LESSON 4.7 Create the Why Statement

LESSON 4.7
Write the Why Statement

Grade 3 (optional grades 1-2)

In the last lesson you looked at Circular Reasoning in the Why Statement

What Works in the Why Statement

1.Write About an Interesting Person You Know

Let’s say that your Auntie Alma introduced you to monkeys at the zoo. It got you fascinated about such animals.  Besides, your auntie is always jumping around and acting like a monkey!

So you might write (why statement is underlined)—

If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of my Auntie Alma.

Don’t say anything else! You will have plenty of time to explain your Why Statement.

Or perhaps the aye-aye lemurs remind you of your Uncle Bret, who is a scientist. The aye-aye’s huge eyes make you think of your uncle’s interest in everything:

If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of my Uncle Bret.

Or maybe the aye ayes remind you of your grandfather, who got you interested in walks in the woods, with all their mysteries and wonderful animals.

If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of my Uncle Bret.

2. Write About a Little-Known but Important Person in History

Let’s say that you read the biography of Dr. Jane Goodall, who went to live with gorillas so she could study them. 

So you might write (why statement is underlined)—

If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Or maybe you’re interested in art.  You like the art of Margaret Keane, famous for her paintings of children with big eyes.  So you might write—

If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of Margaret Keane’s paintings.

Important

Do not use extremely famous people, such as Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, or the current president. You will interest your reader more by writing about someone important who is not well known.

APPLICATION

  1. Decide on a relative, friend, or teacher who reminds you of your animal.  Write a Summary Statement.
  2. Decide on an important but little-known person. Write a Summary Statement.