PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Smart Bridges
In this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, learn about engineering innovations that could help detect a bridge's structural weaknesses before they become dangerous. [5:21]
University of Washington
Guide to Writing Thesis Statements
These guidelines show how to write effective thesis statements with examples of effective and ineffective statements.
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: Character Credo Poems
Build your student's vocabulary, word choice and voice by asking them to write from the perspective of a particular character. Lesson plan incorporates the R.A.F.T.S. strategy: role, audience, format, topic and strong verb.
ACT360 Media
Writing Den: Paragraphs
How do you write a paragraph? Use this site to learn more about the different parts of a paragraph.
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School: Writing a Statement of Purpose
An excellent tip sheet for creating and perfecting a statement of purpose. Also includes information about thesis statements and examples.
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School: Creating Subtopic Headings
An excellent tip sheet on how to group information after brainstorming and prewriting.
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School: Research Topic Ideas
A comprehensive and in-depth list of possible topics and ideas for research papers from the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
Depaul University: Center for Urban Education: K Plus (Spanish) [Pdf]
Translated into Spanish, this graphic organizer can be used by student to collect facts about a topic. Students will collect information but record the "gold standard" of facts only.
![Florida Center for Reading Research: Expository Fact Strip [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/101726-6e9433c83ac2e2bbad9c1c7411098251.jpg?1661786954 "Florida Center for Reading Research: Expository Fact Strip [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida Center for Reading Research: Expository Fact Strip [Pdf]
A lesson plan in which students read a text and identify the topic and four facts presented within the text. Materials are included.
Other
Glendale College: Structure of the Five Paragraph Essay
This website from the Glendale Community College shows the structure of five paragraph essays and the elements within the paragraphs (motivator, thesis sentence, topic sentence, specific support, reworded thesis, clincher). Gives...
E Reading Worksheets
E Reading Worksheets: Reading Activities
An assortment of reading mini-projects are included on this site. Reading skills worksheets and differentiated reading activities are also included.
Other
Prezi: Main Idea and Supporting Details
Defines and provides examples of the main idea of a paragraph and also explores the meaning of key details.
University of California
Ucla: How to Narrow or Broaden Your Topic?
How do you narrow or broaden your research topic? Use this informative educational website to find out how to accomplish this goal.
Other
Research Project Guide: A Handbook for Teachers and Students
This resource provides guided research teaching units for all levels of learners.
Lumen Learning
Lumen: Rhetorical Reading: Rhetorical Context
This lesson focuses on rhetorical context including defining it, questions to ask to understand it, and how it can be useful to the reader and responder.
Quizlet
Quizlet: Main Idea, Main Idea Test
Terms associated with main idea are included on this assessment. This test assesses the following text feature terms: central idea, main idea, details, supporting details, summarizing, interesting detail, conclusion, topic, subject, and...
Quizlet
Quizlet: Main Idea, Main Idea Flashcards
Terms related to main idea are included in this review exercise. Interactive vocabulary flashcards are provided for the following words: main idea, central idea, interesting detail, subject, topic, support, supporting detail, theme, and...
Quizlet
Quizlet: Ccisd 4th Grade Main Idea Test
Reading comprehension terms (nonfiction) are included on this test. This test assesses the following words: topic, main idea, supporting details, summarizing, conclusion, point of view, author's perspective, author's purpose, details,...
Quizlet
Quizlet: Ccisd 4th Grade Main Idea Match
Reading comprehension terms (nonfiction) are included in this review "Match" game. Questions are provided for the following words: main idea, summarizing, point of view, summarizing, topic, support, conclusion, details, author's purpose,...
Quizlet
Quizlet: Ccisd 4th Grade Main Idea Flashcards
Reading strategy terms (nonfiction) are included in this review exercise. Flashcards are provided for the following words: topic, main idea, supporting details, summarizing, conclusion, point of view, author's perspective, author's...
Lumen Learning
Lumen: Boundless Communications: Finding and Selecting a Topic
This site provides five links to help students select a topic: The importance of choosing a good topic, your areas of expertise, your areas of interest, brainstorming, and scoping your topic.
![Florida Center for Reading Research: Exp. Text Structure: Detail Delight [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/509111-e5c1656174893ec0b13796fa102b33a6.jpg?1661786956 "Florida Center for Reading Research: Exp. Text Structure: Detail Delight [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida Center for Reading Research: Exp. Text Structure: Detail Delight [Pdf]
A lesson plan in which learners read a text use a graphic organizer to record the topic and supporting details. Materials are included.
Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets: How to Read Nonfiction Text
Kids love to read about real people, places, and events. Nonfiction books present real information in engaging and interesting ways. However, most kids read a lot more fiction than nonfiction, so spend some extra time helping your reader...