Expository and Persuasive Essay Overview of Requirements FCAT Writing Expository and Persuasive Essay Overview of Requirements

Parts of an Expository/Persuasive Essay Essay must be separated into paragraphs The Introduction must: Capture the readers attention through the use of anecdotes, imagery, figurative language, precise vocabulary, etc. Include the thesis statement (tell the reader what the story/essay is about) The body paragraphs must: Include a topic statement and or statements. Include “organic” transitions. Include a varied placement of topic sentences. Focus on ONE topic per paragraph only.

Parts of an Expository/Persuasive Essay The conclusion should include: The reasons stated in a new way. A connection to the introduction. A thought provoking, memorable phrase or sentence that leaves the reader with a sense of completeness or wonder. A persuasive essay should have all the aforementioned elements, but in addition it should: Evoke emotion Contain strong, commanding/emotional language but be LOGICAL. Appeal to good morals and ethics.

Vertical Alignment to Show Differences Between Holistic Scoring Points Examination of Criteria by Score Point 1 2 3 4 5 6 Focus addresses topic, may lose focus with extraneous or loosely related ideas addresses topic, may lose focus by including extraneous or loosely related ideas writing is focused but may contain ideas that are loosely connected writing is focused; few, if any, loosely related ideas writing is focused writing is focused and purposeful, reflecting insight into writing situation Organization may have organizational pattern; may lack sense of completeness or closure organizational pattern usually includes beginning, middle, and ending, but those elements may be brief organizational pattern is demonstrated, but may lack logical progression of ideas organizational pattern is apparent and strengthened by use of transitional devices organizational pattern provides for logical progression of ideas; transitional devices give a sense of completeness organizational pattern provides for a logical progression of ideas; transitional devices give a sense of completeness Support little development of supporting ideas; may consist of generalizations or fragmentary lists; word choice is limited or inappropriate and obscure meaning development of support may be erratic and nonspecific; ideas may be repeated; word choice is limited, predictable or vague development of support is uneven; word choice is adequate support is consistently developed, but may lack specificity; adequate word choice support is developed through ample use of specific details and examples; mature command of language support is substantial, specific, relevant, concrete; mature command of language; commitment to and involvement with subject; may use creative writing strategies Conventions frequent and blatant errors in basic conventions including errors in sentence structure; mechanics, usage and punctuation, commonly used words misspelled errors may occur in basic conventions including sentence structure; mechanics, usage and punctuation, commonly words are spelled correctly some variation in sentence structure; conventions are generally followed (mechanics, usage, punctuation) variation in sentence structure is demonstrated; conventions are generally followed (mechanics, usage, punctuation, spelling) variation in sentence structure; conventions are generally followed (mechanics, usage, punctuation, spelling) sentence structure is varied; conventional errors are few (mechanics, usage, punctuation, spelling)

4 Areas of Instruction Focus Support Organization Conventions topic subtopic on topic off-topic central idea main idea unimportant detail based on the writing plan concept map 2-column notes power notes content frame notes extraneous kind of paper (mode) -narrative, expository, persuasive, descriptive lead opening sentences, grabbers Support repetition deleted replace additions precise vague word choice voice statement extend, elaborate support overused supporting idea/detail suitable style tone Organization transitional words transitional devices connecting ideas smooth connection between events after event author organizes sequence of events chronological order conclusions author begins author ends organize to list, compare Conventions capitalization contractions comma usage semi-colon usage colon usage noun/pronoun agreement homophones/homonyms endings (s & ed) verb tense verb “to be” irregular plurals subject/verb agreement comparisons - more, most, -er, -est prepositions that refer to quantity – between, among common spelling rules 5

Understanding The Writing Prompt Specific writing task Writing situation Something to think about

Useful Transitions To Emphasize a Point To Clarify To Add Information To Conclude or Summarize Again For this reason Indeed In fact To emphasize To repeat Truly With this in mind Because of For example For instance In other words Put another way That is Another Besides Equally Important Furthermore Moreover Along with As well All in all As a result Finally Consequently Thus Therefore Due to In short

More Transitions… Moreover Similarly In fact Likewise Furthermore It follows that As a result Naturally Simply put By comparison For this reason Surely

Developing the Paragraph Facts/statistics-statements that can be proven Sensory Details-descriptions that use the senses Incidents-events that illustrate the main idea Examples-specific cases or instances Quotations-the words of experts or authorities

Building Support Precise Word Choice (Word Array) Vocabulary Activities (Synonyms/Antonyms; Multiple meanings of words FIRES (facts, incidents, reasons, examples, statistics) Sensory Details Figurative Language Devices Voice Show Don’t Tell Magnified Moments Dialogue Vivid verbs and adjectives