Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Evidence:
In your writing you will be required to include evidence
from the text to support your ideas.
Textual evidence includes direct quotations and specific
information from the text you read.
Tip:
Use quotation marks to set off direct quotations from
the text.
If you are paraphrasing information, do not use
quotation marks and put the information in your own
words.
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Model 1
Read the following paragraph
In “The Hobbit” the character Bilbo Baggins is an unlikely hero,
but he is still a hero. Physically, hobbits are short and have hairy
feet. They don’t usually travel or go on adventures. In chapter 1,
Bilbo doesn’t want to have any part of the adventure Gandalf
offers. Bilbo says that adventures are “Nasty disturbing
uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” However, later he
reluctantly agrees to set out with the dwarves. Throughout the
story, Bilbo does some very heroic things. He outwits Gollum in a
game of riddles, but he
(continued)
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
2
Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Model 1
Read the following paragraph.
refuses to kill Gollum because he believes it would be unfair. In
chapter 12, Bilbo enters Smaug the dragon’s lair, alone. Even though
he is afraid, he steals a cup and a jewel from the dragon. These
courageous acts make Bilbo the hero of the story.
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Model 2
Read the following paragraph.
In “The Hobbit” the character Bilbo Baggins, an unlikely hero,
demonstrates heroic actions. Physically, hobbits are short and have
hairy feet. They don’t usually travel or take off on adventures. In
chapter 1, Bilbo has no desire to take any part of the adventure
Gandalf offers. Bilbo says that adventures are “Nasty disturbing
uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” However, later he
reluctantly agrees to set out with the dwarves. Throughout the
story, Bilbo continues to exhibit some heroic behavior. He outwits
Gollum in a game of riddles, but he
(continued)
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
4
Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Model 2
Read the following paragraph.
refuses to kill Gollum because he believes it would be unfair. In
chapter 12, Bilbo enters Smaug the dragon’s lair, alone. Even though
he is afraid, he steals a cup and a jewel from the dragon. These
courageous acts prove Bilbo the hero of the story.
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
5
Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Activity 3A Analyzing a Paragraph (p. 11)
1. Underline three examples of textual evidence.
In “The Hobbit” the character Bilbo Baggins is an unlikely hero,
but he is still a hero. Physically, hobbits are short and have hairy
feet. They don’t usually travel or go on adventures. In chapter 1,
Bilbo doesn’t want to have any part of the adventure Gandalf
offers. Bilbo says that adventures are “Nasty disturbing
uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” However, later he
reluctantly agrees to set out with the dwarves. Throughout the
story, Bilbo does some very heroic things. He outwits Gollum in a
game of riddles, but he
(continued)
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
6
Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Activity 3A Analyzing a Paragraph (p. 11)
1. Underline three examples of textual evidence.
refuses to kill Gollum because he believes it would be unfair. In
chapter 12, Bilbo enters Smaug the dragon’s lair, alone. Even though
he is afraid, he steals a cup and a jewel from the dragon. These
courageous acts make Bilbo the hero of the story.
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Activity 3A Analyzing a Paragraph (p. 11)
2. Is there adequate textual evidence to support the main idea?
Why or why not?
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Activity 3A Analyzing a Paragraph (p. 11)
2. Is there adequate textual evidence to support the main idea?
Why or why not?
Yes, The paragraph contains a quotation from the book and
several other examples of evidence to support the main idea
that Bilbo is an unlikely hero.
Grade 8 Common Core Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only.
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
Your Assignment
•Write a paragraph explaining the relationship
between courage and failure.
•Support your ideas using evidence from the passage
on the next slide.
•You may paraphrase and use direct quotes.
When revising your paragraph, ask the following
questions:
1.Does the paragraph use evidence from the text?
2.Is the evidence effective?
3.Does it reinforce your idea?
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Chapter 1 Characteristics of Good Writing
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