Note: This is the “A la-Carte” version of Perfect Paragraphs.

“A la-Carte”
products are available under separate covers for each of three writing levels,
as are two volumes of sentencing activities. If you prefer to purchase the
complete year-long writing program in one inexpensive and easy-to-use
package, visit the Mackowiecki Lewis store at TeachersPayTeachers or my
webpage at MackLewis.com. Thanks!

© 2018 by Mack Lewis, All Rights Reserved

Originally published by Scholastic Professional Books,
New York, NY, © 2009 by Mack Lewis

The original purchaser is licensed to print and use

one class set per year for use in his or her own classroom.
Thank you for respecting copyright!

For additional information visit MackLewis.com.

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Super Sentences & Perfect Paragraphs Vol. 1 Page 5 of 24
 Introduction to Super Sentences & Perfect Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . .4
Perfect Paragraph Instructional Basics ..........5
Example Scope & Sequence Charts ..........7

Teachers, be sure Basic Paragraph Paste-ups:

to read “Perfect Descriptive: My Crazy Cat .............. 9
Paragraph Narrative: A Vacation Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Instructional Expository: Killer Snake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Basics” before Imaginative: Horatio the Hornet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
introducing these Persuasive: No More Broccoli . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
to your kiddos! Review: Diary of a Spider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Basic Paragraph Re-writes:

Descriptive: Thankful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Narrative: The Worst Sick Day Ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Expository: How to Make a Sandwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Imaginative: A Quick Trip to Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Persuasive: More Time Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Review: Runny Babbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Paragraphing Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Paragraphing Answer Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Woohoo!
There’s an
answer key!

© 2018 MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Page 3 of 24
When it comes to teaching middle grade Because I use these activities with my own
students how to write, Super Sentences & students, I know kids enjoy them. In fact, those
Perfect Paragraphs is as straight-forward as it who’ve used my approach say Super Sentences
gets. Super Sentences (available separately as is often the best 20 minutes of their day.
an “a la-Cart” product) provides daily writing (That’s right—just 20 minutes!)
practice in which kids focus on the foundation
of all good writing: the sentence. Meanwhile, Consider how frequently the sentence, “It was
Perfect Paragraphs provides a different color- fun,” mars a child’s essay, or how often a weak
coded paragraphing lesson for each week of command of punctuation results in a
the school year (though you needn’t do one “peppering” of stray marks. This typically
every week). This approach, which got its start points to a lack of emphasis or a boring, text-
in Scholastic’s Storyworks magazine, gives book approach to grammar. SSPP makes it easy
students practice working with standard for teachers to deliver engaging, daily lessons
structures in each of six modes, as well as the on writing great sentences about any subject.
prompts and “templates” to craft their own Furthermore, this approach gets at different
paragraphs. Add to that six multi-paragraph kinds of sentences including compounds,
writing tasks, and you’ve got an entire dialogue, exclamations, series, and many more.
writing program. No need for text books, To further support each lesson, I’ve even
software licenses, or burdensome teacher included a weekly Word Wall idea that will
editions! It’s all right here in one efficient and reinforce your kiddos’ language skills and build
easy-to-use package. Even if you’re required to their vocabulary.
cover other topics, your kids will benefit from
the terminology, methodology, and templates. I recall years ago reading in a teacher’s guide
from Storyworks a recommendation that said,
The lessons are not grade-level specific. The “If you want your students to be strong writers,
paragraphing activities range from “basic,” have them write every day.” Every day? I
which are appropriate for 3rd and 4th graders, thought. But writing is one of the most difficult
through “advanced,” which are geared toward and time-consuming subjects to teach! It
4th-7th graders. Furthermore, SSPP addresses all requires lots of one-on-one conferencing, a ton
the Common Core Standards for Writing and of patience, and most of all, more time to
Language in the middle grades. assess! Every day seemed like an impossible
goal! That became the impetus for Super
The reproducible lessons in Super Sentences Sentences & Perfect Paragraphs: purposeful,
help kids become accurate, thoughtful writers, enjoyable, and effective writing lessons that are
not just on standardized tests, but in the real truly an everyday reality. .
world (okay, maybe not on their phones).

Mack Lewis has been teaching the intermediate grades in Central Point, Oregon, since 1993. His
classroom plays, such as “Sitting Down for Doctor King” and “The Daring Escape of Henry Box
Brown,” have been frequently featured in Scholastic’s Storyworks and Scope magazines. He’s also
the author of Read Aloud Plays: Classic Short Stories, which is available through Scholastic
Teaching Resources. You can contact Mack at [email protected] and via his blogs at
MackLewis.com and ReadAloudPlays.com.

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 4 of 24
The reproducible paragraph pages appearing here are designed for “beginning” writers at the 2 nd
through 4th grade levels. Each contains a lesson for a given mode (descriptive, narrative, expository,
imaginative, and persuasive, plus a book review). Each has a sequencing activity and a matching
prompt for the student to write his or her own “perfect paragraph.” Some are “cut & paste”
activities to be used with the reproducible template appearing on page 21.

The sequencing activities can be completed as seatwork or by using direct instruction techniques,
either in lieu of the reproducible, such as when introducing the first lesson of a series, or as a whole-
group post-completion correcting activity. Simply pre-write the sentences on sheets of 3 x 18” tag
board and then have the group sequence them using a pocket chart or bulletin board. Post a small
colored card to the left of each sentence to color-code (which brain research suggests is helpful).

Discuss what makes a sentence a detail as opposed to a supporting sentence. What “word clues”
help identify the sequence? Talk freely about what the students like and dislike about the sample
paragraphs. Are there boring words? Are there phrases that could be improved upon? Are there
clichés? In the Intermediate Paragraph Paste-up activities (a separate a la-Carte item), an extra,
unnecessary sentence is included. Have the students discuss why it doesn’t belong.

Perfect Paragraph activities make purposeful writing a manageable and enjoyable part of the daily
schedule. The reproducible sequencing activities may take older students just a few minutes, while
younger students will likely need more time. My students generally follow this schedule:
Day One: Students complete the sequencing activity (as seatwork).
Day Two: Correct it as a class (using direct instruction as described above) and discuss the
writing prompt. Students write their own rough drafts.
Day Three: Students edit, revise, and create their final drafts.
Days Four: Students share, post (such as on a class website), and evaluate.
As my students become more advanced, I often combine Day One with Two and Day Three with
Four. It’s also not unrealistic for students to complete the entire process—from the sequencing
activity to posting and evaluating their own final drafts—in one class session, especially when
advanced students are using the Basic and first set of Intermediate lessons.

Have your students color code both the sequencing activities and their rough drafts. Not only will
they become better able to distinguish between topics, events, and details, but they’ll also train
themselves to look closely at individual sentences for meaning, conventions, and word choice. The
color-coding pattern used here matches that of Scholastic’s Storyworks. However, you can adjust
the coding to match any similar program you or your school might have already adopted simply by
© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 5 of 24
“whiting out” the colors listed on each reproducible and writing in those that meet your needs.
Consistency is key. As students use this program, “blue sentence” will take on a specific meaning.
Don’t confuse them by changing colors from one program to the next.

Have students complete their paste-up activities—and occasionally their re-writes—on template #1.
Intermediate template #2 has also been included with this package. Students will also benefit from
using the templates to create their rough drafts. Additional templates are available in the
intermediate and advanced a la-Carte versions, while five templates appear in the full version. Once
students master these, they can create their own templates on 12x18” white construction paper,
which can be folded and used as writing folders. In this way student begin developing their own
style, creating paragraph structures that have more supporting sentences, varied numbers of detail
sentences, and transitions into additional paragraphs.

The benefits of having kids write individual sentences in individual boxes on a template are many.
When students focus on individual sentences, they’re better able differentiate between events and
details, better able to recognize boring sentences such as “It was fun,” and better able to recognize
errors in conventions and sense. Peer editing, one box at a time, also tends to be more thorough.
Finally, student comprehension soars when you combine these templates with color-coding.

Note that supporting sentences can go by different names. You might call them “reason why
sentences” when they’re telling why the topic sentence is true, such as in a persuasive or descriptive
piece. Or you might call them “event sentences” when each is part of a sequence of events, such as
in the narrative or imaginative mode. No doubt, as you practice this process, you’ll land on
additional terminology that works for you and you students, but always identify each as a kind of
“supporting sentence” requiring consistent color coding.

To strengthen the connection between the color-coding and types of sentences, try including a
formula identification activity. Students simply write down the “code” for the properly sequenced
paragraph, such as TSDSDDSDC, with each letter representing Topic, Supporting, Detail, or
Concluding. The correct sequencing codes appear in the Answer Keys (pages 23-24).

Before Pablo developed his own unique style, he honed his craft imitating the work of others. The
Perfect Paragraph activities are based on this principal. By using the templates, color-coding, topics,
and examples in these lessons, you’ll be helping your students hone their craft so that the Picasso in
each of them can eventually break free.

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 6 of 24
 (15 to 20 minutes per day) (15 to 30 minutes per day)
. * Teacher introduces sentence structure * Teacher assigns paragraph sequencing
using the reproducible sheet. activity, such as “Basic Paragraph Re-
* Each student writes 1 sentence. write” reproducible.
* Teacher posts 2 or 3 sentences for * Students complete worksheet as
discussion, emphasizing “Learning seatwork.
from our mistakes.”
* Teacher selects student samples from * Teacher writes sentences from previous
previous day, focusing on common day’s lesson on 3 x 18” tagboard
errors and favorable traits, and sheets.
posts them for discussion. * Teacher uses direct instruction to
* Students draft new samples on the review, having the class correctly re-
back of the reproducible sheet. sequence the sentences.
* Teacher posts 2 or 3 new ones for * Class discusses why the correct order
discussion. makes sense, emphasizing the
structural components and word clues.
* Teacher repeats activities from * Teacher posts tagboard from Tuesday’s
Tuesday, again highlighting lesson where students can revisit it.
common errors and favorable traits * Teacher briefly reviews the lesson.
from student samples. * Students write rough drafts of their own
* Students draft new samples using using a reproducible template.
new topics. Emphasize one sentence per box.
* Teacher again posts 2 or 3 new ones * Students color-code their drafts.
for discussion.
* Teacher posts and reviews. * Students independently, with peer, or
* Each student drafts 1 new sentence with teacher edit and revise their
for formal evaluation in the test paragraphs one sentence at a time. If
section of the reproducible sheet. using a reproducible template, edit
* Teacher posts 1 or 2 sentences one box at a time.
anonymously, asking, “Does this * As time allows, student begin final
meet the standard for a sentence? drafts on notebook paper or
Why or why not?” computer.
. * Students “repair” their sentence tests * Students complete final drafts.
on back of test or on notebook * Students share and post, such as on
paper as per class standards. bulletin boards or classroom
* Students post corrected sentences on website.
classroom bulletin board or Teachers, these sequencing charts are
website. examples. You don’t have to do a paragraph
every week, nor a project every six. You
can adjust the sequence to suit your
needs.

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 7 of 24
 (15 to 20 minutes per day) (20 to 40 minute per days)
* Teacher introduces sentence structure * Teacher introduces project reproducible
using reproducible and accompanying template.
* Each student writes 1 sentence * Students contemplate and discuss, writ-
* Teacher posts 2 or 3 sentences for ing ideas on back of the project sheet.
discussion, emphasizing “Learning * Students draft their Topic Paragraph
from our mistakes.” on the designated template.
* During project weeks, the teacher * Teacher briefly reviews sentence types.
may wish to focus on sentences * Using the project reproducible as a
from the Writing Project. guide, students craft supporting
* Have each student select 1 sentence sentences for the first paragraph,
from their project each day, posting writing one sentence per box.
and discussing as with any Super * Students then add detail and transitional
Sentence. sentences, one box at a time.
* Students color-code the first paragraph.

* Teacher repeats activities from * As a review activity, Teacher posts a

Tuesday, again highlighting student-written paragraph on 3 x 18”
common errors and favorable traits tagboard sheets for discussion.
from student samples. * Students use the project reproducible
* Students select new samples. and template to draft and color-code
* Teacher again posts 2 or 3 new ones their 2nd & 3rd paragraphs, writing
for discussion. one sentence per box and beginning
with supporting sentences.
* During project weeks, teacher may * Teacher again posts a student-written
want to suspend formal eval- paragraph on 3 x 18” tagboard
uation, repeating Wednesday’s sheets and models the editing and
practice activities on Thursday. revising process.
* Students edit and revise their projects,
one box at a time, adding additional
sentences where desired.
* Students begin their final drafts.
. * During project weeks, teacher may * Students complete their final drafts on
wish to dedicate the time from notebook paper or computer.
Friday’s Super Sentence session to * Students share and post, such as on
completing the week’s writing bulletin boards or classroom
project. website.

Some teachers do a paragraph every other week and a project each quarter. Others like to
alternate, teaching sentences one week and paragraphing the next. You choose what works for you!

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 8 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form a
great descriptive paragraph. When finished, try writing your own Perfect
Paragraph describing a favorite pet or a pet you would like to have.

When he’s ready to pounce, they’re as big as dimes.

Another reason I like him is that he has crazy eyes.

One reason I like him is because he’s athletic.

My favorite pet is my cat, Buckley.

Cats like Buckley make life more enjoyable.

Yesterday he climbed the screen door all the way to the ceiling.

Here’s a hint: blue

supporting sentences
tell “reasons why.”

Basic Descriptive – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 9 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form a
great narrative paragraph. When finished, use template #1 to write your own
Perfect Paragraph about something you did during your vacation from school.

It turns out, strawberries aren’t so great for baking.

It was great having pie, but it was even better making it with
my friends.

We picked the berries behind Shelby’s house.

This summer Shelby and Cali came to my house and helped

me bake a blackberry pie.

We used the leftover dough to make a strawberry tart.

Shelby’s little brother ate more than he put in the bucket.

What’s this paragraph

about? Look for the
topic sentence that
says it.

Basic Narrative – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 10 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form a
great expository paragraph. When finished, try writing your own Perfect Paragraph
about a creature you find fascinating.

It is one of the deadliest snakes in the world.

In his book, Going Solo, Roald Dahl writes about the mamba.

The black mamba is a fascinating species of snake.

He tells how a mamba attacks his African gardener.

I hope I never meet a mamba.

Its venom is five times as poisonous as that of the king cobra.

Remember, every blue supporting sentence

has a green detail that goes with it,

Basic Expository – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 11 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form a
great imaginative paragraph. When finished, try making up your own silly short
story using the Perfect Paragraph formula.

Suddenly a giant blue net lifted him from the water and set him on
solid ground.
From then on, Horatio is one of the best pollinators around—but
he was a lot more careful about where he went to cool off.

At first the tiny droplets of water felt refreshing, but then his left
wing caught a wave and he was pulled in.

He heard a voice say, “These days we need all the pollinators we

can get--even hornets.”
When Horatio the Hornet was getting over-heated, he tried to
skim the surface of a swimming pool to get a drink.

Now all the water felt cold and heavy, and Horatio knew he was
doomed.

Sometimes it’s easiest to put the sentences in order BEFORE you cut them
out. Just write a number next to each box.

Basic Imaginative – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 12 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form a
great persuasive paragraph. When finished, try writing your own Perfect
Paragraph about a change you’d like to see in your school cafeteria.

Secondly, it’s good for you.

That’s why I think we should replace broccoli with something

kids actually want, such as powdered donuts.

There are some good reasons broccoli should be banned from the
school cafeteria.

What kid wants to eat anything that’s nutritious?

The last time I tried some I started chirping like a squirrel.

It may look like cute little trees, but it tastes like tree bark.

To find the supporting

sentences, look for
reasons the topic
sentence is true.

Basic Persuasive – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 13 of 24
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: The sentences below fit together to form a “Perfect Paragraph,” but
they’re all mixed up. Cut them out and paste them in the correct order to form
a well-written book review. When finished, try writing your own Perfect
Paragraph reviewing one of your favorite picture books.

It tells what life is like for a spider.

Diary of a Spider, by Doreen Cronin, is one of those hysterically

funny picture books kids of any age can enjoy.

They were taught to Stop, Drop, and Run!

This book will make you laugh out loud every time you read it.

My favorite part is when the spiders had a vacuum drill at school.

For example, spiders and flies aren’t supposed to get along, but in
this book, they’re best friends.

You don’t need to read Doreen’s

book to do this activity, but it’d
be a lot more fun if you did.

Basic Book Review – For use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 14 of 24
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph.”

When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic sentence,
blue=supporting sentences (each telling something for which you’re thankful),
green=detail sentences, red=concluding sentence.
Does “first of all”
 First of all, I’m thankful for my miniature poodle, Petunia. mean it’s the first
sentence or the first
 I’m also thankful for my BMX bike. reason why?
 When you count your blessings like this, it’s easy to feel happy.
 I’m thankful for many things.
 She plays with me after school and protects me all night.
 Without it I wouldn’t be able to ride to the store to buy Ding Dongs.

___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Now use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing template # 1 or #2 to
write your own paragraph describing things for which you’re thankful.
Basic Descriptive Re-write -- for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 15 of 24
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph.”

When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic sentence,
blue=supporting sentences (each telling an event in the story), green=detail
sentences, red=concluding sentence.
 My mom took me out of school and drove me to Doctor Bob.
 He said I had chicken pox, so I had to rub this slimy stuff all over my
body.
 I must have scratched for ten days straight, which is pretty awful if you
ask me.
 I was at school when little itchy bumps started popping up all over my
body.
 My worst sick day ever was when I was in second grade. Here’s a hint: everything
 My friend Katy started telling everyone I had zits. happens in one day except
for the conclusion.
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Now use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing template to write
your own narrative paragraph telling about a time you were sick, real or imagined.
Basic Narrative Re-write – for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 16 of 24
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph.”

When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic sentence,
blue=supporting sentences (each telling one of the steps), green=detail sentences,
red=concluding sentence.

 It’s pretty messy, so be prepared to do some washing up.

 There are probably more steps than that, but come on, who can’t make
a sandwich?
 Next, you stuff in your mouth.
 You can use marmalade instead of jelly, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
 Here’s how to make a great peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
 The first thing you do is take out some bread and slap on some PB & J.
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
That’s no way to
make a sandwich. You
___________________________________________
can write a better
“how-to” paragraph
___________________________________________
than that!
Now use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing
template to write your own “how-to” paragraph explaining how to do a simple task.
Basic Expository Re-write – for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 17 of 24
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph.”

When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic sentence,
blue=supporting sentences (each telling an event in the story), green=detail
sentences, red=concluding sentence.

 The landing was a bit rough, but the garbage can lid protected us.
 Believe it or not, my best friend Justin built a spaceship out of a
garbage can, a lawn mower engine, and a box of dynamite he found in
his dad’s shop.
 After looking around for a while, we found a Martian building a space
ship of his own.
Hint: look for
sentences pairs
 He flew us back to Earth just in time for science class.
that go together:
 It was a lot fancier than ours. a support and a
detail.
 We blasted into space and landed on Mars.
____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Now use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing template #1 or #2 to write your
own imaginative story about your own space adventure.
Basic Imaginative Re-write – for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 18 of 24
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph.”

When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic sentence,
blue=supporting sentences (each giving a reason why the topic sentence is true),
green=detail sentences, red=concluding sentence.

 First of all, experts say kids need more fresh air and exercise.
 I have a friend who got so sick of grammar lessons, he started chewing
a hole in his desk!
This one’s easy!
 I think breakfast is the most important meal of the day! The author used
 How are we going to get it if we never see the sun? introductory words
to identify the
 I believe kids need to spend more time outside. reasons.
 Like all us kids, he needs to get outdoors more often.
 Secondly, kids get a little crazy doing school work all the time.
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
What’s your opinion? Use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing
template to write your own persuasive paragraph explaining why kids should spend
more (or less) time outside (or inside).
Basic Persuasive Re-write – for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 19 of 24
 Hint: the sirst
fentence thows the
sitle!

Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Instructions: Unscramble the sentences so that they form a “Perfect Paragraph”

book review. When finished, color-code your sentences as follows: yellow=topic
sentence, blue=supporting sentences, green=detail sentences, red=concluding
sentence. Supporting sentences sometimes explain what makes the book enjoyable
and sometimes tell about an important or favorite event in the story.
 It’s about a group of animals that say things in a different sort of way.
 So, if you’d like to bead a great rook, try Runny Babbit!
 Runny Babbit is another silly book of poetry by Shel Silverstein.
 One of my favorite poems is “Runny’s Mancy Feal.”
 The waiter offers him crazy things like fickled pish and suna talad, but
all Runny asks for is one caw rarrot.
 They swap the first letter of key words, yet once you learn the lingo, the
stories still make sense.
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Now use the Perfect Paragraph formula and paragraph-writing template to write your own review
of a favorite book.
Basic Book Review Re-write – for use with Basic Paragraph Template #1

© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved Perfect Paragraphs “A la Carte” Basic Level Page 20 of 24
 Be sure to color-code your sentences when you’re all done.

Name: _________________________________________ Date: _______________

__________________________________________________________

(Yellow Topic Sentence: Tells the main idea)

(Blue Supporting Sentence #1: Gives a reason, example, or event to explain the topic)

(Green Detail Sentence: Gives a detail about the first supporting sentence)

(Blue Supporting Sentence #2: Gives another reason, example, or event to explain the topic)

(Green Detail Sentence: Gives a detail about the second supporting sentence)

(Red Conclusion Sentence: Repeats the main idea in different words)

© 2009 by Mack Lewis – All Rights Reserved MackLewis.com Super Sentences & Perfect Paragraphs
 Name:________________________________ Date: ________
The arrows show how sentences go
together. For example, each blue
must support the yellow above it.
The numbers show the order of the
sentences.
Yellow Topic Sentence
Blue Supporting Sentence Blue Supporting Sentence Blue Supporting Sentence
Green Detail Sentence Green Detail Sentence Green Detail Sentence
Write just one complete
sentence in each box.
© MackLewis.com ~ All Rights Reserved
Red Concluding Sentence
My Crazy Cat (Descriptive, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)
My favorite pet is my cat, Buckley. One reason I like him is because he’s athletic. Yesterday he climbed the
screen door all the way to the ceiling. Another reason I like him is that he has crazy eyes. When he’s ready to
pounce, they’re as big as dimes. Cats like Buckley make life more enjoyable.
A Vacation Memory (Narrative, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)
This summer Shelby and Cali came to my house and helped me bake a blackberry pie. We picked the
berries behind Shelby’s house. Shelby’s little brother ate more than he put in the bucket. We used the
leftover dough to make a strawberry tart. It turns out, strawberries aren’t so great for baking. It was great
having pie, but it was even better making it with my friends.

Killer Snake (Expository, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

The black mamba is a fascinating species of snake. It is one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Its
venom is five times as poisonous as that of the King cobra’s. In his book, Going Solo, Roald Dahl writes
about the mamba. He tells how a mamba attacks his African gardener. I hope I never meet a mamba.

Horatio the Hornet (Imaginative, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

When Horatio the Hornet was getting over-heated, he tried to skim the surface of a swimming pool
to get a drink. At first the tiny droplets of water felt refreshing, but then his left wing caught a wave and he
was pulled in. Now all the water felt cold and heavy, and Horatio knew he was doomed. Suddenly a giant
blue net lifted him from the water and set him on solid ground. He heard a voice say, “These days we need
all the pollinators we can get--even hornets.” From then on, Horatio is one of the best pollinators around—
but he was a lot more careful about where he went to cool off.
No More Broccoli (Persuasive, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)
There are some good reasons broccoli should be banned from the school cafeteria. It may look like
cute little trees, but it tastes like tree bark. The last time I tried some I started chirping like a squirrel.
Secondly, it’s good for you. What kid wants to eat anything that’s nutritious? That’s why I think we should
replace broccoli with something kids actually want, such as powdered donuts.
Diary of a Spider (Review, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)
Diary of a Spider, by Doreen Cronin, is one of those hysterically funny picture books kids of any age
can enjoy. It tells what life is like for a spider. For example, spiders and flies aren’t supposed to get along,
but in this book, they’re best friends. My favorite part is when the spiders had a vacuum drill at school.
They were taught to Stop, Drop, and Run! This book will make you laugh out loud every time you read it.

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Thankful (Descriptive, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)
I’m thankful for many things. First of all, I’m thankful for my miniature poodle, Petunia. She plays with me
after school and protects me all night. I’m also thankful for my BMX bike. Without it I wouldn’t be able to
ride to the store to buy Ding Dongs. When you count your blessings like this, it’s easy to feel happy.

My Worst Sick Day Ever (Narrative, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

My worst sick day ever was when I was in second grade. I was at school when little itchy bumps started
popping up all over my body. My friend Katy started telling everyone I had zits. My mom took me out of
school and drove me to Doctor Bob. He said I had chicken pox, so I had to rub this slimy stuff all over my
body. I must have scratched for ten days straight, which is pretty awful if you ask me.

How to Make a Sandwich (Expository, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

Here’s how to make a great peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The first thing you do is take out some bread
and slap on some PB and J. You can use marmalade instead of jelly, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Next,
you stuff in your mouth. It’s pretty messy, so be prepared to do some washing up. There are probably more
steps than that, but come on, who can’t make a sandwich?

A Quick Trip to Mars (Imaginative, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

Believe it or not, my best friend Justin built a spaceship out of a garbage can, a lawn mower engine, and a
box of dynamite he found in his dad’s shop. We blasted into space and landed on Mars. The landing was a
bit rough, but the garbage can lid protected us. After looking around for awhile, we found a Martian building
a space ship of his own. It was a lot fancier than ours. He flew us back to Earth just in time for science class.

More Time Outside (Persuasive, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

I believe kids need to spend more time outside. First of all, experts say kids need more fresh air and
exercise. How are we going to get it if we never see the sun? Secondly, kids get a little crazy doing school
work all the time. I have a friend who got so sick of grammar lessons, he started chewing a hole in his desk!
Like all us kids, he needs to get outdoors more often.

Runny Babbit (Review, 6 sentences, TSDSDC)

Runny Babbit is another silly book of poetry by Shel Silverstein. It’s about a group of animals that say things
in a different sort of way. They swap the first letter of key words, yet once you learn the lingo, the stories
still make sense. One of my favorite poems is “Runny’s Mancy Feal.” The waiter offers him crazy things
like fickled pish and suna talad, but all Runny asks for is one caw rarrot. So, if you’d like to bead a great
rook, try Runny Babbit!

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