the podcast:
A STUDENT sits in an armchair. She has a newspaper on her lap.
STUDENT: Look! This is called a newspaper. They still exist! I actually like reading them better. I know, I know, I’m old school but I used to like watching my grandfather sit at the dining room table, reading the whole thing while he sipped his cup of coffee in the morning. He always let me read the funny pages.
STUDENT: No updates, though. Regardless, if it’s paper or a website, everyone reads the beginning of the article on the front page. But how many people actually turn the page to read the rest? News writers know that they need to introduce the main ideas at the beginning of the article, in the introduction. Hold on, let me give you an example.
STUDENT: Oh, here. A big winter storm caused major problems all day long for people in the Dayton area. Okay, that’s the introduction. Now, let’s see if the later sentences support the main ideas in the introduction.
STUDENT: It says here that there was more than a foot of snow. Yes, it supports the idea that there was a big winter storm. It also says that hundreds of people lost power and lots of drivers were stuck on roads. It sounds like it caused major problems all day long. A paragraph can also have an introduction. The introduction previews the ideas in the rest of the paragraph. Sometimes this is called a topic sentence. For example, let’s look at a paragraph from the editorial.
STUDENT: Ah, here. It starts with, there are two reasons we should build a nature center in our town. This lets the readers know that the rest of the paragraph will be about the reasons for the nature center. The next two sentences each give a different reason for the nature center. Got all of that? Good.
STUDENT: Hey, where are the funny pages?! Grandpa!
Fade to black and a copyright notice appears on screen, which reads:
Copyright 2020 Pearson Online and Blended Learning K–12 USA. All rights reserved.
THE END.
This text describes an episode of a podcast where a student is discussing the layout and content of a newspaper. She talks about the importance of a good introduction for an article or a paragraph, using the example of a story about a winter storm. She then moves on to the editorial section, discussing how the introduction or topic sentence sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph.
She uses the concept of the newspaper layout to explain ideas of topic coherence and content organization in written pieces. She discusses how most people typically read the front-page headlines or introductions, hence the necessity for writers to convey key messages upfront.
The podcast finishes off on a light-hearted note with her looking for the funny pages, a segment she used to read with her grandfather.
Please note that this text is marked by a copyright notice which indicates that any replication or modification without explicit authorization is prohibited. The copyright belongs to Pearson Online and Blended Learning, a universally recognized education services company.
Summarize the podcast
In the podcast, a student engagingly discusses the structure and importance of newspapers. She highlights how the introduction of an article is often the most read part, thus it should contain the main points of the story. She elaborates on this using an example of a weather report and an editorial piece. The student wraps up by nostalgically referring to reading the funny pages with her grandfather.
Define the following terms found in Lessons 1 and 2:
Informative Text -
Explanatory Text -
Introduction -
Topic Sentence-
Informative Text - This is a portion of nonfiction writing aimed at educating the readers by presenting facts and detailed information about a specific subject or topic.
Explanatory Text - This type of text contains detailed explanations or descriptions of a specific concept or topic. It aims at building understanding in the reader by breaking down complex ideas into simpler ones, and often includes cause and effect relationships or process sequences.
Introduction - In the context of writing, an introduction is the beginning portion of any piece of title, whether it is an essay, an article, or a book. It typically contains an opening statement, a brief overview of the main topic, and a preview of the points to be covered within the text.
Topic Sentence - A topic sentence is the sentence in a paragraph that introduces the main idea or theme to be discussed in the rest of the paragraph. It typically sets the tone for the paragraph and helps to organize the content.
Introduction 1
Our school is having a canned goods drive. Together with the local Kiwanis Club, our Sustainability Club is organizing the drive. They want to collect 2,000 cans in the next month. There are several ways that students can help.
Introduction 2
Did you know that 250 families in our town rely on the local Food Pantry for at least one meal a day? The Sustainability Club wants to help, and you can help, too. The club is holding a canned goods drive with a surprisingly challenging goal.
Writing an Introduction - On page 2 there are two examples of introductions. Read both, then critique both introductions by explaining which you believe is better and why.
While both introductions effectively communicate the theme of a canned goods drive at school, the introduction that is arguably better would be Introduction 2.
Introduction 1 is straightforward and provides a clear understanding of the purpose of the canned goods drive, including who is organizing it, the set goal, and mentions how students can contribute to the cause.
However, Introduction 2 has an emotional pull, providing a statistic that humanizes the issue and empathizes with local families who are relying on Food Pantry. This approach is likely to engage readers on a personal level, since it appeals more to their emotions and not just their sense of responsibility. The element of surprise in the goal also adds to making it a more compelling read. This edge in emotional appeal and engaging language gives Introduction 2, arguably, a better edge.
Across the nation, volunteer fire companies are finding it hard to stay open. A recent survey found that volunteer firefighter numbers for 2016 and 2017 are the lowest ever recorded. Local companies are closing or merging. The lack of available volunteers puts all of us at risk.
What is the topic of the informational text?
Why is that topic important?
How did the writer try to grab the reader’s attention?
The topic of the informational text is the nationwide decrease in volunteer firefighters, resulting in the closure or merging of local fire companies.
This topic is important because the reduced numbers of volunteer firefighters pose a significant risk to public safety. Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in responding to emergencies, and their decrease can impact the community's capability to deal with fires and other emergencies.
The writer grabbed the readers' attention by stating alarming facts and framing them in a way that highlights the potential risk to everyone. They open with a powerful statement about how volunteer fire companies are struggling to keep their operations going. They then cite a recent survey showing that the numbers of volunteer firefighters for 2016 and 2017 are the lowest ever, leading to the conclusion that this declining trend is impacting public safety.
Think of a topic in your community that concerns you. Think about why it matters to you. Then draft an introductory paragraph that follows all three rules in this lesson.
Make sure your paragraph reveals the topic or subject clearly. Include an explanation of why the topic or subject is important. Think of ways to make readers want to read more.
Introduction:
In our suburban community, one matter growing in significance is the alarming rate of deforestation due to recent housing development projects. Our densely wooded parks and preserves, known for their natural beauty and diverse wildlife, are rapidly diminishing. This issue strikes a personal chord as these same woods have always been a sanctuary for residents like us, a place to reconnect with nature and recharge amidst our busy routines. The loss of these environments affects not only the aesthetic beauty of our community but poses a direct threat to the habitats of our local wildlife. The importance of forest preservation to support biodiversity, climate regulation, and community wellbeing is undeniable. As we delve deeper into this issue, we hope to inspire a sense of urgency and responsibility among readers to participate in active conservation efforts, because saving our woods, ultimately, means saving our own future.
NARRATOR: Hi, this is Gabby, and you are listening to my podcast What’s Up with Waldo?
Waldo is my pet rat. He is incredibly smart and—thanks to me—well trained. I’m working on writing an explanatory essay about how to train a pet rat. An explanatory essay is a type of informative text. Like training a pet, writing an explanatory essay requires some planning.
An explanatory text is exactly what it sounds like: it’s an essay that explains how to do something. Usually, an explanatory essay focuses on the steps in a process. I want to write about how I train Waldo. For example,
Waldo will come when I call his name. I plan to start my essay by introducing myself—and Waldo—and my purpose for writing.
Next, I think about how to present the information in a logical way. I’m writing about a process, so the most logical way is to discuss the steps in the order that I do them. For example, in training a pet rat, the first step is to get your pet’s attention, which I do with treats and positive feedback. Yes!
Another way to help readers is to use formatting, such as headings, graphics, and multimedia. I think it makes sense to number my steps. I’ll also include photos that show what I do at each step in the training process with Waldo.
I want to end with a strong conclusion. In a conclusion, you sum up all the ideas you presented in your essay. You also can use your conclusion to make a final connection with your readers. In my case, I might encourage my audience members to consider adopting and training a pet rat of their own.
I reread my draft and make revisions. I make sure that I haven’t overlooked any steps in the process and that the steps are in a logical order. I also make sure that I use transitions to show connections between the steps, and I use language that is precise and accurate. Now I am ready to publish my essay!
Writing an explanatory essay takes some planning and some thought—but, like training the world’s smartest rat, it’s totally worth it! Thanks for listening, everybody!
Summarize the podcast
In the podcast "What’s Up with Waldo?", Gabby discusses her goal of writing an explanatory essay on how to train a pet rat, using her own pet rat, Waldo, as an example. She explains that an explanatory essay, a form of informative text, outlines step-by-step processes. She plans to organize her information logically, detailing the training process in the order she undertakes it, with the initial step being getting the pet rat's attention. Gabby also mentions the use of formatting elements like numbering her steps and using photos to substantiate each one. She concludes by stressing the importance of an impactful conclusion and thorough revisions to ensure accuracy before publishing. Gabby concludes the podcast by comparing writing an explanatory essay to training her clever rat - both are worth the effort.
Find an article in a local or online newspaper. Locate the introduction.
Is it as interesting as it could be? ________
Does it grab your attention?_____
Make sure that you new introduction both introduces the topic and tells why it is important:
Title: __________________________________________________________
Author: ________________________________________________________
Source: (Title of Newspaper/Magazine/Website) _______________________________________________________________
I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have direct access to current articles in local or online newspapers. Additionally, I am unable to browse the internet or provide real-time information. Therefore, I cannot fulfill your request to find and evaluate the introduction of a specific article.
However, I can guide you on how to identify the introduction in an article and suggest ways to make your own introduction more interesting or attention-grabbing. If you have a specific topic or article in mind, please provide the necessary details, and I'll be happy to assist you further.
Find an article in a local or online newspaper. Locate the introduction.
Is it as interesting as it could be? ________
Does it grab your attention?_____
Make sure that your new introduction both introduces the topic and tells why it is important:
Title: An Invasive Mosquito Threatens Catastrophe in Africa
Author: Stephanie Nolen
Source: (An Invasive Mosquito Threatens Catastrophe in Africa / New York Times)
I apologize for the confusion, but as an AI language model, my responses are generated based on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available data. I have not been directly trained on specific publishers or have access to proprietary publishers like the New York Times. Therefore, I don't have the ability to browse their articles or provide specific introductions or evaluations of them.
I can, however, provide general guidance on how to craft an introduction that introduces the topic and highlights its importance. If you have a specific topic in mind, please let me know, and I'll be more than happy to help you create an engaging introduction.
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
What is the purpose of an introduction?
What is a rhetorical question?
The purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph is to introduce the main idea or focus of that particular paragraph. It acts as a guide for the reader, informing them about the subject that will be discussed in the following sentences and helping to establish the overall organization and coherence of the paragraph.
The purpose of an introduction, in the context of writing, is to provide essential background information, capture the reader's attention, and present the main topic or thesis statement of the piece. It serves as the opening section that sets the stage and prepares the reader for what is to follow. Additionally, an introduction can give an overview of the content to be covered and establish the purpose or relevance of the writing.
A rhetorical question is a linguistic device used in writing or speaking that is designed to provoke thought or make a point, rather than seeking an answer. It is a question posed for its persuasive or dramatic effect, often used to engage the audience, emphasize a particular idea, or create intrigue. The purpose of a rhetorical question is to make readers or listeners actively reflect on a topic or consider a specific perspective.
Key Words:
Format -
Organizational Structure -
Summarize -
Logical -
Format -
Formatting Strategies
Format - The arrangement or structure of a document, including elements such as headings, subheadings, font styles, spacing, and alignment. It refers to the visual presentation and layout of the content.
Organizational Structure - The way information is organized and structured within a document or piece of writing. It refers to the logical arrangement of ideas, sections, or paragraphs to create a coherent and cohesive piece.
Summarize - To provide a concise and condensed overview of the main points or ideas in a text, presenting the key information in a brief and clear manner while omitting unnecessary details.
Logical - Following a reasonable and coherent sequence or order of ideas, information, or steps. It implies a methodical and rational approach, where connections between ideas are clear and consistent.
Formatting Strategies - The deliberate choices and techniques used to format or present information in a document. It involves selecting appropriate fonts, styles, headings, bullet points, numbering, spacing, and visual elements to enhance readability and organization. Formatting strategies can also include the use of visual aids like tables, graphs, or images to convey information effectively.