organization sticking to the main idea

• Putting things in an order that makes sense.

• You will be able to write a well-organized piece of writing after you learn about:– Writing a strong lead– Placing the information in the best

order•Using transition words

– Sticking to the main idea•Topic sentences

– Writing a strong conclusion

“Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there.”—Josh Billings,

writer

• Writing a well-organized paper is like creating a map.

• Like map makers, writers can use specific strategies to make sure ideas are clear and easy to follow.

• Writers need to:–Brainstorm a list of important

ideas

–Select a main idea

–Connect all details to the main idea

Does the following paragraph

stick? stray?

• What do you think is the main idea of “My Dad the Packer”?

• Write your thoughts in your Writer’s Notebook.

• Writers can sometimes lose focus and wander off into other topics. Read “My Dad the Packer” again.

• This time, draw a line through any parts where the writer has wandered from the main topic. Be careful not to cross out too much. Then read what is left of the paragraph to see whether it still makes sense.

• Compare your paragraph with your classmates’.

• Did we cross out the same parts?

• Did we agree on the main idea?

• Let’s discuss and explain your differences.

D.I.Y. practice

• Now look at your list. Is every item a detail about getting ready for a family trip?

• Did you wander off topic?

• To keep yourself on topic, cross out any details that are not connected to your main topic.

• When you’re sure you have enough details, write a short paragraph about getting ready for a family trip.

• Make sure that all your details are connected to your topic.

• As you write, it’s OK to add new details as long as you stay with your topic.

• How would you rate your paragraph?

• Did you stay on topic?

• Read your paragraph to a partner and get his or her opinion.