EXPOSITORY WRITING MEANT TO INFORM OR EXPLAIN - NON-FICTION THESIS: DO NOT USE “I”! Students can absolutely use "I". In fact, from TEA, they'd rather see "I" than "one." Also, they expect students to answer from their own experience, so "I" and other personal pronouns are fine to use. Example #1: -Analyze and Connect to Thesis!! Example #2: -Analyze and Connect to Thesis!! Students can do these two things together in one paragraph, or they can do separate paragraphs (though space is limited) but the examples should be tied to the thesis, which should have ONE point. A two or otherwise multi-pronged thesis is too much to attempt in 26 lines. A specific thesis with one thing to prove is most effective. In real life and AP, a more complex thesis is appropriate, but STAAR is more limited. The thesis should be proportional to the length of the essay. In a 26 line "essay," a one point thesis is proportionate. Conclusion: Do not just copy paste thesis. Say something NEW!

EXPOSITORY WRITING MEANT TO INFORM OR EXPLAIN - NON-FICTION TYPES OF EXAMPLES YOU CAN USE: -Historical -Current Events -Pop culture -Literature -Personal (w/o using I) These are fine ways to develop examples. TEA does expect students to draw from their own experience, so they are not looking for fake statistics, etc. If a student is well read and knows some real stats, facts, etc., those are fine to use.

REMEMBER: *Two examples are better than one *Watch out for “dead words” *Do not use general examples i.e. homeless people, military members, and government officials *If you use one general example, attempt to use a more specific example as well. *Use concrete examples, not generalizations * DO NOT USE THE BOX!!!

ARCHETYPES

WHAT IS AN ARCHETYPE? An archetype is a repeated image that comes through the ages from human experience as a pattern or a symbol. An archetype can be thought of as a model after which other things can be patterned, a prototype or a permanent underlying structure. Archetypes are templates for characters with which the reader is familiar with and can identify. Archetypes are encouraged in fiction, but care needs to be given in order to prevent them from becoming stereotypes. Stereotypes, like archetypes, are templates, but a stereotype is categorized as an oversimplified and therefore contorted conception of an idea.

Let’s look at the different archetypes and some famous characters that fulfill them…

THE HERO Usually arises from a lowly birth to become a glorified leader/king after facing many trials Example: Harry Potter

YOUNG PERSON FROM THE PROVINCES Taken from home and returns with a new perspective Example: Dorothy

INITIATES Innocents who train for a quest Example: Luke Skywalker

MENTORS Teachers or counselors for the Initiates Example: Yoda

BENEVOLENT GUIDE Usually an older person who gives the hero/heroine wise counsel Example: Fairy Godmother

SHAMAN Protector of rituals Example: Rafiki

COMPANIONS Loyal to hero/heroine at all costs Example: Samwise Gamgee

LOYAL RETAINER A true and loyal friend Example: Zazu

FRIENDLY BEAST/ANIMAL Helps the hero/heroine Example: Chewbacca

MOTHER FIGURE Nurtures and cares for the hero/heroine Example: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather

TRICKSTER A wise fool, rascal or troublemaker Example: Bart Simpson

DEVIL FIGURE Purely Evil Example: Scar

EVIL FIGURE WITH ULTIMATELY A GOOD HEART Redeems himself by the end of the story Example: Scrooge

SCAPEGOAT Sacrificed animal/human who takes on the sins and punishment for others Example: Aslan

OUTCAST Banished; not accepted in society Example: The X-Men

STAR-CROSSED LOVERS Fate is against them Example: Romeo and Juliet

TEMPTRESS Beautiful woman who brings destruction to the hero Example: Cat Woman

PLATONIC IDEAL The woman on a pedestal who inspires the hero, but with whom he has no romantic relationship Example: Lois Lane

CREATURES Monsters that threaten the hero Example: The Kraken