1

Language Arts – Grade 8

CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Language Arts – Grade 8

APEX Learning Packet

Weeks 7 & 8

(May 18 – May 29)

Dear parents,

If your child is participating in distance learning solely through the completion of our instructional packets, you are required to call or email the principal to inform them of your child’s participation status, since packet-assignments will not be collected until a later time. Please keep all of your child’s work in a safe place until you are notified of when, where and how to submit. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

2

Estimados padres,

Si su hijo/a está participando en el aprendizaje a distancia completando

solamente nuestros paquetes de instrucción, deberá llamar o enviar un correo

electrónico al director para informarle sobre el estado de participación de su

hijo/a, ya que las asignaciones realizadas en los paquetes no se recopilarán

hasta más tarde. Por favor mantenga todo el trabajo de su hijo/a en un lugar

seguro hasta que se le notifique cuándo, dónde y cómo presentarlo. Gracias por

su atención a este asunto.

3

Contents APEX Lesson – Author’s Purpose ................................................................................................................................4

Information – Different Purposes ..........................................................................................................................5

Information – Supporting Details ...........................................................................................................................8

Information – Same Topic, Different Purpose ........................................................................................................9

Review – Author’s Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 10

Study Guide – Author’s Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 11

Assessment – Author’s Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 14

APEX Lesson – Text Structure .................................................................................................................................. 17

Information – Sentences ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Information – Topic Sentence ............................................................................................................................. 19

Information – Supporting Details & Concluding Sentences ................................................................................ 20

Information – Roles of Paragraphs ...................................................................................................................... 21

Review – Text Structures ..................................................................................................................................... 22

Study Guide – Text Structure .............................................................................................................................. 23

Assessment – Text Structure ............................................................................................................................... 28

Study Guide Answers ............................................................................................................................................... 33

Author’s Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 33

Text Structure ...................................................................................................................................................... 36

4

Name: __________________________________________ School: _______________________

Teacher: ________________________________________ Period: _______________________

Packet Directions for Students Students should complete the following activities from APEX English Language Arts 8 course.

APEX Lesson – Author’s Purpose Unit 3: Reading Strategies Lesson: Author’s Purpose: Learn, enjoy, or change – an author’s purpose is to affect the

reader.

Lesson Objectives:

Recognize that an author's purpose is the reason he or she is writing.

Identify details in a text that can help you determine the author's purpose.

Evaluate how two authors who write with similar purposes can express different viewpoints

about a topic.

Lesson Directions: 1. Read the information about recognizing the author’s purpose through the details and

evaluating how they express their viewpoint.

2. Complete the Study Guide

3. Complete the assessment of your learning

5

Information – Different Purposes An author's purpose is the reason he or she is writing. An author's purpose is the reason he or she is writing.

It's the intended effect the author wants to have on an audience. This purpose can be to inform, explain,

persuade, entertain, or inspire.

Explore the table to see examples of each purpose.

To Inform The writer provides facts to inform the audience about a topic or issue.

Chickens experience rapid eye movement (or REM) sleep, just like humans do.

To Explain The writer gives instructions or explains how something is done.

The perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich includes two layers of peanut butter.

To Persuade The writer persuades the audience of something through the use of evidence, usually using the word "should."

The Charles County Public Schools should require all students to learn a musical instrument.

To Entertain or Inspire The writer can entertain or inspire by providing stories that make an audience laugh or cry.

Sonia Whitaker, a senior at Westlake, held a donation drive to feed the homeless population in her area.

6

Explore the following four passages to see how authors approach texts with different purposes.

To Inform

Denver, Colorado, is nicknamed “the Mile High City” because it is approximately one mile above sea level. This makes it one of the highest major cities in the United States. It is the largest city in Colorado and is also the capital of the state, with a population of around 640,000.

Detail Analysis

is nicknamed “the Mile High City” because it is approximately one mile above sea level.

This is a fact about the city of Denver and how it got its nickname.

one of the highest major cities in the United States. Informational texts use facts to inform the reader.

a population of around 640,000. This passage provides information for the reader about the city of Denver.

To Persuade

Companies should not be able to patent seeds. Small farms have been sued by large seed patenting companies in the past for using their patented seeds when, in reality, the pollination was caused by natural processes like the wind. The company Seedeo was involved in a lawsuit in 2009 with a group of small farmers, claiming that these farmers used seeds that were the exclusive property of Seedeo. This lawsuit cost the farmers money and time they didn’t have, and it ultimately harmed their livelihood. Seeds shouldn’t be someone’s exclusive property; they should be public.

Detail Analysis

Companies should not be able to patent seeds. The word should is usually used in persuasive texts.

The company Seedeo was involved in a lawsuit in 2009 with a group of small farmers,

Texts trying to persuade an audience use evidence to support their claims.

This lawsuit cost the farmers money and time they didn’t have, and it ultimately harmed their livelihood.

A persuasive text tries to convince a reader of the validity of an idea or course of action.

7

To Entertain

Puns are not just an element of figurative language; they can be fun as well. For example, where did the sergeant put his armies? In his sleevies. Or did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was in-tents. How about the two television sets that got married last week? I heard the ceremony wasn’t all that great, but the reception was amazing. See how much fun puns can be?

Detail Analysis

In his sleevies. Humor is one way to entertain the reader.

It was in-tents. This passage uses funny puns to entertain the reader.

I heard the ceremony wasn’t all that great, but the reception was amazing.

Though the purpose of this passage is also to inform the reader about puns, its primary purpose is to entertain.

To Explain

If you follow these simple steps, you will have hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel and easy to eat. First, poke a small hole in the wide end of the egg with a thumbtack. Next, put them in a pot covered with at least an inch of cold water. As soon as the pot begins to boil, put the lid on and turn off the heat. Set the timer for twelve minutes. When the timer goes off, put the eggs in a bowl of ice water for five minutes. After this, they should be ready to peel and eat.

Detail Analysis

First, poke a small hole in the wide end of the egg with a thumbtack.

This is the first step in a set of instructions about how to cook a hard-boiled egg.

Next, put them in a pot covered with at least an inch of cold water.

A text with this purpose involves instructions or an explanation of how something is done.

Set the timer for twelve minutes. Since this passage contains step-by-step instructions for how to cook an egg, its purpose is to explain.

8

Information – Supporting Details

Look closely at the supporting details to determine the author’s purpose. Supporting details are what the writer

uses to develop and explain the main idea of a text, and they can also be used to help a reader determine the

author’s purpose.

Below are examples of supporting details used in texts to help determine the author’s purpose.

To Inform Denver, Colorado, is nicknamed “the Mile High City” because it is approximately one mile above sea level.

The author uses a list of facts to inform readers about the city of Denver, Colorado.

To Persuade Companies should not be able to patent seeds. In 2009, the company Seedeo filed a lawsuit against several small farmers, costing the farmers money and time, and it ultimately ended up harming their livelihood.

The author provides evidence to persuade his or her audience to support the idea that companies should not be able to patent seeds.

To Entertain Puns are not just an element of figurative language; they can be fun as well. For example, where did the sergeant put his armies? In his sleevies.

The author uses humor to entertain the audience, while at the same time providing information about puns.

To Explain To make the perfect hard-boiled eggs, first

poke a small hole in the wide end of the egg with a thumbtack. Next, put them in a

pot covered with at least an inch of cold water.

The author provides a list of instructions to explain how to hard-boil eggs.

9

Information – Same Topic, Different Purpose Two authors may write about the same topic but have a different purpose. Two authors with different purposes

can write about the same subject, but approach it in different ways. In this case, supporting details can help

you discover the author's purpose.

Explore the sentences below of authors writing for different purposes about the same topic: the World Cup.

To Inform There have been twenty different World Cup tournaments, with eight different countries winning the title. Brazil has won the World Cup a record five times.

To Explain

Countries interested in hosting the World Cup must first submit a bid to the Executive Committee. Then countries must provide a detailed plan for the event. Finally, the Executive Committee selects three finalists and votes on a winner.

To Persuade The World Cup should be held in the United States because it is one of the only countries in the world that already has the infrastructure and organization to support an event of this scale.

To Entertain

In 2011, the Japanese women’s team won the World Cup after Japan suffered a devastating earthquake earlier that year. The team dedicated its performance to the country and hoped that the victory would lift the spirits of those who had known so much grief.

10

Review – Author’s Purpose

What do a Hermann's tortoise and popcorn have to do with an author's purpose?

An author's purpose is the reason the author is writing. An author's purpose can be to inform, to persuade, or

to entertain. Each of these purposes requires different types of supporting details. Or, reasons, facts,

examples, or other evidence that helps explain the main idea.

A text with the purpose to inform uses facts to support the ideas in the text. Here's an example of a text with a

purpose to inform:

An adult Hermann's tortoise can grow to about 11 inches in length and weigh

about 9 pounds.

This text uses facts about the Hermann's tortoise, like how long they can get, and how much they weigh, to

inform the audience.

A text with the purpose to persuade uses persuasive language and emotionally charged wording to support the

ideas in the text. For example:

The habitat of the Hermann's tortoise is being destroyed by the growth of the tourist

industry in southern Europe. Increased construction is also destroying the homes of

these beautiful, ancient creatures. We have to act now to save these tortoises.

This text uses emotionally charged wording, for example, "these beautiful, ancient creatures" and persuasive

language such as, "we have to act now," to persuade the audience.

A text with the purpose to entertain uses stories, figurative language, and humor, for example:

On vacation last year, I saw a Hermann's tortoise. I was lying

on the beach when I looked over and noticed this shell next to

me. It looked like a big rock, but it was moving. It was a turtle,

and it stuck its head into my bag and ate all my popcorn.

This story’s purpose is to entertain the audience.

And that is what a Hermann's tortoise, a box of popcorn, and an author's purpose have in common.

Key Terms:

Author’s Purpose: The reason the author is writing.

Supporting Details: Reasons, facts, examples, or other evidence that help explain the main idea.

11

Study Guide – Author’s Purpose Use this guide to take notes as you work through the activity. Taking good notes can help you remember

important ideas. Your notes on this guide will help you prepare for quizzes and tests.

What is the most likely purpose for each description about a text – to inform, to persuade, to explain, or to

entertain/inspire:

A textbook about the history of the Indian subcontinent

A poem about the joy that comes with the arrival of spring

A magazine article arguing for better road maintenance

A pamphlet about how to change a bicycle tire

Determine the author's purpose of each passage, all based on the same topic — to inform, to explain, to

persuade, or to entertain.

Topic: The Shetland Pony

Shetland ponies are originally from the Shetland Islands, a small archipelago northeast of Scotland. The ponies range in height from 28 to 42 inches and weigh an average of 600 pounds.

Shetland ponies are calm and have a sweet temperament. In fact, some people

treat them as pets. You haven't lived until you've seen a tiny horse trying to

squeeze through a doggie door!

A Shetland pony is not a pet and should not be marketed as such. Shetlands given as gifts often end up neglected within months. The Shetland Animal Rescue in Liverpool, England, is currently caring for 80 abandoned ponies and, at times, has as many as 100 Shetlands looking for rehoming.

Shetland ponies can learn to sit, lie down, rear, and bow on command. To begin training a Shetland, it's important to make sure that all your commands are clear and concise and that you use the same command every time for each movement.

12

Based on the supporting details, identify the author's purpose of each example — to inform, to explain, to

persuade, or to entertain/inspire.

Playing the kazoo is not easy. Often, it's hard to tell the difference between someone playing the kazoo and a velociraptor with its claw stuck in a food processor.

Replacing a bathroom faucet is easy; first, you need to determine which type of

faucet you already have.

School districts should pay for school supplies; on average, teachers spend over $200 of their own money on basic supplies like pencils and paper.

With over 300 million cows, India currently has the highest cattle population on Earth.

Students should be required to spend one year after high school serving their communities before going to college.

A single serving of broccoli offers around 30 mg of vitamin C.

If you're just starting out beatboxing, one technique is to repeat the words "bouncing cats" over and over.

After years of rejection, Mario continued to work hard toward his dream of becoming a singer until one day, a major label offered him a recording contract.

Food carts are a popular food craze, with Portland, Oregon, boasting over 600 different carts across the city.

You shouldn't miss the ham and Gouda waffle sandwich at the Flavour Spot off North Mississippi Avenue.

To start your food cart, have a plan review specialist look over your blueprints first. Then you can begin scouting for locations and decide what kind of food you want to serve.

Koen Meyer began his career with one small food cart, purchased with a small loan from his mother. Now he owns over seven food carts and says he owes it all to the support his family showed him when he was just starting.

Students should be encouraged to volunteer in their communities.

To find volunteer opportunities, visit your local community center and inquire at the front desk about how you can help.

Darrion Leonard, a volunteer at the local animal shelter, met his best friend while helping animals in need.

Young adults who volunteer as students are 40 percent more likely to continue helping their community into adulthood.

13

Compare both passages below. What is the purpose of each passage? How does each passage use supporting

details to support its specific purpose?

Passage #1 New businesses are popping up in cities that use regular people to deliver goods and services. These types of businesses are being called the "peer economy," and they allow you to buy a homemade dinner from your neighbor or catch a ride with the guy down the street. There are two things that such businesses need to succeed: reliable technology and honest raters. Technology helps connect consumers with providers, and honest ratings ensure the quality of service.

Passage #2 If you're looking for a way to make some extra cash while meeting new people, you should participate in the new "peer economy." For example, if you live in New York or San Francisco, you can work for a service called Postmates, which currently employees 210 people to make deliveries across the city. Employees have the flexibility to work as much or as little as they want, and they even get some exercise as they bring requested items to their intended destinations. It's a great way to meet people while earning some pocket change.

14

Assessment – Author’s Purpose

1. What is the definition of author’s purpose?

a. The attitude of a writer toward his or her subject

b. A statement that maps out an essay

c. Evidence that backs up an author's main idea

d. The reason the author is writing a piece

2. What is a supporting detail?

a. The process of accurately citing a source for facts, statistics, or quotations

b. The reasons an author is writing, whether to inform, entertain, or persuade

c. Reasons, facts, examples, or other evidence that help explain the main idea

d. Writing that presents specific facts and explanations of ideas or concepts

3. What is the most likely purpose for each description about a text – to inform, to persuade, to explain, or

to entertain/inspire:

Host cities are chosen through a two-stage selection process: Cities first apply to their national committee, and then the national committee presents its top pick to the International Olympic Committee.

The International Olympic Committee should take athletes' use of performance-

enhancing drugs more seriously.

Michael Martinez reached his goal of representing the Philippines in the 2014 Winter Olympics, and he had to overcome asthma and knee problems to compete.

The first official modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896,

4. Which statement best describes the author's purpose?

Beginning chefs usually rely on recipes to create delicious dishes, but once you are familiar with some basic cooking dos and don'ts, it's fun and rewarding to stray from the instructions. Except for baking, which requires specific quantities, you can add ingredients to get creative, experiment, and suit your taste. You should know how long to cook pasta, but no rule says you have to serve it with sauce and meatballs. If you enjoyed a cold pasta salad with cheese, raw vegetables, and dressing, try making another one with different types of cheese, vegetables, and dressing.

a. To explain how to make a good pasta salad

b. To inform readers about the different types of cooking

c. To inspire readers to experiment in their cooking

d. To persuade readers that they should follow recipes when baking

15

5. Which supporting detail is most helpful in determining whether the author's purpose is to inform,

explain, persuade, inspire, or entertain?

You'll never believe what happened last week at one of our casting calls. I was volunteering as a judge for a singing competition. We had asked for girls ages 8 to 13 who could sing. Well, after the first few adorable singers, things really got interesting. One of the "girls" was clearly a grown woman of at least 25. She belted out a teen pop song from 1998, and we had heard enough. We demanded that security remove her from the competition. Everyone was shocked when the woman angrily swung her purse at the security guard! Then, out flew her driver's license, proving her to be 28 years old! Once things calmed down, we all had a good laugh about this strange event.

a. We had asked for girls ages 8 to 13 who could sing.

a. ...after the first few adorable singers, things really got interesting.

b. ...a grown woman of at least 25.

c. ...out flew her driver's license, proving her to be 28 years old!

6. How do the authors of these two passages achieve their purposes?

Cooking Beginning chefs usually rely on recipes to create delicious dishes, but once you are familiar with some basic cooking dos and don'ts, it's fun and rewarding to stray from the instructions. Except for baking, which requires specific quantities, you can add ingredients to get creative, experiment, and suit your individual taste. You should know how long to cook pasta, but no rule says you have to serve it with sauce and meatballs. If you enjoyed a cold pasta salad with cheese, raw vegetables, and dressing, try making another one with different types of cheese, vegetables, and dressing.

Birthday Just try not to laugh as I tell you about the time I made my sister a birthday cake! I'm not the greatest baker, but I was following a recipe. I mixed everything just right and poured the batter into the pan. Then I placed it in the oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees, just like the directions said. Exactly 18 minutes later, I pulled out the beautiful cake and frosted it. Everything was perfect until my sister cut into the cake. As she removed the first slice, uncooked batter oozed out from the middle of the cake. Guests looked at me with a mixture of shock and amusement. That's when I learned an important lesson about preheating the oven. We had fun retelling the story over ice cream sundaes at the shop down the street.

a. The author of "Cooking" gives readers confidence by telling them how to change a recipe, while

the author of "Birthday" entertains readers by telling them about a cooking disaster.

b. The author of "Cooking" entertains readers by telling them a funny personal story, while the

author of "Birthday" informs readers about the meaning of important cooking terms.

c. Both authors persuade readers to follow recipes carefully by explaining the importance of

measuring and cooking times.

d. Both authors inspire readers to cook for others by sharing their rewarding experiences in the

kitchen.

16

7. Compare both passages below. What is the purpose of each passage? How does each passage use

supporting details to support its specific purpose?

Passage #1 Your next tablet should be the upcoming G2 tablet, which is hitting stores this Thursday. Tired of the slow, glitchy performance of your old, tired tablet? Sick of having to install update after update, patch after patch, only to deal with the same subpar performance? Frustrated with the lack of exciting, useful apps for your tablet? Treat yourself to the new G2 tablet, on sale Thursday at all Wal-Mart locations near you!

Passage #2 The new G2 tablet is seven inches tall, five inches wide, and a half-inch thick. It uses the Intel operating system, which will allow many popular apps and programs to run on the machine. Most people bring their G2 tablets on the train or bus and take advantage of the included Wi-Fi card. This convenient, portable, and useful device will help users run their lives while running their errands. The G2 tablet is available for purchase at Wal-Mart starting this Thursday.

17

Name: __________________________________________ School: _______________________

Teacher: ________________________________________ Period: _______________________

Packet Directions for Students Students should complete the following activities from APEX English Language Arts 8 course.

APEX Lesson – Text Structure Unit 4: Analyzing Nonliterary Texts Lesson: Text Structures: Strong claims are clear and easily supported

Lesson Objectives:

Determine how individual sentences in a text develop key concepts and clarify meaning.

Recognize how key concepts are developed in individual paragraphs within a text.

Lesson Directions: 1. Read the information about how authors write sentences and structure paragraphs to clarify

their ideas.

2. Complete the Study Guide

3. Complete the assessment of your learning

18

Information – Sentences Individual sentences in a text can develop a key concept and help clarify meaning. The individual sentences

within an informational text paragraph have different functions.

The topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting details develop the main idea with evidence, descriptions, or examples.

The concluding sentence restates the main idea that was expressed in the topic sentence.

Together, each type of sentence helps to clarify the paragraph's meaning.

Below is a paragraph about hamburgers. Below is a sentence by sentence analysis of how each sentence

develops the paragraph.

Traditionally, hamburgers have been made out of ground beef, but today you can find many alternatives.

Burger patties can be made out of other meats, such as turkey, chicken, buffalo, ostrich, or deer. Vegetarian

burger patties can be made out of tofu, ground-up vegetables, beans, grains, and wheat gluten. Popular since

the late 1800s, most hamburgers are still made out of beef, but an adventurous eater these days can try new

variations of the traditional burger.

Topic sentence: Traditionally, hamburgers have been made out of ground beef, but today you can find many alternatives.

Supporting detail #1: Burger patties can be made out of other meats, such as turkey, chicken, buffalo, ostrich, or deer.

Supporting detail #2: Vegetarian burger patties can be made out of tofu, ground-up vegetables, beans, grains, and wheat gluten.

Concluding sentence: Popular since the late 1800s, most hamburgers are still made out of beef, but an adventurous eater these days can try new variations of the traditional burger.

19

Information – Topic Sentence The topic sentence lets the reader know precisely what the paragraph will be about by stating the main idea. It

gets the reader focused and ready to dive into the details that follow.

Read the two paragraphs with the underlined topic sentence. Next to both paragraphs are analysis of each topic

sentence

Money

The use of money has a long and far-reaching history. Over

3,000 years ago, seashells were used as currency. Gold and

silver coins were introduced around 600 BCE. The oldest paper

money known is Chinese, dating from the 11th century. As

civilizations have developed economies over thousands of

years, currency has been created in a variety of forms.

Jewelry

For thousands of years, jewelry has been created from a wide

range of materials. Jewelry has been found in all cultures, even

as far back as 100,000 years ago! Over time, jewelry has been

made from shells, feathers, wood, amber, and leather, among

many other materials. Jewelry can be crafted from many types

of metals, such as gold, silver, brass, or copper. Gems and

unusual stones have also often been added for their beauty and

value. Jewelry is one of the oldest types of archaeological

artifacts and has been made out of a variety of different

materials.

This topic sentence sums up the main

idea and lets the reader know the focus

of the rest of the paragraph is about how

money has been used throughout

history.

This topic sentence sums up the main

idea and lets the reader know the focus

of the rest of the paragraph will be on

the materials that have been used to

create jewelry.

20

Information – Supporting Details & Concluding Sentences Supporting detail sentences help to develop the main topic of the paragraph. Supporting details often provide

definitions, examples, reasons, explanations, clarifications, or evidence that help to clarify the meaning of the

paragraph for the reader.

Concluding sentences signal the reader that the paragraph is ending and restates the main point. Concluding

sentences can do this by restating the topic sentence, summarizing the supporting details, or making a final

observation about the paragraph's main idea.

Below is the same paragraph about jewelry we read earlier. Notice how the supporting details and concluding

sentence supports the underlined topic sentence.

For thousands of years, jewelry has been created from a wide range of materials. Jewelry has been found in all cultures, even as far back as 100,000 years ago! Over time, jewelry has been made from shells, feathers, wood, amber, and leather, among many other materials. Jewelry can be crafted from many types of metals, such as gold, silver, brass, or copper. Gems and unusual stones have also often been added for their beauty and value. Jewelry is one of the oldest types of archaeological artifacts and has been made out of a variety of different materials.

Sentence Analysis

Jewelry has been found in all cultures, even as far back as 100,000 years ago!

This supporting detail gives specific information to develop a key concept — people have been creating jewelry for thousands of years.

Over time, jewelry has been made from shells, feathers, wood, amber, and leather, among many other materials.

This supporting detail provides examples that help to develop another key concept — the wide range of materials used to make jewelry.

Jewelry can be crafted from many types of metals, such as gold, silver, brass, or copper.

This supporting detail gives further evidence of the types of materials used.

Gems and unusual stones have also often been added for their beauty and value.

This supporting detail provides more examples of what people have used to make jewelry.

Jewelry is one of the oldest types of archaeological artifacts and has been made out of a variety of different materials.

This concluding sentence restates the main idea of the paragraph — jewelry has been made for many years out of a variety of materials.

21

The introductory paragraph introduces

key ideas and concepts. It lets the

reader know what the rest of the essay

will be about. In this example, the

introductory paragraph lets the reader

know the essay will contain information

about lightning and why people should

not fear it.

The description paragraph helps clarify

details and explains concepts the reader

needs to know in order to understand

what he or she will be reading next.

Here, this paragraph provides

information about lightning and

explains its relationship with thunder.

In the analysis paragraph, the author

examines and interprets key ideas and

concepts to make his or her point,

which is the overall purpose of the

essay. In this example, the author

provides evidence about how one can

remain safe during a lightning storm and

also analyzes the information to show

that there is no need to fear lightning.

The conclusion paragraph brings the

essay to a comfortable close, reminding

readers of the main idea and the most

important facts that support it. In this

case, the paragraph emphasizes how

lightning is an amazing natural element

that should be appreciated and not

feared.

Information – Roles of Paragraphs Individual paragraphs can also develop a key concept within a text. Different paragraphs within an

informational text help to develop a concept or idea. Below are four different types of paragraphs within an

essay. Read to notice each role they play within an essay.

Lightning

When you see a bolt of lightning in the sky, you're seeing a giant electrical show. During storms, electricity builds up in clouds, looking for a place to go. When you see lightning flash, you see electricity jumping from one place to another, which should create feelings of wonder, not fear. By taking simple precautions, you can ensure that you will remain safe enough to enjoy the show.

Lightning, and its accompanying thunder, is an amazing element of nature. Often, lightning and thunder happen at the same time. A lightning bolt heats up the air around it, getting the air so hot so quickly that it makes a small blast. Because light travels faster than sound, you see the lightning first and then hear the thunder. The longer the time between the lightning and thunder, the further away the lightning is. Lightning observed at a very close distance will be accompanied by a sudden clap of thunder with almost no time lapse. Though this can seem scary, it is not actually a dangerous situation. Taking careful note of the sky and your surroundings can help you better appreciate lightning.

Threats from lightning are often overstated. While it is important to seek shelter immediately and avoid standing under trees and small, outdoor buildings, harmful lightning strikes are very unlikely. When serious lightning storms appear, it is often common sense to head for the nearest substantial building, which will provide the greatest amount of protection. Following simple precautions, such as avoiding standing in pools of water and touching metal, will also help to keep people safe. Though one must be careful and consider one's actions carefully during lightning storms, the odds of being struck by lightning in the United States are roughly 1 in 700,000.

Lightning is a fascinating electrical reaction that can provide a great show, free of charge. Though careful consideration of safety is important, fearing lightning and the potential damage it could do takes away from the awe-inspiring effects it produces on the vast stage in the sky.

22

Review – Text Structures

Just like a dirty window that you can't see through, you want to make sure that the information you

include in a paragraph is clear enough for the reader to understand the focus. Sentences within a

paragraph help clarify meaning for the reader, essentially cleaning that window and making the ideas

crystal clear.

Every paragraph contains three types of sentences: a topic sentence, supporting details, and a

concluding sentence. Let's see how these work together to clarify meaning and make a paragraph

easier to understand.

Take a look at the paragraph about Venus. The topic

sentence provides the main idea of the paragraph, that

Venus's environment makes it hostile to human life. The

next sentence contains the supporting details, which

provide examples or evidence that help to explain the

main idea better. This sentence here shows that Venus is

not a safe planet for humans to live. It's way too hot, and

just breathing the air would kill us. The last sentence, the

concluding sentence, restates the main idea and sums up

the paragraph. Nope, Venus just isn't a good fit for us at

all.

The topic sentence, supporting details, and concluding sentence of a paragraph provide information

for the reader and help to clarify the main idea.

Key Terms:

Topic Sentence: A sentence in which the main idea of a paragraph is stated. It is usually the first

sentence of a paragraph.

Concluding Sentence: The sentence near the end of a paragraph that restates the topic sentence. It is

usually the last sentence of a paragraph.

Supporting Details: Reasons, facts, examples, or other evidence that help explain the main idea.

Venus, though roughtly the same size

and composition as our own planet

Earth, has a surface that is so hostile to

human life that any attempts to colonize

it would be pointless. Venus is the

hottest planet in the solar system and its

atmosphere contains chemicals known to

be toxic to humans. Though similar to

Earth in many ways, Venus is a

forbidding planet that is not a good fit

for human life.

23

Study Guide – Text Structure Use this guide to take notes as you work through the activity. Taking good notes can help you remember

important ideas. Your notes on this guide will help you prepare for quizzes and tests.

Complete the table by arranging the keywords in the order they appear in a paragraph. Then describe the

function of each part of an informational text paragraph.

Supporting Details Concluding Sentence Topic Sentence

Read the passage and circle the topic sentence. Then underline the supporting detail the best support the

topic sentence.

Woodworking is one of the oldest human skills. Archaeologists have found several types of wooden tools

made by early humans dating back over 40,000 years. And there is significant evidence of advanced

woodworking in the ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Chinese civilizations. Today, woodworkers produce

handcrafted items such as furniture and artistic designs. Past or present, woodworking remains a highly

respected skill.

24

Complete the table by describing the role each paragraph type plays in an essay.

Introductory paragraph

Description paragraph

Analysis paragraph

Conclusion paragraph

25

Circle the function of each paragraph within this essay.

Most people know that the heart's job is to pump blood through the body. But everyone can use a reminder of how to treat one's heart in order to keep it pumping for the rest of one's life. The way a person treats his or her heart now will affect whether or not it will continue to pump well or develop problems in the future.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

A single heartbeat pushes oxygenated blood out and relaxes to let blood in. The heart beats about 100,000 times a day. It uses its muscles to push over a gallon of blood through the blood vessels to all of the tissues and organs and then back again approximately once every minute. In order to work properly and efficiently, the heart muscle needs to be strong. Also, the blood vessels need to be smooth and unblocked inside. Finally, the blood pressure, the force of blood against the walls of arteries, must not be too strong (high) or it can damage the inner linings of the arteries, causing many health problems.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

We need to remind ourselves often of what to do to keep the heart pumping well for a long time. Exercising regularly helps to strengthen the heart muscle and increases the amount of blood it can hold. Eating fruits and vegetables, which have special ingredients that the heart needs, and consuming less fat and sodium are important to avoid having serious heart problems. It's not necessary to be perfect, but making small changes is often enough to ensure that your heart lasts a lifetime.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

It's easy to forget the heart is doing such an important job, pumping blood out to tissues thousands of times a day. It's also easy to forget that our habits affect whether the heart pumps properly or not. Everyone needs to be reminded that one's daily habits affect how the heart and its attached blood vessels work. Think of some small steps to take today.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

26

Read this essay. Then explain how each paragraph contributes to your understanding of the topic of the

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is known as "The Last Great Race on Earth." Dogsled teams cover a distance of approximately 1,000 miles in Alaska in 9 to 15 days. The trail has many twists and turns, long stretches across the tundra, and high mountain passes in freezing temperatures that make it one of the most grueling competitions ever. Though the Iditarod is a celebrated historical event, controversy surrounds the treatment of the animals and threatens to put an end to this great race. Before airplanes and snowmobiles, dogsleds were the main form of transportation on Alaskan trails. The need for more trails became especially apparent during the gold rush in the late 1890s. Travelers often raced sled dogs for entertainment and, over time, sled dog racing became a celebrated pastime in Alaska. Many Americans look upon the Iditarod Race with nostalgia and admiration. But, even though mushers train their dogs year-round to be prepared and are known to treat their dogs with loving care, some people don't approve. Why the controversy? There is obviously a lot of concern for the dogs. During the race, mushers carefully observe the dogs to see if they are tired, hungry, or injured. They also look for signs that any of the dogs are unable to continue. Veterinarians check dogs throughout the race, and dogs are not forced to finish. However, animal rights groups point out that over 136 dogs have died since the race began in 1973. But it's an extreme sport, and extreme sports have risks. Like any sports involving animals, people have varying opinions on what constitutes animal cruelty. But most agree those dogs died doing what they love. A celebrated yet controversial race, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race pits man and animal against the elements of nature. It is wild Alaska at her best and a tribute to Alaska's history and the role the sled dog played and continues to play. Despite the controversy, this great race remains a part of American history.

27

28

Assessment – Text Structure 1. Which is the best definition of a topic sentence?

a. The first sentence of a paragraph in which the main idea is stated

b. The last sentence of a paragraph that restates the main idea

c. The first paragraph of an essay, which includes the thesis statement

d. Reasons, facts, or examples that help explain the main idea

2. Which is most clearly a topic sentence?

Volcanoes may be scary, but they are the result of simple and very natural processes. Volcanoes are holes in the Earth's crust where substances from beneath the surface, such as hot gases and molten rock, can escape. "You can think of a volcano as a paper cut or a pimple on the Earth," says volcanologist Roberta Alvarez. "They're usually not a big deal on the scale of the whole planet, but they're a big deal to us." Sometimes these eruptions can be small and ongoing, such as the Mt. Kilauea eruption in Hawaii that has been occurring since 1983. Other times, as was the case with Mt. St. Helens in Oregon, the eruptions are abrupt and violent. When the lava and ash emitted from a volcano cool and harden, they gradually form mountains.

a. Volcanoes may be scary, but they are the result of simple and very natural processes.

b. "You can think of a volcano as a paper cut or a pimple on the Earth,"

c. Sometimes these eruptions can be small and ongoing, such as the Mt. Kilauea eruption in Hawaii

that has been occurring since 1983.

d. When the lava and ash emitted from a volcano cool and harden, they gradually form mountains.

3. Which is most clearly a supporting detail sentence?

Some intriguing, though incomplete, ideas have come from researchers trying to explain why our brains give us such vivid and emotional experiences every night. Sigmund Freud believed that dreams are expressions of memories and anxieties that we avoid thinking about during our waking lives. Carl Jung provided a modern version of the ancient opinion that dreams are messages that help us figure out how to avoid disaster, almost like prophecies. Perhaps the popularity of Jung's interpretation is the reason that many people keep dream journals, where they write down their dream experiences before they forget them. After all, if dreams are messages, one had better not ignore them.

a. Some intriguing, though incomplete, ideas have come from researchers trying to explain why

our brains give us such vivid and emotional experiences every night.

b. Carl Jung provided a modern version of the ancient opinion that dreams are messages that help

us figure out how to avoid disaster, almost like prophecies.

c. Perhaps the popularity of Jung's interpretation is the reason that many people keep dream

journals, where they write down their dream experiences before they forget them.

d. After all, if dreams are messages, one had better not ignore them.

29

4. Which is most clearly a concluding sentence?

If you're wondering whether or not you live near one of these mountains, you're in luck. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) keeps track of active volcanoes all around the Ring of Fire, which is the area of high volcanic activity that forms the border of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most worrisome volcanoes in the United States are Mt. Kilauea in Hawaii and Mt. Shishaldin in Alaska. The USGS records many other at-risk locations as well, so you can find out how risky your location is with just a little research.

a. If you're wondering whether or not you live near one of these mountains, you're in luck.

b. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) keeps track of active volcanoes all around the Ring of Fire,

which is the area of high volcanic activity that forms the border of the Pacific Ocean.

c. Some of the most worrisome volcanoes in the United States are Mt. Kilauea in Hawaii and Mt.

Shishaldin in Alaska.

d. The USGS records many other at-risk locations as well, so you can find out how risky your

location is with just a little research.

5. How is the function of a description paragraph different from the function of an analysis paragraph?

a. A description paragraph provides facts and information, and an analysis paragraph interprets

information.

b. A description paragraph introduces the main idea of an essay, and an analysis paragraph

restates the main idea.

c. A description paragraph interprets information, and an analysis paragraph provides facts and

information.

d. An analysis paragraph introduces the main idea of an essay, and a description paragraph

restates the main idea.

30

6. Circle the function of each paragraph within this essay.

The crayon has been around for thousands of years and has a long and interesting history. In fact, the tool dates back to the ancient Egyptians, although the word crayon has only been in the English language for about 400 years. Both children and adults have used crayons to produce wonderful works of art.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

Crayons have changed and evolved since their invention. The pigmented wax stick used for drawing or writing that we know as crayons originated as European drawing utensils made of charcoal and oil, sometimes called pastels. Eventually, pastel makers in Europe and the United States found that using wax made the tools stronger. In 1903, the first crayons — called Crayola Crayons — were produced and sold in the United States. The box contained only eight colors. Today, Crayola produces over 100 different types of crayons in over 400 unique colors. Crayons today bear little resemblance to their ancient counterparts.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

The modern crayon is a wonderful medium that is underused by today's artists. Although not as easy to blend as pastels, crayons have many unique uses, such as melting. Crayons can produce wonderfully robust color palettes and give the artwork a unique look, distinguishing crayon artists — including Jeffrey Robert, Kristina Nelson, and Don Marco — from their less-adventurous counterparts. Though the field of crayon art is gaining steam, it still has a long way to go in order to be considered one of the master art forms.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

Crayons are fun and useful instruments for producing works of art. From its early incarnation as a stick of charcoal and oil to its colorful modern-day equivalent, the crayon is an artist's tool that is still being discovered. The crayon is not only a great option for little artists, but it also offers a long and storied history and a chance for distinctive creations that are impossible with other mediums.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

31

7. Read the following essay. Then explain how each paragraph contributes to your understanding of the

topic of ukuleles.

The ukulele is a simple instrument that has become a valuable part of both traditional and modern music. The ukulele, sometimes called "uke" for short, is a small musical instrument shaped like a guitar but with four strings instead of six. Ukulele strings today are typically made of plastic, but they were originally made of catgut. There are six sizes of ukulele: sopranino, soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, and bass. Compared to an acoustic guitar, the ukuleles range in pitch from almost two octaves higher than the highest note on a guitar to one octave higher than the lowest note on a guitar. These instruments and their delicate, light music are usually associated with Hawaiian culture, but they arrived to the islands by way of Portuguese travelers. The word "ukulele" comes from the Hawaiian words for "gift" (uku) and "to come" (lele), meaning "the gift that came here," as Queen Lili'uokalani called the instrument. Hawaiian royalty was very important in making the uke a vital part of the local culture and traditions. The ukulele was popular in the early 20th century before it declined after World War II. In the 1990s, a Hawaiian musician, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, covered two famous songs — "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" — launching the instrument back into the limelight. The Internet bolstered this resurgence in the uke's popularity: Beginners could watch instructional videos, look up tabs, and record their song covers on this enchanting yet straightforward instrument in a way that they never could before. The ukulele is now a vital and important part of the broad music scene in the United States, as well as a long-standing tradition in Hawaiian culture.

32

33

Study Guide Answers

Author’s Purpose What is the most likely purpose for each description about a text – to inform, to persuade, to explain, or to

inspire:

Inform A textbook about the history of the Indian subcontinent

Entertain/Inspire A poem about the joy that comes with the arrival of spring

Persuade A magazine article arguing for better road maintenance

Explain A pamphlet about how to change a bicycle tire

Determine the author's purpose of each passage, all based on the same topic — to inform, to explain, to

persuade, or to entertain.

Topic: The Shetland Pony

Inform

Shetland ponies are originally from the Shetland Islands, a small archipelago northeast of Scotland. The ponies range in height from 28 to 42 inches and weigh an average of 600 pounds.

Entertain/inspire Shetland ponies are calm and have a sweet temperament. In fact, some people

treat them as pets. You haven't lived until you've seen a tiny horse trying to

squeeze through a doggie door!

Persuade

A Shetland pony is not a pet and should not be marketed as such. Shetlands given as gifts often end up neglected within months. The Shetland Animal Rescue in Liverpool, England, is currently caring for 80 abandoned ponies and, at times, has as many as 100 Shetlands looking for rehoming.

Explain Shetland ponies can learn to sit, lie down, rear, and bow on command. To begin training a Shetland, it's important to make sure that all your commands are clear and concise and that you use the same command every time for each movement.

34

Based on the supporting details, identify the author's purpose of each example — to inform, to explain, to

persuade, to inspire, or to entertain.

Entertain Playing the kazoo is not easy. Often, it's hard to tell the difference between someone playing the kazoo and a velociraptor with its claw stuck in a food processor.

Explain Replacing a bathroom faucet is easy; first, you need to determine which type of

faucet you already have.

Persuade School districts should pay for school supplies; on average, teachers spend over $200 of their own money on basic supplies like pencils and paper.

Inform With over 300 million cows, India currently has the highest cattle population on Earth.

Persuade Students should be required to spend one year after high school serving their communities before going to college.

Inform A single serving of broccoli offers around 30 mg of vitamin C.

Explain If you're just starting out beatboxing, one technique is to repeat the words "bouncing cats" over and over.

Inspire After years of rejection, Mario continued to work really hard toward his dream of becoming a singer until one day, a major label offered him a recording contract.

Inform Food carts are a popular food craze, with Portland, Oregon, boasting over 600 different carts across the city.

Persuade You shouldn't miss the ham and Gouda waffle sandwich at the Flavour Spot off North Mississippi Avenue.

Explain To start your own food cart, have a plan review specialist look over your blueprints first. Then you can begin scouting for locations and decide what kind of food you want to serve.

Inspire Koen Meyer began his career with one small food cart, purchased with a small loan from his mother. Now he owns over seven food carts and says he owes it all to the support his family showed him when he was just starting out.

Persuade Students should be encouraged to volunteer in their communities.

Explain To find volunteer opportunities, visit your local community center and inquire at the front desk about how you can help.

Inspire Darrion Leonard, a volunteer at the local animal shelter, met his best friend while helping animals in need.

Inform Young adults who volunteer as students are 40 percent more likely to continue helping their community into adulthood.

35

Compare both passages below. What is the purpose of each passage? How does each passage use supporting

details to support its specific purpose?

Passage #1 New businesses are popping up in cities that use regular people to deliver goods and services. These types of businesses are being called the "peer economy," and they allow you to buy a homemade dinner from your neighbor or catch a ride with the guy down the street. There are two things that such businesses need to succeed: reliable technology and honest raters. Technology helps connect consumers with providers, and honest ratings ensure the quality of service.

Passage #2 If you're looking for a way to make some extra cash while meeting new people, you should participate in the new "peer economy." For example, if you live in New York or San Francisco, you can work for a service called Postmates, which currently employees 210 people to make deliveries across the city. Employees have the flexibility to work as much or as little as they want, and they even get some exercise as they bring requested items to their intended destinations. It's a great way to meet people while earning some pocket change.

Sample Response

The purpose of the first passage is to explain, and the purpose of the second passage is to persuade. The first

passage uses supporting details that explain how the "peer economy" works and what it needs to succeed, such

as the technology required. The second passage uses evidence to support the suggestion that the reader should

participate in the "peer economy," such as the example of how many people Postmates employs and the fact

that those employees have job flexibility and get exercise at the same time.

Evaluate Your Response

Your response should (1) identify the purpose of each passage, and (2) describe how each passage uses

supporting details to best support its specific purpose.

36

Text Structure Complete the table by arranging the keywords in the order they appear in a paragraph. Then describe the

function of each part of an informational text paragraph.

Topic Sentence The topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting Details Supporting details develop the main idea with evidence, descriptions, or examples.

Concluding Sentence The concluding sentence restates the main idea that was expressed in the topic sentence.

Read the passage and circle the topic sentence. Then underline the supporting detail the best support the

topic sentence.

Woodworking is one of the oldest human skills. Archaeologists have found several types of wooden tools

made by early humans dating back over 40,000 years. And there is significant evidence of advanced

woodworking in the ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Chinese civilizations. Today, woodworkers produce

handcrafted items such as furniture and artistic designs. Past or present, woodworking remains a highly

respected skill.

Complete the table by describing the role each paragraph type plays in an essay.

Introductory paragraph Sample Response: The introductory paragraph introduces key ideas and concepts. It lets readers know what the rest of the essay will be about.

Description paragraph Sample Response: A description paragraph helps clarify details and explains concepts readers need to know to understand what they will read next.

Analysis paragraph Sample Response: In an analysis paragraph, the author examines and interprets key ideas and concepts to make his or her point, which is the overall purpose of the essay.

Conclusion paragraph Sample Response: The conclusion paragraph brings the essay to a comfortable close, reminding readers of the main idea and the most important facts that support it.

37

Circle the function of each paragraph within this essay.

Most people know that the heart's job is to pump blood through the body. But everyone can use a reminder of how to treat one's heart in order to keep it pumping for the rest of one's life. The way a person treats his or her heart now will affect whether or not it will continue to pump well or develop problems in the future.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

A single heartbeat pushes oxygenated blood out and relaxes to let blood in. The heart beats about 100,000 times a day. It uses its muscles to push over a gallon of blood through the blood vessels to all of the tissues and organs and then back again approximately once every minute. In order to work properly and efficiently, the heart muscle needs to be strong. Also, the blood vessels need to be smooth and unblocked inside. Finally, the blood pressure, the force of blood against the walls of arteries, must not be too strong (high) or it can damage the inner linings of the arteries, causing many health problems.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

We need to remind ourselves often of what to do to keep the heart pumping well for a long time. Exercising regularly helps to strengthen the heart muscle and increases the amount of blood it can hold. Eating fruits and vegetables, which have special ingredients that the heart needs, and consuming less fat and sodium is important to avoid having serious heart problems. It's not necessary to be perfect, but making small changes are often enough to ensure that your heart lasts a lifetime.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

It's easy to forget the heart is doing such an important job, pumping blood out to tissues thousands of times a day. It's also easy to forget that our personal habits affect whether the heart pumps properly or not. Everyone needs to be reminded that one's daily habits affect how the heart and its attached blood vessels work. Think of some small steps to take today.

Introduction Description

Analysis Conclusion

38

Read this essay. Then explain how each paragraph contributes to your understanding of the topic of the

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is known as "The Last Great Race on Earth." Dogsled teams cover a distance of approximately 1,000 miles in Alaska in 9 to 15 days. The trail has many twists and turns, long stretches across the tundra, and high mountain passes in freezing temperatures that make it one of the most grueling competitions ever. Though the Iditarod is a celebrated historical event, controversy surrounds the treatment of the animals and threatens to put an end to this great race. Before airplanes and snowmobiles, dogsleds were the main form of transportation on Alaskan trails. The need for more trails became especially apparent during the gold rush in the late 1890s. Travelers often raced sled dogs for entertainment and, over time, sled dog racing became a celebrated pastime in Alaska. Many Americans look upon the Iditarod Race with nostalgia and admiration. But, even though mushers train their dogs year-round to be prepared and are known to treat their dogs with loving care, some people don't approve. Why the controversy? There is obviously a lot of concern for the dogs. During the race, mushers carefully observe the dogs to see if they are tired, hungry, or injured. They also look for signs that any of the dogs are unable to continue. Veterinarians check dogs throughout the race, and dogs are not forced to finish. However, animal rights groups point out that over 136 dogs have died since the race began in 1973. But it's an extreme sport, and extreme sports have risks. Like any sports involving animals, people have varying opinions on what constitutes animal cruelty. But most agree those dogs died doing what they love. A celebrated yet controversial race, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race pits man and animal against the elements of nature. It is wild Alaska at her best and a tribute to Alaska's history and the role the sled dog played and continues to play. Despite the controversy, this great race remains a part of American history.

Sample Response

The first paragraph introduces the topic and provides basic information about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The second paragraph describes the history of sled dog racing in Alaska. The third paragraph analyzes why the

race is controversial and gives an interpretation of that controversy. The final paragraph restates the main point

of the essay.

Evaluate Your Response

Your response should discuss the function of all four paragraphs.