Truisms

A Renaissance Approach to TAKS Writing

Truism
A general truth about life, humans, or human behavior. (also known as aphorism, axiom)

Examples

Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what youre gonna get! The things that people choose not to face are usually the things they fear most. To love someone is to risk heartache. All that glitters is not gold. We may be respected for our accomplishments, but we are loved for our random acts of kindness.

Teaching Truisms
Write a truism on the board. Ask students whether or not they agree with the statement. Have them discuss and tell why.

Full trust can never exist between people.

Do you think this is true?

Teaching Truisms (Cont)

Add a picture to the truism. Ask students to identify the connection between the two. Have them discuss whether they changed their thinking on the truism and why.

Full trust can never exist between people.

Teaching Truisms (Cont)

Quickly pop in another truism. Ask: What kind of picture would suit it well and why?

Our proudest moments are sometimes the little things in life!

What picture could go with this statement?

Our proudest moments are sometimes the little things in life!

Teaching Truisms (Cont)

Project another image and dialogue with students about what they do and dont see. Have the write a truism that tells a truth about life. Then, list a few cues to stimulate students imaginations and have them draw representations and create their own truisms.

 What

do you see going on in this picture? dont you see

What

here?

What

is one true thing about life that this photo shows?

Sample Truisms
Life brings many opportunities to celebrate. Hard work and perseverance can often lead to success. Victory is sweet! Accomplishments come at a great price.

Draw: whatever comes to mind 2 minutes.

Cues:
something exciting something surprising
something scary something depressing

Examine your own drawings the same way you did with the photos.

Write a truism you believe to be true of the world or people that connects to your drawing.

Truisms in TAKS Writing

Use truisms in any of the following ways: 1. Attention-getter 2. Thesis (Intro) 3. Lead sentence for conclusion

THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!