1. Transactional Writing Writing 2203
Exposition
Argumentation
Persuasion

2. All Essay writing must:
consider a definite audience
effectively develop a clear purpose (usually stated in a thesis statement).
clearly use diction to develop a tone.
be unified and coherent.
employ an effective introduction
be clearly and effectively written using solid logic and evidence to support the purpose or thesis.
logically conclude and perhaps reflect back on the introduction or title.
show interest, knowledge and commitment by the writer.

3. Expository Essays What is an Expository Essay?
The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.
The styles of essays that you will create for this course will include:
Argumentation
Persuasion
At the end of this unit, you will have one published copy and drafts of each of the above forms in your portfolio. You will also have analyzed some models to show your knowledge of the writing structures and forms at work in the models. These demand analyses will also be included in your portfolio.

4. Basic Expository Terms
Audience: the intended reader
Purpose: the reason for writing. Expository purposes consist of:
To explain or illustrate
To convince or persuade
To argue or pose
Thesis: the main idea of the writing
Thesis statement: the main idea of the essay explicitly stated in a sentence or two and placed in the introduction of the essay
Tone: the author’s attitude toward his subject as implied through the diction

5. Basic Essay Format

6. Basic Essay Organization
 Introduction
Arouses reader's attention using:
Definition
Relevant Fact
Unusual Detail
Question
Personal Experience
Short Example or Narrative
Introduces subject
Clearly states its main idea in a thesis statement

7. Thesis Statement

8. Thesis Statement Sample for Argumentation
Topic: Explain why a healthy diet is important
Weak Examples:
Too broad: A healthy diet is important.
Too narrow: People should include eight servings of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.
Off topic: Bananas are one of the most nutritious fruits on earth.
Strong Example:
A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness and promotes well-being in all people.

10. Thesis (main idea): A healthy diet is important because…
Premise one:
…it increases energy…
Premise two:
…prevents illness …
Premise three:
… and promotes well being in all people.

11. Body Paragraphs (repeat the process for each of the sub-ideas of thesis)
Topic sentence develops main idea of paragraph.
Supporting methods of development include details, examples, reasons, authorities, statistics etc. explore the topic sentence
Definition
Example/Illustration
Classification and Division
Comparison and Contrast
Cause and Effect
Process Analysis
Narration/Description
Clincher/summary sentences may be used.

13. Conclusion Emphatic conclusion to the topic through: Call to Action
Summary
Thesis Restatement
Closing by Return

14. The Argument:
A reasoned explanation supported by proof or evidence.

15. What is an Argumentative Essay?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to:
investigate a topic
collect, generate, and evaluate evidence
establish a position on the topic in a concise manner
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research. The student collects data through:
interviews,
surveys,
observations,
or experiments.

16. What is an Argumentative Essay?
Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research.
Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
The argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

18. The Five-Paragraph Essay
A common method for writing an expository or argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach.
This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays.
The method consists of
1. an introductory paragraph
2. three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and
3. a conclusion.

19. Methods of Paragraph Development:
Example and Illustration
used to support an idea, reinforce a contention or belief, or to clarify a subject or topic. When a writer uses examples to illustrate, the topic becomes more understandable as examples are concise explanations. Basically, the writer supports a general illustration or topic with very precise examples or explanations to provide clarity.

20. Cause and Effect
are interdependent relationships. They attempt to answer the why and what of a situation. The cause is considered the reason (why) of a situation and the effects would be considered the result (what/the cause).

21. Process Analysis
gives directions and/or simply provides information about how to perform a particular task, how something happened or works. The analysis of that method may explain why it must be done in a certain way or include a history lesson or a comparison of methods

22. Classification and Division
is a means whereby items, information and ideas are organized. Classification puts or sorts things into categories; division attempts to analyze the parts or sections into which something is divided.

23. Comparison and Contrast:
uses similarities and differences, or a combination of the two, to illustrate and discuss and idea. Typically comparison essays include both similarities and differences; a look only at differences is called contrast.

24. Analogy:
comparison of a literal object or simple topic to a figurative or complex idea throughout the course of an essay. Unlike an extended metaphor, this comparison is quite literally drawn. (Life to a river, because life is full of bends, has its own “rapids” and calm waters etc.)

25. Characteristics of Argumentation and Persuasion
Reasoned explanation of one’s thoughts supported by proof.
Evidence is needed.
Evidence would be logical and rational.
Writing attempts to convince the reader that the point is valid. Reader only needs to accept the point as valid and true.
Tone is rational.
While is a reasoned explanation, it supports one’s thoughts relying on emotional appeals.
Evidence, while used, is presented with emotional appeals as the writer is typically more committed to the topic.
Tone will be emotional.
Writing must persuade the audience to action. A call to action is a requirement and should be definitive.

26. Persuasion: writing which attempts to not only prove a valid point but convince the reader to act upon his/her findings. The tone is more emotive than neutral.

27. Persuasive Thesis Statement
Topic: Convince your reader whether school uniforms should be mandatory in all schools.
Weak Examples:
Too broad: It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms.
Too narrow: Students who are forced to wear uniforms have their creativity stifled .
Off topic: When kids grow up they will have bad memories of school.
Strong Example:
School uniforms should not be mandatory in all schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights and cause students to lose interest in school.

28. Thesis (main idea): School uniforms should not be mandatory in all schools because …
Premise one:
… it would stifle students’ creativity …
Premise two:
… take away students’ rights …
Premise three:
… and cause students to lose interest in school.

30. Essay Style/Formal Style Characteristics
Style: the manner in which a person writes
Formal style is defined by:
lengthy paragraphs
complex sentence types
3rd person point of view
factual and well documented
no contractions

31. Informal Style Characteristics
Informal style is defined by:
shorter paragraphs
compound and simple sentences used frequently
1st or 2nd point of view often used
opinions and personal evidence
use of contractions

32. Slang Essays Characteristics
Slang style is defined by:
use of language of a culture, age or time
use of incorrect grammar (ain’t)
use of lingo or jargon of an era
(bread/dough = money 1960’s)