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Solar Energy T.I.D.E. Writing

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Solar Energy T.I.D.E. Writing

A community newsletter needs a clear paragraph explaining solar energy. Use the short information passage and T.I.D.E. plan to write one. T.I.D.E. means Topic sentence, Important ideas, Details, Ending.

Read: Sunlight to electricity

Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. The panels contain cells that capture light and produce an electric current. Wires carry the electricity to a home or building, where it can power lights and appliances. When panels make more electricity than a building needs, the extra may be sent to the electricity network. Solar power is renewable because sunlight is naturally replenished. It can reduce the need to burn fossil fuels, although panels work best when they receive plenty of sunlight and may produce less electricity on cloudy days. Batteries can store some solar electricity for later.

Plan with T.I.D.E.

Use evidence from the passage. Build a connected paragraph rather than copying separate facts.

1.Match each T.I.D.E. part to its job: T, I, D and E; introduce the subject, add supporting facts or examples, wrap up the paragraph, name the key ideas.

T — Topic sentence
I — Important ideas
D — Details
E — Ending

Wrap up the paragraph
Introduce the subject
Name the key ideas
Add supporting facts or examples

2.Choose the strongest topic sentence for an informative paragraph about solar energy.

Solar panels are often dark in colour.
Solar energy is a renewable way to make electricity from sunlight.
I saw a sunny day last week.

3.Select the three details that best support the topic sentence: “Solar panels can help provide electricity for buildings.”

Cells in panels capture light and produce an electric current.
Wires carry electricity to a home or building.
Extra electricity may be sent to the electricity network.
A panel can be a dark colour.
Sunlight makes some people feel cheerful.

4.The passage says solar power is renewable. In your own words, explain what renewable means here.

5.Which sentence is a specific detail rather than a broad important idea?

Solar power can be useful.
Wires carry electricity from the panels to a building.
Solar energy is a good choice.

6.Improve this vague detail by adding an accurate fact from the passage: “Solar panels make power.”

7.Complete the plan. T: Write a topic sentence about solar energy. I: Note two important ideas. D: Add one supporting fact for each idea. E: Write an ending sentence that sums up your point.

8.Write a complete T.I.D.E. paragraph for the community newsletter. Include a topic sentence, at least two important ideas, supporting details from the passage, and an ending. Use your own words, capitals and full stops.

9.Review the paragraph you wrote. Tick each feature you included: a clear topic sentence; two important ideas; accurate supporting details; an ending that wraps up the point; capitals and full stops.