1. STAAR EXPOSITORY ESSAY 26 LINES – THAT’S ALL YOU HAVE, SO MAKE THEM COUNT

2. EXPOSITORY = EXPLAIN This prompt will ask you to explain something Your essay should have: A clear thesis sentence (not the “mad-lib” – this is not literary analysis). Restating the prompt is sufficient. Supporting details Clear organization (thesis sentence, 2 body ¶’s, concluding sentence) Effectively developed ideas

3. ESSAY STRUCTURE Four total paragraphs (indent paragraphs a “finger space”) Introduction (keep it brief, and end with your thesis!) Body Paragraph #1 (personal example in support of thesis) Body Paragraph #2 (current event/historical example in support of thesis) Conclusion (1-2 sentences to bring your essay to a close)

4. A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER You MAY use first-person since you will be using a personal example. HOWEVER, do not use phrases like “I think” or “I believe.” DO NOT use “you.” DO NOT make your personal example into story; you’re simply referencing something in your own experience to support your thesis. DO NOT make up your personal example. DO NOT write outside the box – 26 lines. Don’t add more.

5. SAMPLE PROMPT: