STAAR Essay The Expository Essay A Review

EXPOSITORY ESSAY  Purpose: to Explain or Inform  In prompts, the key word will be “explain” or “explaining” so this is your hint to tell about (explain why) this person or topic.  Be sure you understand the focus of the prompt  Be sure you don’t drift into a narrative

Example Prompt: Explain how extra-curricular activities help or harm students in improving their personalities Explain how extra-curricular activities help or harm students in improving their personalities What is your response (thesis)? Possible hook… Possible supports…

How will you hook the reader? — an amazing or unusual fact — a description — a quote, proverb, or saying — a question (be careful) — a bold opinion — a statistic

How will you share those supports (the body)? Description (imagery, sound, etc.) Description (imagery, sound, etc.) Comparison/ Contrast (this vs that) Comparison/ Contrast (this vs that) Cause/Effect (if this, then that) Cause/Effect (if this, then that) Problem/ Solution Problem/ Solution

How will you conclude the essay? a series of questions a series of questions Could learning happen from watching animals at work? Does the environment benefit from the work of the beaver? Do you have an interest in conservation? If so, you should get to know our fascinating Canadian animal, the beaver. a description a description Whether round, furry babies, or full-grown, tail-slapping adults, these amusing creatures are the delight of the pond! As people get to know these animals a little better, they will appreciate them more. an anecdote an anecdote So, if you are ever strolling near a pond in the woods and came across a fascinating flat-tailed animal, stop and take another look! From kits to adults, these creatures are amazing! Be sure to restate your thesis!

Put it all together! Hook + Thesis + Supports + Conclusion = STAAR Success!