UnitFour_ReviewBook

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
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Inquiry Unit Four
Writing: Formatting, Parts to a Paragraph, Editing

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Dear Learners:
Helpful Tips
Notes
Inquiry Unit Four Knowledge Review
Paragraph Purpose
Organization and Focus
Focus
Keys to Stay Focused:
Topic Sentence
Supporting Details
Conclusion Sentence
To end a paragraph a writer needs a conclusion sentence. A conclusion sentence
summarizes the main idea by restating or rephrasing the topic sentence.
Details
Stretch a Sentence
Giving Your Opinion
Using Your Own Words: Chapter Summary (Problem & Solution)
Editing and Revision
Differences Between Editing and Revision
Grammar & Vocabulary Definitions
Notes
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Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Dear Learners:
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Unit Three Review book highlighted the fundamental principles of organization,
sentence structures, importance of reading, and why habitual writing is necessary to
improve writing skills.
You will continue to grow as a competent writer as you work through Unit Four Review Book.
Growing as a writer means using the knowledge you have learned to advance your writing skills.
This review book will add to the development of skills focused on writing complete paragraphs,
and organizing sentences in the paragraph in a logical way.
A paragraph is a collection of sentences connected through a topic. Read the following
paragraph. What is the topic of the paragraph?
Owning a puppy has many advantages. Although puppies are similar to taking care of a child,
puppies can bring their owners a lot of happiness. It is said that a dog is man’s best friend, and
in many ways this is true because dogs are very loyal. Dealing with a puppy can be difficult
while you are bathroom training them, but after bathroom training is over the best part of
owning a dog begins.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
If you recognized that the topic was the underlined sentence then you are correct!
Owning a puppy has many advantages. Although puppies are similar to taking care of a child,
puppies can bring their owners a lot of happiness. It is said that a dog is man’s best friend, and
in many ways this is true because dogs are very loyal. Dealing with a puppy can be difficult
while you are bathroom training them, but after bathroom training is over the best part of
owning a dog begins.
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If you believed the topic was something different, this review book will explain every part
required to create a clear and understandable paragraph - Like Pieces to a Puzzle!
As you read the paragraph, did you notice the grammar? What tense was used? __________
Did you notice sentence structures? Simple? Complex? Compound? Compound-Complex?
Owning a puppy has many advantages. Although puppies are similar to taking care of a child,
puppies can bring their owners a lot of happiness. It is said that a dog is man’s best friend, and
in many ways this is true because dogs are very loyal. Dealing with a puppy can be difficult
while you are bathroom training them, but after bathroom training is over the best part of
owning a dog begins.
Can you list the coordinating conjunctions?
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Can you list the subordinating conjunctions?
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Were the sentences easy for you to understand? Did you notice correct use of punctuation?

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Your goal as a writer should be to present your ideas or convey a
message as clearly as possible for the reader.
➔ The first step in presenting your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs when
writing is to have a clear understanding of parts to a paragraph.
➔ The second step is to organize your sentences and decide how
you want to explain your topic.
➔ The third step requires using what you've learned about grammar, vocabulary, and basic
sentence structures to write your sentences in an understandable way.
Inquiry Unit Four will focus on the steps you need to take to understand parts to a paragraph,
organize your sentences, and write higher level and logical sentences. Additionally, Inquiry Unit
Four will provide tips to embrace the editing and revision process.

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This workbook is to help you improve your writing skills. Printing the workbook,
reviewing the structural points, practicing the writing, and organizing your ideas will assist
with successful completion of Inquiry Unit Four. You will see:
➢ Organization - This section will allow learners to review the points discussed in
Inquiry Unit Three and practice some of the basic skills required when writing
organized paragraphs
➢ Knowledge Checks - will give you the opportunity to practice writing and verify
your understanding. Reminder: You will NOT become a better writer if you do not
write!
➢ Keynotes - will assist learners with study tips and ways to remember specific skills
Helpful Tips
· Keep all your writing drafts and brainstorms together in an online folder because this
will help you remember the hard work you have done, and the steps you have taken to
become a better writer
· If you’re having trouble use the discussion forums or ask to speak with an instructor
· Spend a lot of time on the early stages of building writing skills: understanding structure
and formatting, organizing ideas, and focus on improving. Do NOT focus on perfection
· Participate in discussions or create discussions that will assist with answering questions.
You can comment or create new discussions as often as you’d like! :)

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Notes
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Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
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Inquiry Unit Four Knowledge Review
Succeed In:
❏ Identifying parts to a paragraph
❏ Recalling grammatical, punctuation, and capitalization rules
❏ Developing detailed and organized sentences
❏ Understanding the importance of editing and revision

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Paragraph Purpose
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What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a collection of sentences connected through a single topic.
Paragraph Purpose
The goal of a paragraph is to explain a topic so that
the reader can have a clear understanding of the
writer's ideas, beliefs, or opinion. The starting point
for any paragraph works as a guide for readers to
reach the finish line, which is to understand the
main idea or topic of a paragraph.
A reader should understand from start to finish what
the writer is expressing. To successfully guide
readers to the finish line writers must have certain
elements to avoid confusion.
Elements to a Paragraph
The elements necessary to write a logical paragraph are: Focus, Organization, Logic, and
Completion
Focus: A paragraph is a collection of sentences; however, a paragraph should NOT have a
collection of random sentences.
I went to the store. Yesterday, the dog was very pretty in the park. When she called her
mom, she found out her dad was sick. The roller coaster was scary, and I like Chinese
food.
Instead of a collection of random sentences a paragraph should have a clear topic and a clear
answer to the question: What is the writer writing about?

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Organization: Inquiry Unit Two and Three explained the importance of organizing ideas using
outlines or mind maps. Organization assists with the development of sentences that are organized
from start to finish. Additionally, organization assists with the development of a logical
paragraph from start to finish.
Proper paragraph organization includes:
❏ Topic Sentence
❏ Supporting Details
❏ Closing Sentence
Connection: Sentences should connect to each other to improve meaning and understanding. If
sentences don't connect, it will leave the reader unable to answer the question: What is the writer
writing about?
The key to sentence connection is Focus and Organization.
Completion: A paragraph should have an ending. Similar to
running a race there is a starting point and a finish line. With
paragraph completion, there is a starting sentence and a finishing
sentence. Remember that a sentence is a group of words that
expresses a complete thought. A paragraph is a group of
sentences focused on a single topic that explains the details of a
complete thought.
The next section will review focus and organization.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Organization and Focus
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The definition of organization is an efficient and orderly approach to tasks. Also, it is the
structure or arrangement of related or connected items.
When developing stronger writing skills, a key component is developing the skill of
organization. Organization of sentences when writing paragraphs is a critical element of the
writing process because it ensures that your readers understand your message.
Focus
The definition of focus is the ability to concentrate or place particular
attention on one area of interest or activity.
As a writer, focus plays a significant role in ensuring your message is clearly
delivered to your readers. Focus allows you to choose the topic you want to expand on through
details that lead to effective sentences, and then to a precisely executed paragraph.

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Keys to Stay Focused:
1. Ask yourself questions:
What do I want to write about?
Why do I want to write about it?
What details will be important to my paragraph and topic?
2. Create a mind map or an outline to keep your details clear and connected to your topic
3. Edit details that are repetitive, not important, or do not assist with explaining your topic
Knowledge Check A. Choose a topic. Create a mind map or an outline. Add specific details to
the topic, and narrow the focus.
What do you want to write about?
__________________________________________________
Why do you want to write about it?
_________________________________________________
What details will be important to the paragraph and topic?
____________________________________________________________________________
Mind map or Outline

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Writing: Paragraph Organization
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Paragraph organization?
Writing a logical paragraph requires five necessary parts to deliver a writer's message clearly.
These parts are:
❏ Topic Sentence
❏ Supporting Details
❏ Conclusion Sentence
Without these key parts or pieces to a sentence puzzle a paragraph will not
be coherent and understandable to the reader.
Topic Sentence
A paragraph begins with a topic sentence. A topic sentence includes a
controlling idea, which explains to the reader the writer's opinion or the
purpose of their paragraph.
Topic Sentence:
Thailand is an amazing country to visit because of it’s numerous animal sanctuaries.
The above topic sentence allows the reader to identify what the paragraph will be about -
Animal Sanctuaries in Thailand.
Also, you may notice that a topic sentence will explain if the paragraph will describe a positive
or a negative situation by paying attention to adjectives.
Topic Sentence:
Thailand is an amazing country to visit because of it’s numerous animal sanctuaries.
Topic Sentence:
The road trip to Arizona was devastating.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Knowledge Check. Write a topic sentence with a controlling idea for each topic.
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Books
Travel
Buying a Car
Adopting a
pet
Drinking
coffee
Knowledge Check B. Return to Knowledge Check A (pg. 12). Use the topic you wrote on your
mind map or outline and write a topic sentence with a controlling idea.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Supporting Details
During the brainstorming stage of the writing process, writers create mind maps or outlines to
narrow their focus on a topic and the details to support the chosen topic.
Supporting details are usually three or more supporting sentences connected to your topic
sentence. Supporting details explain your topic, give a clearer understanding of the purpose of
the paragraph, and come after the topic sentence.
Remember: The importance of organization is to provide a clear
understanding to readers. You must decide if your sentences will be
organized based on chronology (1,2,3); if so, you should use transition
words (e.g., first, second, last). If you explain details based on
importance or logic use transition words (e.g., In fact, Then,
Furthermore).

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Short List of Transition Words
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Agreement/Addition
first, second, third
furthermore
additionally
Limitation/Contradiction
on the other hand
on the contrary
Examples/Support
specifically
surprisingly
significantly
particularly
Organization Supporting Ideas
Logical - Cause and Effect
● A must happen so that B can happen
She brushed her teeth, and then her breath stopped smelling like garlic.
Chronological
● Ideas are written based on time, or first to last.
First, she ate pizza with garlic. Second, she brushed her teeth.
●
Climatic Order
Ideas are written with the most important event last, or at the climax.
She ate pizza with garlic, then she brushed her teeth so her breath would stop
smelling like garlic because her boyfriend was coming over to take her on a date.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Paragraph Example:
I decided to travel to Costa Rica for my vacation last year. I was very excited, but
I realized that I needed to properly prepare my trip to avoid rushing or forgetting
something important, like my passport. First, I laid out the clothes I wanted to
wear during the trip. In the event that I wanted to go to the beach, I made sure to
pack my bathing suit and a beach towel because often hotels will overcharge
customers for beach towels. Finally, I packed my purse, ensuring my wallet;
passport, phone chargers, and books were inside to prevent myself from
forgetting these items later.
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Organization will allow writers to write a paragraph that is easy
to understand and guides the reader from start to finish. To
successfully guide readers, writers must connect details to the
topic, and sentences should have a clear connection to each
other.
Knowledge Check C. Return to Knowledge Check A. Use the topic sentence to begin your
paragraph. Use the details you wrote in Knowledge Check B on your mind map or outline and
write logical sentences that connect to the topic. Use transition words when necessary.
Keynote: Use the knowledge from Units One-Three to write logical sentences

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Conclusion Sentence
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To end a paragraph a writer needs a conclusion sentence. A conclusion sentence summarizes the
main idea by restating or rephrasing the topic sentence.
I decided to travel to Costa Rica for my vacation last year. I was very excited, but
I realized that I needed to properly prepare my trip to avoid rushing or forgetting
something important, like my passport. First, I laid out the clothes I wanted to
wear during the trip. In the event that I wanted to go to the beach, I made sure to
pack my bathing suit and a beach towel because often hotels will overcharge
customers for beach towels. Finally, I packed my purse, ensuring my wallet;
passport, phone chargers, and books were inside to prevent myself from
forgetting these items later. My decision to travel to Costa Rica was the best
one I ever made because I was organized before leaving for my trip.
Knowledge Check D. Return to Knowledge Check C. Add a conclusion sentence to your
paragraph. Submit your final paragraph to Assignment Unit 4.
The next section will review the importance of details

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Details
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The previous section explained the importance of organization and the key pieces necessary to
write a logical paragraph:
● Topic Sentence
● Supporting Details
● Conclusion Sentence
This section will focus on the importance of details when writing paragraphs. Have you ever
sat down to write a paragraph, essay, or other project and wondered if you had enough
details?
The following information will provide several tips on writing with details that will provide
readers with enough information about your topic. You will review:
1. How to Stretch a Sentence
2. Writing Opinions
3. Summarizing Problems and Solutions
Stretch a Sentence
You stretch a sentence or add details to a sentence by answering Wh- question words. Once these
questions are answered, you put the answers together to ensure your sentences include enough
details to create detailed paragraphs based upon your topic.
Who
Does What
When
Where
Why
Full Detailed
Sentence
My brother
Who? What? When? Where? Why
(You can also add How? questions)
Works at Disney
During the Summer months
In Anaheim California
He is a temporary graphic designer
My brother works at Disney during the summer months in Anaheim,
California because he is a temporary graphic designer.

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Knowledge Check. Write a detailed sentence based on one of the topics and your choice of
question words.
Topic
Choices
1. Fast Food
2. School
3. Homework
4. Pets
5. Movies
Full Sentence
Write About Yourself
➔ Practice giving more details
➔ Stretch Your Sentences
Write one paragraph about yourself. Use the WH- or How question word method to assist with
details. Have a Topic Sentence, Supporting Details, Conclusion Sentence.
What
Who
Where
When
Why
Combine sentences. Submit your completed paragraph to Unit 5 Writing Assignment 1

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Giving Your Opinion
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Giving your opinion when writing helps the reader understand why you feel, believe, or think the
way that you do. Adding your opinion to a paragraph in writing helps you stretch your sentences,
explains your ideas, and enhances what you have written.
Preparation
Think - What is the Topic?
What - What is your opinion of the topic?
Why - Why do you feel this way about the topic?
Support- Give reasons or examples why your opinion is important
Conclusion - Repeat your opinion (summarize)
Expressions to Use When Introducing Your Opinion
❏ In my opinion,
❏ If you ask me,
❏ My point of view is,
❏ What I think is,
❏ For me,
❏ I believe,
❏ I feel,
❏ I think,
Examples Using Opinion Expressions
1. In my opinion, New Zealand is a beautiful country ____
2. If you ask me, burritos are better than hamburgers_____
3. My point of view is everyone should travel _____
4. What I think is you should wait until you are ready to get married ___
5. For me I would rather be happy than rich______
6. I believe everyone is beautiful in their own way_____
7. I feel soccer players are very strong _____
8. I think people should respect each other no matter what they look like __

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Knowledge Check: Choose a topic. Practice giving your opinion on the topic. Use the steps you
have learned to write an effective paragraph. Use correct:
1. Grammar
2. Punctuation
3. Sentence Structures
4. Paragraph Organization
Topic:
Opinion:
Reason 1:
Reason 2:
Reason 3:
Conclusion (Summary):
Submit your paragraph to Unit 5_2 Writing Assignment

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Using Your Own Words: Chapter Summary (Problem & Solution)
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It is very important to practice using your own words when you write. When you write about
something you have read, or summarize a chapter, remember to use S/W/B/S/T.
Somebody
Wanted
But
So
Then
❏ Who is the person you want to write
about?
❏ What did they want?
❏ What was the problem that kept them
from getting what they wanted?
❏ How did they try to solve the
problem?
❏ How was the problem solved? Was the
problem solved?
Example
Susan wanted to go to a birthday party on
Friday night. She was very excited, but the
closer it got to the date of the party she
realized how tired she was. She called her
friend, the person having the party, and told
her that she was very tired because of working
overtime at work. Susan really wanted to go
to the party, she explained, but she was
extremely tired. Her friend got very angry and
hung up on Susan. Susan sat quietly, surprised
at her friend's reaction. She decided not to go
the party, and decided not to continue her
friendship with her friend.
Somebody: Susan
Wanted: to go to a birthday party
But: she was very tired
So: she called her friend to tell her
how tired she was
Then: her friend got angry. Susan
didn’t go to the party.
Now Let’s Use Our Own Words:
Susan had a bad experience with one of her friends. She wanted to go to a birthday party, but
she was very tired. So, she called her friend to tell her how tired she was. Then, her friend got
angry and Susan didn’t go to the party.
There are several reasons why you would use the summary solution method of Somebody,
Wanted, But, So, Then.

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You may want to explain a problem that happened to you or a problem with another person. To
ensure that you have enough details the Problem and Solution outline will help you organize
your thoughts and add the details necessary for the reader to understand.
Knowledge Check. Read the story.
Part 1: Read the Story
Nancy was 16 years old. She wanted to learn how to drive, but her parents were too busy to teach
her. Nancy asked her older sister to help her, but she didn't have any time either. Nancy was
frustrated. “I’m sure driving isn't even that hard," thought Nancy.
One night, she waited for everyone to go to bed. She sneaked downstairs, grabbed the car keys,
and went outside, because she had decided to teach herself to drive. Nancy turned the engine on.
She backed the car up slowly. Then, she pressed the gas pedal. She had no idea the car was that
fast. Nancy hit a small bump and pressed the brake. When she looked back, she saw a dark
shadow. Sadly she had run over her dog.
Knowledge Check. Complete the graph based on the story. Use your own words.
Somebody
Wanted
But
So
Then

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Knowledge Check. Write a summary about the story using the Problem and Solution method.
Add details. Add your opinion. Use paragraph organization. Use correct grammar.
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The next section will review editing and revision.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Editing and Revision
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The final steps in the writing process are editing and revision.
The last essential process of writing is reading your work, which leads to a writer's ability to
notice simple or major mistakes in the delivery of their message. When reviewing your work you
should:
1. Verify understanding of your message - Do you understand it?
If you don't understand your writing your readers will not understand it either.
2. Fix minor or major mistakes
3. Add or remove details that overburden your message, or need more clarification
Differences Between Editing and Revision
Editing focuses on fixing minor or major writing mistakes, such as:
❏ Spelling
❏ Grammar
❏ Punctuation
❏ Sentence Structures
Some programs like Google Documents will alert you of
simple spelling or sentence mistakes, but a writer can not
depend on this alone. Instead, a writer must create the habit
of reading their writing to identify any mistakes they missed
when they began writing.
Steps to Editing:
1. Read.
2. Ask yourself - Do I have a topic sentence? Do I have supporting details? Do I have a
conclusion sentence?
3. Check grammar - When are you writing about - past/present/future?
4. Check Sentence Structures - Compound, Complex
5. Check Capital Letters
6. Check Punctuation

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Knowledge Check. Read the paragraph. Make the necessary edits to improve the paragraph. Use
the paragraph-editing checklist to help you.
Valjean is a man. valjean need a money for food for his sister and sister's children. So, He was
a good man but he decide to steal bread for his sister's family. However, he was arested and
sent to the prison. Before this happened he was a good man but after this happened he
changed.

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My hobby is listening to music and watching movies. My favorite artists is Beyonce.
because she is very powerful and has charisma. My Favorit movie genre is Fantasy and
Mystery, so I love harry Potter and sherlock homes. My favorite movie star is denzel
Washington and Leonardo dicaprio. Because their acting is perfect, and their face is
gorgeous.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Revision
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Revision focuses on adding, removing or changing your message. To revise your writing you
can:
❏ Add new information
❏ Remove information
❏ Expand meaning with more details by stretching your sentence, adding opinions, or using
the problem solution outline
The revision process allows you to change how readers view your message. You can make your
message stronger through the process of revision. However, revision and editing take time; so
this means you will need to organize your writing time to include editing and revision practices.
Remember, these final steps will improve your writing for your final submission for academic,
secular or personal purposes.
Final Knowledge Check. Review your opinion paragraph (pg. 21). Follow the editing steps.
Follow the revision steps. Submit the Edited and Revised paragraph to U5_A3.

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
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You have successfully completed all of the units. You should have a stronger understanding
of the foundational principles of writing coherent sentences, which lead to well-structured
paragraphs. Reminder: You can retake the course as often as you need to ensure full
understanding. For a more in-depth writing program customized to your needs contact
englishskillbuilding@gmail.com

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Grammar & Vocabulary Definitions
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1. Adjective: Description of a noun (ex: pretty, funny, hot, fat)
2. Capitalization: Writing a word with an UPPERCASE letter
followed by lowercase letters
3. Clause: A sentence. May be dependent or independent
4. Complex Sentence: A dependent and independent clause connected
by subordinate conjunctions
5. Compound Sentence: Two independent clauses connected by
conjunctions
6. Concept Map: Visual organization of ideas and thoughts (also
known as a mind map)
7. Conjunctions: Words that connect two sentences - For, And, Nor,
But, Or, So, Yet
8. Dependent Clause: An incomplete sentence (also called fragment)
9. Gerund: A noun made from a verb by adding -ing (ex: read =
reading - Reading helps build vocabulary.)
10. Independent Clause: A complete sentence
11. Infinitive: Usually begins with To + verb (ex: I like to swim.)
12. Object: a noun that receives the action from the subject
13. Outline: List of ideas or thoughts in hierarchical (important to
least important) form
14. Predicate: Verb
15. Punctuation: Marks used to separate sentences or clarify
meaning
➔ Period =.
➔ Comma =,
➔ Exclamation Point =!
➔ Semicolon =;
16. Simple Sentence: group of words containing a (S)ubject and

Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
(V)erb expressing an idea
17. Verb: Action
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Skill Building 4 Adults: Writing
Notes
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