STAAR English I Writing Expository 1

Understanding Expository Writing Short writing is deceptively difficult. It is not just brief; it is also jam-packed with meaning. The definition of expository is to explain or discuss something. Therefore, the purpose of the short expository essay is to reveal your command of the subject matter. Another way of looking at it: you take on the role of a teacher. However, your audience wants more than just information – your audience wants an understanding of the subject. So that means you must interpret as well as give examples to thoroughly explain the subject matter. 2

Understanding Expository Writing One of your most important goals in writing is to communicate clearly and fulfill the expectations of your audience. Your audience expects a certain organization as well as certain conventions of writing to be followed, such as correct punctuation, complex sentences and formal word choice. 3

Interpreting the Prompt Pay attention to what it asks you to do. In fact, read it at least three times. Often the prompts are open-ended and allow the writer to determine what aspects of the topic are to be examined. In other words, you will be given one large topic that you can choose what aspects you would like to discuss or teach. Also, pay careful attention and distinguish what is the actual prompt and what is extra information they provide to help generate thought. 4

Example Prompt Read the information in the box below. Think about the new technologies that people use in everyday life. Write an essay explaining the effect of one new technology on people’s lives. Be sure to – Clearly state your thesis Organize and develop your ideas effectively Choose your words carefully Edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling 5 The digital audio player, also known as the MP3 player, first became available to the general public in Unlike the compact disc player, this technology did not require that music be stored on separate discs. MP3 players have now become the dominant medium for listening to music. Additional information to generate thought Prompt Evaluation criteria

Getting Started Take a couple of minutes to plan and organize. Some effective methods include: Brainstorming: let all your ideas rush out unimpeded. Freewriting: write down everything you can think of about your topic without limitations or a clear destination. Listing and outlining: this is a quick way to write your ideas on paper and then rearrange, reorder, and develop them. The structure of a list or outline allows you to see the difference between equal main points and subordinate, less important points. Clustering (word webbing): writers who are visual thinkers find clustering helps them find relationships among ideas. 6

Example of Clustering GPS 7 Point of Interest Maps Turn by turn directions Hotels Food Visual Easy Never lost Hospitals

Example of Outlining I Introduction Background: Lost while driving Traditional maps are difficult Thesis: GPS can keep you from getting lost and make life easier. II Body/Discussion Section Point: GPS and what it can do Development: hypothetical example/anecdote Example of two brothers on vacation III Conclusion Recap: Restate that a GPS is helpful and important. Big Picture: GPS makes everyone’s life better. 8

Expository Introduction 9 Background Thesis

Expository Introduction Background: it should open up the topic, or in other words, introduce the overall topic you will be discussing. Thesis: the thesis could be a fact or a point that you are going to explain or elaborate on (possibly your interpretation or theory). the thesis alerts the reader to your central point, but it also helps you stay focused and organize your thinking. the rest of the article flows from this point. 10

Example Introduction Many people haven gotten lost before while driving. Sure, one can use a map, but it is irritating trying to fold a map. Also, one cannot find food places, lodging, gas stations, etc. using a map. One new technology has been created that will help you find and direct you to your destination. This is called a Global Positioning System, or GPS for short. Having a GPS can keep you from getting lost and make your life much easier. 11 Background Thesis

Expository Discussion Section Topic sentence Point + Development Summary sentence 12

Expository Discussion Section Topic Sentence The purpose of a topic sentence is to clarify what your paragraph will discuss (or your point). It also serves as a transition between the end of the previous paragraph and the current paragraph. Point + Development Some effective ways to develop your point: Examples Description Narration (storytelling) Definition Comparison and /or contrast Causes and /or effects Summary Sentence (optional) The purpose of this sentence is to refocus your essay and direct your reader’s thoughts back to your thesis. 13

Example Discussion Section A GPS has a function to just show a map. This map has most roads accessible to the area that that person is driving in. Most GPSs have an option to select a point of interest such as food, lodging, or even airports or hospitals. Imagine that two brothers are on vacation and driving through Houston at the end of the day. They decide to spend the night because they are tired, but they need to find a hotel. Brother #1 types in hotel in the POI function. The GPS shows them the closest one and they are there within minutes. Now imagine these brothers in a different situation. Brother #1 is driving when all of a sudden Brother #2 starts to have chest pains. Brother #1 does not know what to do so he types in hospital in the POI function of the GPS. It displays that there is a hospital three blocks away. There, Brother #2 is successfully treated for a heart attack. If not for the GPS, he might have died. 14 Topic sentence Develop through examples Point

Expository Conclusion Recap sentence Apply to the big picture 15

Expository Conclusion Recap sentence It is exactly as it sounds: it “recaps” what you’ve stated in your essay. You have neither time nor space for an extensive conclusion. Usually, one or two sentences suffice to wrap up your explanation. Apply to the big picture If there is room, suggest the implications of the topic, or in other words, how does your discussion from the essay “apply to the big picture.” 16

Example Conclusion Global Positioning Systems are indeed important, and not only to these brothers. People can find virtually anything if they needed to. That’s why GPS systems can make everyone’s life be better. They help us find our way. The example is from a paper that scored a 4 on the Spring 2012 STAAR English I Writing test. 17 Recap Big Picture

Now you try it Read the information in the box below. Think about the new technologies that people use in everyday life. Write an essay explaining the effect of one new technology on people’s lives. Be sure to – Clearly state your thesis Organize and develop your ideas effectively Choose your words carefully Edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling 18 The digital audio player, also known as the MP3 player, first became available to the general public in Unlike the compact disc player, this technology did not require that music be stored on separate discs. MP3 players have now become the dominant medium for listening to music.