The “How and Why” of Writing Expository Writing The “How and Why” of Writing

What is Expository Writing? Expository writing is defined as presenting reasons, explanations, or steps in a process Giving information An expository essay should follow a logical sequence and have at least two different main reasons. Logic and coherence is the main focus of an expository essay

How is it different ? Expository writing does not tell a story Expository writing does not persuade a reader but only gives facts and reasons Expository writing can also give the steps of a process

Expository Writing Introduction of an expository should include the main idea and what the essay is about Two main reasons supporting this main idea should also be included in the introduction.

Paragraph two should introduce the first reason and give details to support the first reason Paragraph three should introduce the second reason and give details to support the second reason The conclusion should re-state all the reasons

Definition of Terms Thesis Statement: The main idea of the whole essay Transition words: Words such as first, second, as a result, which make transitions easy in the essay. Main Ideas: Each paragraph should have a main point or idea Supporting Details: Details support the main ideas

Re-Cap: Expository writing needs: One topic Reasons supporting that topic Details supporting the reasons A conclusion re-stating the reasons Transition words Clear, concise, logical and informative language

Topic: How I Would Change the World Brainstorm Two ways in which you would like to change the world Put these two reasons on your organizer.

Graphic Organizer Draw a square In the center box write a sentence to convey your 2 reasons. In the top two boxes write details and examples for reason 1. In the bottom two boxes write details and examples for reason 2. reason 1 reason 2

Details Can be descriptive Can be factual Can be from personal experience Can be anecdotes

Paragraph One Hook Background information on your topic Thesis statement

Paragraph 2 Put main idea for paragraph 2 on the organizer. Add your details Personal experiences Descriptive details-describe experience Facts about the topic- Short anecdotes

Paragraph 3 Put your main idea on the organizer Add your details Personal experiences Descriptive details Examples of the topic

Conclusion Re-state your reasons in your conclusion. Leave the reader with a final thought, something dynamic.

Use Transition Words Add your transition words: First, Second, Next, For example, In addition, Finally,

Thesis Statement The thesis statement should be the last sentence in the paragraph or implied throughout the paragraph.

Introduction Now let’s write the introduction together, now that we know what we are writing about. Hook: The world today is definitely not a paradise.

Background information on your topic: Hunger, abuse, poverty, pollution and other dangers are all too common. The world will probably never be perfect, but that is no excuse to not try to make it a better place to live.

Thesis Statement (containing your two reasons: Volunteering and recycling are two very important activities that can help change the world.

Introduction Paragraph The world today is definitely not a paradise. Hunger, abuse, poverty, pollution and other dangers are all too common. The world will probably never be perfect, but people everywhere can try to make it a better place to live. Volunteering and recycling are two very important activities that can help change the world.

Notice the two reasons you will be discussing in your essay: Reason 1= volunteering Reason 2 = recycling

Paragraph 2 First, volunteering is not just about working in a soup kitchen or visiting an old folks’ home. Giving money to charities can be a form of volunteering. The best charities are those which help people to help themselves like World Vision and One Laptop Per Child. Today anyone can volunteer to do anything!

Paragraph 3 Next, when people recycle, they are helping to protect and to preserve their planet. Anything can be recycled—from newspapers and plastic, to computers and old cell phones. Many cities and communities have recycle plants where people can drop off their items. Recycling batteries keeps hazardous metals out of landfills. Many stores, like RadioShack and Office Depot, accept reusable ones. In addition, old crayons can be sent to the National Crayon Recycle Program, which melts them down and reforms them into new ones.

Conclusion Although volunteering and recycling are just two of the ways to help change the world, everyone can begin somewhere. A person can study ways to change the world, but doing something to help is the best way to understand the process.

The world today is definitely not a paradise The world today is definitely not a paradise. Hunger, abuse, poverty, pollution and other dangers are all too common. The world will probably never be perfect, but people everywhere can try to make it a better place to live. Volunteering and recycling are two very important activities that can help change the world. First, volunteering is not just about working in a soup kitchen or visiting an old folks’ home. Giving money to charities can be a form of volunteering. The best charities are those which help people to help themselves like World Vision and One Laptop Per Child. Today anyone can volunteer to do anything! Next, when people recycle, they are helping to protect and to preserve their planet. Anything can be recycled—from newspapers and plastic, to computers and old cell phones. Many cities and communities have recycle plants where people can drop off their items. Recycling batteries keeps hazardous metals out of landfills. Many stores, like RadioShack and Office Depot, accept reusable ones. In addition, old crayons can be sent to the National Crayon Recycle Program, which melts them down and reforms them into new ones. Although volunteering and recycling are just two of the ways to help change the world, everyone can begin somewhere. A person can study ways to change the world, but doing something to help is the best way to understand the process.

Editing your essay Check that you have all the elements of an expository essay: Hook Thesis with 2 Reasons Details Transition words Conclusion that re-states your topic Thoughtful ending Organization Grammar Coherence, logic and clearly written