Expository Writing Preparing for the FCAT Writes 2.0 Assessment Mrs. Janet Shaw Swimming Pen Creek Elementary School

These are the types of writing students have studied by fourth grade: Expository Narrative Descriptive In Florida, fourth graders will have to write either a narrative or expository for the state test.

Expository Writing

Expository Writing Expository writing explains or informs. Prompts for expository writing use words such as: explain, clarify, inform, describe. Sometimes your teacher calls expository writing an “essay.” Expository writing has three main parts or sections. In grades three and four, an expository paper usually four or five paragraphs.

The three body parts of an expository paper include Expository Writing The three body parts of an expository paper include The Introduction In fourth grade, the body usually has two or three sections or paragraphs . The Body The Conclusion

Expository Writing We color code our writing. Green stands for the topic, yellow for star idea sentences, and red represents examples and details. The Introduction The Body The Body The Conclusion

Expository Writing The introduction should state the topic of the paper The Introduction The body provides support, details, and examples. The Body The conclusion “wraps up” thoughts and ideas about the topic. The Conclusion

Brainstorming After reading a prompt, writers brainstorm ideas for their paper. There are no right or wrong answers in brainstorming. Write down all of your ideas! Example: The writer is asked to write about pets. The writer makes a list of Ideas for a paper about pets.

Sample Brainstorming List Dogs Sam cats Merlin parrots Popeye love me help me play with me guard the house make me happy best friend funny messy pets After brainstorming, choose your best or their favorite idea.

After the topic is chosen, the writer makes an outline Making An Outline After the topic is chosen, the writer makes an outline My pet is my best friend Loves me Protects me Plays With Me The outline may also be called an organizer or planner. My pet is my best friend

Concluding statements about the topic Making An Outline The three body parts should contain support for the topic of the paper. Introduces the topic Each box on the organizer represents a paragraph on the completed paper. support & detail support & detail support & detail Concluding statements about the topic

Take a closer look at one of the three body parts on the organizer Making An Outline Take a closer look at one of the three body parts on the organizer star or key idea detail/example detail/example detail/example

Making An Outline My pet loves me He licks me He cuddles me Here is an example of the first body part of the organizer filled with ideas for writing. My pet loves me He licks me He cuddles me When I was sick, he stayed on my bed all day.

Here is the final outline for the pet paper. Making An Outline Write your topic sentence here: Here is the final outline for the pet paper. My pet cat Merlin is my best friend. He Loves me He protects me He plays with me You do not have to write anything on the outline here: Do not write complete sentences here. Just jot down your ideas. He licks me he hisses at he chases string He cuddles me strangers he bats a ball When I was sick chases dogs to me laid on my sick he bit a dog We like to run bed. that chased me around the house Pets like Merlin are good friends

Introductory Paragraph Writing the Paper Once the student creates an outline, he or she puts the essay together paragraph by paragraph The introductory paragraph should contain only two or three sentences. The first sentence or two contain a “grabber” hat hooks the reader’s interest. The last sentence should be the TOPIC SENTENCE. Introductory Paragraph Everyone has a best friend, but not everyone’s best friend says, “meow,” and is covered with white fur. My cat Merlin is the best friend any girl could wish for: he loves, me, protects me, and plays with me.

Writing the Paper First Body Part Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too. INDENT at the beginning of each paragraph! .Each body paragraph should begin with a “star” or key idea transition sentence. Next are sentences with details and examples about the star idea sentence. The paragraph should end by referring back to the star idea.

Writing the Paper Second Body Part Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me.

Writing the Paper Third Body Part Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

Writing the Paper Each body part should contain at least five sentences. All of the sentences should be in logical or sequential order. Avoid repeating ideas or words. Make sure you have plenty of support for your star idea.

The final paragraph should restate the topic Writing the Paper The final paragraph should restate the topic Conclusion In conclusion, my cat Merlin and I will always be best friends. Pets can be wonderful pals, but I am especially lucky to have a buddy like Merlin. The conclusion paragraph should have two or three sentences. The first sentence should be a summation of your topic sentence or a conclusion related to your topic sentence. End your last paragraph with a “take-away” ending.

Your writing should contain transition phrases Your writing should contain transition phrases. Some of the transition phrases/words are highlighted here: Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too. Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me. Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

Here is the completed essay: Everyone has a best friend, but not everyone’s best friend says, “meow,” and is covered with white fur. My cat Merlin is the best friend any girl could wish for: he loves, me, protects me, and plays with me. Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too. Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me. Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat. In conclusion, my cat Merlin and I will always be best friends. Pets can be wonderful pals, but I am especially lucky to have a buddy like Merlin. Here is the completed essay:

Look at the highlighted areas. Can you identify: Topic paragraphs? Star Idea transition sentences? Support and examples for the star ideas? This is the organizational pattern your expository essay should follow.

Completing the First Draft In writing an expository paper, the student should: Read the prompt carefully Brainstorm a list of ideas Make an outline Write an introductory paragraph Write at least two or three body paragraphs Write a concluding paragraph

When you have written the first draft of your paper, edit by: Editing the Paper When you have written the first draft of your paper, edit by: Checking to make sure you have indented each paragraph Checking for good grammar & spelling Checking for complete sentences Checking for capitals and periods Checking for good descriptions Checking for clear explanations

When you have edited your paper, revise your paper by Revising the Paper When you have edited your paper, revise your paper by Changing words or phrases that sound repetitious Adding SPECIFIC details to your writing Making sure you did not use a pronoun without an antecedent Making sure you have transition phrases throughout your paper Making sure you have used different sentence beginnings Adding better descriptions or figurative language that make your writing more interesting Removing overused and “tired” words Making sure you did not begin sentences with conjunctions (and, or, so, because)

Expository Writing Review Brainstorm Make an Outline Write the Paper Edit and Revise the Paper Make a final draft of your paper