Step Up To Writing
Color-Coding
BLUE- Use blue as a lead in
[grab readers attention]! This
could be the first sentence of a
paragraph assignment, or the
first 1-3 sentences of your intro
paragraph of an essay
 MAKE IT INTERESTING

Adding the Blues
Bold or startling statement
 Humor [used appropriately]
 Facts/background info
 Quotation
 Examples [tv/history/literature]

GREEN- green is used for
TOPIC SENTENCES
 T.S. is first sentence of EVERY
paragraph
 States what that paragraph is
about

Topic sentence format
IVF [identify (TAT), verb, finish]
 Occasion/Position
 However
 Number

YELLOW- used for
transitioning into your reasons
 Every time you give a new
reason to prove your topic, use
a transition word
 Examples: To begin, in
addition, finally

RED- for every reason you
have, you must support it with
EVIDENCE [details or facts]
and EXAMPLES!
 You MUST EXPLAIN and
ELABORATE your thinking.
TELL ME MORE! BE
SPECIFIC!

…and back to GREEN
 Finish EVERY paragraph with a
CONCLUSION SENTENCE to
wrap up your thinking
 Do NOT end on facts
 Do NOT end abruptly and leave
your reader hanging!
 Essays have conclusion
paragraphs

Remember:
Organization is key!!
 Follow the writing process
 Use stars, dashes, and dots for
outlines
