Unit 1B Lesson 3 Portfolio Modification:

Instead of writing a rough draft for the Lesson 3 Portfolio, students are creating a sentence outline which you will turn in to the Drop Box in Lesson 3. Later, you will use this outline to write your Lesson 10 Portfolio essay.

WRITE YOUR OUTLINE USING THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Fill out the blank outline in this document. Your outline will be based on RENN for Expository Writing:

RENN:

R=Give 3 Reasons about the topic

E= For each reason, explain using 2 Examples from your life or the world (or both)

N= Examples can include Names of people, places, things, or events

N= Examples can include Numbers such as ages, dates, how many, and so on

  1. You must write the outline in complete sentences.
  2. You must highlight your thesis.
  3. Your outline must be your own thoughts; plagiarism and use of outside sources will result in a zero
  4. After completing the blank outline below, save this file with your name in the file name and upload to the Drop Box in Lesson 3.

Read thisGUIDE to help you OUTLINE your Expository Essay

Topic:Write an essay that explains to the reader a tradition or custom from your own cultural heritage or from another culture.

1. Introduction paragraph:
  • First sentence: Use key words from the prompt; introduce your topic in an interesting way.
  • Next, write several sentences that :
  • Provide background information to give the readers some context about the topic.
  • Some suggestions: definitions, historical details, geographical details, etc.
  • These sentences provide information that builds towards the thesis sentence.
  • Then, last sentence--End with a clear thesis sentence:
  • One sentence at the end of your introduction that names the custom or tradition and presents the 3REASONS that will explain that custom or tradition.
  • An example thesis with 3 reasons:In Australia, the Walkabout is an Aboriginal tradition that proves a young man’s physical strength, shows his respect for his ancestors, and allows for his spiritual awakening.

2. Body paragraph for reason #1.
  • Sentence 1: Topic sentence that introduces the first reason.
  • 3-4 supporting sentences that explain reason#1 by providing names/numbers: facts, details, examples, etc.

3. Body paragraph for reason #2.
  • Sentence 1: Topic sentence that introduces the second reason.
  • 3-4 supporting sentences that explain reason #2 by providing names/numbers: facts, details, examples, etc.

4. Body paragraph for reason #3.
  • Sentence 1: Topic sentence that introduces the third main reason
  • 3-4 supporting sentences that explain reason #3 by providing names/numbers: facts, details, examples, etc.

5. Conclusion paragraph:
  • Has three sentences: a restated thesis, a summary of the 3 reasons, and a final thought.
  1. Restate thesis sentence - At the start of the conclusion, the thesis is restated in words different from those used in the introduction.
  2. Summary of the 3 reasons- The reasons from each of the body paragraphs are summarized as areminder to the reader.
  3. Final thought - The writer ends the essay by presenting a final thought on the topic – for example, by stating an opinion, a solution, or a prediction. The final thought should leave a strong impression and encourage the reader to think further about the topic.

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Graphic Organizer

Instructions: Type your outline below. Your sentences will go next to the bullets. Use the Guide above to help.

Required topic that you are using for your outline: Explain to the reader a tradition or custom from your own cultural heritage or from another culture.

  1. Introduction Paragraph

First sentence:

  • A tradition that Guatemalans celebrate is the yearly festivities of Semana Santa or as it translates “Holy Week.

3 Background information sentences:

  • Semana Santa is a big celebration that is during the week of Easter. It is one of the biggest celebrations of Guatemala.
  • Semana Santa includes parades and alfombras (carpets) that are made by the people. This massive celebration takes place in Antigua, Guatemala.
  • Several tourists go to Antigua for this Holy celebration during Easter to experience this holiday. This celebration shows the importance of Jesu dying on the cross.

One thesis sentence(highlight in yellow):

  • This holiday is very big and has several processions, parades, and music/costumes. These rituals are very important in Guatemala as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It is also celebrated because I it a time to reflect on past event, and it is a way to be with the whole town all at once.
  1. Body paragraph for Reason #1
  • Topic sentence:The processions are very cool, beautiful and colorful.

then 4 sentences that explain the reason (use names/numbers: facts, details, etc.)

  • These processions include “alfombras” or carpets as we say in English.
  • The alfombras are made by the people that live on the path of the procession.
  • The alfombras are made with pine needles, flowers, and colored sawdust in the street for the processions to walk over.
  • The alfombras take many long, hard, working hours to create and are not to be disturbed by the people until it is time for the procession. Then the people carrying the floats will walk right over the carpets, until they are made for next year’s celebration.
  1. Body paragraph for Reason #2
  • Topic sentence:The Semana Santa week includes floats that portrays a scene from the Passion of Jesus Christ which is the heart of each parade.

then 4 sentences that explain the reason (use names/numbers: facts, details, etc.)

  • The floats are magnificent and are very heavy often weighing more than one thousand pounds.
  • The Passion float is carried by more than 80 people, that have to be replaced every 10-20 minutes.
  • The women however they carry their own float which portrays statues of The Virgin Mary. They are a tad bit lighter than the men’s float but they still take quite a few people to carry it.
  • All these floats are made with great pride and joy because the tradition of participating in the processions is passed down throughout out the generations.
  1. Body paragraph for Reason #3
  • Topic sentence:Music is played after the floats pass by and the music is usually religious, and people dressed as Roman soldiers sometime read about the charges pressed against Jesus.

then 4 sentences that explain the reason (use names/numbers: facts, details, etc.)

  • The major floats such as the Passion of Christ is followed by a band that plays religious music.
  • On Good Friday people read the charges that were pressed Jesus with before he was crucified.
  • The music is very solemn and the music that they play during the processions mean something different to everyone.
  • Usually they start the music early and everyone is gathered to see the processions.
  1. Conclusion Paragraph:
  • Restate the thesis: This holiday is very big and has several processions, parades, and music/costumes.
  • Summarize the 3 reasons:The floats are extraordinary the way they are arranged and carried. The “alfombras are made with pride and joy by different people. The music is very moving and has a meaning while they march down the streets after the floats.
  • Concluding sentence/Final thought: I would someday like to go to Antigua, Guatemala to celebrate Holy Week, and to see how they do it, because Guatemala was where I was born. I would love to see all the carpets, music, and floats if I ever get the chance.