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Composition Hints

The following items are part of the Grade 4 California Reading/Language Arts Content Standard number 1.2 (Create multiple-paragraph compositions):

a. Provide an introductory paragraph.

 

b. Establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence at or near the beginning of the first paragraph.

 

c. Include supporting paragraphs with simple facts, details, and explanations.

 

d. Conclude with a paragraph that summarizes the points.

 

e. Use correct indention.

Here is one model that you can use to write your composition:

Paragraph 1 - State your opinion clearly (Focus) "We would travel back in time to become Chinese prospectors in California in the 1850's" or "We would not be willing to travel back in time to become Chinese prospectors in California in the 1850's." List several (at least 3) reasons why you would be willing or not willing to travel back in time (Organization). Use the information that you found in your Internet searches to back up your reasons.

Paragraph 2 - State your first reason and back it up with material from your Internet research (Support/Elaboration).

Paragraph 3 - State your second reason and back it up with material from your Internet research (Support/Elaboration).

Paragraph 4 - State your third reason and back it up with material from your Internet research (Support/Elaboration).

Paragraph 5 - Summarize your findings here.