Communications 12 Writing Notes
Paragraph Format
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8-10 sentences organized around a single topic
125-150 word minimum
1. Topic sentence / Thesis – the main idea of the paragraph. Also introduces supporting
details.
2. Body – 6-8 sentences that expand on the topic. Provide details, supporting examples,
reasons, etc.
3. Conclusion – wraps up the topic. Restates the thesis in different words, and sums up the
support.
Narrative Writing
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Writing that tells a story
Can be trying to prove a point, but does not have to
Plot is important – need to have a clear series of events
Need characters
Can have dialogue, but should not have very much. It is often boring, and is difficult to
correctly punctuate.
Must be written using formal language, but you can say “I”
Can be real or imagined, but try to be realistic. You probably don’t have time to invent
an original fantasy world in the time you have to write the essay.
Format
1. Topic Sentence/Thesis – introduce the story; get the reader interested by giving an idea
of what the story will be about.
Ex. Saturday was the strangest day of my life; or, I turned around and looked
down the barrel of a gun.
2. Body Sentences – what happened in the story. Provide your plot details, and use
descriptive techniques to make it more interesting.
3. Conclusion – provide your final statement on the story. You could include a lesson
learned.
*You will be given a one-sentence writing prompt. You should use it somewhere in the story; it
often makes a good first or last line.
Select one of the following topics and write a narrative paragraph:
A. I don’t believe that it was an accident.
B. It was the most interesting item at the flea market.
Descriptive Writing
Giving a lot of detail on a topic, in order to create an image in your reader’s mind. Is also used
to create an emotional response in your reader.
Techniques
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Strong words – select more descriptive words (dashed instead of ran, sauntered instead of
walked, whispered instead of said)
Use adjective and adverbs to provide more detail. (ex. Loudly, gracefully, bright,
sparkly, etc.)
Use details that appeal to the 5 senses – any description that deals with sight, sound,
smell, taste, or touch.
Use similes, metaphors, and personification to make your description more clear.
o Simile – a comparison of two unlike things using like or as
o Metaphor – a comparison of two unlike things NOT using like or as.
o Personification – giving non-living things living qualities, or non-human things
human qualities.
Ex. Instead of “The police car’s lights flashed,” say “The red and blue lights flashed
menacingly in my rearview mirror.
Ex. Instead of “He smelled”,” say “He smelled like unwashed socks and month old
cheese.”
Assignment – For each of the following sentences, write a new sentence that expands on the
idea, using descriptive techniques. Make sure each sentence uses at least two of the
techniques.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I swam in the lake.
It was cold.
There were clouds in the sky.
There was a forest.
The burrito did not taste good.
Expository Writing
Writing to explain an idea. It is not designed to prove anything, simply to give examples or
details. Encyclopedia entries are examples of this.
Ex. If the topic is “Role models influence our lives,” you would give details or examples that
show this.
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Must be written using formal language. No slang, contractions, “you” or “I”. The
exception is if they ask you about things YOU are looking forward to our like, etc. Then
you can say “I”, but cannot use any other informal language.
Format
1. Topic sentence/thesis – identify the subject and list the supporting details. The general
rule is that you provide 3 supporting details.
Ex. Role models influence our lives by providing guidance, companionship, and a
shoulder to cry on.
2. Body – explain the supporting details, with more information for each. Make sure you
discuss them in the same order that you list them in your thesis.
Role models provide guidance in our lives, by giving us something to aspire to.
They help us set goals for our own futures, such as desired careers or education,
and provide feedback on how to reach those goals.
3. Conclusion – restate the ideas in your thesis. Make sure you use different wording.
Select one of the following topics and write an expository paragraph.
A. Trying to meet people’s expectations can be frustrating.
B. Describe three challenges you will face after high school.
Thesis Statements
A thesis for an expository or persuasive paragraph or essay includes the subject or argument and
the supporting points. The general ruse is 3 reasons or supporting details.
Argument: The minimum wage should increase
Three Reasons: help students save, improve people’s living conditions, and reduce welfare.
*Join them together with “because”
Thesis: The minimum wage should be raised to 12 dollars an hour, because it would help
students save money, improve people’s standard of living, and reduce the need for welfare.
Expository thesis – Three challenges I will face after high school are finding a job, moving out,
and buying a car.
Assignment: Select 6 of the thesis statement topics below and write a proper thesis for
them. Be sure to include 3 reasons or supporting details for all of them.
1. The best movie/book/TV show/video game of the year was…
2. The best movie/book/TV show/video game of all time is…
3. The worst movie/book/TV show/video game of the year was…
4. The worst movie/book/TV show/video game of all time is…
5. Junk food should/should not be allowed in schools.
6. Graduating from high school is/is not important.
7. The best/worst car is…
8. People should/should not vote.
9. The best/worst sport is…
10. The best/worst place to go on vacation is…
Persuasive Writing
Arguing a point. You are either trying to change the reader’s mind about something or
convincing him/her to take action.
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Use very specific reasons to explain your argument.
If you have examples that prove your ideas, you can use them.
Use formal language; you cannot say “I” or “you”. Never say “I think” – just state your
opinion as if it is a fact.
Format
1. Thesis – contains your argument and 3 supporting reasons.
Ex. School should be only 4 days a week because it would allow students more
time to work, student learning would improve, and it would save money.
2. Body – Explain your reasons, in the same order as you listed them in your thesis.
Provide 2 or 3 sentences about each reason.
Ex. Student learning would improve with a shorter school week because they
would not be as tired in class; this would help them be more focused in class.
They would also have more time to review the concepts they are learning, which
would help them better understand.
3. Conclusion – restate your thesis. Use different words.
Select one of the controversial topics below. Identify what you would like to argue about it,
and then write a persuasive paragraph on that topic.
Legalizing drugs (any or all)
Abortion
Driving rules (L, N, driving age, etc.)
Homework
Final exams
School uniforms
Best/worst food, sport, team, movie, pet, holiday, etc.
Taxes
Whether or not people should vote
Should you have to take a test to be a parent?