1. Find your Lit Terms packet in your folderOR

2. Record the following definitions next to the terms in your packet:
Thesis—a sentence that states the point of the essay, usually at the end of the introduction
Supporting details—specific details that prove or support the thesis, found in the body paragraph(s)
Topic sentence—the first sentence of a body paragraph that states the point of the paragraph
Transition--a signal word or phrase that forms a bridge from one idea to another

3. Revising Your Expository Essay

4. Revision Step 1: Intro Strategies
Beginning with a short, startling statement that needs further explanation.
“I don’t talk on Sundays. I haven’t in more than three years.”
Defining the central term of the prompt. For example, focus on the meaning of the term “hardship” before explaining how hardships are necessary.
Beginning with background information necessary to understand the explanation or examples.

5. Revision Step 2: Clear Thesis
THESIS: The central/controlling idea or argument of your essay. A thesis statement tells your purpose for writing or gives your opinion about a topic.
Prompt: Write an expository essay explaining the effect of one new technology on people’s lives.
Sample Thesis Statements:
Many technologies have had a positive effect on people’s lives.
Weatherbug has let people know what to wear.
Facetime has revolutionized the way people communicate in our society.
Too broad
Too narrow
Just right

6. Revision Step 3: Strong Evidence
What are your two examples?
In your example, will your reader understand who did what and when?
If not, what can you add?
Will your reader understand why this happened?
If not, how can you expand?
Look at the last sentence of the paragraph- does it tie your example back to the thesis?

7. Revision Step 4: Transitions
See the “Transition Words and Phrase” handout Add meaningful transitions to be the beginning of each paragraph. Add transitions within each paragraph to connect the ideas.

8. Re-writing your Essay
With these changes in mind, re-write your essay on the provided 26-line paper.
Consider making these changes as we have discussed:
New introduction that ends with a clear thesis statement.
Elaborate or change your examples in each paragraph- include more specific detail.
Add an effective conclusion
Check that every sentence is focused on proving your thesis.
Look at word choice- strong verbs, precise adjectives, and avoid repetitive wording.
Check for any and all grammatical errors.
Check your essay with the rubric- what score would you give yourself?