the Expository essay

Set the next available page in your notes section in the following format: Expository Writing Expository Writing Definition: (Use 3 lines for this section) Skip 1 line in between Step 1: Prompt Analysis - PPT Topic Purpose Position Skip 6 lines Ex. Ex. Class Model: Step 2: T-chart Brainstorming Class Model Skip 6 lines Step 3: Thesis Statement Formula + + = thesis Class Model Thesis:

Expository Essay Expository Essay What is an expository Essay? Definition: A type of informational text that clarifies or explains something Post-it Note : Ask participants to write their definition of Expository Essay

Expository Essay Elements Clear, concise, and defined thesis statement Clearly organized structure Strong introduction Specific supporting details Strong conclusion Purposeful and precise word choice Varied sentence structure

Step 1: Prompt Analysis Strategies for Prompt Analysis Read the entire prompt once Re-Read Sentence by Sentence – Annotating, Highlighting, Using dictionary/thesaurus Look for key words that suggest the PURPOSE of the essay (explain, inform, describe, compare, persuade) Look for the TOPIC and consider possible POSITIONS (positions are sides you can take…What CHOICE is the prompt asking you to make? Prompt Formula: PPT – Purpose, Position, Topic When students are writing in preparation for STAAR or for the STAAR , it is important that they analyze the prompt carefully. This should happen BEFORE they begin to write a thesis statement. This analysis will help them develop a strong, effective thesis, which will eliminate any problems later when it is time to draft the body paragraphs. Some strategies for prompt analysis include: Reading the prompt once throughout to get an overall idea of what is being asked; Re-Reading sentence by sentence – annotating, highlighting, and/or using a dictionary or thesaurus when necessary. While reading, it is also important to look for key words that allude to the purpose of the essay, which could be to explain, to inform, to describe, or to compare. Finally, locate the topic embedded in the prompt and consider possible positions. Let’s take a look at a sample.

Purpose Position TOPIC THESIS

Purpose Position TOPIC THESIS

Purpose Position TOPIC

THESIS Purpose Position TOPIC Class Model Prompt Analysis – Write the PPT of this prompt in your notebook under step 1. Purpose Position TOPIC THESIS

Brainstorm SEVERAL General Reasons For Each Step 2 in your notebook. List reasons for both topics. Whichever one you have the most concrete reasons for is the position you should take. Position TOPIC Working by Yourself Working with a Group -Depend only on self -No slackers -Develop a variety of content skills -Develop independence, personal accountability Which topic do I Choose? -Build problem-solving skills -Real-World Experience -Depend on different -talents from group members Share responsibilities Brainstorm SEVERAL General Reasons For Each

Step 3: The THESIS REASONS TOPIC POSITION 1-2 General Addresses the main points/ideas of your essays and directly responds to the essay prompt Tells the reader WHAT is being discussed and in WHAT manner/structure they will be discussed Write the Thesis Statement formula in Step 3– Every THESIS must include these: 1-2 General REASONS TOPIC POSITION

Crafting a Thesis Statement TPR MODEL Use your pencil to CIRCLE the TOPIC Use your pencil to BOX your POSITION Use your pencil to UNDERLINE your general reason(s) Share Thesis Statements Gallery Walks/Document Camera Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Thesis Showcase Let’s Share

Thesis: Topic plus view/position plus general reason WRITE an essay that explains whether winning is better than trying your best. Thesis: Topic plus view/position plus general reason Example: Winning is better than trying your best because it builds confidence and it builds popularity. Non Examples: Winning is better than trying your best because that’s when you earn a 1st place trophy. Make anchor chart on this prompt….

Thesis: Topic plus view/position plus general reason WRITE an essay explaining why reading is such an important skill to develop. Thesis: Topic plus view/position plus general reason Non Example: Reading is an important skill to develop because you can get a job at a publishing company. Example: Reading is an important skill to develop because it helps people be successful in their careers. Make anchor chart on this prompt….

Class Model: WRITE an essay explaining whether it is better to work by yourself or with a group. Thesis: Topic plus view/position plus general reason Example: Working in groups is better than working alone because members are able to rely on each other’s strengths. Non Example: Working by yourself is better than working in a group because my team member Johnny never contributes to work in the lab. Non Example: Some people prefer to work on their own because they don’t like working in groups.

Thesis: Topic + Position + (1-2) General Reasons Working with a group is better than working alone because a person can build problem-solving skills and depend on other members’ different talents. Working by Yourself Working with a Group Depend only on self No slackers Develop a variety of content skills Develop independence, personal accountability Build problem- solving skills Real-World Experience Depend on different talents from group members Share responsibilities Thesis: Topic + Position + (1-2) General Reasons

Outline Options Facts Examples Elaboration Details I: Introduction A. Hook and Bridge B. Thesis: Working with a group is better than working alone because a person can build important social skills. II. Building Social Skills A. Evidence/Details: _________________________ B. Commentary: _____________________________ C. Evidence/Details: __________________________ D. Commentary: ______________________________ III. Conclusion A. Reword Thesis B. Recap Arguments in group projects Learn to compromise in group Not everyone contributes Learned to communicate and share expectations in group Facts Examples Elaboration Details

TWO REASONS/TWO PARAGRAPHS Thesis Statement: Working in groups is better because it teaches people to compromise and to communicate with each other. TWO REASONS/TWO PARAGRAPHS Being a part of group work teaches individuals very important social skills that they couldn’t learned working by themsleves. For example, in Science class, our group was required to work on a project that illustrated the different steps of photosynthesis. Jason and I argued because we couldn’t decide on a model or a PowerPoint. We didn’t do work for a whole period because we were both stubborn. Then the teacher told us that we needed to compromise, so we settled on a poster. Compromising is an important social skill, and I wouldn’t have ever practiced compromising unless I was working in a group setting. Another social skill I develop in groups is communication. Sometimes in English class, I am paired with Emily and she has a hard time completing assignments. For our figurative language project, she wasn’t completing her definitions and I was getting upset because my grade was going to be low. I then politely asked her to include the definitions on each card, and she said she didn’t know that she had to. Once I communicated with her, it solved our problems for the group and we were successful. My communication skills were improved because I was working in groups.

The Body 1 REASON 1 paragraph Topic Sentence: (Main Idea of Paragraph : Share position and REASON for position Evidence/Details: Elaborate on FEED evidence Analysis/Commentary: Explain how the details provided support your position and reinforce your reason for that position. What was the outcome/effect/lesson learned? Evidence/Details: Elaborate on FEED evidence 1 REASON 1 paragraph

The Body Each REASON from your thesis will become one body paragraph. Topic Sentence: State your position and one reason. Example: Being a part of group work has taught me very important social skills that I couldn’t have learned working by myself. Evidence/Details: Provide a fact or example that supports the reason in your topic sentence. Example: For example, in Science class, our group was required to work on a project that illustrated the different steps of photosynthesis. Jason and I argued because we couldn’t decide on a model or a PowerPoint. We didn’t do work for a whole period because we were both stubborn. Then the teacher told us that we needed to compromise, so we settled on a poster. Analysis/ Commentary:Explain how the details provided support your position and reinforce your reason for that position. What was the outcome/effect/lesson learned? Example: Compromising is an important social skill, and I wouldn’t have ever practiced compromising unless I was working in a group setting.

Each body paragraph should have: 1 topic sentence Evidence/Details #1 Analysis/Commentary #1 Evidence/Details #2 Analysis/Commentary #2

ONE REASON/ONE PARAGRAPH Thesis Statement: Working in groups is better because it teaches people social skills. ONE REASON/ONE PARAGRAPH Being a part of group work has taught me very important social skills that I couldn’t have learned working by myself. For example, in Science class, our group was required to work on a project that illustrated the different steps of photosynthesis. Jason and I argued because we couldn’t decide on a model or a PowerPoint. We didn’t do work for a whole period because we were both stubborn. Then the teacher told us that we needed to compromise, so we settled on a poster. Compromising is an important social skill, and I wouldn’t have ever practiced compromising unless I was working in a group setting. Another incident that taught me a social skill like communication occurred in my English class. I was paired with Emily and she has a hard time completing assignments. For our figurative language project, she wasn’t completing her definitions and I was getting upset because my grade was going to be low. I then politely asked her to include the definitions on each card, and she said she didn’t know that she had to. Once I communicated with her, it solved our problems for the group and we were successful. My communication skills were improved because I was working in a group.

Resources - Hooks

The Conclusion THESIS SO WHAT? YOUR TURN restated 2-3 Sentences Restate/Reword your thesis (topic, position, and general reason) After your restated thesis you can - Summarize your points Make your topic relevant to your reader Connect to Hook Call to action - persuasive restated THESIS 2-3 Sentences YOUR TURN SO WHAT?