writing an expository essay. an expository essay is a written composition that conveys information...

Writing an Expository Essay

An expository essay is

a written composition that conveys information or explains and proves

something

Introduction to Expository Writing

In order to classify as expository, an essay needs:

a thesis statement at the end of the introduction that answers the prompt

to explain or discuss a particular subject matter

Introduction to Expository Writing

In order to classify as expository, an essay needs:

strong evidence that backs up the thesis statement (in the body paragraphs)

a conclusion that makes a final thought for the

audience

Literary vs. Expository Writing

o Does NOT tell a storyo Does NOT include

setting/characters

o Does NOT contain a conflict

o Does NOT include dialogueo Does NOT provide a

resolution/denoumento Prompt will NOT include a

photo

o Is NOT creative/imaginative

o Explains/discusses a topic

o Includes a thesis statement

o Contains evidence

o Includes commentary (reasoning)

o Provides a conclusion

o Prompt will be completely textual

o Informative

What expository is NOT… What expository is…

*The expository prompt page on the STAAR test typically has a lot of text.

Think of expository in this way: it is logical and informative.

STAAR English I Writing 2013 Released

Sample Prompt for Expository Writing

Taking a risk means acting without knowing whether the outcome will be good. Think carefully about this statement.

Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to take a chance.

Take risks. Ask big questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not reaching far enough.

-David Packard,Co-Founder of Hewlett-Packard

Steps to Complete Before Writing the Expository Essay


1.) Brainstorm examples that you will use in the body paragraphs.

2.) Construct a thesis statement that directly answers the prompt in a single sentence (last sentence of your introduction).

3.) Create a “hook,” which is the opening sentence you will use to begin your entire essay. The “hook” should tie into the prompt in a realistic way.

Student Introduction

Examples

Life is all about taking risks. If you don’t take risks, you will never find out what would have happened or not have happened if you would have taken that risk. Taking risks can be a good thing to do sometimes, but can also be a bad thing. You never want to take too many risks because some of them can turn out to be real bad, but then some of them can also be real good.

Strong or WeakWEAKWHY??

There is no clear thesis statement. This will lead to a weaker paper. Introduction seems very unfocused / all over the place.

A lot of people struggle with the concept of taking chances in their lives. Sometimes people think that if they do not know what the outcome of their actions will be, then it is not worth taking the chance. However, there will be a time in everyone’s life where taking a risk is the best choice because it could end up making all the difference and potentially changing your future.

Strong or WeakSTRONG

WHY??Interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement- we know what to expect from this essay!

Everything cannot be taken with caution or safety. Everything cannot be mapped or planned out according to one’s desire. Some things invoke taking a risk to reach the outcome, even when one has no idea what will happen. Taking a chance is almost always a major first part in achieving success.

Strong or WeakSTRONGWHY??

Good clear thesis statement; there is a good transition sentence to lead into thesis statement.

There are so many opportunities and chances people give up every day. Then later on we regret our choices and decisions we made for not taking the risk. So how come we don’t take the risk? What makes us hold back from taking the risk?

Strong or WeakWEAKWHY??

Too many rhetorical questions; no thesis statement – VERY weak

Introductory Paragraph Class Practice

Read the following quotation:

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

-William Shakespeare

People tend to want to blame others when something does not go right in their life instead of looking at their choices. Think carefully about this statement.

Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.

B-HIP

•B – Books•H – History•I – Information (current events, music,

movies, social media)•P – People (personal anecdote, famous

people, athletes)

News/HistoryWorld Events

Books / People/ Movies Community/School

Boston Marathon bomber; ISIS; Boko Haram (kidnapped Nigerian girls); Ukraine

Robin Williams suicide; Ray Rice suspension;JJ Watt (what decisions led to $100 million contract

Tris from Divergent; Katniss from The Hunger Games

Priscilla from “Priscilla and the Wimps”; the Republicansniper from “The Sniper”

Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.What other examples can we add?

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=stick+figure&view=detail&id=130D5183CCC3BAEBAC95BC45AD734E97E18E5E81&first=0&qpvt=stick+figure&FORM=IDFRIR

Introductory Paragraph Partnered Practice

Read the following quotation:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

-Nelson Mandela

Despite the huge dropout rate in American high schools, statistics show that the average teenager believes that their education directly impacts their likelihood of future success. Think carefully about this statement.

Write an essay explaining the importance of education.

Remember to B-HIP!

•B – Books•H – History•I – Information (current events, music,

movies, social media)•P – People (personal anecdote, famous

people, athletes)


Books / People/ Movies

Community/School

Prompt: Write an essay explaining the importance of education.Work with your partner to add examples. We will share examples as a whole Class in approximately 10 minutes.


Introductory Paragraph Class PracticePrompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.

Possible “Hook” sentences: Decision: a determination arrived at after consideration (Merriam

Webster Dictionary).

Edwin Markham once said, “Choices are the hinges of destiny.”

Even though the future seems uncertain, decisions made today can affect the rest of a person’s life.

Every decision made in life has an outcome: positive or negative.

Choices are everything in life.


Prompt: Write an essay explaining the importance of education.

Now, work with a partner to write two possible hook sentences for this prompt.

1.

2.

Introductory Paragraph Class PracticeWrite an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.

Possible thesis statements: Men and women sometimes need to make choices to improve

not only their lives but their community as well.

Even though outcomes are uncertain, making good decisions can make a person be successful and positively influence the world around them.

× A person’s life is influenced by not only their circumstances, but by the choices they make.



Now, work with a partner to write your thesis for this prompt.

Putting It All TogetherIntroduction Class Practice

Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.

Notice both the hook and the thesis (last sentence in the paragraph).

Choices are everything in life. Even though outcomes are uncertain, making good decisions can make a person be successful and positively influence the world around them.

Putting It All TogetherIntroduction Partnered Practice


Now work with your partner to create an introductory paragraph.

Remember to include a hook as your first sentence and the thesis as the last sentence in your paragraph.

Putting It All TogetherIntroduction Independent Practice

Prompt: Write an essay explaining why it is best to use non-violence to solve a problem.

Now it’s your turn! Read the prompt in your notebook and follow the steps we’ve been practicing to create an introductory paragraph by yourself. Write your introduction at the top of page 13 in your booklet. This is independent practice, so no talking please!

Writing an Effective Body Paragraph

Begin your body paragraphs with a topic sentence.

Give a specific example that helps explain your thesis in each body paragraph.

Body paragraphs develop one clear, specific reason or example for believing your thesis statement to be true. Convince your reader to see things as you see them.

Let’s look at some examples of both effective and non-effective body paragraphs.

PROMPT:


Notice that the example on the following slide begins with a topic sentence, provides relevant details, and ends with a sentence of closing commentary.

Body Paragraph ExampleTopic Sentence, Details, Closing Commentary

Madame Curie took the risk of exposing herself to radiation for the chance to further our knowledge of nuclear radiation. She took the risk without knowing the outcome, resulting in her losing her life after many years of being exposed. It is because of her studies that society has a profound awareness of the matter in order to better protect ourselves. Had she not put herself in harm’s way for the sake of research, the medical world would have suffered greatly.

Another Sample Body Paragraph

Some people have a phobia of bugs, so they never go outside or camping. Those people have not taken the chance to be near one and realize that most of them will not harm one unless one bothers them. Of course with the help of bug spray, people can keep off the hungry parasitic ones. But, this will only happen if people take risks and chances.

This student received a bad score because the body paragraph does not make the student seem knowledgeable or prove the point well. What does that mean?

Yet Another Sample Body Paragraph

It is good to take chances. You will never know if you don’t try. Taking chances will keep you open minded about different actions. There are good choices and bad choices.

• Too vague! Develop the idea! Use a specific example in your paragraph.

Please don’t do this to me. . .

The Last Example of a Body ParagraphTopic Sentence, Details, Closing Commentary

Furthermore, another example would be Atticus Finch from the book, To Kill a Mockingbird. In this novel, Atticus is a white lawyer from the 1930’s who is defending an African American in court. He does this without knowing whether he is guilty or not. He also took this case at the risk of losing his credibility and honor in a racist society. It is because of this risk that everyone in the court and his kids learned about the injustice happening in society.

This should be the look on my face when I read your expository essay.

It’s time to practice body paragraphs!

Remember the brainstorming we did before writing? page 7Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.



Books / People/ Movies Community/School

Boston Marathon bomber; ISIS; Boko Haram (kidnapped Nigerian girls); Ukraine

Robin Williams suicide; Ray Rice suspension;JJ Watt (what decisions led to $100 million contract; Miley Cyrus; Gabby Douglas

Tris from Divergent; Katniss from The Hunger Games; Michael Oher from The Blind Side

Priscilla from “Priscilla and the Wimps”; the Republicansniper from “The Sniper”; The Outsiders

Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future.


Let’s write a body paragraph together!

Go to page 15 in your notebook.

Remember that we must have a topic sentence, details, and closing commentary.

When we have written our paragraph, we will highlight these three things in different colors.

Remember the brainstorming you and your partner did before writing? page 8



Now, write a practice body paragraph with your partner!

Go to page 15 in your notebook.

Remember that we must have a topic sentence, details, and closing commentary.

When you have written your paragraph, highlight these three things in different colors.

.

Some ideas to consider for conclusions:

*a thought provoking quotation

*describing a powerful image

*talking about the consequences or implications

*ending on an interesting twist of thought

*explaining why the topic is important

*making a prediction

Conclusion Paragraph

Discussion of the STAAR Expository Rubric

__________________________

Look at the rubric on page 17 in your packet!

1 2

3 4

Organization and Progression

Score Point 4

•The organization of the essay is appropriate to the purpose and is responsive to the prompt.

Score Point 3

•The organization of the essay is appropriate to the purpose and is mostly responsive to the prompt.

Score Point 2

•The organization of the essay is clear but may not always be appropriate to the prompt.

Score Point 1

•The organization of the essay is either inappropriate or not evident.


Score Point 4

•All ideas are related to the thesis statement and are on topic.

Score Point 3

•Most ideas are related to the thesis statement and are on topic.

Score Point 2

•Most ideas are generally related to the topic, but the thesis may be a bit weak or unclear.

Score Point 1

•Most ideas are generally related to the topic, but the thesis statement may be missing, unclear, or illogical.


Score Point 4

•The writer’s progression of ideas is logical and well controlled. Meaningful transitions and strong connections are used throughout the essay.

Score Point 3

•The writer’s progression of ideas is generally controlled. For the most part, transitions and connections are logical through the essay.

Score Point 2

•The writer’s progression of ideas is inconsistent due to weak transition.

Score Point 1

•Lack of meaningful transitions and connections makes parts of the essay unclear or illogical.

Development of Ideas

Score Point 4

•The development of ideas is effective because the details and examples are specific and appropriate and enhance the essay.

Score Point 3

•The development of ideas is sufficient because the details and examples are specific and appropriate and add substance to the essay.

Score Point 2

•The development of ideas is minimal and remains at surface level because the details and examples are somewhat inappropriate or are too briefly or generally presented.

Score Point 1

•The writer’s development of ideas is weak because the details/examples are inappropriate, vague, or insufficient

Development of Ideas

Score Point 4

•The essay is thoughtful/engaging. The writer may approach the topic from an unusual perspective, may use his/her unique experiences or view of the world as basis for writing, or may connect ideas in interesting ways.

Score Point 3

•The essay reflects some depth of thought. The writer’s approach to the topic is original rather than formulaic and shows a good understanding of the expository task.

Score Point 2

•The essay reflects little or no depth of thought.

Score Point 1

•The essay is unsubstantial. The writer’s response to the prompt may be vague or confused, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the expository task.

Use of Language and Conventions

Score Point 4

•The writer’s word choice is very effective and shows keen awareness of purpose and uses an appropriate tone.

•Word choice is strong.

Score Point 3

•The writer’s word choice is, for the most part, effective. It reflects a general awareness of purpose and establishes an appropriate tone.

Score Point 2

•The writer’s word choice may be vague/weak and does not contribute to the clarity of the essay.

Score Point 1

•The writer’s word choice may be imprecise or unsuitable for purpose, impeding the clarity of the essay.


Score Point 4

•Sentences are varied, enhancing the essay.

Score Point 3

•Sentences are varied, contributing for the most part to the effectiveness of the essay.

Score Point 2

•Sentences may be awkward, weakening the effectiveness of the essay.

Score Point 1

?


Score Point 4

•The writer demonstrates a consistent command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.

Score Point 3

•The writer demonstrates a general command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.

Score Point 2

•The writer demonstrates a partial command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.

Score Point 1

•The writer has little or no command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.

Time for YOU

to be the STAAR

GRADER!

What would you rate this essay?

1 2 3 4


2

Why a 2ideas on topic but not developedprogression of ideas weakexamples given are too vague to

support the thesis


1 2 3 4


4

Why a 4clear thesisgood organizationstudent sounds knowledgeablewell chosen examples that prove thesisdemonstrates control of English

language

Sample Prompt for Expository WritingNotebook page 20

Kevin Pearce suffered a violent crash that shattered his dream of participating in the Olympics and left him with a severe brain injury, facing long odds of a successful recovery. He worked tirelessly at rehabilitation, ultimately regaining his speech and vision, while trying to reclaim enough balance to one day ride his snowboard again. “There are bigger things in life than snowboarding,” he said during a recent interview. “What’s so cool, though, is that I’ve been able to deal with it.” Kevin currently continues to snowboard.

Some individuals show remarkable strength and determination when faced with hardships and obstacles in life.

Write an essay explaining how determination can help an individual in the pursuit of a dream.

Class Essay PracticeTurn to page 21 in your notebook. Let’s follow the steps to plan our essay and write an introduction. Then we will use the lined paper on page 22 to craft an expository essay with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You might want a piece of scratch paper for when we write a rough draft.

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writing an expository essay. an expository essay is a written composition that conveys information...

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