EXPOSITORY WRITING “Writing that EXPLAINs” ELEMENTS OF EXPOSITORY WRITING “Writing that EXPLAINs”

What is Expository Writing? It is a piece of informational text, that explains something to the reader.

The PURPOSE of Expository? We use expository writing to… explain provide information define investigate clarify

Patterns used in Expository Writing: Chronological order/Time Cause/Effect Compare/Contrast Problem/Solution Description

Elements of an Effective Essay…. Must have a Controlling Idea called the THESIS STATEMENT: a statement that identifies the purpose of your essay, usually in the introduction. There are no set number of paragraphs The writer hooks the reader with a strong lead in the introduction

Elements of an Effective Essay…. The writer remains objective/no opinions There is an obvious Pattern of Organization The writer use smooth transitions/transition statements to move from idea to idea Uses vivid and interesting language to continue to engage the reader

Elements of an Effective piece…. All paragraphs support the Controlling Idea or Thesis Individual paragraph topics are supported with facts Researched information is Quoted or Paraphrased Writer uses Text Evidence from another source Writer uses Narrative Anecdotes that help explain an idea

Elements of an Effective piece…. Ends with a strong conclusion that Presents no new info Highlights the most important points of the essay Leaves the reader with a final thought

Where do we see this form of writing? Newspapers Magazine reports Research articles Reports

Is it: Paraphrased or plagiarized? 1.a re-wording and re-structuring of a text or passage 2. a restatement in a new form of a

Is it: Paraphrased or plagiarized? Plagiarism: 1. the act of using someone else’s words without giving credit to the author OR 2. largely maintaining the author’s words and sentence structure, only changing a few words and phrases.

3 MAIN PARTS TO AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION

Introduction Start with a discussion or narrative anecdote The purpose is to Hook the Reader’s Attention. End the introduction with a 3 Point Thesis: Include the 3 main ideas for your body paragraphs in the thesis statement.

Body Each body paragraph focuses on one main idea that also supports the thesis statement. Use examples to prove it to the reader & support your main idea Use details from your life Use researched information (paraphrase or quote it) (use in-text citations & a Works Cited page)

Conclusion Restate your thesis statement Repeat each main idea Leave reader with a final thought about the topic.

Definitions you need to know… Expository Essay Thesis Statement Introduction Body Conclusion Main Idea Details Reasons Examples Anecdotes

How to write an Introduction What are expository writers trying to accomplish in introductions? To tell the reader what they are writing about

Introduction DON’Ts… DO NOT introduce yourself as the author DO NOT begin with "I am going to write to you about“ Professional writers DO NOT do this!

Introduction DO’s 1st Sentences: Begin with a discussion or anecdote about your topic. Last Sentence: Give your 3 point thesis: What is your essay about? What 3 main points will you make about your topic?

Introduction Example The one job around the house that I hate to do more than anything else is the garbage. Sometimes I wish that the garbage would just learn to take itself out. (DISCUSSION) Taking the garbage out is such a horrible task because it stinks, it is sticky, and the dogs always carry it away. (3 POINT THESIS)

Expository Body Paragraph Pattern A. Topic Sentence: B. Detail 1: C. Elaboration of Detail 1: D. Detail 2: E. Elaboration of Detail 2: F. Concluding Sentence:

How to Write a Conclusion What are expository writers trying to accomplish in conclusions? To sum the entire writing piece up

Conclusion DO’s 1st Sentence: Restate your thesis 2nd Sentence: Restate your main points 3rd Sentence: Leave the reader with a final thought.

Conclusion Example Taking out the garbage is the worst household job in the world. (Restates Thesis Statement) No one should have to suffer through the smell, stickiness, or aggravation of the dogs. (Restates main points) One day, I hope to be able to have a machine to carry it away for me. (Final Thought)