The Writing Process Karen Jackson English I Cedar Hill NGC

What are the three major types of writing? EXPOSITORY WRITING This writing focuses on a TOPIC. It is straightforward (precise). It includes an INTRODUCTION (with a thesis), BODY PARAGRAPHS and a CONCLUSION. Examples of expository essays are informational essays, the “how-to” piece, the “compare/contrast” piece, and “responses to literature.” The writer’s purpose is to inform the audience. NARRATIVE WRITING These are stories that develop around a main character (protagonist) in a setting where they have a problem, adventure or meaningful experience. The writer’s purpose is entertaining the audience. PERSUASIVE WRITING This writing is used to persuade or convince the audience to think or believe as the author does. The organization is similar to the expository writing, but the author must use information presented to support their position, which may include their own OPINION. The writer’s purpose is to persuade.

Expository Writing Expository writing requires careful organization. Information must be arranged and presented in a logical, sequential manner, with like details grouped together. There are 3 parts to an expository writing: Introduction Paragraph, Body of the Piece, and Conclusion Paragraph.

1. Introduction Paragraph

The first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention with a HOOK, and then tell the reader what the entire piece will be about with a THESIS STATEMENT.

Expository Writing Hooks Examples Question What? You don’t like crunchy caterpillars on your pizza? Idiom (figure of speech) Now you’re in a pickle. No food, no water, no shelter. What do you do ? Anecdote (narrative vignette) I was living in Arkansas the first time I met prejudice face to face. Definition Hyperbole means extreme exaggeration. I found out it was easier to say than use. Exaggeration (hyperbole) A million bikers can’t be wrong. Quotation “Give me liberty or give me death.”

What is a THESIS STATEMENT? A thesis statement DOES the following: Presents your opinions or thoughts on a subject or an issue. You cannot write an essay without one. Must contain a subject + an opinion. Respond to the prompt (the one presented to you by your teacher or on the assessment). A thesis statement DOES NOT: Contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe The entire thesis represents what YOU believe.

Thesis statement example: A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.): Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. Bad example #1: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Bad Example #2: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him the league's most valuable player.

Thesis statement tip! Use your writing prompt as a stem for your thesis statement. PROMPT: Explain how disappointments can have a good side. THESIS STATEMENT: Disappointments can have a good side because there is usually a lesson to be learned.

2. Body Paragraphs

Body of the Piece The body should include a number of paragraphs, each with a broad yet distinct MAIN IDEA SENTENCE, which explains what the paragraph is about, followed by a variety of SUPPORTING DETAILS.

Tip for organizing your thoughts! Source: Empowering Writers, LLC

3. Conclusion Paragraph

What does the CONCLUSION do? The final paragraph which creatively reiterates (repeats) the main ideas and restates the thesis statement in a general way. This may be accomplished in a straightforward, although not literal repetition, or it may be implied.

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