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Contacting Ms. Berger

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Dear Parents,

I would like to explain the expectations for writing in the junior high.  In the sixth grade I introduce the students to the five paragraph formula.  It is to be the format for their writing assignments through the duration of the junior high (there are a few exceptions in which I will ask for a singular paragraph, poem, or short story that do not follow the formula).  Each paragraph is at least five sentences (yes, it can be more).

The five paragraph formula is as follows.

First Paragraph - Introduction
The introduction begins with a topic sentence that is a broad idea.  Through the next three sentences the topic is narrowed to something specific.  The last sentence is called the thesis.  It is an opinion statement on the specific topic.  The introduction makes the reader want to read the rest of the paper.

Paragraph 2-4 - Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs begin with topic sentences that relate to the thesis.  They contain three sentences to support the topic sentence.  The last sentence is a connecting sentence leading to the next paragraph or a concluding statement.   The function of the body paragraphs is to prove the thesis.  You prove your opinion with facts; therefore, the body paragraphs are all factual and contain no opinions.

Paragraph 5 - Conclusion
The first sentence of the conclusion restates (not repeats) the thesis.  The next three sentences summarize the body paragraphs.  No new information appears in the conclusion.  The last sentence is a WOW statement that leaves the reader remembering the paper.  

Most papers do not have to be typed.  They can be submitted in legible cursive penned in blue or black ink.  If papers are typed, they must be 12 pt. font, double spaced, black ink only, “normal” (use the default) type setting, with one inch margins.  I do require all research papers to be typed.  I will go over this in detail with the introduction to research papers for the 6^th graders.

I also ask that students no longer use “I” statements. This means they cannot use I, me, my, or mine.  For example, do not write, “I think border collies are the best dogs.”  Simply state, “Border collies are the best dogs.” *The exception to this is when they write a personal narrative, obviously “I” statements would be appropriate in this form of writing.  

Finally, I have a list of words that the students cannot use in their papers.  We learn 600 new vocabulary words each year; they need to start using those words.  To that effect, the words which are forbidden are: get, got, getting, gotten, nice, and cool.   

Sincerely,

Ms. Megan Berger
6th / 7th / 8th Grade Teacher, English
St. Martha School