Literature

Writing Models For models

and other writing activities, go to

http://www.glencoe.com.

WRITING WORKSHOP PART 1

Get Organized

Now it’s time to organize all of your ideas and notes into an order that

makes sense to you and your readers.

1. Consider the main idea and what you want to say about your topic.
   Write a thesis statement—a sentence or two that tells the main idea
   or states what you want to show, prove, or explain.

People are responsible for declining manatee populations.

2. Begin creating an outline by listing at least three main points that you
   want to make in your report. All of these points should support your
   thesis statement. Plan to show causes and effects.


3. Sort your note cards into piles according to the main idea of the cards.
   Make one pile for each main point.


4. Then sort the piles into notes about the main point and notes about the
   supporting details. Set aside any notes that aren’t related to your points.


5. Complete your outline by adding details from your note cards.

This beginning of an outline shows how a thesis statement and the parts of

an outline fit together.

Thesis Statement: People are responsible for declining

manatee populations.

I. Introduction

II. Causes of Manatee Deaths

A. Boats

1. manatees must breathe at the surface


2. they’re slow swimmers


3. they probably can’t hear boats
   B. Floodgates and canals


4. manatees get sucked in and can’t breathe


5. they get caught between the gates
   C. Objects that pollute the water


6. manatees get cut by fishing line and the
   cuts get infected


7. they choke on fishing hooks and garbage
   III. What people can do

Writing Tip

Use Technology You may
want to use a computer to
make your outline and draft
your report. The cut-and-paste
feature will allow you to easily
reorganize your outline and
revise, edit, and format your
report.

554 UNIT 5 Is Progress Always Good?