Over the past two months, the writing focus has expanded from writing single
sentences to writing a basic and an expanded paragraph. Going from a five sentence
paragraph to a five paragraph paper is the next logical step. Since this size paper is
common for a short report assignment, knowing how to write a clear, one page paper
is a key skill for the dyslexic student.
Pre-writing list making
Beginning paper writing with a brainstorming list of ideas of what might be included in
the paper is crucial for the struggling writer because it allows him or her to let their
creativity loose and generate ideas of what to write about without the stifling effect of
the actual writing process. Here are some starter ideas for paper brainstorming. Title
the brainstorm list by its topic.
After the students make brainstorm lists, use the “I do, we do, you do” method to
teach them to select the three best ideas from their brainstorm list. Organize the three
main ideas into three supporting paragraphs rather than three supporting sentences.
The main idea will be expressed in the topic sentence that begins with a transition
word, and detail sentences will be flesh out the topic sentence. Concluding sentences
for each paragraph can summarize the paragraph’s main point and segue into the next
supporting paragraph. Once the supporting paragraphs are written, go back and add a
topic paragraph to provide the purpose statement along with some details about why
this paragraph is important. The concluding paragraph will be an expanded version of
one of the three purposes for a concluding sentence: reflect the writer’s opinion, offer a
solution to a problem or suggest an action to be taken.
Students will revise and correct their rough draft. It is helpful if students read the
paragraphs aloud to themselves, as well as starting with the concluding paragraph,
and working their way through the paper by considering each paragraph in reverse
order from how they are written. Underlining or circling words to be spell checked is
helpful. A checklist for essay revisions is included at the end of this article.
Final Draft
It is time to recopy one last time to create a final draft. Using a ruler under the sentence
being copied will help raise the odds of a successful transfer of all the corrections onto
the page. You can code errors in pencil to help them see places where they need to
correct the transfer onto the final draft, but allow corrections to be made at this point.
Multiple page report
Once again, the basic paragraph structure is expanded and built upon to form the
basis for a multiple page report. Begin with brainstorming the entire report; choosing as
many ideas as there are sections required. Within each section, brainstorm ideas for
five paragraphs which fit the parameters of that section. Note research which will need
to be done to gather facts for the paragraphs. If an outline is required, it can easily be
drawn from the brainstorming lists at this point. Teaching students to write from
outlines has been the thrust of this entire method, although this may be the first time
the student realizes it.
Research one section at a time, and build supporting sentences which begin with
transition words. Add detail sentences to each supporting sentence. This is where the
information discovered in the research phase will be included. When the supporting
and detail sentences are complete, add the topic and concluding sentences for each
paragraph. Topic paragraphs will introduce the section, and concluding paragraphs will
either reflect the writer’s opinion, offer a solution to a problem or suggest an action to
be taken.
It is suggested that each section be error corrected and recopied before moving onto
another section. This is so research and notes are still easily recalled and understood
before a different topic is introduced.
Once all the brainstormed sections have five paragraphs or more, and have been error
corrected, recopied and collated, a topic section for the entire report is written to
create interest and give the reader a reason to want to read the report. This section
might include general remarks on the topic, might pose a burning question which will
be answered by the information to follow, might begin with a common misconception
to be debunked, a surprising fact, quotation or an anecdote about the topic to come. A
concluding section is added to reflect on what the writer has learned, tell what the
reader can do with the information offered in the report, or an analysis of the points
made in the report.
Proofreading and Revising
Once the entire writing project is complete, students need to learn how to proofread
and revise, and how to make a final copy. It is helpful if students read the sections
aloud to themselves, as well as starting with the concluding section and working their
way through the paper by considering each section in reverse order from how they are
written. Underlining or circling words to be spell checked is helpful. A checklist for
essay revisions is included at the end of this article.
Concluding reminder
Virtually every student can master the skill of expository writing. Mastering a method
for completing a task does not mean the task becomes easy. Dyslexic students may
learn to write effectively, however it is likely to always be an arduous task. The effort
involved should not be taken lightly by the teacher.
Five Sentence Paragraph writing worksheet ________________________________
Topic: _____________________________________________________
Brainstorming list:
_______________________________________ ______________________________________
_______________________________________ ______________________________________
_______________________________________ ______________________________________
_______________________________________ ______________________________________
_______________________________________ ______________________________________
Check the three strongest list items. Create the supporting sentences from those items below.
SS _________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
SS _________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
SS _________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Create a topic sentence for your paragraph. Topic + main point = topic sentence.
TS _________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Create a concluding sentence for your paragraph. Concluding sentence can reflect the writer’s opinion, offer a solution to a problem or suggest an action to be taken.
CS _________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Turn your brainstorm list name into a title for your paragraph:
____________________________________________________________________________________
In the margin, number your sentences to decide the order they will be written in when you make your first draft.
Center the title on the first line of a new piece of notebook paper. Copy the sentences below the title, using paragraph form, skipping lines.
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