Writing an Expository Essay

a written composition that conveys information or explains something An expository essay is a written composition that conveys information or explains something

Introduction to Expository Writing In order to classify as expository, an essay needs:   a thesis statement at the end of the introduction that answers the prompt to explain or discuss a particular subject matter using detailed examples

Introduction to Expository Writing In order to classify as expository, an essay needs:   strong evidence that backs up the thesis statement (in the body paragraphs) a conclusion that makes a final thought for the audience

What Expository Writing IS and is NOT What expository IS…  What expository is NOT… Explains/discusses a topic Includes a thesis statement Contains evidence in the form of paraphrased or summarized examples and details Includes commentary (reasoning) Provides a conclusion Prompt will be completely textual Informative Does NOT tell a story Does NOT include setting/characters Does NOT contain a conflict Does NOT include dialogue Does NOT provide a resolution/denoument Prompt will NOT include a photo or ask you to analyze a piece of literature Is NOT creative/imaginative Does NOT use quotes as evidence

*The expository prompt page on the STAAR test typically has a lot of text.

Sample Prompt for Expository Writing

Time for US to be STAAR GRADERS!

Here’s the prompt for the essays we’re about to score Here’s the prompt for the essays we’re about to score. Make sure you have your rubric out!

What would you rate this essay? 1 2 3 4

What would you rate this essay? 2

2 Why a ideas on topic but not developed progression of ideas weak examples given are too vague to support the thesis

What would you rate this essay? 1 2 3 4

What would you rate this essay? 4

4 Why a clear thesis good organization student sounds knowledgeable well chosen examples that prove thesis demonstrates control of English language

Time for YOU to be the STAAR GRADER!

Here’s the prompt for the essays you’re about to score Here’s the prompt for the essays you’re about to score. Make sure you have your rubric out! Hint: There is a 6, a 7, and an 8. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall. -Nelson Mandela Can failure make you stronger? Think carefully about this question. Write an essay explaining whether failure can strengthen a person.

Let’s see how you did. Essay #1 8 (Accomplished) Essay #2 7 (Between Satisfactory & Accomplished) Essay #3 6 (Satisfactory)

Steps for Developing an Expository Essay 1.) Brainstorm examples that you will use in the body paragraphs. 2.) Craft body paragraphs with topic sentences, detailed evidence, and closing commentary. 3.) Include one or two insightful sentences at the end to conclude your essay. 4.) Construct a thesis statement based on your examples that directly answers the prompt in a single sentence (last sentence of your introduction). 5.) Create a “hook” sentence to begin your essay. The “hook” should tie into the prompt in a realistic way.

When you need expository examples, just ask for HELP! H – History E – Events (current) L – Literature (books, music, movies, social media, etc.) P – People (personal anecdote, famous people, athletes)

Books / People/ Movies Community/School Write an essay explaining the importance of education. Brainstorm potential examples that might become evidence for an expository essay and add to this graphic organizer or to your HELP list . News/History World Events Books / People/ Movies Community/School Personal

Writing an Effective Body Paragraph Begin your body paragraphs with a topic sentence. Give a specific example that helps explain your thesis in each body paragraph. Alternately, you can also write one paragraph with a really well-developed example. Body paragraphs develop one clear, specific reason or example for believing your thesis statement to be true. Convince your reader to see things as you see them. Let’s look at some examples of both effective and non-effective body paragraphs.

PROMPT: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to take a chance. Notice that the example on the following slide begins with a topic sentence, provides relevant details, and ends with a sentence of closing commentary.

Body Paragraph Example Topic Sentence, Details, Closing Commentary Madame Curie took the risk of exposing herself to radiation for the chance to further our knowledge of nuclear radiation. She took the risk without knowing the outcome, resulting in her losing her life after many years of being exposed. It is because of her studies that society has a profound awareness of the matter in order to better protect ourselves. Had she not put herself in harm’s way for the sake of research, the medical world would have suffered greatly.

Another Sample Body Paragraph Some people have a phobia of bugs, so they never go outside or camping. Those people have not taken the chance to be near one and realize that most of them will not harm one unless one bothers them. Of course with the help of bug spray, people can keep off the hungry parasitic ones. But, this will only happen if people take risks and chances. This student received a bad score because the body paragraph does not make the student seem knowledgeable or prove the point well. What does that mean?

Yet Another Sample Body Paragraph It is good to take chances. You will never know if you don’t try. Taking chances will keep you open minded about different actions. There are good choices and bad choices. Too vague! Develop the idea! Use a specific example in your paragraph. Please don’t do this to me. . .

This should be the look on my face when I read your expository essay. The Last Example of a Body Paragraph Topic Sentence, Details, Closing Commentary Furthermore, another example would be Atticus Finch from the book, To Kill a Mockingbird. In this novel, Atticus is a white lawyer from the 1930’s who is defending an African American in court. He does this without knowing whether he is guilty or not. He also took this case at the risk of losing his credibility and honor in a racist society. It is because of this risk that everyone in the court and his kids learned about the injustice happening in society. This should be the look on my face when I read your expository essay.

Body Paragraph  Models Prompt:  Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. Take a look at the examples in your notes packet (Johnny Manziel, Malala Yousafzai, and World War II).

Body Paragraph Partnered Practice Prompt:  Write an essay explaining why it could be important to put others’ needs before your own.

Remember that you must have a topic sentence, details, and closing commentary. When you have written your paragraph, you and your partner will highlight these three things in different colors.

Try another one with a different example. Craft a 2nd body paragraph for the prompt you’ve been practicing with your partner. Remember that you must still have a topic sentence, details, and closing commentary. When you have written your paragraph, highlight these three things in different colors.

Introductions -Hook -Thesis Statement -About 3 out of your 26 lines.

Student Introduction Examples

Life is all about taking risks Life is all about taking risks. If you don’t take risks, you will never find out what would have happened or not have happened if you would have taken that risk. Taking risks can be a good thing to do sometimes, but can also be a bad thing. You never want to take too many risks because some of them can turn out to be real bad, but then some of them can also be real good. Strong or Weak WEAK WHY?? There is no clear thesis statement. This will lead to a weaker paper. Introduction seems very unfocused / all over the place.

A lot of people struggle with the concept of taking chances in their lives. Sometimes people think that if they do not know what the outcome of their actions will be, then it is not worth taking the chance. However, there will be a time in everyone’s life where taking a risk is the best choice because it could end up making all the difference and potentially changing your future. STRONG Strong or Weak WHY?? Interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement- we know what to expect from this essay!

Everything cannot be taken with caution or safety Everything cannot be taken with caution or safety. Everything cannot be mapped or planned out according to one’s desire. Some things invoke taking a risk to reach the outcome, even when one has no idea what will happen. Taking a chance is almost always a major first part in achieving success. Strong or Weak STRONG WHY?? Good clear thesis statement; there is a good transition sentence to lead into thesis statement.

There are so many opportunities and chances people give up every day There are so many opportunities and chances people give up every day. Then later on we regret our choices and decisions we made for not taking the risk. So how come we don’t take the risk? What makes us hold back from taking the risk? Strong or Weak WEAK WHY?? Too many rhetorical questions; no thesis statement – VERY weak

Introductory Paragraph Partnered Practice

Thesis Statement Models Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. Possible thesis statements: Men and women sometimes need to make choices to improve not only their lives but their community as well. Even though outcomes are uncertain, making good decisions can make a person be successful and positively influence the world around them. A person’s life is influenced by not only their circumstances, but by the choices they make.

Possible “Hook” sentences: Hook Models Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. Possible “Hook” sentences: Decision: a determination arrived at after consideration (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Edwin Markham once said, “Choices are the hinges of destiny.” Even though the future seems uncertain, decisions made today can affect the rest of a person’s life. Every decision made in life has an outcome: positive or negative. Choices are everything in life.

Putting It All Together Introduction Model Prompt: Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. Notice the order of the hook and the thesis (last sentence in the paragraph). Choices are everything in life. Even though outcomes are uncertain, making good decisions can make a person be successful and positively influence the world around them.

Putting It All Together Introduction Partnered Practice Prompt: Write an essay explaining why it could be important to put others’ needs before your own. Now work with your partner to create an introductory paragraph. Remember to include a hook as your first sentence and the thesis as the last sentence in your paragraph.

Conclusion Paragraph Some ideas to consider for conclusions: *a thought provoking quotation *describing a powerful image *talking about the consequences or implications *ending on an interesting twist of thought *explaining why the topic is important *making a prediction *provide a truism-a life truth