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Name: _________________________________ #:_____ Date: __________________________________ Period: _____ Section: WRITING

ICER Essay Notes TYPES OF WRITING IN 7TH GRADE

Types of Writing Goal/Purpose

Informational/ Expository Writing

Goal of expository/informational writing: To provide information about a given topic using evidence to support the information that is being provided *If you have a TDA (Text -Dependent Analysis), it will include information from a text to support your answer! Otherwise, the structure is very similar to informational/ expository writing.

Argumentative Writing

Goal of argumentative writing: To get reader to acknowledge that your argument is valid and deserves consideration; a counterclaim is provided to acknowledge an opposing viewpoint

Narrative Writing (Uses first person pronouns)

Goal of narrative writing: To tell a story; must include an introduction, plot (exposition, inciting incident/conflict, rising action, climax, resolution and perhaps a denouement when appropriate)

An Important Rule for Informational and Argumentative Writing Prompts:

Never use first or second person pronouns because you lose credibility!

First Person Pronouns Second Person Pronouns

I, me, my, mine, us, we, us, our, ours, etc.

“Never use Pronouns that Include Yourself!”

You, Your, Yours, You’re

“Never Talk to the Reader.”

** If an expository prompt asks about your life experience specifically, you can use first person pronouns. If not,

you must avoid first person pronouns in informational writing.

What Pronouns Can You Use for Informational/Expository and Argumentative Writing Prompts?

Third Person Pronouns

he/she, his/hers, him/her it/its, they/them/their/theirs

When can you use first and second person pronouns?

Use first person pronouns when writing a personal narrative or a first person narrative.

Use second person pronouns when writing a letter or e-mail or in dialogue between characters in a narrative.

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You must analyze different writing prompts to determine the type of writing!

Prompt Type of writing

What is a cave?

Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Provide one character trait for the main character. Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

What is your most prized posession? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

Should students wear school uniforms? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

What is the Sequoia National Park like? Informational/Expository

Argumentative

Narrative

PUNCTUATING TITLES

“QUOTATION MARKS” ITALICS (typed) or UNDERLINED (handwritten)

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

PUNCTUATION PRACTICE:

1. Song: ___________________________________ 6. Magazine article: ________________________________

2. Short story: ______________________________ 7. Newspaper: _____________________________________

3. Book: ___________________________________ 8.TV show: _______________________________________

4. Movie: __________________________________ 9. Chapter of book: ________________________________

5. Poem: ___________________________________

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WHAT IS ICER?

ICER is a ________________ to help your writing become more __________________ and __________________.

ICER Formula:

I = Intro Paragraph C = Citation E = Explanation of citation R = Restate the main idea

Examples of ICER setup:

One claim: I CE R How many paragraphs? _______

Two claims: I CE CE R How many paragraphs? _______

Three claims: I CE CE CE R How many paragraphs? _______

What does an ICER writing prompt look like? Here are a few examples.

Name two adjectives to describe the main character. Provide two detailed claims to support your answer and provide “evidence” to support your answer.

o Format: ____________________

What is the significance of the author’s use of figurative language? Provide three claims and provide “evidence” for each C.

o Format: ____________________

I = INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

What is the job of the I?

The job of the I is to_____________________ the reader to the topic and __________________ the question/prompt.

Components of the “I” paragraph (listed in order): First sentences: _______________________________________ (2-4 sentences)

Next sentence: _______________________________________

Final sentence: _______________________________________

The “I” is the first paragraph of your ICER essay. When you begin writing your I (introductory paragraph), you will need to keep the following in mind:

The I for the types of writing we’re discussing now is made up of an 0ne broad statement sentence and one

answer sentence.

Formulate the “Answer” in your head. *** If your answer is wrong, the entire essay is wrong!

Make sure your answer is correct and fully answers the question/prompt. Do not use the word because unless the question asks you how or why.

Credit the source (author and title). If they are not known, leave them out.

Follow the “answer recipe” to construct your answer. Write it on your organizer in the correct space.

Create a broad statement about the general topic.

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Broad Statement – Sentence ONE of your “I”

o This is a ___________________ ______________________ about your topic

Example: Should everyone own an in-ground swimming pool?

Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming.

Broad Statement Practice:

• What are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

• What are the top three deadly natural disasters?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

• What is the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer the question – Sentence TWO of your “I”

“Recipe” for your answer:

ANSWER = _________________________________ + ________________ + ___________________

+ _________________________________ + _____________________ and _____________________.

Important notes about your ANSWER:

Do not use the word “_________________” in your answer unless the question asks “_________?”

Examples of introductory elements: _________________________________________________________

Examples of joining elements: ______________________________________________________________

For should or should not questions – should = ______ should not = _____

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EXAMPLE 1:

Article: Summer Vacations Author: Iwanna Pool Question: Should everyone get an in-ground swimming pool? Answer: Should not

Example Intro paragraph: Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming. After reading the article

“Summer Vacations” by Iwanna Pool, it is obvious that everyone should not own an in-ground swimming pool.it

EXAMPLE 2:onumental amount of time and money to maintain.

Article: Summer Vacations Author: Iwanna Pool Question: Why shouldn’t everyone own an in-ground swimming pool? Answer: It takes a monumental amount of time and money to maintain.

Example Intro Paragraph: Summer is a time when people enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming. After reading the article

“Summer Vacations” by Iwanna Pool, it is obvious that everyone should not own an in-ground swimming pool because it takes a monumental amount of time and money to maintain.

EXAMPLE 3:

Poem: “The Highwayman” Author: Alfred Noyes Question: What is the mood of the poem? Answer: Mysterious

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 4:

Story: Rikki Tikki Tavi Author: Rudyard Kipling Question: Describe two characteristics of Rikki Tikki Tavi. Answer: Brave and loyal

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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PRACTICE 1 Question: What are the three most exciting vacation activities offered in Pennsylvania? Article: Visit Pennsylvania Author: Patty Smith Answer: hiking, biking, and camping

Broad statement: Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to visit for vacation.

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE 2 Question: What are three toppings to put on cupcakes? Article: Cupcakes Galore Author: Marcy Baker Answer: fondant, whipped icing and buttercream icing

Broad statement: There are many different types of garnishes to use on cupcakes.

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Using ICER in Your Other Classes!

You will be expected to use ICER in other classes. You can use ICER to respond to a movie or to discuss personal experiences.

What does your “answer/mini-thesis” look like if you are not using a text?

MOVIE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE

EXAMPLE 1: Answering a Prompt from a Movie Source

Question: What are the top three deadly natural disasters? Movie: Deadly Storms Author/Producer: None Answer: tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes Most storms are a frequent part of nature that cause minimal to no damage, but some storms can be extremely dangerous. According to the movie Deadly Storms, it’s evident that tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes are the top three deadly natural disasters.

Or Most storms are a frequent part of nature that cause minimal to no damage, but some storms can be extremely dangerous. After watching the movie Deadly Storms, it is clear that the top three deadly natural disasters are tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.

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EXAMPLE 2: Answering a Prompt about a Life Experience Question: What is the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school? Life experience Author: None Answer: freedom Broad statement: Middle school is extremely different from elementary school.

Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

I = INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH – REVIEW!

Components: 1. __________________________________________

a. Length: _____________________________

2. __________________________________________

a. Length: _____________________________

b. Credit _______________ and _______________ if available

c. Uses “answer recipe” :

_____________________________ + _______________ + ______________ +

____________________________ + ___________________ /____________________

d. Doesn’t include the word “_______________________” in your A unless the question

________________________________________________________________________.

I = INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH – PRACTICE!

Article: Steve Jobs was a low tech parent Author: Nick Bilton Question: Should kids’ use of electronic devices be monitored? Answer: Yes REMEMBER: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH = BROAD STATEMENT + ANSWER!

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_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

1st sentence:

Broad

statement

sentence

2nd

sentence:

Answer

sentence

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C = CITE

Job of the C= Provide a _________________________ or ________________________ that supports your answer/mini thesis! Rules for your “C” if you read a text:

1. Indent at each C. 2. Begin with an appropriate transition 3. Include a joining element 4. Include your quote in quotations

CITE = ______________________ , + ___________________________ + ______________________ ,

NOTICES:

There is a comma after the ___________________ and also after the ____________________________.

If you don’t put quotations around your quote, that is _______________________________!

Your quote must be taken ___________________________________ from the text!

Your quote must relate to your __________________ to the _________________. Otherwise, you’ll have nothing to explain!

Examples of transitions for the “C” – Examples of joining elements for the “C” –

“C” examples with a text: o To begin, according to the text, “Flamingos are pink because of the food they eat.” o Also, as noted by Pile, “The world would be a lot better if people could just be nice to one another!”

“C” examples without a text:

o First, one of the main differences between elementary school and middle school is freedom. o Additionally, good organizational skills are important for new seventh graders.

Rules for “C” if you didn’t read a text: 1. Indent at each C. 2. Begin with an appropriate transition 3. Include your example

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E = EXPLAIN

Things to remember!

o The C is ____________ to the E. They’re peanut butter and jelly! Don’t ever ______________________!

o Every C is followed by an ______! No exceptions! Together, a C and E make a _____________ paragraph!

o Your E must be at least __________________________________, but it should be more.

o The job of the E is to explain ________ and/or _______ the quote in the C _______________ the answer.

o Therefore, you must make sure you are making a _________________ between the “____” and the “____” in your “_____.”

o What do you do if you can’t make a connection between your “C” and your “E?” Or, you’ve realized that your “C” doesn’t support your “I?” _____________________________________!

o The E is written in _______________________________.

o In order to make the connection, you must decide how to start out your “E.”

You could start off with:

____________________________

____________________________

Or, just _________________________! (You don’t NEED a transition for your E.)

EXAMPLE

Question: How is middle school different from elementary school? List and explain one difference.

Middle school is very different from elementary school. Freedom is one of the biggest differences

between elementary school and middle school.

To begin, middle school students are given many freedoms because they are getting older and need

to learn how to be more responsible. For example, some of the freedoms given to middle school students

are changing classes without teacher guidance and choosing where to sit during lunch. Middle school

students are dismissed at the bell and can navigate the hallways on their own, but in elementary school,

students usually have to follow their teacher to the next class. Also, students in middle school can sit with a

friend at lunch; however, in elementary school students have to eat with their homeroom.

C

I

E

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PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER…

Article: Steve Jobs was a low tech parent Author: Nick Bilton Question: Should kids’ use of electronic devices be monitored? Answer: Yes

Most kids today spent a great deal of time on their technology. After reading “Steve jobs was a low tech parent” by Nick Bilton, it is clear that kids’ use of electronic devices should be monitored.

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C: Transition +

joining element + Quote (Pick one of the quotes from question #1 in your technology questions packet!)

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E: Then, explain

your quote in at least 2 sentences. How does that quote support your answer? Use your own words!

You’ll add this piece after you learn about the “R.” R: Begin with a

transition, re-state your answer in a different way. Then, re-state the main idea. Finally, end with a memorable ending sentence.

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R = RE-STATE IT!

Things to remember:

o The job of the R is to _______________ the answer/mini-thesis and _____________ the writing response!

o You’re not done until you add the R.

o The “R” in ICER is the wrap-up paragraph, which restates the ________________________ of your paper.

o _______________ your “R” paragraph.

o Start your “R” with a _________________ word or phrase !

– Examples: _______________________________________________________________________

o NEVER WRITE _________________________!!!!! You will receive a zero if you write that.

o Do NOT introduce any ________________________________ in your R! Components of your “R” paragraph:

SENTENCE 1: o Begin with a _______________ and direct the reader to your answer by ________________________ it

right away. Re-state your answer in a _______________ way and Include the same elements from your answer:

______________________ +____________ + _____________ + _______________________+ ________________

SENTENCE 2: Sum up the _____________________ in one sentence.

SENTENCE 3: End with a __________________ sentence.

o NEVER WRITE _________________________!!!!! You will receive a zero if you write that.

o Do NOT introduce any ________________________________ in your R!

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

Things to know:

o The “I” paragraph of an ARGUMENTATIVE writing piece has a different formula; there is on extra piece,

which is the ___________ _________.

– This is ____ to _____ sentences that help ____________________________________.

– The purpose of this component is… • To catch the attention and interest of the readers so that they want to read on • To reveal the topic of the paragraph/essay and perhaps the manner in which it will be

developed (compare/contrast, classification, definition, persuasive, etc.). • To set the tone of the writing: serious, humorous, sarcastic, etc.

– We will discuss these more in detail later in the year.

o But for now, just know that the formula for the “I” of an argumentative piece of writing is:

– _________________________ + _____________________________ + _____________________

____-____ sentences one sentence one sentence

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TEXT DEPENDENT ANALYSIS (TDA)

Things to know:

• TDA question vs. informative / explanatory question:

– What is the difference?

• TDA question will have a passage/reading to go along with it, which means you need to back up your answer with an example/quote from the text!

• Informative/explanatory prompt will NOT have a passage/reading to go along with it…NO EXAMPLE/QUOTE! You have to give information from your own brain!!! Also, you will begin with an attention grabber!

• You’ll get more instruction about TDA writing in reading class. We’ll also practice it later

this year.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

You can use ICER in ALL of your classes!

It is a writing structure to help you organize your ideas in a logical way.

When executed properly, it will help you clearly answer any given question.

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