Journal Write What is the purpose of an Expository essay? (Think about how it is different than a persuasive essay…)

Expository Essay Elaboration Strategies Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions

Expository Intros Quotations Scenarios/Anecdotes Inquiry/Questions Preparatory Information/Overview

Question (we’ve seen this one) Student C ~ example Why do people consider some experiences as significant? Is it the lessons learned or the adventures that were involved? For myself, picking up a book and reading has been the most important thing that I’ve ever done. Reading is so beneficial because my intelligence continues to grow, the creative juices inside of me flourish, and even my writing has become more sophisticated.

Expository Body Paragraphs Anecdotes Examples Definitions Facts & Stats Quotes & Dialogue Descriptive Details

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: ANECDOTE- an anecdote is a small piece of a story inserted into an essay that helps make the point. This sounds like... Hey, I remember the time when I had to carry my... Once when I was in middle school, the kids would always... Lesson 1

Develop your point with an anecdote. Student sample You can’t give up, Jack. I remember one time when I played on the high school baseball team. We were losing, and it was the 8 th inning. Everyone was getting discouraged, and then the coach said, “BOYS! You’ve got to RALLY here! Turn your ball caps around and GET OUT THERE!” So, son, turn your ball cap – I mean ATTITUDE -- around and get out there! Lesson 1

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: EXAMPLES - provide more specific information about something. This sounds like... The cats were all acting like they were crazy. For example, one jumped at me with all … We had an barrage of different weather last week: hail, rain, snow, and sunshine. My brothers always seem to pick on me. For instance, they may hide my soccer shoes, not answer the phone. Lesson 1

Develop your point with an example. Student Sample The game of golf can be played for an entire lifetime and also by yourself. People of any age can go out and play a round of golf whenever they want as opposed to team sports. For example, football, soccer, and volleyball take an entire team of people to play. How many times are you going to call up ten or more of your friends and go play sports? Lesson 1

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: DEFINITION - a way to restate an unfamiliar word or tell what it means…don’t assume your reader knows! The best part of our hot lunch program is the Ala Carte. What I mean by Ala Carte is the little deli line past the lunch line where you can buy cookies, slushies, and candy bars. Lesson 1

Develop your point with a definition. Student sample One of the best programs that our school has is something called Brainworks. Brainworks is an after- school program where kids go and do their homework. They even let you work on the computers there. I like it a lot because the lady who runs the program keeps everyone pretty quiet. At my house, I have 6 little brothers and sisters and there is never a quiet place to work. Lesson 1

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: STATISTICS and FACTS - the numbers or data that help support your idea. Mom, did you know that 98% of all my friends get to stay up until 1:00 AM on weekends? Well Son, did you know that 3 out of 4 parents would have grounded you for staying out so late? Lesson 1

Develop your point with facts and statistics. Student Sample Another craze to sweep America was the low-carb diet. It was reported in the newspaper after the last holiday season that 67% of all Americans were low- carb dieting. Let me tell you the personal impact that has had on my family’s wheat farm here in Washington. Lesson 1

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: QUOTATION (and DIALOGUE) -Using the words someone says or a conversation can help support your argument. “Spaying and neutering dogs and cats is the single best gift a pet owner can give.” The veterinarian from the animal shelter, Dr. Stein, agreed when she said, Lesson 1

What does elaboration look like? Phrases that add information and details through the following: DESCRIPTION - a way to create vivid images for the reader…PAINT A PICTURE for them… The sound of my phone cut through the silent class and I anxiously dug into my backpack to grab it before Mrs. Schuman, the writing teacher, noticed. Pawing through Chapstick and lipstick, gum wrappers and rubber hair wraps, my hand darted around the deep pockets of my backpack. “Must shut off ringer,” I thought. Lesson 1

Expository Conclusions Echo from Introduction Quotation Make a Generalization

Student A - first draft The first one I really enjoy is the chocolate chip cookie. I especially like them when they’re warm and soft. I like the way the chocolate just melts in your mouth. I also love the flavor of a warm chocolate chip cookie right when you bite into it. It’s like being in heaven. First Draft

Student B ~ revision A juicy chip, soft, creamy butter, a crunchy nut combine to make a delicious cookie. The soft, brown cookie melts in my mouth, then a chip melts in my mouth and it’s like being in heaven. I know it, my brother knows it – biting into one of mom’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is like your own paradise even on a cold day. + Generalization