Writing 101 RENNS Know this What separates most

Writing 101 RENNS

Know this. . . “What separates most good writing from bad is the writer’s ability to move back and forth between main ideas and specific details. ” RENNS is taken from. . . Troyka, Lynn Q. Handbook for Writers. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002.

R - Reasons support the main idea • Main Idea: Solitude • Topic Sentence: When the noise of life starts to deafen me, I know I need solitude. • Supporting Detail: And when I need solitude, I go down to the beach.

E - Examples provide support • Main Idea: Cactus • Topic Sentence: In Globe, Arizona the variety of cactus plants is amazing. • Supporting Detail: For example, the Prickly Pear cactus bloom every summer after the July rains.

N - Names provide support • Main Idea: Sightseeing • Topic Sentence: This summer we went sightseeing in Nashville, Tennessee. • Supporting Detail: We visited the only replica of the Parthenon.

N- Numbers provide support • Main Idea: Resorts • Topic Sentence: Post Falls, Idaho offers a beautiful lake side resort. • Supporting Detail: All 500 rooms at the resort offer upscale amenities including a private balcony.

S - Senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch – provide support • Main Idea: Flower garden • Topic Sentence: Flower gardens provide beauty all year. • Supporting Detail: The delicate petals of the delphiniums quivered in the gentle breeze, allowing their sweet fragrance to ascend upward.

Let’s Practice. . . Take this simple sentence and add some RENNS I like watching television.