

One reason I like the book is .

Also, .

CONCLUSION
I think .
(restate opinion)

The book is .

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Model

How-To Paragraph
It’s easy to make a peanut butter and marshmallow
FS

sandwich. N You will need a toaster, a microwave, bread,

FS
peanut butter, and a handful of miniature marshmallows. The first sentence tells
what will be explained.
CW
First, toast the bread. CW Next, put the marshmallows
in the microwave for a few seconds. D This will make them N
One sentence tells
softer. CW Then, spread peanut butter on one slice and place what a person needs to
have on hand.
marshmallows on top of the peanut butter. CW Finally, put the
CW
other piece of bread on top and cut the sandwich in half. Connecting words
show the order of the
C
Now enjoy the tastiest sandwich ever! steps.

D
Details help make the
explanation clear.

C
The concluding
sentence wraps up the
paragraph. Here, it
tells the reader what
to do once the snack is
made.

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Frame

How-To Paragraph
Tell how to make your favorite snack.

It’s easy to make .

You will need

First,

Next,

Then,

Finally,

(concluding sentence)

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 9
Model

How-It-Works Paragraph
Have you ever wondered how a yo-yo works?
FS

D
A yo-yo is like a wheel. D The string is wrapped around
FS
the center, or axle. When you release the yo-yo, CW the first The first sentence
tells what is being
thing that happens is that gravity pulls it down and the explained.

string unwinds. D The unwinding string makes the axle spin. D

CW
Next, the string reaches the end, but the axle is still Details explain the
parts and help the
spinning. CW Then, the spinning axle grabs the string and reader “see” the
object.
star ts to rewind it. CW Finally, the yo-yo comes back up as
CW
the string rewinds. C Now you know how a yo-yo works. Connecting words
help tell what happens
when.

C
The concluding
sentence states what
the reader just learned.

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 9
Frame

How-It-Works Paragraph
Explain how something you like to play with works.

Have you ever wondered how a works?

A(n) is like a .
(one word that describes the toy)

When you ,
(play with it/use it)

the first thing that happens is

Next,

Then,

Finally,

(concluding sentence)

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Model

How-To Essay
I
The piñata game is great fun. To play, you’ll need a
piñata, some string, wrapped candy, a blindfold, and a stick.
Always have an adult there to supervise the game and spin
I
the players. The introduction tells
what will be taught and
CW
First, fill the piñata with the wrapped candy. You can what the reader needs.

also add some small toys and coins. D It’s a good idea to CW
have extra candy and toys to make sure each kid gets some. Connecting words and
phrases show the order
of the steps.
CW
Next, tie the piñata to something above your head.
D
If you’re playing outside, you can hang it from a tree D
Details make the steps
branch. D Don’t hang it too high, or the kids won’t be able clear. They can also
explain why something
to reach it. CW After that, spread a blanket or sheet under is done a certain way.

the piñata.
CW
Then, have an adult blindfold the first player and hand
them the stick. D Spin the player two to three times. D Point
the person in the direction of the piñata.

Continued
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Model

CW
Finally, let the player try to hit the piñata. D Each player
should get two to three chances to hit the piñata. D When the
piñata breaks, let the kids run in and grab the candy that has
fallen to the ground.
CP
Now you can play the piñata game at your next par ty. CP
The concluding
Just make sure there are a lot of goodies to share. Also, don’t paragraph wraps up
the essay. Here, it tells
what the reader has
forget to have fun! learned about having a
piñata party.

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 10
Frame

How-To Essay
Tell how to play your favorite game.

INTRODUCTION
is great fun. To play, you’ll

need .

BODY
First, .
(details)

Next,
(details)

After that,
(details)

Then,
(details)

Finally, .
(details)

CONCLUSION
Now you can

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 11
Model

How-It-Works Essay
I
Have you ever wondered how a tadpole turns into a
frog? It takes about 11 weeks for a frog to fully develop. The
life cycle of a frog is a four-stage process.
I
CW
First, a frog lays an egg. D A tadpole, or baby frog, The introduction states
what will be explained.
grows inside the egg. When the tadpole has grown enough,
the egg hatches. CW
Connecting words
CW
Next, the tadpole attaches itself to a weed in the water. show the order of the
steps.
D
The tadpole stays on the weed until it is big enough to
swim. At this stage the tadpole looks more like a fish with a D
Details make the steps
long tail and gills. clear. They can also
explain how or why
CW
Then, the tadpole begins its biggest changes. something happens.
D
It star ts to grow legs. The tail becomes smaller. It also
star ts growing lungs. The tadpole star ts breathing air, and
it is able to swim around more and catch food. Its lungs and
legs continue to grow.

Continued
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 11
Model

CW
Finally, the tadpole becomes an adult frog. D It comes
out of the water to live on land. The adult frog has lungs and
four legs, and it no longer has a tail or gills.
CP
There are four stages in the life cycle of a frog. It begins CP
The concluding
as a tadpole. A tadpole goes through many changes to paragraph summarizes
what the reader
learned.
become an adult frog. When the adult finds a mate and the
female frog lays eggs, the cycle will star t again.

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 11
Frame

How-It-Works Essay
Explain the life cycle of a plant or animal.

INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered how turns into ?

.
(brief explanation of the time it takes and the number of stages)

BODY
First, .

.
(details)

Next, .

.
(details)

Then, .

.
(details)

Finally, .

.
(details)

CONCLUSION
.
(brief summary of the life cycle)

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 12
Model

Opinion Paragraph
I think that clowns are the scariest things on ear th.
TS

R
The first reason is that they look weird. D They have huge TS

mouths and awful wigs and giant feet. R Another reason is The topic sentence
gives the writer’s
opinion.
that clowns make strange sounds. D Some honk horns and
others just whistle. Some just yell. R Finally, I think clowns are R

scary because they can act pretty crazy. D They hit each other The opinion is
supported with
reasons.
over the head with giant hammers, or make things explode.
C
If you ask me, clowns are the worst form of enter tainment! D
Details support reason.

C
 he concluding
T
sentence can sum
everything up or state
the opinion in a new
way.

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 12
Frame

Opinion Paragraph
Explain your opinion on an important topic.

I think that .

The first reason is

(details)

Another reason is
(details)

Finally,
(details)

(concluding sentence)

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 13
Model

Persuasive Essay
I think that four th graders should have cell phones.
I

Although some people might not agree with me, several

reasons support my opinion. I
R
My first reason is that cell phones can help keep kids The introduction tells
the writer’s opinion.
safe. E If a kid gets lost or hur t, he or she can call a family
member or 911. Many phones for kids are programmed with R
Reasons support the
emergency numbers. This makes it easy for kids to quickly dial opinion. The most
important reason is
for help. first.

R
Another reason cell phones are a good idea is that E
kids need to stay in touch with their families. E Today, kids Examples and details
explain and support
the reasons.
are busy with schoolwork and afterschool activities. Often,
parents have to work but still need to make sure their kids get CW

to events or practices. If kids have cell phones, they can easily Connecting words help
link ideas.
tell their parents if they are running late or don’t need a ride.
CW
Also, parents can call their kids to remind them of where
and when to meet them.
Continued
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 13
Model

R
Finally, kids can use cell phones to call their friends.
E
It is impor tant for kids to be social. Cell phones can help
them do this.
CP
Some people might argue that kids will use their CP
The concluding
cell phones too much and that cell phone bills are too high. paragraph states how
some people may have
However, my reasons show that it is impor tant for kids to a different opinion. It
then shows why people
should agree with the
have cell phones to keep them safe and connected. If parents writer’s opinion.

are worried about the cost, they can limit how often kids use
their cell phones. But costs shouldn’t keep a kid from staying
safe and connected.

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Frame

Persuasive Essay
Should kids have curfews? Write an essay persuading the reader to agree with you.

INTRODUCTION
I think that .

Although some people might not agree with me, several reasons support my opinion.

BODY
My first reason is that

.
(examples or details)

Another reason

is that .
(examples or details)

Finally, .
(examples or details)

CONCLUSION
Some people might argue that .

However, my reasons show that

(explanation of why readers should agree)

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 14
Model

Compare-and-Contrast Paragraph
Batman and Spiderman have many similarities and
I

differences. CC For example, they are both superheroes.

CC
They are also similar because no one really knows who I
they are. CC They both must put on special outfits when they The first sentence
introduces the two
fight crime. CC However, they are different because Batman things that will
be compared and
contrasted.
doesn’t actually have any superpowers. Spiderman, CC on
the other hand, got his superpowers after he was bitten by a CC

spider. CC Another difference is that Batman travels through Certain words and
phrases introduce
examples or details
the city in a Batmobile, while Spiderman shoots spider that help make the
comparison or contrast.
webs to leap across buildings. C Even though they have
differences, their goal to make their cities safer makes them C
The concluding
similar. sentence sums up the
most important part
of the comparison and
contrast.

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 14
Frame

Compare-and-Contrast Paragraph
Compare and contrast two friends, two family members, or two fictional characters.

and
(person or character) (person or character)

have many similarities and differences. For example, they are both .

They are also similar because .

They both

However, they are different because

(person or character)

.
(detail)

, on the other hand,

(person or character) (detail)

Another difference is that , while

Even though they have differences,

makes them similar.

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 15
Model

Compare-and-Contrast Essay 1
This essay compares and contrasts two holidays by first looking at their similarities
and then their differences.

The Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve are both
I

holidays that mark the end of one year and the beginning of I
The introduction tells
a new one. They have many similarities and differences. what is being compared
and contrasted.
CC
They both include celebrations, traditions, and symbols.
D
For example, for both, fireworks are set off to mark the CC
Certain words signal a
changing year, and people celebrate with friends and families. comparison or contrast.

CC
In addition, they are similar because people use this time The second paragraph
to remember the past year and prepare for the new year. tells what the holidays
have in common.
CC
However, they are different because New Year’s Eve
D
lasts only one day, while the Chinese New Year is celebrated Details help explain the
similarity or difference.
for 15 days. D During that time, people clean their houses, They can also give
more examples.
pray, dress in special clothing, exchange presents, and have
The third paragraph
traditional dinners and celebrations. tells what’s different
about the two holidays.

Continued
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 15
Model

CC
Another difference is that New Year’s Eve is always
on December 31, but the Chinese New Year begins in late
January or early February.
CP
There are differences between New Year’s Eve and CP
The concluding
the Chinese New Year, but they do have a lot in common. paragraph draws
conclusions about the
two subjects.
Even though the holidays are at different times and of
different lengths, they are both impor tant to the people
who celebrate them.

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 15
Frame

Compare-and-Contrast Essay 1
Compare and contrast two holidays or traditions. First, tell all the similarities. Then tell all the differences.

INTRODUCTION
and
(subject)

are both
(subject)

.
(Explain what the subjects are.)

They have many similarities and differences.

BODY
They both .
(explain similarities)

.
(examples or details)

In addition, they are similar because .

(examples or details)

However, they are different because ,

(explain differences)

while .
(examples or details)

Another difference is that .

CONCLUSION
.
(Explain the conclusion you’ve reached about the two holidays or traditions.)

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 16
Model

Compare-and-Contrast Essay 2
This essay compares and contrasts two subjects by telling about one subject first,
and then the other.

The Harry Potter books and the movies have both been
I I
The introduction
amazingly popular. Fans line up for hours to be the first ones states the two subjects
being compared and
to read or see them. However, the books and the movies have contrasted.

their own strengths, and each does things the other can’t.
TS
TS
In the books, we get to know the characters better. In each paragraph, the
topic sentence tells the
Each student and teacher and villain is described in detail. main idea.

D
For example, Hagrid is a giant with a “shaggy mane of
D
hair and a wild beard” and eyes like “black beetles.” But he’s Details and examples
support the topic
gentle and has a soft spot for animals. sentence.
CC
In addition, the plot in each book is very detailed.
D
We get the history of Harry and the villain Voldemor t. The second and third
paragraphs tell about
Journals and the Pensieve show what happened in the past the first subject.

and provide clues about the future.

Continued
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 16
Model

CC
In the movies, you don’t get as much detail. CC On the
TS
Certain words link
ideas and signal
other hand, it’s wonderful to see the characters and settings comparisons or
contrasts.
come to life. D Hogwar ts looks amazing. Diagon Alley and
Gringotts look better than I ever imagined them. CC Plus, The fourth paragraph
watching a Quidditch match take place is really exciting! tells about the second
subject.
CP
The Harry Potter books and movies are both wonderful.
They just offer different things. Fans of the series will enjoy CP
The concluding
both the books and the movies for different reasons. paragraph wraps up
the essay. It draws a
conclusion about the
two subjects.

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Frame

Compare-and-Contrast Essay 2
Write an essay comparing and contrasting a book that was made into a movie. First tell about the book, then the movie.

INTRODUCTION
and are both
(book title) (movie title)

.
(details)

BODY
In the book, .
(statement about characters or what happens)

For example, .

In addition, .
(another statement about characters or what happens)

In the movie, .

On the other hand, .

(details)

Plus, .

CONCLUSION
and
(book title) (movie title)

have (are) both .

.
(Draw a conclusion about the two subjects.)

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Model

Cause-and-Effect Paragraph 1
In this paragraph, the writer tells about one cause with several effects.

I once lied to my parents about my science homework.

TS

I told them I didn’t have any homework so I could go to

the movies. Several bad things happened as a result. TS
The topic sentence
E
First, I had nothing to turn in to the teacher the next day. introduces the cause.

E
Another thing that happened was I got an F on the next E
Each effect is
science test. D Because I failed, my teacher wrote a note to explained.

my parents. D My parents were very disappointed in me.

D
E
Finally, I got grounded. C I learned that telling a lie isn’t Details help the reader
understand how the
wor th all the negative effects. cause affected other
people.

C
The concluding
sentence tells what the
writer learned.

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Frame

Cause-and-Effect Paragraph 1
What happens when one of your actions affects someone or something else? Write a paragraph explaining the effects.

I once .
(explanation, or cause)

happened as a result.

First,
(effect)

Another thing that happened was

(effect)

(details)

Finally,
(effect)

I learned that

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 18
Model

Cause-and-Effect Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, the writer tells about one effect with several causes.

There are several reasons why my older brother and

TS

I get into fights. R One reason is that he teases me about

being shor t. R Another reason is that he doesn’t want me TS
The topic sentence
hanging around when he’s with his friends because he thinks introduces the effect.

I’m not cool enough. R Finally, he doesn’t let me borrow R

Each reason, or cause,
anything that belongs to him. D He thinks I’ll lose something is explained.

or break it. C I love my brother, but sometimes we just don’t D

get along. Detail helps explain the
reason.

C
The concluding
sentence summarizes
the problem.

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 18
Frame

Cause-and-Effect Paragraph 2
Explain the effects of an event or problem in your life.

There are several reasons why

(event, problem, or effect)

One reason is that

(cause)

Another reason is that

(cause)

Finally,
(cause)

(details)

(concluding sentence)

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Model

Cause-and-Effect Essay
In this essay, the writer tells about one cause and several effects.

I want to explain the effects of too much texting on

I

people my age. It is important to understand these effects

I
because texting can affect many different par ts of our lives. The first paragraph
states what the writer
TS
One effect is that texting can lead to bad grades. will cover in the essay.
E
For example, some kids my age try to text during class or
while they are doing their homework. When this happens, TS
Each topic sentence
states one effect.
they are not paying attention or learning. They are only
thinking about the messages that friends might send them. E
TS
In addition, texting can have a bad effect on our Examples and details
support the topic
sentence or help
health. E Some people my age text so much, they injure their explain the effect.

thumbs and need serious medical help. Also, some people

text late into the night. When they don’t get enough sleep,
they can become run-down or even sick.

Continued
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 19
Model

One other effect of texting is on our social lives.

TS

E
Texting is great because it keeps people connected.
But it can also lead to rudeness. Instead of talking to the
people we’re with, we ignore them in order to text others.
Sometimes, it seems like we have forgotten how to talk!
CP
Now that you understand the effects of texting, you CP
The concluding
can see that it can really lead to problems. It is a great way paragraph summarizes
the points made in
to communicate. However, people should not text too much the essay.

because it can be a distraction and it can cause physical pain.

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 19
Frame

Cause-and-Effect Essay
Tell about the positive or negative effects of playing video games or surfing the Internet.

INTRODUCTION
I want to explain the effects of .

It is important to understand these effects because .

BODY
One effect is
(examples or details)

In addition,
(examples or details)

One other effect of is .

.
(examples or details)

CONCLUSION
Now that you understand the effects of ,

you can see that .

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Model

Problem-Solution Paragraph
Waking up on time has always been a problem for me.
I

I would like to solve this problem because I get in trouble

when I’m late for school. There are several things I could do. I
S
To begin with, I could set my alarm earlier. R This will give The first two sentences
introduce the problem
me more time to wake up. S I could also set more than one and why it needs to be
solved.
alarm or ask a friend to call me in the morning. S Finally, to
S
make sure I wake up on time I could go to bed earlier. Other sentences
present a solution.
R
Getting more sleep will make me less tired in the morning.
C
All of these solutions will work, but going to bed earlier R
Some sentences
might be the best solution. give reasons why the
solutions will work.

C
The concluding
sentence explains
which solution is best.

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 20
Frame

Problem-Solution Paragraph
What do you want to improve about yourself? Write a paragraph explaining some solutions to that problem.

.
(explanation of problem you have)

has always been a problem for me.

I would like to solve this problem because .

There are several things I could do. To begin with, I could .

(solution)

(reason this solution will work)

I could also .

Finally, to
(restate the problem)

I could .

All of these solutions will work, but

might be the best solution.

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 21
Model

Problem-Solution Essay
I
Littering is a problem in our parks. It is important to
solve this problem because we need a clean place to relax
and have fun. There are three things we can do.
I
S
To begin with, we can put more garbage cans and The introduction tells
what the problem is.
recycling bins in the park. R This will help because people
will have a place to put their trash. Right now there aren’t S
One solution is
enough cans and bins, so people just throw their trash on explained in each
paragraph.
the ground.
S
We can also put up signs saying people will be fined R
A reason why each
for littering. R People don’t like to pay fines. This will make solution will work is
given.
people look for garbage cans or take their trash with them.
S
Finally, to solve this problem we can star t a
neighborhood clean-up program. Every week volunteers can
go to parks and clean up litter. R This might be the best
solution because it won’t cost any money. People will realize

Continued
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 21
Model

CW
it is easier and quicker to throw away their garbage than to Connecting words help
link ideas.
clean it up later. CW Also, these volunteers will make sure other
people don’t litter so they don’t have as much to clean up. CP
CP
As I have shown, littering is a problem we must solve. The concluding
paragraph restates
the problem and why
These solutions may cost some money or time, but they will solving it is important.

solve the problem. Isn’t having clean parks to play in wor th a

little bit of time and money?

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 21
Frame

Problem-Solution Essay
Write about a solution for a problem in your neighborhood.

INTRODUCTION
is a problem in our .

It is important to solve this problem because

. There are three things we can do.

BODY
To begin with, we can .
(solution)

This will help because .

(reason this solution will work)

We can also .

Finally, to solve this problem we can .

This might be the best solution because .

CONCLUSION
As I have shown, is

a problem we must solve. These solutions may ,

but .

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 22
Frame

What I Learned Paragraph

Write about something you’ve learned at school, from reading, or from watching TV.

I just learned about

The most important thing I learned was

(important fact or detail)

I also found out that

(other facts or details)

Another important idea was

I’m glad I learned this because

(Explain the importance of what you learned.)

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Frame

Wish Essay
Write an essay about something you wish you could have or do.

INTRODUCTION
If I could wish for anything in the world, I would wish for

I would wish for this because

BODY
If I had my wish, I would .
(details/reasons)

I also would

because .
(details/reasons)

CONCLUSION

(Summarize and draw conclusions.)

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Frame

Goal Essay
Write about a goal you have for yourself.

INTRODUCTION
My goal is to .

I want to do this because .

I can achieve my goal by doing several things.

BODY
First, I can .
(example)

This would help me reach my goal because .

I can also .
(example)

Finally, .
(example)

This is important because

CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are many things I can do to

. By making a plan, I know I can reach my goal.

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Frame

Field Trip Essay

Write about a field trip you once took.

INTRODUCTION
 , I visited with my .
(when)

.
(brief explanation of the place)

I enjoyed our trip and learned many interesting things.

BODY
First, I discovered that .
(details)

I also learned that .

(details)

Finally, .
(details)

CONCLUSION
I learned many things when I went to .

But the main reason I enjoyed the trip was because

Someday, I hope you have a chance to visit

, too.

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Frame

Career Essay
Write about a job you’d like to have when you grow up.

INTRODUCTION
When I grow up, I want to be a (an) .

I think this is an important and interesting career for many reasons.

BODY
First, I want to be a (an) because

.
(details)

I also think this job would be

because .
(details)

Another reason I want to be a (an)

is .
(details)

CONCLUSION
There are many things I could be when I grow up. My number one choice for a career is

because .

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Frame

Fiction Summary
Write about a fictional story you’ve read or heard.

INTRODUCTION
by
(title) (author)

takes place in/at .

It is a story about .

BODY
The main character of the story is .

He (She) is .

The main conflict of the story is .

Some of the other characters are .

They are important to the story because

There are several key events in

(title)

Continued
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 27
Frame

Continued

First, .

Then,

Also,

At the end of the story,

CONCLUSION
I think is
(title)

because

In addition,

I it to anyone who
(recommend/do not recommend)

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