Unit 2 – Writing Assignment Notes/Directions This writing assignment consists of two paragraphs. The first paragraph will be a summary of the passage “Rice for Thanksgiving” and the second paragraph will express your opinion about an idea connected to the paragraph (ex. holidays, families, Thanksgiving, different cultures, etc.) Summary Paragraph (what the author said) Topic Sent.: -should be a complete sentence -should provide source information for the passage -should provide the topic of the passage -Ex. In “Birds Eat Seeds”, Terra Smith explained bird behaviors. Supporting Sent.: -use trans. words as appropriate -should be key ideas from the passage (roughly 1 per paragraph or section) -should only be what author said -should avoid any interpretation or addition of personal opinions Concluding Sent.: -simple conclusion for paragraph -include purpose for writing (see unit 1) Response Paragraph (what you think) Thesis: -should be complete sentence -should express simple opinion about idea related to passage -should avoid announcements and belief statements -Ex. It is important for families to spend time together during special holidays. OR Families can celebrate Thanksgiving with foods other than turkey. Supporting Sent.: -should use trans. words between ideas -should clearly explain reasoning -should connect to thesis Conclusion: -should be complete sentence -simple conclusion for paragraph