Expository Essay

What is an expository essay? An EXPOSITORY essay explains, informs, or describes a topic to the reader. It should includes these characteristics: a thesis statement that answers the prompt strong evidence that backs up the thesis statement (in the body paragraphs) explanation of the evidence a conclusion that makes a final thought for the audience

Narrative v Expository Writing Narrative Writing (fiction or non-fiction like your memoir): Expository Writing: Tells a story Includes a setting & characters Contains a conflict Includes dialogue Provides resolution Creative Explains/discusses a topic Includes a thesis statement Contains evidence Includes commentary Provides a conclusion Informative

The 15 Minute Essay: Role of Food

Read & Consider the quotes above “Most of us have fond memories of food from our childhood. Whether it was our mom's homemade lasagna or a memorable chocolate birthday cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past.” – Homaro Cantu “Food is a common ground. A universal experience.” – James Beard “Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale.” – Elsa Schiaperelli

Your task today: Write an essay explaining the role of food in our society. Be sure to: ◦Clearly state your thesis ◦Organize and develop your ideas effectively ◦Choose your words carefully

Prompt: Write an essay explaining the role of food in our society. For the next two minutes, write one sentence stating the role of food in our society. This can be your first sentence (thesis statement). Hint: Use the language of the prompt to write your complete sentence.

Take a breath and indent. Think of a fictional example of how food has played a role in society as listed in your first sentence. Consider a scene in a movie, television show, or book with food as a central aspect. For the next four minutes, explain how this scene clearly demonstrates the role food plays in our society. Consider ending this paragraph with a sentence that connects back to your thesis.

Take a breath and indent. Think of a real-life example of how food has played a role in society as listed in your thesis statement. Consider scenes from your summer reading or current events (news, magazines, online). You may also use your own life- be careful not to write a narrative story! For the next four minutes, explain how this example clearly demonstrates the role food plays in our society. Consider ending this paragraph with a sentence that connects back to your thesis.

Take a breath and indent one more time. In the next two minutes, end your essay by answering the question “so what?” - show your readers why this essay is important and meaningful. Remember to connect to your thesis!

Final Step! Take three minutes to edit and revise your paper. Follow these steps: ◦Carefully and slowly re-read what you wrote. ◦Re-write sentences or add/delete words to make sure your point is clear. ◦Choose 2-3 “dull” words you may have used and replace them with more interesting words. Remember all of the work we have been doing with strong diction!