Focus and Ideas

Focus and Ideas: 

     refers to the main purpose for writing and the details that make the subject clear and interesting. It includes development of ideas through support and elaboration.

• good focus will have a specific topic
• topic should be identified in the first paragraph
• if the topic involves taking a position/opinion it should be stated or strongly implied
• focus should show evidence of the mode of writing-telling a story is different from persuading someone to think or act a certain way 
• focus should also demonstrate you know who the audience/reader is- talking to your best friend is different than talking to your principal

• Good writing involves details that "show" the reader-not just "tell" them. Can they see your story happening? Can they see the topic from your point of view?
• Give good examples, details, anecdotes, and/or evidence to support the topic. Be specific!

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