Types of paragraphs Writing a character sketch Writing and informal letter

1. Strategies to Teach
Paragraph Writing
to
Primary Students
Handbook 2
Handbook 1
Kavita Grover

2. As a part of my research in classroom intervention to accelerate students’
learning the given worksheets are a compilation of worksheets and strategies to
teach students from grades 3-5 to write an organised paragraph. I have
presented my research work in three parts.
Handbook 1: What is a paragraph and parts of a paragraph
Handbook 2: Types of paragraphs
Handbook 3: Using graphic organisers to teach paragraph writing
These strategies can be used for individual, pair or group work. They are in the
form of worksheets with increasing complexity.
In this handbook I have also included strategies that help the students to write a
character sketch and an informal letter. As part of my research I had used a
student friendly rubric so that they could assess their own work against a given
criteria. The criteria for assessment were Content, Organization, Word choice,
Sentence fluency and Conventions.
Initially two parameters content and organization were assessed, conventions
being kept a constant. An opened –ended question was assessed in each
worksheet. When the learner had shown a measurable improvement in their
paragraph writing/organizational skills a learner could identify their own
weaknesses in word choice and sentence fluency.
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3. Worksheet 1
Structure of a paragraph quiz
“Why I want to learn English”
(1) There are three reasons why I want to learn English. (2)One reason is that
English has become an international language.(3)It is used by most
international companies, including the company where I work for business
communication.(4)Another reason why I want to learn English is that I can
travel to English speaking countries .(5)The United Stated ,England,
Australia and many other countries all use English as their primary
language.(6)Finally I want to learn English because I plan to move to the
U.S.in the future.(7) I will become a manager for my company soon. (8) For
all these reasons, I am very excited about learning English.
1) Write the correct number for each sentence:
i. Identify the topic statement:_______
ii. Identify the conclusion:____________
iii. Identify the first main point:_________
iv. Identify the second main point:_______
v. Identify the third main point:________
vi. Identify the support detail for the first main point:________
vii. Identify the support detail for the second main point:______
viii. Identify the support detail for the third main point:_______
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4. Fact sheet on types of paragraphs
A. Classification paragraph: When writing a classification paragraph, you
group things or ideas into specific categories.
B. Description paragraph: In a description paragraph, you are writing
about what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe
where a place is located.
C. Compare and contrast paragraph: In a compare and contrast
paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two
or more people, places, things, or ideas.
D. Sequencing paragraph: In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to
describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this
order is based on time.
E. Explaining paragraph: In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain
how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you
will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.
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5. Worksheet 2
Descriptive Paragraph
You are writing what a person, place or thing is like. Helper or key
words used for writing a descriptive paragraph are given in the table
below.
Properties Measurement Analogy Location
size length is like in
colour width resembles above
shape mass/weight below
purpose speed beside
near
north/east/south/west
Activity: Study the picture given below and with the help of the key words
write a paragraph on the African Elephant.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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6. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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7. Worksheet 3
Compare and contrast paragraph
You write about similarities and differences between two or more places, things
or ideas. The helper/ key words used to compare are given in the table below.
Similarities Differences
is similar to the other hand
both however
also but
too in contrast
as well differs from
while
unlike
Activity 1: With the help of the key words given above write any three
differences between the Asian and the African elephants.
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________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________
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8. Worksheet 4
Sequencing paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events
or a process in some sort of order.
i) Carefully study the picture given and convert it into a flow chart.
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9. Kavita Grover Page 9
Introduction
Event 1
Event 2
Event 3
Event 4

10. ii) With the help of the key words given in the box convert the flow chart
into a sequencing paragraph with a suitable title.
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Order Time
first, second, third, etc. recently
in the beginning previously
before afterwards
then when
after after
finally
at last
subsequently

11. ________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________
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12. Remediation
Frequently occurring mistakes in the sequencing paragraph:
1) In the beginning, first the barks are cut.
________________________________________________________
2) The trees will be cut.
________________________________________________________
3) Then at second after the bark-- ______________________________
4) First bark is stripped, second wood chips broken---
________________________________________________________
5) Then it goes ahead to make pulp then pulp is cleaned and bleached
then pulp is beaten and then chemicals and dyes are mixed.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
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Note: The samples given below are some of the students’ written responses.

13. Worksheet 5
Objective: Picture comprehension
Skill: Synthesis of a story using visual prompts.
The pictures below have got mixed up. Put them in the correct order and write a
story. Use the helping words for a sequencing paragraph.
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________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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______________________________
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14. Objective: self evaluation of the written text (story)
You had written a story in your last workshop. Read your story again and grade
yourself according to the story writing rubric given to you. For each category
tick the correct box. Fill in the table given below using the rubrics. Add the
marks and find your total marks out of 20.
1) What marks/grades did you get? ________________
2) What/which mistakes did you make?
Mistakes
Ideas
Organization
Word choice
Fluency
Convention
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15. Story writing rubric
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16. Character sketch
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17. Character sketch
Before asking the students to write the character sketch sensitize them to
feeling, emotions, facial expressions and situations. Ask to identify situations
where they have felt these emotions. Then ask them to critically read the text to
identify sentences which gave them the cue about a person’s character.
1) Identify the expression and tick the correct emotion.
Facial expression emotion Synonyms
Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Startle, sudden reaction to something,
astonished
Ans: Surprise
Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Contempt, revulsion, scornful
Ans: Disgust
Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Unhappy, miserable, distress, feel like
crying
Ans: Sad
Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Excitement, glad, merry, delighted, joyful
Ans: Happy
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18. Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Rage, furious, hostile, angry,
Ans: Anger
Surprise
Anger
Happy
Fear
Sad
Disgust
Terror, scared, afraid, terrified
Ans:Fear
2) Feeling can be of two types: pleasant and unpleasant. From the table
given in question 1, classify the feelings as pleasant and unpleasant. Write
the synonyms for each in the word tree.
Pleasant Feeling
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19. Unpleasant feeling
3) What emotion is conveyed by the following sentences?
a) “I was I who broke the vase.” ______________
b) “I am the cleverest boy in the class!”_______________
c) “Look, there’s a mouse over there.”_________________
d) “I’ll stop your pocket money if you don’t behave.” __________
e) I d-d-d-did it.” _____________
f) Please, please, help me.”______________
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20. g) “This hotel if filthy.” ___________
h) Go on, Jim, try harder.”_____________
4) Use the verbs in the box to show how people might speak in the situations
listed.
a) I ___________ when I am in pain.
b) Children ___________ when they are sad.
c) He _________ when he is being secretive.
d) I ___________ when I am sulking.
e) They __________ when they are amused.
f) I ____________ when I am unsure.
g) She ___________ when she is angry.
h) Tom __________ when he is nervous.
5) What will you feel in the given situations?
a) You see a snake. _________________
b) You have stood first in your class. ____________
c) You are being scolded in front of your friends._____________
6) Choose a verb which best fits the meaning of the sentences. The first one
has been done for you.
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sob howl stammer whisper
mutter ask shout chuckle

21. a) "I am the cleverest boy in the class,” the little boy boasted.
b) “It was I who broke the vase,” he ___________.
c) “Look there’s a mouse over there,” she ___________.
d) “I’ll stop your pocket money if you don’t behave,” she ____________.
e) “I d-d-did it,” he ____________.
f) “Please, please, help me,” he _________.
g) “This hotel if filthy,” she ___________.
h) “Go on, Jimmy, try harder,” he _________.
7) Write a paragraph on “My best friend” but first answer the question given
below to help you write the paragraph.
a) Write the name of your best friend._________________
b) How old is she? _____________
c) What does she look like? ___________
d) What are her hobbies? __________
e) Does your friend notice your feelings? Yes/No
f) What is your friend’s mood usually?
i) Cheerful
ii) Sad
iii)Angry
g) Is your friend
i) Hardworking
ii) Lazy
iii)Easy going
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22. h) Can you trust your friend with a secret? Yes/No
i) Does your friend like to mix with other people? Yes/No
j) Now write a paragraph on your best friend. (Take the help of the
checklist given above)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
8) Ask your partner the following questions about his/her best friend. Then
identify the quality asked in each survey question. One example is done for
you. Apart from the words given in the list you can use other
adjectives/words as well.
a) Is your friend usually in a good mood? Cheerful
b) Does your friend notice your feelings? _______________
c) Does she give you presents, or pays for tea and coffee? ____________
d) Does your friend hard? _______________
e) Can you trust her with a secret? ___________
f) Does she listen well when you are speaking? ________________
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Generous easygoing anxious cheerful hardworking trustworthy
Impatient optimistic sensitive moody social indecisive
Reserved lazy attentive

23. g) Does your friend usually not worry about things, no matter what
happens? _____________
h) Does your friend often change their opinion about things?
__________
i) Does your friend often postpone things he/she has to do? _________
j) Is your friend happy one moment and sad the next? ____________
k) Does your like to be with other people? ______________
l) Is it important for your friend to be successful in whatever he/she
does? _______
m) Does your friend become angry or annoyed if he/she has to wait for
something or someone? ______________
n) Does your friend keep her/his feelings to her/himself? _____________
How to write a character sketch
(Reference story Cinderella)
Here are some great descriptive character trait words that you can use for your
character sketch! If you don't know the meaning of the words, look them up in
a dictionary.
Eager efficient Enthusiastic Firm Patient
energetic fair Flexible meticulous Forgiving
friendly gentle Healthy honest Humble
imaginative dutiful intelligent Kind/sympathetic Humorous
independent industrious inventive likable good-natured
hopeful brave motivated optimistic Precise
reliable responsible sensible sincere Spontaneous
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24. tenacious trustworthy Wary loyal Modest
open-minded practical realistic resourceful Punctual
a) Read the story of Cinderella.
b) Write different adjectives that describes the characteristics or qualities
of the main character (Cinderella) of the story and complete the
character trait cluster word web. Use the fact sheet to find appropriate
adjectives. (Avoid words like 'nice'. Choose instead, words like
generous. Do not use words like 'pretty' to describe his/her appearance--
that is not a character trait. )
c) Now write the reasons or examples from the story that tells you that
Cinderella has these characteristics.
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25. Adjective Reasons
1
2
3
4
5
d) What type of person was Cinderella’s step mother?
Adjective Reasons
1
2
3
4
5
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26. e) Write a character sketch of Cinderella.
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f) Write a character sketch of Cinderella’s stepmother.
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27. Informal Letter
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28. Worksheet 1
Objective: Identifying parts of an Informal Letter
1) You have to teach your brother how to write an informal (friendly) letter.
Given below is the format of the letter .What instructions will you give?
______________
_________________
_____________
Dear _(5)________ (6)
(7)
(8) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
(9)
__(10)____________ (11)
___________(12)_____
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2
3
4
1

29. Answer
S No Instructions
(1) Write the address in 3 lines
(2) Leave one line space
(3) Write the date as Nov.29,2006
(4) Leave one line space
(5) Name
(6) There should be no comma after the salutation
(7) One line space should not be left
(8) One finger space should be left
(9) One line space should not be left
(10) Yours affectionately ( s in yours should be without an apostrophe)
(11) There should be no comma after the ending
(12) Write your first name
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30. Worksheet 2
Objective: Writing an informal letter
You are Ali, living in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. You have received a letter
from Sam who lives in Albury in Australia. In his letter he has written about
his life in the Downs. Here is his letter. Read it carefully.
Using the format given before, write a letter to Sam describing where you
live. (Refer to the helping words for writing a descriptive paragraph.)
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67 Riverside Lane
Albury
Australia
Oct.26, 2006
Dear Ali,
Hello, how are you? I am fine.
Last week when we were chatting on the internet, you asked me about the life in
Albury. We live on a sheep station. Our sheep farm is so large that we have to drive
for three hours to visit our neighbours in the next farm.
I go to school only once a week as it is very far. But my teacher explains the lessons
to me on the radio. I listen to her, do my homework and send it by post.
I will be happy to hear from you.
Write to me and tell me about your life in Saudi Arabia, which I think is a desert
country.
Yours affectionately
Sam

31. Annexure
Cinderella
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Cinderella. She lived with her wicked
stepmother and two stepsisters. They treated Cinderella very badly. One day, they were
invited for a grand ball in the king’s palace. But Cinderella’s stepmother would not let her
go. Cinderella was made to sew new party gowns for her stepmother and stepsisters,
and curl their hair. They then went to the ball, leaving Cinderella alone at home.
Cinderella felt very sad and began to cry. Suddenly, a fairy godmother appeared and
said, “Don’t cry, Cinderella! I will send you to the ball!” But Cinderella was sad. She said,
“I don’t have a gown to wear for the ball!” The fairy godmother waved her magic wand
and changed Cinderella’s old clothes into a beautiful new gown! The fairy godmother
then touched Cinderella’s feet with the magic wand. And lo! She had beautiful glass
slippers! “How will I go to the grand ball?” asked Cinderella. The fairy godmother found
six mice playing near a pumpkin, in the kitchen. She touched them with her magic wand
and the mice became four shiny black horses and two coachmen and the pumpkin
turned into a golden coach. Cinderella was overjoyed and set off for the ball in the coach
drawn by the six black horses. Before leaving. the fairy godmother said, “Cinderella, this
magic will only last until midnight! You must reach home by then!”
When Cinderella entered the palace, everybody was struck by her beauty. Nobody, not
even Cinderella’s stepmother or stepsisters, knew who she really was in her pretty
clothes and shoes. The handsome prince also saw her and fell in love with Cinderella. He
went to her and asked, “Do you want to daance?” And Cinderella said, “Yes!” The prince
danced with her all night and nobody recognized the beautiful dancer. Cinderella was so
happy dancing with the prince that she almost forgot what the fairy godmother had said.
At the last moment, Cinderella remembered her fairy godmother’s words and she rushed
to go home. “Oh! I must go!” she cried and ran out of the palace. One of her glass
slippers came off but Cinderella did not turn back for it. She reached home just as the
clock struck twelve. Her coach turned back into a pumpkin, the horses into mice and her
fine ball gown into rags. Her stepmother and stepsisters reached home shortly after that.
They were talking about the beautiful lady who had been dancing with the prince.
The prince had fallen in love with Cinderella and wanted to find out who the beautiful girl
was, but he did not even know her name. He found the glass slipper that had come off
Cinderella’s foot as she ran home. The prince said, “I will find her. The lady whose foot
fits this slipper will be the one I marry!” The next day, the prince and his servants took
the glass slipper and went to all the houses in the kingdom. They wanted to find the lady
whose feet would fit in the slipper. All the women in the kingdom tried the slipper but it
would not fit any of them. Cinderella’s stepsisters also tried on the little glass slipper.
They tried to squeeze their feet and push hard into the slipper, but the servant was
afraid the slipper would break. Cinderella’s stepmother would not let her try the slipper
on, but the prince saw her and said, “Let her also try on the slipper!” The slipper fit her
perfectly. The prince recognized her from the ball. He married Cinderella and together
they lived happily ever after
http://shortstoriesshort.com/story/cinderella/
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32. Acknowledgment
www.english-zone.com
http://www2.actden.com/Writ_den/tips/paragrap/index.htm
http://researchthetopic.wikispaces.com/How+is+paper+made%3F+-+R
http://www.wikipedy.com/how_is_paper_made_from_trees.htm
http://www.robinsonlibrary.com/technology/manufactures/paper/howmade.htm
https://classnet.wcdsb.ca/sec/StD/Gr9/Eng/Lehmann1L/Shared
%20Documents/Character%20Sketch%20reference%20with%20sentence
%20starters.pdf
Zoomschool.com
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