Organize and Develop Your Ideas Worksheet

Writing Prompt: Read the letter to the editor “I, Too, Have a Dream.” How does the writer use
structure and language to persuade her readers and support her feelings about immigration?
Write an essay using evidence from the letter to answer the question.
Thesis Statement: Type your thesis statement from the last lesson here.

Part 1 – Organizing Your Ideas

Directions: Write a topic sentence for each body paragraph. (One body paragraph should focus
on the author’s use of structure and one body paragraph should focus on the author’s use of
language.) Use a mixture of paraphrased examples and direct quotations for your evidence.
Write your examples and explanations in complete sentences.
Body Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence:

• • Example from text to support topic sentence:

• • Explanation of how the example serves purpose:

• • Example from text to support topic sentence:

• • Explanation of how the example serves purpose:

Body Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence:

• • Example from text to support topic sentence:

• • Explanation of how the example serves purpose:

• • Example from text to support topic sentence:

• • Explanation of how the example serves purpose:

Part 2 – Developing Body Paragraphs
Directions: Use your planning in Part 1 to write your two body paragraphs. Use complete
sentences, proper grammar and punctuation, and transitions to develop your body paragraphs.
Each body paragraph should have a transition at the beginning of the topic sentence and at
least two within each paragraph.