Paragraph Writing

Grade 7
Lesson 1
Learning Goals:

1. We are learning the different kinds of paragraphs.

2. We are learning how to identity the different parts of a paragraph. (topic
sentence, first argument, evidence, concluding sentence.
3. We are learning how to write topic sentences and concluding sentences.
 What is a What is not a
paragraph? paragraph?

Discuss in groups
The paragraph
basics…
 Recognizing the Different Types of Paragraphs
You can write four types of paragraphs: descriptive, narrative,
expository and persuasive. Each one required different
thinking.

● In a descriptive paragraph, you present a detailed picture

of a person, place, a thing, or an event.
● In a narrative paragraph, you share a memorable event or
an important experience.
● In a persuasive paragraph, you give your opinion about a
subject and present reasons to support it.
● In an expository paragraph, you give information. You can
share information about a subject, give directions, or show
how to do something.
WARM
UP
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph - Try to identify and
highlight the topic sentence and concluding sentence.

Walking is a great all around exercise. It can strengthen your heart

and lungs. It can give your body a good workout. You don’t have
to find a fancy place to walk. You can walk anywhere from your
neighbourhood to a shopping mall. You will find yourself
refreshed at the end of a good walk. Walking has health
advantages, and best of all, it’s fun!
Activity 1 - Topic
Sentences
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a topic sentence for each set of reasons give below.
● Identify which kind of paragraph it is: descriptive, narrative,
expository or persuasive

1. Topic sentence:

Baby-sitting does not take a lot of time, and it even provides

some teens with a quiet place to study. It also allows teens
to earn money on their own. The best thing about
babysitting is that it teaches teens about responsibility.

Type of paragraph:
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a topic sentence for each set of reasons give below.
● Identify which kind of paragraph it is: descriptive, narrative,
expository or persuasive

2. Topic sentence:

The school is the shape of a giant rectangle and there is a parking

lot in the front and on the side. There school is two stories tall and
it has a big cement area on the east end which is also next to the
soccer field. The whole school is air conditioned and the bottom
floor is where the gym and where grades K-3 are. The second floor
is where the library is and where grades 4-8 are.

Type of paragraph:
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a topic sentence for each set of reasons give below.
● Identify which kind of paragraph it is: descriptive, narrative,
expository or persuasive

3. Topic sentence:

For the first four days, I was completely alone. I don't think I even
spoke to a single person. I would just go to class, listen to the teacher
and do my work. Finally, at lunch on the fifth day, Gurtej asked me
about what was my favourite type of car. From there the year turned
out a lot better.

Type of paragraph:
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a topic sentence for each set of reasons give below.
● Identify which kind of paragraph it is: descriptive, narrative,
expository or persuasive

4. Topic sentence:

For one reason, Messi won more ballon d’or trophies than any other
player. Also, he also won the World Cup tournament, the Copa America
tournament, and Olympic gold medal with the Argentinian national
team. Not only that, he holds the record for the most goals scored in
La Liga and holds the record for the most assists in football history.

Type of paragraph:
Activity 2 -
Concluding
Sentences
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a concluding sentence for each paragraphs below.

Rather than criticizing video games, people really should appreciate

their value. Most importantly, video games teach kids to think ahead
and plan strategies. As kids play video games and destroy alien
starships, they always have to think how they will get to the next level.
The games also improve eye-hand coordination. This will help kids
later with sports and driving. Finally, video games keep kids out of
trouble. Kids who are gamers are not bored or looking for something
to do.

Concluding Sentence:
Think, Pair, Share: Read this paragraph.
● Write a concluding sentence for each paragraphs below.

Family and consumer-science classes have a lot to offer kids today.

Most kids don’t know how to plan or cook meals. These classes teach
kids about preparing helpful food. Handling money is another big
issue that kids need to learn about. Getting an allowance is one thing,
but making and sticking to a budget is hard work. Most importantly,
these classes make kids aware that it takes knowledge and practice to
manager basic life skills.

Concluding Sentence:
Review - What does a
successful paragraph
have?
Paragraph Success Criteria

A paragraph…
Now it’s time to level up on
what you know about
paragraphs, allowing you to
develop your written voice with
a SOLID EXPLANATION
 Paragraph Writing
Grade 7
Lesson 2
Learning Goals:

1. We are learning to write opinion/persuasive paragraphs with linking

words, reasons, and supporting details.
2. We are learning to use the OPREC organizer to write paragraphs.
Parts of an Opinion/Persuasive Paragraph
Topic Sentence (main idea)

Linking Word
First Reason
Supporting Detail Reason 1

Linking Word
BODY
Second Reason
Supporting Detail for Reason 2

Linking Word
Third Reason
Supporting Detail for Reason 3

Concluding Sentence
Linking Words to Connect Thoughts and Ideas

first secondly
least important
first of all another also
for one reason most important finally
to begin with more importantly
next lastly
Topic Sentence
Linking Word
Reason
Let’s look at this example together…
Supporting Detail for Reason
Concluding Sentence

Terry Fox is an inspiration to other Canadians, he inspired Canadians during

his lifetime and his legacy still impacts those to this day. Firstly, Terry Fox set out to
run across Canada on a prosthetic leg. He started his journey in St. John’s
Newfoundland and ended in Thunder Bay. His journey was a total of 5,373 km which
averaged to 42 km a day (that’s a full marathon every single day)! Secondly, his
marathon of hope raised money for cancer research. He raised 24 million dollars by
February 1981 and every year the Terry Fox Run is completed in school across
Canada. This run has raised more than $800 million for cancer research. Thirdly, his
perseverance continues to inspire other Canadians. After his operation in mid-
February of 1979 he could only run half a mile around the track and he worked his
way up. Terry Fox is a significant Canadian as he showed grit trying to run across an
incredible distance, raised money/awareness for cancer research and his legacy
still lives on today.
Opinion/Persuasive Paragraph - ORPEC Organizer

O: Opinion
● Write a clear topic sentence that states your opinion
R: Reason
● Provide an explanation to why you hold the opinion stated above (I know this
because…)
P: Proof
● Prove your reason by stating an example
E: Explain
● Explain your example in detail
C: Conclude and Connect
● Conclude your paragraph with restating your opiipn (using different words) and a “so
what” (Therefore,...)
Writing Process Step #1: Prewrite

In jot notes, brainstorm what makes an

excellent classmate?
Jot Notes/ Brainstorm
Jot Notes/ Brainstorm

- Someone who is caring and kind. Gives others turns. Talks politely
- Someone is respectful. This is shown through respectfully disagreeing with
another’s point of view. By listening and respecting others boundaries. Listening by
looking to someone talking. Listening to supervisors and teachers. Someone who
follows rules
- Someone is helpful. They lend materials, the direct peers to materials
7D Paragraph: Body
Reason 1: An excellent classmate is someone who is respectful
to their peers’, teachers and supervisors.
Supporting detail: This is shown through by actively listening to
someone when they are talking. For example, when a
lunchroom supervisor asks you to go to your zone at recess you
follow the rule.
7D Paragraph: Body
Reason 1:
Supporting detail:
Reason 2: Additionally, a classmate is someone who is caring and
kind.
Supporting detail: This person useds kind words, is polite and has
a positive attitude. They take it upon themselves to include their
peers in activities.
Reason 2:
Supporting detail:
Reason 3: Lastly, an excellent classmate is someone who is
helpful to the people around them.
Supporting detail: Actively participating in discussions by
acknowledging others contributions and encouraging new ideas.
Reason 3:
Supporting detail:
Beginning and End

Topic Sentence:

Concluding sentence:
Beginning and End

Topic Sentence:There are many ways to be a nice person. Here in 7D, we believe that an
excellent classmate is someone who is caring, respectful and helpful.

Concluding sentence: Overall, a classmate who possesses qualities of kindness, respect

and helpfulness is one that inspires others be in a positive environment.
 There are many ways to be a nice person. Here in 7C, we believe that an excellent classmate
is someone who is caring, respectful and helpful. First and foremost an excellent classmate is
someone who is respectful to their peers’, teachers and supervisors. This is shown through by
actively listening to someone when they are talking. For example, when a lunchroom supervisor
reminds you to go to your zone at recess you follow the rule. Additionally, a classmate is
someone who is caring and kind. This person useds kind words, is polite and has a positive
attitude. They take it upon themselves to include their peers in activities. Lastly, an excellent
classmate is someone who is helpful to the people around them. Actively participating in
discussions by acknowledging others contributions and encouraging new ideas. Overall, a
classmate who possesses qualities of kindness, respect and helpfulness is one that inspires others
be in a positive environment.
 2. Paragraph Writing
Grade 7
Learning Goals:

1) We are learning to create a well written paragraph by

supporting our thinking with evidence
 Let’s Review Format:
Topic Sentence (main idea)

Linking Word
First Argument
Supporting Detail Argument 1

Linking Word
Second Argument
Supporting Detail for Argument 2

Linking Word
First Argument
Supporting Detail for Argument 3

Concluding Sentence
 Our task: With a partner

Write a detailed paragraph explaining your opinion: Do you think using

information technology in the classroom is a good thing?

1) Make a plan - brainstorm ideas (whiteboard)

2) Complete Grade 7 paragraph graphic organizer
3) Revise and put all thinking together
 Success Criteria
Topic Sentence (main idea)

Linking Word
First Argument= A1
Supporting Detail Argument 1 = Underline

Linking Word
Second Argument= A2
Supporting Detail for Argument 2 = Underline

Linking Word
First Argument= A3
Supporting Detail for Argument 3 = Underline

Concluding Sentence Elaborate sentences

 3. Paragraph Writing
Grade 7
Learning Goals:

1) We are learning to peer evaluate other’s writing

Instructions: Using the success
criteria, evaluate two group’s
paragraphs.
Provide one glow and one grow
Let’s have a look at this writing sample….
What is this author’s perspective?How would you
evaluate it based on our success criteria?
Is Canada truly the best place to live in the world out of the many
developed countries? Well, my answer is yes! Firstly, Canada is the best place to live
because it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with countless
mountains and areas to explore. So much so, that the top summer tourist
destination according to National Geographic was Muskoka, Ontario. To add to
that, Canada is where most people would prefer to live because Canada’s health
care is free. Payment is generally not required for medical treatment, although, in
several other countries it is probable that you will have to pay for health care. In
addition, Canada is a great place to live because it is very diverse or in other words
multicultural. Many people from different nations are coming together to make
Canada special and unique. Lastly, Canada is the best place to live for it’s free,
good quality education. Students are provided with hands-on demonstrations
which enhance their learning until the end of high school. To conclude, I strongly
believe that Canada is the best country in the world in which to live it.
 Identify Components
Topic Sentence (main idea)

Linking Word
First Argument= A1
Supporting Detail Argument 1 = Underline

Linking Word
Second Argument= A2
Supporting Detail for Argument 2 = Underline

Linking Word
First Argument= A3
Supporting Detail for Argument 3 = Underline

Concluding Sentence
Let’s read the Grassy Narrows text

How might the residents of Grassy

Narrows feel different than the paragraph
that we just read. Do you feel differently
about Canada as a country?

Watch The Story of Grassy Narrows

Read Calvin Pan’s perspective on why his
parents chose to immigrate to Canada.
 4. Paragraph Writing
Grade 7
Learning Goals:

1) We are learning to create a well written paragraph by

supporting our thinking with evidence
YOU TRY:

- Create your own paragraph on the topic: My Life in Logos or

My identity

- Success criteria:
- Topic Sentence
- First Argument Sentence with a Supporting Detail Sentence
- Second Argument Sentence with a Supporting Detail Sentence
- Third Argument Sentence with a Supporting Detail Sentence
- 3 transition words: Linking words to flow between arguments
- Concluding Sentence
- Free of grammatical errors

- Need a graphic organizer? Grade 7 paragraph graphic organizer

- Want to look at more examples of paragraphs? Paragraph Examples

More Paragraph Examples Slides 26-28:
Example:
A successful student is someone who cares about their learning environment, can display
positive character traits, and works hard to their abilities. An ideal student cares for the
classroom and the learning environment. An example of this behaviour is a student who
helps clean up the classroom, cares for the materials within the space, like technology, and
someone who does their classroom job well. Also, a good student shows positive character
traits, like responsibility, collaboration, respect, caring, honesty, and organization. A
student demonstrates these traits by using kind words, is accepting of others, and
admitting when they are wrong, by apologizing. Finally, a good student always tries their
best. For instance, a student can work on handing in things on time, accepting challenges
and is an independent worker. In conclusion, if you follow this success criteria, you will
be successful in your classroom, school and beyond.
Example

An ideal partner is someone who contributes, communicates and is

positive. Firstly, they should contribute in a helpful way to the activity or
task. This means, remaining on task and not distracting others so
everyone can focus. Ideally, they should listen well to their peers and not
do all the work. If they disagree, they should remember to do so politely.
Secondly, an ideal partner needs to be able to communicate well with
others. They should contribute their ideas and not be bossy. Finally, they
should remain positive. This would require them to have a growth
mindset, not give up and help others. By following this criteria, anyone is
sure to be an ideal group member!
 An Ideal Class
An ideal class is when students respect each other,
collaborate, stay on topic, and display a good attitude. Firstly,
students and teachers must respect each other. This can be shown
by, listening to other people's’ ideas and caring for one another.
When someone is talking, students should not interrupt. Secondly,
when students collaborate, it’s easier to work together and
accomplish their goals. This means, everyone should participate,
give their ideas and help out. Thirdly, it’s important to stay on task
and use the time you are given, so that no reminders are needed.
Finally, everyone should include each other, display a good attitude
and be optimistic. When all these criteria are met, everyone will be