The writing process Step one: Prewriting-brainstorming-clustering -freewriting ->planning (an outline)

Topic: My Superstitions

1. Superstitions about tests a. never eat duck eggs or meatballs before tests b. do not have my hair or nails cut before tests2. Superstitions about travel a. always bring an amulet b. don’t stay on the 4th floor in a hotel

Superstitions affect some important aspects of my life. First of all, I have a few superstitions about taking tests. For example, I never eat round-shaped food such as duck eggs and meatballs before tests. It represents zero on a test. In addition, I never have my hair cut or my nails cut before tests. Because hair and nails means one’s power or energy, I don’t want my power to be weakened. Secondly, I am very superstitious about traveling. I always bring an amulet with me when I go traveling. Also, I never stay on the 4th floor in a hotel. I am afraid it will bring bad luck. All in all, I am quite superstitious about some aspects of my life.

A paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic. The topic of the paragraph is usually stated in the first sentence. This sentence is called the topic sentence. The other sentences add details to the topic. They are called supporting sentences. Some paragraph also have a concluding sentences, which summarizes the ideas of the paragraph. It is the last sentence of the paragraph.

A good topic sentence—states the topic of the paragraph.—identifies the focus.1.Exercising is fun.2.I swim for one hour every morning.3.Exercising every morning has several positive effects on my health.

1. Email is a great way to stay in touch with your family and friends.

2. The clothes we wear often reflect a lot about our personality.

3. The Japanese subway system is very efficient.4. Television commercials are often insulting to

women.5. The laws on child abuse should be strictly

enforced.6. Being a twin has both advantages and

disadvantages.7. The new shopping mall has brought many

economic benefits to our community.8. Golf is a difficult sport to master.