Language Arts: Writing a How-To Paragraph
Use order words and clear steps to explain a process
Language Arts: Writing a How-To Paragraph
Use order words and clear steps to explain a process
Language Arts - Grade 2-3
- 1
A how-to paragraph explains how to do something. Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Tell the reader what you are going to teach them.
A good topic sentence is: I can explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. - 2
Put these steps in the correct order: Spread jelly on one slice of bread. Put the two slices together. Get two slices of bread. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
The correct order is: Get two slices of bread. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread. Spread jelly on one slice of bread. Put the two slices together. - 3
Choose the best order word to finish the sentence: ______, wash your hands before you start cooking.
This step happens at the beginning.
The best order word is First, because washing your hands should happen before cooking begins. - 4
Write three steps that explain how to brush your teeth. Use First, Next, and Finally.
A good answer is: First, put toothpaste on your toothbrush. Next, brush all your teeth gently. Finally, rinse your mouth and put the toothbrush away. - 5
Read the sentence: Then, I put my shoes on. Is this a good first sentence for a how-to paragraph? Explain your answer.
Look at the order word at the beginning of the sentence.
This is not a good first sentence because the word Then shows that something already happened before it. - 6
Write a closing sentence for a paragraph about how to plant a seed.
A good closing sentence is: Now you know how to plant a seed and help it grow. - 7
Add an order word to improve this step: ______, water the seed gently.
Use an order word that can come in the middle of the steps.
A good answer is: Next, water the seed gently. The word Next helps the reader know this step comes after another step. - 8
Which sentence gives a clearer step? A. Get the thing. B. Pick up the blue crayon.
Sentence B gives a clearer step because it tells exactly what to pick up. - 9
Write a how-to paragraph that explains how to pack your backpack for school. Include a topic sentence, at least three steps, and a closing sentence.
Think about what you need for the school day.
A good paragraph is: I can explain how to pack my backpack for school. First, put your folders and notebooks inside. Next, add your pencil box and homework. Then, put in your lunch or water bottle if you need them. Finally, zip the backpack and place it by the door. - 10
Read these steps: First, crack the egg into a bowl. Next, stir the egg with a fork. Finally, cook the egg in a pan. What is this how-to paragraph mostly about?
This how-to paragraph is mostly about how to cook an egg. - 11
Write two details that could be added to this step to make it clearer: Wash the apple.
Tell what kind of water to use and what to do with your hands.
A clear answer is: Hold the apple under cool water and rub the skin with your hands. These details tell how to wash the apple. - 12
Fix this mixed-up how-to paragraph so the steps are in order: Finally, eat the cereal. First, get a bowl and spoon. Then, pour milk into the bowl. Next, pour cereal into the bowl.
Think about what must happen before you can eat the cereal.
The correct paragraph is: First, get a bowl and spoon. Next, pour cereal into the bowl. Then, pour milk into the bowl. Finally, eat the cereal. - 13
Write a topic sentence for a paragraph that teaches how to draw a simple house.
A good topic sentence is: I will explain how to draw a simple house. - 14
Choose the sentence that belongs in a how-to paragraph about making a paper airplane. A. My dog likes airplanes. B. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
A how-to sentence should tell the reader what to do.
Sentence B belongs in the how-to paragraph because it gives a step for making a paper airplane. - 15
Write a complete how-to paragraph that explains how to get ready for bed. Use at least four order words.
Use order words to show each step in the right order.
A good paragraph is: I can explain how to get ready for bed. First, put on your pajamas. Next, brush your teeth. Then, choose a book or say good night to your family. After that, get into bed. Finally, turn off the light and rest.