What is powerful expository writing? Lesson 1

“Real-World” Writing

How does a writer develop a powerful controlling idea or thesis? Lesson 3

The digital audio player, also known as the MP3 player, first became available to the general public in 1996. 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. 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.

Take risks. Ask big questions 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 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.

Define it. Define the subject (new technology/ risks) What do you understand about this topic?

Remember it. What does this idea make you remember? What experiences of your own life do you remember? What does it remind you of? Remember the 5 W's and H: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Connect it. How does this apply in the real world? How does this idea apply in history, current events, songs/ movies/ books? Remember the 5 W's and the H: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

So What? Why does this idea matter? How would the world be different without it? What do you understand now about the topic that you didn’t understand before?

Response Groups Read your thesis statements to your group. Which one is most effective? How could you combine one or more? Is there another way to say it better? Choose the best thesis statement from your group.

Define it. Define the subject. What do you understand about this topic?

Remember it. What does this idea make you remember? What experiences of your own life do you remember? What does it remind you of? Remember the 5 W's and H: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Connect it. How does this apply in the real world? How does this idea apply in history, current events, songs/ movies/ books? Remember the 5 W's and H: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

So What? Why does this idea matter? How would the world be different without it? What do you understand now about the topic that you didn’t understand before?