Unit 4:
Research & Write
Job Description
Embedded Files
Writing Assignment
Writing Assignment
You have done the research and now it is time to write out what you have learned so far. The first step is to explain what you have learned. Sometimes the hardest part of writing is getting it from your head to the paper. Try talking with someone about it first. Tell them about all the research you have done and the interesting things you have learned so far. You will be amazed at how much easier it makes it to write things down after that.
ASSIGNMENT
Review your notes. Read over the information that you have jotted down.
In the “Rough Draft” document that you created, write your first paragraph. You do not need to mention your notes at this point. You should only be writing your own thoughts down and what you remember about your research. This first paragraph should only talk about the first topic: Job Description. Keep in mind that a paragraph includes at least 5 sentences.
Do not worry about getting everything correct or having enough to say. Get as much on the page as possible. Then proofread it (keep in mind the Grammar Checksheet which is in the "Resources" tab). Add information or make changes as you proofread.
You can look over the two example research papers to get some ideas of what they talk about and how they talk about. These paper are located on the "Resources" tab. The two example papers are not perfect and are not in MLA format. Just use them for inspiration.
Paragraph Structure
A paragraph develops ONE main idea through a series of related sentences. This main idea is usually introduced in the first sentence of the paragraph, called the topic sentence.
The idea is then developed further through the sentences that follow, called supporting sentences.
The idea is wrapped up by a conclusion sentence that sums up what the paragraph was about and may transition the reader to the next paragraph.
Topic Sentences
- A topic sentence is a guide to a paragraph.
- The first sentence in a new paragraph that introduces the paragraph’s main idea or focus.
- Every topic sentence has these two parts:
- a reason for writing (occasion/topic/subject)
- statement about what the writer plans to prove or explain (position/opinion/attitude)
ASSIGNMENT
Go back to the paragraph that you just wrote for your career’s job description. Analyze the information that you learned and create a topic sentence that fits your paragraph.
Supporting Sentences
Supporting sentences give information that explains and expands the topic of the paragraph.
- A supporting sentence, also known as a supporting detail, is a sentence that supports or explains the idea presented in the topic sentence of a paragraph.
- The supporting sentences must directly relate to the controlling idea introduced in the topic sentence. Supporting sentences can elaborate on the idea presented, provide examples, and explain the intricacies of the controlling idea.
ASSIGNMENT
Go back to the paragraph that you just wrote for your career’s job description. Analyze the information that you learned and make sure that each sentence in your paragraph supports your topic sentence.
Conclusion Sentence
The conclusion sentence accomplishes two important tasks:
- It ties together the paragraph. You may have provided the reader with a lot of information in your paragraph. By restating the topic sentence at the end of the paragraph you are able to pull the reader’s attention back to the purpose of the paragraph.
- It reaffirms your argument. By the end of the paragraph, the reader has been presented with the your reasons for believing your topic sentence. By restating your argument, you urge the reader to agree with you.
ASSIGNMENT
Go back to the paragraph that you just wrote for your career’s job description. Analyze the information that you learned and make sure that the last sentence in your paragraph wraps up your thoughts and reaffirms your argument.
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