The Five-Paragraph Essay A Framework for Expository Writing

n Gives information about a topic n Explains ideas n Gives directions n Shows how to do something The purpose of most expository writing is to communicate ideas or answer questions.

Expository Writing Uses Transitions Writer’s Express says: “Expository writing uses transition words (such as first, second, and most importantly). These words help guide the reader through the explanation.” Writer’s Express - A Handbook for Young Writers, Thinkers, and Learners ©1995

So, you get a prompt which asks you to write about something and answer a specific question. What do you do??? Don’t panic. Follow this plan… (Watch for the color-coding, it will help you organize your ideas.)

The Prompt If you could travel 100 years into the future, what three things would you take with you? Describe them, and tell why you would choose each one. Underline key words–like 100, future, three, describe and why.

It’s Easy! You ONLY Need Three Ideas... Start with your main idea or topic. (use key words from the prompt) n Three reasons that show your topic sentence is true n And three examples for each of your reasons (Remember to show, not tell.) That’s all you need for the start of a great essay!!!

BRAINSTORMING and time n The first day you will have to brainstorm. Take most of the period to write ideas. –Use a list or cluster or outline- note to me// make a sample of what brainstorming looks like –Write a full paragraph if you want

Writing it out n You will have a period to write- probably about an hour. n Plan your time well. There will possibly be time to finish, but I will not guarantee. n You are allowed to talk with your parents that night, but you cannot bring notes to class with you.

Make sure that you address the prompt especially in the intro.

Use Correct Paragraph Form n Topic Sentence n Examples n Conclusion- really great to transition to the next paragraph.. Each paragraph should include:

a 5 paper, which is a usual high grade. A 6 is very rare. Imagine this. The year is 2107, and technology is abundant. I have chosen three items to take. I’m sure these will be able to capture my travels there. (Read on to see what she or he means by “capture.” Otherwise, my amazing trip will be dusty in my memory. The Beginning - Your First Sentences

The Introduction In addition to the first paragraph, the three items should be mentioned. It might look like this: Imagine this. The year is 2107, and technology is abundant. I have chosen the following three items to take: a lowtech notebook, a video camera, and a digital camera. I’m sure these will be able to capture my travels there. (Read on to see what she or he means by “capture.” Otherwise, my amazing trip will be dusty in my memory. Note how the red words add to the power of the introduction.

Paragraph 2: Example 1 My first item is very lowtech- a notebook. It will be perfect for recording anything I see that is too great for my memory alone. That way, when I return to 2007, I will have something like a written postcard-like momento to myself (I would use memory.) The written word will not fade as quickly as my memory. Moreover, the notebook is filled with …………….. ( You get the idea, and will get a copy of this essay) Add transitional sentences to segue to the next paragraph- something like: To add to the power of the written word, would be something I could keep as a visual, a video camera to record the trip.

Restate each subtopic as the topic sentence for each of the next three paragraphs.

Paragraph 3: Example #2  Topic Sentence (Restate Example #2 from the Introduction “Playing with him is lots of fun.”)  3 Example Sentences (Prove your Topic Sentence)  Concluding Sentence (Restates Topic Sentence from Example #2) or a transition to the next paragraph which is better.

Paragraph 3: Example #2 As important as the notebook, if not more the video camera presents itself in my suitcase. Good sentence variety, but seems awkward. It’s the perfect piece of technology to capture all of the future technology under its lens. This video could take a detailed picture moving of, again the flying car…………etc. Again, I would suggest a transition to the next paragraph, something like: The only thing missing is an apparatus for still photography, a digital camera, which is item #3

Paragraph 4: Example #3  Topic Sentence (Restates Example #3 from the Introduction “Romeo takes care of me.”)  3 Example Sentences (That prove your Topic Sentence)  Concluding Sentence (Restates Topic Sentence from Example #3)

Paragraph 4: Example #3 A digital camera would be the final thing I would pack. This would be for sentimental value more than anything else. The pictures I took I could place in an album. Then, whenever I felt gloomy, lonely, bored or depressed, I could simply leaf though the various pages, and remember the happier and brighter times…….. Note: I like the use of varied sentence structure and adjectives.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion (Restates Paragraph 1: Introduction)  Introduction  First Subtopic (Example)  Second Subtopic (Example)  Third Sentence (Example)  Conclusion

Paragraph 5: Conclusion (Restates Paragraph 1: Introduction) As you can see, Romeo is a great pet. I am proud of him and he doesn’t require much care. Playing with him is very pleasurable. I am always safe because he watches over me. Romeo is a wonderful pet.

Conclusion In conclusion, I list all of my items one more time: a notebook, a video camera, and a digital camera (note: This has been corrected from a fragment.) Combining all of these would be amazing! I could write a novel or perhaps create a new TV series. As I said before, the possibilities are endless. With all these amazing memories, one could never forget their travels. I can only hope that one day, I will go into the future and do everything I hoped to do.

There you have it! a plan. Expository writing isn’t that difficult when you have a plan. To make it even easier you may want to use a graphic organizer like the following ones to organize your thoughts.

THREE IDEAS Have fun with your writing & remember, you only need THREE IDEAS for a great expository/informative essay and an awesome ERB experience