1. Expository Essay Writing
Context: “Encountering Conflict”

2. Purpose of Expository essay
To explain all sides of an argument or issue without taking sides
To inform by examining both sides of an issue
To provide a balanced discussion of different views
To present the pros and cons so readers can make up their own minds.
To consider different points of view on a prompt/stimulus material
To share knowledge

3. What is an expository essay –in context?
When you write in the expository form, you are required to expose or explain a detailed view of the Context – “Encountering Conflict.”
In other words this form allows you to discuss an interpretation of the Context by using the set (text/s) as a springboard for your ideas.
This response is an open discussion of how the Context operates not only in the world of the text studied, but also in the external world that we live in.

4. Expository essay - forms
Expository essay includes the following forms:
An essay
A feature article
A report
A letter
An editorial
Personal reflection

5. Expository essay – Language features
Formal style – depends on form
But language needs to be appropriate for the intended audience ( eg language of news reports, essays, letters)
Serious tone – no colloqualism
A reasoned considered discussion of the prompt
The language and style adopted depends on the purpose and form and audience

6. What does an expository essay asks you to do?
Asks you to explore your own perception of concepts and ideas
The structure of the paragraphs use the outside – inside – outside approach, rather than TEEL.
The ideas ,characters, and concepts in a text to help support your key ideas.
You need to use any of the texts we have studied in class, but the key one to include is:
“Life of Galileo”
You will be given a prompt rather than a question
The Prompt is a springboard for the ideas and concepts you should discuss in your essay – it is a statement that requires your response.

7. The structure
You should have a minimum of 4 key ideas that form your response to the prompt.
You must have
An introduction – 1 paragraph
A body – at least 4 paragraphs
A conclusion – 1 paragraph

8. Introduction
In the introduction you DO NOT refer to ANY text, but rather present the reader with your own ideas. (You stay OUTSIDE the text)
You introduce the concepts (Key ideas) you want to discuss and explore them.
Have a contention
Remain conceptual – no need to mention the texts
Discuss and explore the prompt
Decide what you want to argue
Shape your argument
Create a link between you and the real world and the prompt
Define the idea of conflict for you in this essay

9. SAMPLE INTRODUCTION PROMPT:
Why conflict happens is less important than how it affects people.
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout history, humankind has experienced conflict. Our histories are littered with numerous examples of struggles and tensions between individuals and their families, within wider communities and, indeed, among, nations. Whether they are short-lived, non-violent altercations or fierce battles that last countless years, these struggles are important to the ways in which they shape the futures of people and their communities. Whilst understanding the reasons behind people ending up in conflict is vital, it is the ramifications of these clashes – the outcomes of that conflict – that are most significant.
For many individuals the outcomes of their struggles are more important than the reason behind why they were embroiled in the conflict. Indeed, the conflict that they encounter has both immediate and far-reaching consequences for them. In “Life of Galileo”, Galileo is…………

10. Body Paragraphs
Discuss the prompt by exploring concepts, your key ideas, and using the text or other sources as evidence
OPINION: Your topic sentence, your idea/concept
EVIDENCE: From the text, that supports your idea/concept
ANALYSIS: Deconstruction of the opinion and evidence, YOUR opinion.

11. Breaking down the Paragraph
Step 1 – Begin outside - discuss a concept- the key idea for each paragraph- this should be couple of sentences ( topic sentence and expansion of that idea)
Eg:“History has shown that choosing to do something radical can lead to conflict…… (now expand this…stay outside the text - give examples from your research file.
Step 2 – Bring it inside the text. What is the agenda of the writer? – What is Brecht trying to achieve in his play/ a particular scene ) one sentence that links to what you have indicated above.
Eg: “In “Life of Galileo” Brecht demonstrates that when Galileo decided to do something radical it led to intense confict with the church and the state.”
Step 3 – Prove it – demonstrate knowledge using examples from the text- paraphrase quotes
Eg: “Galileo after discovering the truth about the universe decides to communicate this truth to the ordinary people by doing something radical. He decided that he “will write in the language of the people.” This led to……..(now expand this)
Another Text - …….
Step 4 – Take it outside- link to the prompt (one or two sentences)
Eg:” When values of institutions are at odds with those of individuals, conflict arise.”

12. Conclusion
The idea of the conclusion is to present your key succinctly, without simply repeating your introduction verbatim.
It can be shorter than your introduction,
but one sentence is not adequate
Finish with your extended metaphor

13. Final tips
The expectation is that you will have at least four body paragraphs
You are not answering a question – you are exposing, explaining, exploring ideas and supporting with evidence from the texts.
You must use the set texts, but they are not the only source of evidence/support/inspiration.
Mechanics:
Vary sentence structure
Think carefully about vocabulary
Use good verbs rather than a plethora of adjectives.
Utilise the good language techniques you have developed in your creative folios.
Learn how to spell accurately, especially names of poems, short stories, places and characters.
Use capital letters properly!