Journal 11/2/15 What is an expository essay? What is the one sentence called that tells what your paper is about and can be used as a “roadmap” for your essay?

STAAR Writing: English I Essay Expository Essay What is an essay? What does Expository mean? How long does it have to be?

a short piece of writing on a particular subject What is an essay? a short piece of writing on a particular subject

What does expository mean? to explain or describe something

How long does it have to be? 26 lines

What the finished product looks like:

Prompts

Functions and Purposes of a Thesis Statement A Thesis Statement is: Functions and Purposes of a Thesis Statement To announce the topic to the reader To reflect a judgment about the topic To provide the reader with a blueprint for what is to come in the paper

A Thesis Statements is NOT: Broad Thesis Statements are claims that are vague, ambiguous or overreaching. These are claims that do not announce the topic, reflect a judgment, or create a blueprint or plan. They may attempt to address a topic with too many issues to deal with in the given writing assignment. Narrow Thesis Statements are claims that do not meet at least two of the 3 criteria above and/or are too specific and single-minded to be developed into a thorough essay.

So… What is the formula for a strong thesis statement? + + = Topic 2 Reasons Position Thesis

A Thesis Statements is NOT: A Question - (Did you know that Global Warming is a real problem?) An “I” statement - (I learned that Global Warming is a problem in our world and should be addressed.) Vague and wandering - (Global Warming is a threat to everyone.) Overly obvious - (Global Warming has been in the news a lot lately.) Overly general - (Global warming exists in our world.) Emotional - (Global warming must be stopped or we will all die!)

How can we make the body paragraphs in our essays stronger? Real life examples!

Write an essay explaining why friends are important. Use this prompt… Write an essay explaining why friends are important.

Write an essay on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Be EXTREMELY detailed! (Grab another sheet of paper if you need it)