Introduction to Step Up To Writing
Step Up To Writing is a popular program used in many schools across the United States and internationally to help students improve their writing abilities. The program focuses on specific writing skills at each grade level with an emphasis on the writing process. Students are taught and given examples of how to brainstorm ideas, create outline/plans, draft, revise, and edit their work. Some key components of the Step Up To Writing program include:
Explicit writing instruction on key components like main idea, supporting details, transitions, conclusion, and more.
Modeling of good writing through examples and demonstration. Teachers will show sample essays that demonstrate the writing skills and format being taught.
Guided practice where students work through writing prompts with teacher support to apply the skills.
Independent practice so students can write on their own while still receiving feedback.
Use of graphic organizers to plan writing before drafting takes place. This includes things like story maps for narratives and Venn diagrams for compare/contrast essays.
Peer feedback and review so students can learn from one another.
Conferences between teacher and student to go over individual writing samples and set goals.
Ongoing assessment of student progress through analysis of written work over time.
The program aims to help all students become better, more confident writers through a structured, scaffolded approach. In this article, we will analyze a sample five paragraph expository essay written by a middle school student using the Step Up To Writing method and program.
Step Up To Writing 5 Paragraph Essay Example
Here is an example of a 5 paragraph expository essay written by a 7th grade student following the structure and guidelines of Step Up To Writing:
Paragraph 1 (Introduction):
Video games have become a very popular pastime for many kids and teenagers. Some people argue that playing video games too much can have negative effects. In this essay, I will discuss both the positive and negative impacts that video games can have and argue that in moderation, video games are not harmful.
Paragraph 2 (Main Point #1 – Positive Impacts):
Video games can have educational benefits. Many games teach problem solving, strategy, and coordination skills. For example, games like Civilization teach history and geography as players learn about different eras and places. Puzzle games help develop logical thinking and the ability to solve complex problems. Action games improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Overall, studies have shown that in moderation, video games can enhance cognitive skills in the same way that books, movies, or other media do when consumed in reasonable amounts.
Paragraph 3 (Main Point #2 – Negative Impacts):
Playing video games excessively can potentially have drawbacks. If not monitored, children and teens could spend too many hours playing and not enough time on schoolwork, outdoor activities, or socializing. Heavy gaming has been linked to issues like obesity from lack of exercise, aggression and frustration from competitive games, and bad sleeping habits from late night play that interferes with sleep schedules. Parents need to limit screen time and encourage balance so these potential problems do not occur from overuse of technology.
Paragraph 4 (Main Point #3 – Moderation is Key):
Overall, research shows that in moderation, video games are not inherently harmful. As with any activity, too much time spent on video games without balance can have negative effects. But played in reasonable amounts, games can deliver educational benefits and be just another form of entertainment. Parents should guide their children towards a balanced use of technology instead of eliminating it altogether. With moderation and responsibility, video games pose no greater risk than watching television or movies.
Paragraph 5 (Conclusion):
While video games may come with some risks if overused, they are not bad if enjoyed in moderation. Like many leisure activities, video games have the potential for positive or negative impacts depending on how they are consumed. As long as playtime is balanced with exercise, outdoor activities, schoolwork, social interaction, and sufficient sleep, properly monitored video game use appears to deliver cognitive advantages without major drawbacks. Everything in moderation is key to maximizing benefits and minimizing harm when it comes to entertainment technology.
Analysis of Step Up To Writing Essay Example
This sample 5 paragraph essay demonstrates effective use of the structure and components taught in Step Up To Writing. Here is an analysis of how it meets the criteria:
Introduction paragraph contains a hook, background context, and clear thesis statement of the essay’s argument.
Each body paragraph has a main point/topic sentence followed by multiple supporting details and examples. Paragraphs 2 and 3 contain more than one detail/example sentences each.
Transitions are used between ideas both within and between paragraphs (e.g. “However”, “Overall”, “But”).
The conclusion paragraph restates the thesis while also drawing broader implications. It does not simply restate old ideas without adding anything new.
A variety of sentence structures are used including simple, compound, and complex sentences. There is no run-on sentences.
Grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation appear correctly implemented throughout.
An objective, balanced tone is maintained with perspective from multiple sides considered.
Opinions and personal views are supported by facts, statistics or research to make the arguments persuasively.
This essay demonstrates how the student has mastered the key components of the 5 paragraph essay format required by Step Up To Writing at a middle school level. Through modeling, practice, and feedback, students learn a structured process for planning and writing coherent multi-paragraph compositions. While further development may still be needed, this example shows the program effectively teaches foundational expository essay writing skills.
Additional Step Up To Writing Sample Essays
Here are brief summaries of two more sample Step Up To Writing essays at different grade levels to further demonstrate the program:
4th Grade Narrative Essay: This essay is a 5 paragraph personal narrative about a memorable family vacation. It establishes the setting and introduces the characters in the opening paragraph. Each body paragraph provides a detailed story event following chronological order. Vivid sensory details are used to describe experiences. The conclusion reflects on how the trip created fun memories and brought the family closer together.
9th Grade Persuasive Essay: This persuasive essay is also structured in 5 paragraphs but aims for a more sophisticated argument. The introduction presents a debatable issue concerning school start times and fully states one stance. Each body paragraph employs a different persuasive technique (logos, ethos, pathos) while citing credible evidence from research and experts. Counterarguments for the opposing view are acknowledged and rebutted. The conclusion issues a compelling final plea and possible compromise to change reader perspective.
These additional sample essays demonstrate the Step Up To Writing methodology across different genres and grade levels. The program emphasizes instructing students in a consistent writing process while also making appropriate adjustments to complexity and requirements as abilities mature over time. Overall, these essays suggest the program may effectively build foundational composition skills to set students up for continued writing development and success.
Critiques of Step Up To Writing
While generally regarded as a useful program to enhance writing abilities, Step Up To Writing has also faced some criticism. Some potential concerns about the approach include:
Reliance on one narrow essay format could inhibit creativity. The 5 paragraph structure becomes a rigid formula instead of adaptable guidelines.
Focus on mechanics over higher level concerns. Step Up may disproportionately emphasize grammar and structure rather than important aspects like ideas, analysis, organization.
Limited differentiation for varying language proficiency. The same instruction may not address needs of all learners like English language or special needs students.
Overemphasis on timed writing assignments. Authentic writing is a process involving drafting, not just produced in 1 sitting without revision.
Some question research backing educational benefits. Studies of cognitive impacts on complex problem solving are not conclusive.
Implementation challenges. Large class sizes, lack of ongoing professional development, and lack of home support could undermine program effectiveness.
Overall research still indicates Step Up To Writing positively contributes to writing development when implemented with fidelity to program standards. With modifications to address critiques, it remains an influential approach adopted worldwide. No single program is perfect, but Step Up provides a solid framework for building foundational writing competence.
Conclusion
In this article, I have analyzed the core components and instructional methodology of the popular Step Up To Writing program. I examined sample essays written by middle and high school students utilizing the multi-paragraph format and writing process taught. Finally, I discussed some critiques while also acknowledging Step Up’s overall effectiveness has generally been supported through research when applied as designed. Overall, Step Up To Writing appears to deliver on its goal of systematically building better writers through explicit skills instruction and modeling within a structured writing environment in classrooms. Its formulaic approach is best when used as a starting point for students to grow more versatile and advanced over time.
Andrew Stroud