Power writing is a structured approach to writing that builds paragraphs in a sequential process. It teaches students to organize their thoughts before writing by using a numerical outline. Paragraphs follow a 4-part structure: Power 1 is the main idea or topic sentence, Power 2 provides a major detail to explain or support the main idea, Power 3 gives a minor detail to explain the major detail, and Power 4 is the concluding sentence. Transitional words and phrases are used to link the different parts together cohesively.

1. The numerical approach toThe numerical approach to
writing.writing.

2. What is Power Writing?
 Structured approach to writing.
 Sequential teaching process that
builds in steps upon the mastery of
each concept.
 Students are taught how to
organize their thoughts before
their writing begins.
Source: Corporation for Educational Technology. (2008). Power writing. Retrieved from
http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/approaches/power/default.asp

3. How Does It Work?
• Power 1: Main Idea
• Power 2: Major Detail to Explain or
Support Main Idea
• Power 3: Minor Detail to Explain a
Major Detail
• Power 4: Concluding Sentence
Source: Heal, N. (2001, July 25). Power writing in math class. Retrieved from
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/heal/pdf%20files/power_writing.pdf

4. Power 1
•Main Idea
•Focus
•Topic Sentence

5. Power 2
• Major detail
• Supporting Idea
• Often a writer will begin a
Power 2 - Supporting Idea
sentence with a Transition
Word.
Sources: Campbell, K. (2000, August 6). Power writing!. Retrieved from
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/campbellk/PowerWritDef.html
Cave. (n.d.). Power writing for paragraphs. Retrieved from http://bonny-kate-es.knox.k12tn.net/cavewebpage/prgrph.html

6. Power 3
• Elaborating Detail Sentences
• After each supporting detail
sentence, add elaborating detail
sentences.
• A reason or example which supports
or explains a POWER 2 idea
Sources: Cave. (n.d.). Power writing for paragraphs. Retrieved from http://bonny-kate-
es.knox.k12tn.net/cavewebpage/prgrph.html
Northern Nevada Writing Project. (2005). Teaching students to compose a power essay. Retrieved from
http://www.writingfix.com/PDFs/Process/Power_Essay.pdf

7. Power 4
• Concluding Sentence
• Relates to the POWER 1
sentence.
Sources: Heal, N. (2001, July 25). Power writing in math class. Retrieved from
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/heal/pdf%20files/power_writing.pdf
Northern Nevada Writing Project. (2005). Teaching students to compose a power essay. Retrieved from
http://www.writingfix.com/PDFs/Process/Power_Essay.pdf

8. Power 0
• Extra information.
• Background details.
Source: Poulton, S. (n.d.). Power writing plus. Retrieved from http://www.teachthetraits.com/pwp.htm

9. Power 2
Transitions
• first
• second
• third
• and
• more
• even more
• moreover
• more than that
• equally (important,
• necessary, etc.)
• besides
• furthermore
• also
Source: Campbell, K. (2000, August 6). Power writing!. Retrieved from
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/campbellk/PowerWritDef.html
• likewise
• next
• then
• to begin with
• again
• in addition to
• lastly
• finally
• some
• others
• still others
• above all
• another

10. Power 3
Transitions
• that is to say
• namely
• as
• just as
• specifically
• to be sure
• in such cases
• This can be made
clear...
• Because of this...
Source: Campbell, K. (2000, August 6). Power writing!. Retrieved from
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/campbellk/PowerWritDef.html
• for example
• like
• in the same manner
• to be specific
• for instance
• in other words
• This can be
explained...
• This can be clarified...
• It is necessary to
pause here to...