On the STAAR test you will be expected to write two different types of compositions. #1 – Expository Writing #2 – Personal Narrative

What is Expository Writing? Explains something Gives Facts Informs Gives Steps in a Process. Presents Ideas in logical order or correct sequence.

Expository, informational, and non-fiction are all synonyms. The author will not share his or her opinion on the topic. Traits of Expository Writing

The Purpose of Expository Writing If an author wants to explain something or share information with you, he or she will write an expository piece.

Forms of Expository Writing News Articles Non-Fiction Books Graphs and Charts Textbooks Classroom notes Most letters Definition Process Analysis Analytical Essay Compare-and-Contrast Essay Cause-and-Effect Essay Classification Essay Problem Solution Essay Pro-Con Essay

More Forms of Expository Writing Giving Steps, Order and Sequence Instructions and Directions Recipes Résumés Science or math equation

Expository Writing VS. Personal Narrative Writing Expository Writing is non-fiction and informational. It does not have characters, a setting, or other story elements. Personal Narratives express true events in a person’s life.

Introduction Create an interesting hook to catch the readers attention. Create a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement/ controlling idea.

Create an Instructing Hook. Anecdote.Quotation.Startling Information.Controversial or Provocative Question.Definition

Thesis Statement/Controlling Idea A one sentence summary about what the whole essay is about. The Topic: What is the Paper about? The Focus: What will you say about the topic? The Forecast: What is the main point that you will use to prove the focus?

An Example of a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea Ex: First, you may spend so many hours attending class that you have very little time for the research and homework that university classes require

Truisms Draw the image that comes to mind. Make an educational statement that covers all humanity “create a truism” Connect the truism to the prompt in order to make your thesis statement.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: Most people enjoy some type of music. Think about your favorite type of music and explain why you like that particular type of music.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: Describe your favorite outfit including any accessories.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: Sometimes even the best drivers can get lost at times. Explain how you would direct a lost man to get back to the interstate highway from your neighborhood.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: Everyone has days that they will always remember as being very special. Think about a special day that you have had. Write an essay telling why it was so special.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: Tell how to make a hamburger.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: As a student familiar with this school, explain the procedure for (fire drills, forming a line, moving between classes, moving into learning groups, finding a sentence pattern, outlining a chapter, solving an equation) to a new student.

Write a Thesis Statement/ Controlling Idea for this prompt: The telephone has become a most important part of everyone's life. Most of us have difficulty imagining what it could be like to live without it. Write an essay explaining how the American family uses it for business, pleasure, and emergencies. Assume that this will be published as a part of an encyclopedia article.

The Body Paragraphs Multiple body paragraphs that include evidence Begin by using strong Transition Words when you start new paragraphs. Following the transition word, write a topic sentence that’s broad enough to include all the ideas of the paragraph, but narrow enough to be limited to a single paragraph. The supporting idea is then developed with a real-life example or quotation from an outsider. Remember to place your body paragraphs in the same order that you mention them in your thesis. Start form your weakest point to your strongest.

Transition Words Introduction: This (situation, story, case) illustrates the point that…. This (situation, story, case) is an example of today’s problem of… In view of this... Body Paragraphs : generally Furthermore finally in the first place pursuing this further Additionally lastly in the first place finally admittedly assuredly certainly granted no doubt nobody denies obviously of course to be sure true undoubtedly unquestionably generally speaking in general at this level in this situation Conclusion: therefore hence in conclusion in final consideration indeed

Body Paragraph Structure Example: First, you may spend so many hours attending class that you have very little time for the research and homework that university classes require. Felicia, a mother of twins, added extra hours of class to her schedule because she wanted to finish her degree as soon as possible. However, the extra hours gave her no time at all to study, and she had to re-sit a course, thus losing time instead of gaining it.

Conclusion A conclusion ties up the thoughts and drives home the main idea using new vocabulary to emphasize the thesis/ controlling idea. Ex: Thus, consider carefully the number of courses you sign up for; an overload may spell disaster.

Create a Title Alliteration (“Dialogue at Dinner”) Paradox (“When Questioning is the Answer”) Allusion (“My Side of Paradise”) Rhyme (“The Motion and Devotion of My Life”) Subtitle (“Life: In a Nutshell”) Parallel Structure (“To Think, To Know, To Act”)

Now let’s analysis and score some sample essays using the Expository STAAR Rubric before we write our own essays!