Uncle Bret, a scientist, took you to the zoo. You loved the lemurs. His glasses made him look as if he had huge eyes – as the aye-ayes have.
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 Uncle Bret.
Write About a Little-Known but Important Person in History
Perhaps you read the biography of Dr. Jane Goodall, who lived with gorillas so she could study them.
So you might write—
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 like the art of Margaret Keane, famous for her paintings of children with big eyes. 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.
Write About Another Part of your Subject
The Old Section of your sample essay on aye-aye lemurs was about Madagascar. Your New Section was about aye-aye lemurs. You brainstorm ideas for the Why Section. Remember, the Why Section cannot in any way duplicate anything in the Old Section or New Section.
“That is important because”
Does the following make sense to you?
If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because the rainforests are being destroyed
Why would you want to be an aye-aye if the rainforests are being destroyed?
Corrected:
If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur. They are important because they remind people that the rainforests are being destroyed
True or Important
Why Statements tell why something is true or why it is important.
True
If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur, because they remind me of the Curious George stories.
Important
If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur. They are important because they remind people that the rainforests are being destroyed.
Or—
If I could be any wild animal, I would be an aye-aye lemur. They are very interesting to learn about when studying primates. (“This is important because” is implied.)
Task 4.7.1 – Tandem
Cross out any possible Why ideas that duplicate the What ideas or are irrelevant (that is, they don’t fit the situation). Use the Net or an encyclopedia if you need to look up something.
APPLICATION
Decide on a relative, friend, or teacher who reminds you of your animal. Write a Summary Statement. Do this with a partner.
Decide on an important but little-known person. Write a Summary Statement. Do this in a small group.
Decide on idea another associated with the New Idea.. Write a Summary Statement. Do this as a class.
