Writing an Essay: Eco-Critter Paragraphs

An essay is a short piece of writing.

An essay has at least 5 paragraphs.
An essay must be about a topic.
An essay has a plan, a rough draft, and an edited final copy.

For this writing project, you will write an essay about your critter. We have already talked about form and
function and you have already created your critters. Writing this essay allows you to share your critters with
students at Reed College. Your essay must be at least 5 paragraphs long. This writing project has several
steps.
Step #1: Planning your writing - The topic of this essay is your critter. For this essay, I will
guide you toward the main idea of each paragraph.
Paragraph #1 = Introducing Your Critter
* What is your critters name? Why is your critter named that?
* What ecosystem does your critter live in? What is it like there?
You must use a web to plan this paragraph. We have practiced using a web in class.
Paragraphs #2, #3, #4, #5 = Explaining How Your Critters Form Fits its Functions
Choose four specific forms that your critter has (or groups of forms) and explain the function
of each. You must use a web to plan your writing. Your web must have
at least four main ideas with supporting details. Your main ideas must be organized. Use
numbers to show which main idea comes first, second, third, and so on.
Another aspect of this writing project is to research your chosen ecosystem. For each paragraph, you
must weave in at least two facts that you pulled from credible sources.
Step #2: Kid to Kid Planning Conference - When your plan is completed, please meet with
another kid to explain your plan and add details to your plan.
Step #3: Conferencing - When you complete your Kid to Kid Conference, sign up for a
conference with Mr. Mark. You must explain your plan before you can begin your rough draft.
Step #4: Writing a Rough Draft - After your plan has been checked, you may begin writing
your rough draft on your Chromebook. Follow the plan that you made in step #1. You must write at least 5
paragraphs. Each paragraph must have a main idea with supporting details. (A paragraph is about 5
sentences long.) When your rough draft is completed, please use the Editing & Revising Checklist that we
created to independently make changes to your writing.
Step #5: Kid to Kid Revising Conference - Next, please work with another kid and use the
Editing & Revising Checklist that we created to make changes to your writing.
Step #6: Conferencing - When you complete your Kid to Kid Conference, sign up for a
conference with Mr. Mark. We will see if your writing matches your plan. We will check to see if you have
at least 5 paragraphs. We will check to see if each paragraph has supporting details.
Step #7: Final Copy Use your conference feedback to revise and edit your rough draft to create
your final copy. Be sure to give your essay a title.
This essay is due on Friday, November 21st