This document introduces the Power Writing strategy, which teaches structured paragraph and essay writing. It was created by J.E. Sparks for the Beverly Hills School District. Power Writing assigns numerical values to sentences to indicate their purpose - the first sentence states the main idea, the second provides a major detail in support, and the third gives a minor detail. The strategy progresses from three-sentence paragraphs to longer forms. Rules dictate that each subsequent sentence must provide information about the sentence before it. Examples demonstrate a 1-2-2 pattern of main idea, two supporting details.

1. Writing with PowerPresented by Mary Denise Jackson

2. Power Writing at a Glance J.E. Sparks created the strategy while he was a Reading Coordinator for the Beverly Hills School District.Power writing is a structured, sequential way to teach people of all ages to write well-organized paragraphs and essays.Power Writing starts at a mastery of a three-sentence paragraph and progresses through easy stages to an infinite number of paragraphs in expository or creative writing.

3. Power Writing at a GlancePower Writing assigns a numerical value to sentences and paragraphs.1st Power for the main idea (thesis)2nd Power for a major detail (support)3rd Power on for minor details (support)

4. Power Writing Rules The FIRST POWER SENTENCE always uses a number word and introduces what the paragraph will be about.The SECOND POWER SENTENCE always tells more information about the 1st Power sentence.The THIRD POWER SENTENCE always tells more information about the 2nd Power sentence.

5. Power Writing Rules The FOURTH POWER SENTENCE always tells more information about the 3rd Power sentence that is immediately above it.Can you infer what the rest will be? The FIFTH POWER SENTENCE . . . . .

6. Power Writing Rules The FIFTH POWER SENTENCE always tells more information about the 4th Power sentence that is immediately above it.

7. Example of Pattern: 1-2-2 Cats are easier to have as pets than dogs for two reasons. One reason is that they are smaller and do not require as much space to move around in. The second reason is that they do not eat as much which makes them a cheaper alternative.

8. Example of Pattern 1-2-2 Chewing sugarless gum can be good for you for two reasons. First, chewing it after a meal can help clean the teeth. In addition, it exercises the jaw muscles.

9. Now, you try one.. .Pattern: 1-2-2-2 I enjoy going out to eat at ____________ for three reasons. Creative Commons Attribution

10. Source The information for this presentation was taken from a packet created by Robert Sulzberger, an English Instructor at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia.