ENG001B | English Foundations I| Unit 5 Writing Assignment|5.04 Paragraph Types
Name: / Date:Answer Key
Writing Assignment
Paragraph Types
Award points for answers as shown below. Starter feedback for correct and incorrect answers is in red. Use or adapt the feedback in this Answer Key as you grade each student paper. If you have suggestions for improving this key, send them to .
Grading Instructions
Students must identify the sentences within the paragraph that indicate the Paragraph Type. Answers may vary from the answer provided below.
· 2 points each
· Total of 6 points
(2 points each)
1. Descriptive Paragraph
What a brother! How could he do this to me? He looked like such a sweet child. Jordan had an angelic face. His big blue eyes gazed at you innocently. That button of a nose was constantly smudged because it was always stuck into something. "Kissed by the angels" is what my mother said about the dimple he had in each rosy cheek. They really shone when he smiled, melting even the hardest of hearts. His nervous tongue was constantly running around his mouth keeping a chapped circle there summer or winter. Looking at him, you would never suspect him of hiding such deviousness.
Write out 3 of the sentences in the above paragraph that show why this is a Description Paragraph.
a. His big blue eyes gazed at you innocently.
b. That button of a nose was constantly smudged because it was always stuck into something.
c. His nervous tongue was constantly running around his mouth keeping a chapped circle there summer or winter.
Students must identify the sentences within the paragraph that indicate the Paragraph Type. Answers may vary from the answer provided below.
· 2 points each
· Total of 6 points
(2 points each)
2. Instructive Paragraph
Follow the directions carefully when popping microwave popcorn. First, unfold the package and break up the butter flavoring inside the bag. (My mother thinks it is more evenly disbursed when you do this.) Next, lay the package in the microwave and set the timer. Because microwave ovens cook at different speeds, you may need to adjust the time. For example, if it says to pop the corn for 5 minutes, I set it for 4 minutes so it doesn't burn. In no time at all, you hear the bell dinging that tells you it is done. The smell is divine! Remember to slowly open the bag so you do not burn yourself. Finally, eat your popcorn!
Write out 3 of the sentences in the above paragraph that show why/how this is an Instructive Paragraph.
a. Follow the directions carefully when popping microwave popcorn.
b. First, unfold the package and break up the butter flavoring inside the bag.
c. Finally, eat your popcorn!
Students must identify the sentences within the paragraph that indicate the Paragraph Type. Answers may vary from the answer provided below.
· 2 points each
· Total of 6 points
(2 points each)
3. Comparative/Contrasting Paragraph
Many apple lovers debate about which apple is best. Some like Granny Smith, a tart apple, instead of one like the Jonathan, which is sweeter. The Granny Smith is pale green, hard, and crisp. It is used mostly for baking apple pies. The Jonathan is a dark red apple and is tender, crisp, and juicy to eat. It is used to make apple cider and juice. No matter how you slice it, I think both apples are good to eat.
Write out 3 of the sentences in the above paragraph that indicate that this is a Comparative/Contrasting Paragraph.
a. Some like Granny Smith, a tart apple, instead of one like the Jonathan, which is sweeter.
b. The Jonathan is a dark red apple and is tender, crisp, and juicy to eat.
c. No matter how you slice it, I think both apples are good to eat.
(2 points)
4. Read the paragraph and identify its paragraph type.
Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is not a difficult task and has a tasty reward! First, you need two slices of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a butter knife. Next, lay the two pieces of bread next to each other on your plate. Open the jar of peanut butter and scoop out a dollop with your knife. Spread it evenly along one of the slices of bread. My mother always told me to spread the peanut butter before the jelly, so wipe the knife clean on the other
piece of bread before you dip it into the jelly. Then, using the same technique, spread a dollop of jelly onto the other piece of bread. (Some people prefer a heavier helping of peanut butter and some prefer a larger helping of
jelly. Others like the amount of jelly and peanut butter to be the same.) Next, sandwich the pieces of bread together and use the knife to slice the sandwich in half. Finally, eat your delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
What type of paragraph is indicated above?
a. Descriptive
b. Instructive
c. Comparative/Contrasting
Answer: b (Instructive)
Your Score / of 20© 2012 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 3
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.