1. Expository Essay Preparation
English 11
Expository Essay Preparation

2. You will have TWO class periods to work on the essay.
You are not permitted to use any prepared notes or material.
At the end of the first day, you must hand in everything you want back the next day.

3. Essay Structure In pen Double-spaced FIVE paragraphs total
Contains at least THREE quotes (one per body paragraph)
Creative title
Does not use “I” or “you” or contractions (don’t).

4. 4 Steps in the Essay-Writing Process (all need to be shown!)
Pre-Writing:
Choose your topic
Brainstorm/generate your ideas
Complete an outline
Writing: Rough Draft
Identify quotations, transitions, and supporting ideas
Editing:
Review your paper and make revisions based on the key descriptors on the rubric
Writing: Final Draft
Write the final version of your paper
Fill out a self-assessment rubric
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5. Things I will be marking:
Thesis statement
Organization
Argument and Ideas: level of insight/detail/argument
Command of Language: style, diverse vocabulary, variety of sentences, flow
Evidence from the text to support your argument (quotes)
Grammar and Punctuation

6. Review: Using Quotations Thesis Statement Topic Sentence Introduction & Conclusion

7. Quotations: Four Principles
Context: Where and when the quote happens.
Let your reader know what’s going on; don’t assume the reader knows what you’re talking about.
Incorporation: weaving the quote into your own words using quotation marks.
Do not let your quote stand alone – incorporate it into your own sentence.
Interpretation: adding your insight and analysis about what the quote shows, and why it is important.
Tell the reader why you chose to include this quote.
Referencing: Include the author’s last name and page number after the quotation.
Like this!  “Blah blah blah ” (Walls 60).

8. Thesis Statement What is a thesis statement?
A statement of the controlling idea, main claim, or principal argument of the essay
A statement of what the paper is going to show, argue, evaluate, discuss, critique, examine, explore, demonstrate, etc.
Why have a thesis statement?
To inform the reader about the writer’s position on a topic, and the direction of the paper (like a map!)
Where does it appear?
Near the beginning of the essay, usually at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Tip for writing a thesis statement?
“This paper will discuss/argue/explore… [your chosen topic].”

9. Topic Sentence What is a topic sentence? What does it do?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education…etc.

10. Introduction
Writing a good introduction can be tricky. Here are some tips:
Capture your reader’s interest:
Avoid starting out with a dull sentence: “In this essay I will explain why Rosa Parks was an important figure.”
Instead, try something attention-grabbing: “A Michigan museum recently paid $492,000 for an old, dilapidated bus from Montgomery, Alabama.”
Introduce your topic and transition to how this relates to your thesis
State your thesis

11. Conclusion Some suggestions for writing a conclusion:
Do not present your reader with new ideas in the conclusion.
Summarize the points made in your essay with fresh language.
Restate thesis and how the evidence you’ve presented has contributed to your thesis.
There is no need to begin with “in conclusion” – your reader is aware that this is your conclusion.