Unit 3

What Does It Mean to Explore?

Activity

Prewriting - Selecting a Topic


Choose a topic that can be broken down into at least three classes or categories. Then support each with a variety of interesting details. Put a star beside the topic you have chosen.

Organizing the Topic

Develop a precise pattern of organization for each category and clearly connect your details. Use words and details that fit your purpose and connect with the reader. Select precise words that clearly explain each of the categories.



Topic: Moon’s Effect on Earth

Main Ideas: The moon's effect on nature, animals, and humans

Supporting Details


Notice the line under the supporting details that are unrelated to the each main idea.

  1. tides, gravitational pull, the moon is moving away from the earth  (This detail affects the moon, not necessarily the earth. It is a rabbit trail.)
  2.  some animals use a circalunar clock
  3.  calendar, history of the calendar (This is an interesting detail, but it does not tell how the moon affects the earth.)

Sizing up the Topic 

Many subjects are too broad. You can’t write about the universe, for example, in one paragraph. It would have too many categories to explore.

  • The moon is our nearest neighbour in space. X (Too broad. This idea doesn’t provide focus for your paragraph(s). Are you also going to write about all of our other neighbours in our solar system such as the sun and planets?)

Some topics are too narrow. If a topic cannot easily be broken down into categories, such as the size of the moon, it is too narrow.

  • The moon is big at 38 million square kilometers. X (Too narrow. This detail doesn’t provide focus for your paragraph(s). Will you be able to write more than a short comparison of the size of the moon to Earth?)

Some topics are just right.

You can explain three effects of the moon on Earth in one to three paragraphs. This topic is just right. Your focus sentence should (1) name the topic, and (2) mention its three categories.

  • The moon affects oceans, animals, and humans. (Good example of a Focus Statement because it gives direction to your paragraph(s)). 

Writing a Focus Statement

Use the basic plan above to write a focus statement for your paragraph(s). You may need to try a few different versions to make this sentence say exactly what you want it to say

Gathering and Sorting Details

Now that you have selected your topic and written your focus statement, you can begin gathering and sorting details. Sorting helps you see how many details you have for each category. Study the sorting chart below from the student explanation about how the moon affects the earth.

If you think of something you would like to add to your list, but you don’t know enough about it, write it down as a question and circle it. Do whatever reading or researching is necessary to answer your questions.

Decide how you will organize your ideas: I am organizing my topic using ___________________ order. (order by time, order by importance, order by topic)