Expository Writing

What is expository writing? Expository writing explains or informs. There are many forms of expository writing, but they all have one thing in common: They deal with facts, not fiction. In OTHER words…..you are providing information. SHOWING, NOT TELLING!

What an expository writing piece looks like.. 5 paragraphs….. -introduction -main idea 1 -main idea 2 -main idea 3 -conclusion

What an expository writing piece looks like… Each paragraph should contain transitions, introductory sentences, details, and conclusions. 6th grade writers should use a variety of sentences- simple, compound, and complex, and strong verbs. They should "show" not "tell". If you are writing the words "I" or "you", be careful that you are not telling me what you are going to write next or writing as if we are having a conversation. State your thoughts and explain them.

What an expository writing piece looks like… Start with an attention grabber.(quote, statistic, fact, bold statement, question, etc.) Then answer the original question in statement form and make sure it flows smoothly from the golden brick, ex: "That is why..." or "This supports..." Using a transition word, introduce your first supporting reason or main idea, ex: "First of all,..." or "The first reason..." Using a transition word, introduce your second supporting reason or main idea, ex: "Also,..." or "Another reason..." Using a transition word, introduce your first supporting reason or main idea, ex: "Finally,..." or "Lastly..." (Remember that you are only introducing your reasons. Your sentences should be interesting and detailed, but save the explanation of your reason for your body paragraph) Finish up your introduction with your thesis. This is one sentence that retells your answer and main ideas 1-3, ex:"The most important... is... because....,...., and...", or "...,..., and... are the three main reasons why..."

Examples… emplars/6thExposi.pdf ository.pdf

Your prompts… All students (elementary/middle/high) live for taking vacation. Whether it's a 3-month boondoggle in the Summer, or a short week long jaunt in Spring. Students live for vacation. The below prompts are designed to engage the student into sharing and explaining the exact particulars that made a vacation so great.

Prompt 1 Share a particular day from your Summer vacation that stood out for them. Use descriptive language that sets the mood and creates the environment for the reader.

Prompt 2 Many students complain that they don't get enough vacation time. Explain why you feel you should get more vacation days.

Prompt 3 Explain your holiday break and expound a tradition that they feel is unique to their family or culture.

Prompt 4 Your best friend is contemplating joining you on your Spring break vacation. Write a letter explaining why they should come with you

Prompt 5 Create a new holiday and write an essay explaining the new holiday and how it would be celebrated.