Paragraph Assignment #1

When we meet someone new, the first thing we want to know is

their name. In this paragraph, you will be introducing yourself to your
teacher and your class by telling them about your name. You will also
use this paragraph as the first post on your blog. This post will
introduce you to your e-pals from around the world. Your name tells a
lot about who you are. We are all looking forward to meeting you.


FOLLOW THE WRITING PROCESS:
Prewriting: Thinking about a topic, brainstorming, and planning.
1. Open a Word document, copy the driving question, then
complete 3 and 4.
2. Driving Question:
What is the story behind your name?
3. What do you already know about your name?
4. What information do you want to know?
Where will you get this information?


Drafting: Getting your thoughts on paper.
1. Look over your notes. Decide what information you want to use.
Write your sentences as a numbered list on your Word document.





Revising: Reworking the organization and details.
1. Make sure you have at least 5 sentences that make a sandwich
topic sentence, at least three detail sentences, and a conclusion.

2. Are your details in a logical order? (time, order of importance)
3. Did you use transitions?





Editing: Reviewing and correcting spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
grammar, and format.
1. Did you use spell check and grammar check?
2. Did you read your sentences aloud to someone else?
3. Did you put your corrected sentences into paragraph form?
(remove numbers, indent first line, use continuous writing, 1
margins, 1.15 line spacing, TNR or Arial 12pt.)

Evaluating: Reflecting and assessing what has been written.
1. Did you answer the driving question?
2. Do your details catch the interest of the reader?
3. Does your writing sound like you? Did you use words that you
normally would use?
4. Is your writing easy to read?
5. Have you allowed someone else to critique your work and help
you make it better? (Remember video - Austins Butterfly)

Publishing: Sharing your final writing with others.
1. Have you printed your Word document to OneNote?
2. Have you put your paragraph on your blog?





Student Samples:

A Beautiful Rose Garden

When I was born, my parents took a long time to figure out a name for me.
They wanted something unusual from other girl names. So, they chose Rose
because it is the flower of England, where my mother was born, and it was my
great grandmothers name. In the end, my parents thought the name Rose was
beautiful and perfect. I am very happy my parents took the time to choose a
pretty name that fits my personality perfectly.


The Truth behind It All
All my friends call me Zach, but that is not my real name. Actually, my real
name is Ashok, the name of an Asian Indian warrior king. The fact is my dad
thought that it would be cool to name me after a king who was an amazing
warrior but also a very kind person. Honestly, I feel embarrassed when I am in
class and people are saying, Come on Zach! What is your real name? To wrap
things up, being named after a king is neat, and I will try my best to live up to my
name.


My Meaningful Name

My name has a lot of meaning for me. To begin with, my parents did not
come up with the name Zoe, my godmother did. I am Greek, and Zoe means
life in Greek. I survived heart surgery when I was five days old so my name fits.
Even though I really wanted to be named Peyton, I am still very happy with the
decision of my name.