I thought this chapter was pretty interesting. It really made me think of the definition of grammar. I always considered grammar to simply deal with words and how to use them correctly in a sentence. However, it looks like grammar goes beyond this.
I really like how they discuss topic sentences. I really do not like topic sentences, because they can be very generic and dry. 50-80% of papers written by professionals do not contain a topic sentence. If they are not using topic sentences to introduce a new topic, then why are we teaching and requiring our students to have a topic sentence in each paragraph? Noden states that, "Writers create paragraphs in context, and that context often doesn't require topic sentences.
The book provided many great examples on how to introduce concepts to writing using different forms of grammar. Connecting the Logic of Images with Transitions was a great section! The list of transitional signal words and phrases were wonderful. (I would love to hang up a poster with this information on it in my future classroom!) This not only helps students with their writing, but it also increases their vocabulary and the way they write their paper.
Again, I cannot stress how much I have enjoyed Noden's lessons! The strategies that he provides after every chapter in the book are awesome! I can really see myself using the methods in my classroom.
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