Turning an Infographic Into a Paragraph Directions: Read the infographic about tardigrades. Then follow the steps below to write a persuasive paragraph arguing that the tardigrade would be a GREAT school mascot.
1
Write a sentence that states the central claim of your paragraph.
CLAIM
2
Look at each section of the infographic. In the boxes below, list information from each section that supports your claim
CUTE
FIERCE
ENDURING
NEARLY INDESTRUCTIBLE
A tardigrade mascot would be intimidating because tardigrades are tough creatures that can survive almost anywhere—even in boiling water! THE NUMBERS
YOU WRITE IT: “The Amazing Tardigrade,” page 32 September 2015
3
It’s time to start crafting your paragraph. Use a separate piece of paper and follow these guidelines:
Beginning: • Your first sentence should be a hook—that is, it should grab the audience’s attention and immediately interest them in your paragraph. Your hook can be a surprising fact, a compelling or amusing anecdote—anything that will immediately engage your listeners. • After your hook, present your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is a sentence that tells your reader what your paragraph is going to be about—in other words, your central idea. In argument writing, the thesis is where you make your claim and briefly state the reasons your claim is true.
Middle: • Explain to your readers why the tardigrade would make a great school mascot, using the information you wrote in Step 2.
End: • Conclude your paragraph with a strong sentence that will give your readers something to think about.
Writing Tips! • Use transition words and phrases so your ideas flow smoothly from one to the next. • Vary the lengths and structures of your sentences to keep your writing lively. • Make sure the information you are providing supports your central claim. • Read your first draft carefully. Is there anything you could express more clearly or in a more interesting way? Incorporate any changes into your second draft. Proofread your second draft, checking for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.