English 2-3

1

Writing Workshop #2 Assignment

Body Paragraph Practice

Given the thesis statement provided, use the acronym T.A.X.E.S. to write an effective body paragraph. Then, piece it all together into paragraph form.

TAXES:

•Topic Sentence (a sentence that states the one point the paragraph will make)

•Assertion statements (statements that present your ideas)

•eXample(s) (specific passages, factual material, or concrete detail)

•Explanation (commentary that shows how the examples support your assertion)

•Significance (commentary that shows how the paragraph supports the thesis statement)

Putting It All Together

Once all parts of the body paragraph are completed, simply put them all together into a cohesive paragraph. Make sure it flows and that all of the sentences fit together. The revision steps of R.A.D.a.R. (Replace, Add, Delete, and Reorder) may be needed to make the paragraph as good as it can be.

Example:

Topic Sentence:

One reason eating from the floor should not be done is because it is unhealthy.

Assertion Statement:

Dirt and germs are on the floor from people walking on it, and eating this filth can cause illness.

Example:

According to Dr. Joseph Pepper of the University of Chicago, “the dirt and bug feces in certain areas can cause diseases, such as Valley Fever, if it is ingested by humans.”

Explanation:

When food falls to the floor, even though it can’t be seen by the human eye, these decease-causing bacteria and feces can adhere to the food; as a result, it can be ingested if the food is eaten.

Significance:

Because eating this food that has been infected can cause serious health issues, eating any food

from the ground should never be done.

Example Putting It All Together

One reason eating from the floor should not be done is because it is unhealthy. Dirt and germs are on the floor from people walking on it, and eating this filth can cause illness. According to Dr. Joseph Pepper of the University of Chicago, “the dirt and bug feces in certain areas can cause diseases, such as Valley Fever, if it is ingested by humans.” When food falls to the floor, even though it can’t be seen by the human eye, these decease-causing bacteria and feces can adhere to the food; as a result, it can be ingested if the food

is eaten. Because eating this food that has been infected can cause serious health issues, eating any food from the ground should never be done.

Assignment:

Thesis Statement:

Baseball is the greatest sport in America because it brings families together and it has a long and rich history.

1) T:

2) A:

3) eX:

4) E:

5) S:

6) Paragraph Form: