Expository Writing Based on Writer ’ s Inc.

What is Expository Writing? / Expository writing is writing that shares information. / Your goal as an expository writer is to pass on as much valuable information as you can about a topic.

What kinds of information am I passing on? / There are different types of information that you can gather and use in expository writing.

Facts / “Facts are specific statements that can be proven to be true.” -- Writer’s Inc.

Statistics / “Statistics are factual statements that include a numerical value.” --Writer’s Inc.

Quotations / “Quotations are the exact words of experts or authorities.” -- Writer’s Inc. / Experts = ? / Authorities = ?

Paraphrases / “Paraphrases restate in your own words what someone else has said.” --Writer’s Inc. / restate = ?

Anecdotes / “Anecdotes are brief stories that make a point.” -- Writer’s Inc. / brief = ? Once when I was younger…

Anecdotes Some say that George W. Bush has trouble with public speaking. Below is an anecdote that supports this claim:

Forming a Thesis Statement / A specific topic + a limited focus = an effective thesis statement. / A thesis statement usually appears toward the end of the first paragraph. / You may need to write two or three before you get a good one. / A specific topic + a limited focus = an effective thesis statement. / A thesis statement usually appears toward the end of the first paragraph. / You may need to write two or three before you get a good one.

Example Thesis / Topic = Safety improvements in driving such as airbags and seatbelts / Focus Idea = have saved many lives / Thesis = Seatbelts and airbags have made great improvements in driving safety and have saved many lives. / Topic = Safety improvements in driving such as airbags and seatbelts / Focus Idea = have saved many lives / Thesis = Seatbelts and airbags have made great improvements in driving safety and have saved many lives.

Selecting Main Points / “After you have written your thesis statement, you need to decide what main points you want to use to support it. / Use a graphic organizer: / “After you have written your thesis statement, you need to decide what main points you want to use to support it. / Use a graphic organizer:

Create an Outline I. Introduction (include thesis statement). II. Body (include your main points). III. Conclusion (remind the reader what you just proved).

Introduction / Background information – from the prompt and what you already know / Example: What do you know about the sample topic? / Thesis – the main idea of your essay; what you are trying to show readers / Example:Write a thesis for the sample prompt: main topic + your focus idea = thesis statement / Background information – from the prompt and what you already know / Example: What do you know about the sample topic? / Thesis – the main idea of your essay; what you are trying to show readers / Example:Write a thesis for the sample prompt: main topic + your focus idea = thesis statement

Body / Topic sentence (main point) / Evidence to support ideas / Explanation of the evidence / Address the biases / Concluding Sentence (explain how your main point helps to prove your thesis) / Topic sentence (main point) / Evidence to support ideas / Explanation of the evidence / Address the biases / Concluding Sentence (explain how your main point helps to prove your thesis)

Use Main Points to Make Body Paragraphs / You must elaborate on your main points in order to create your body paragraphs. / Use these steps to help you: / You must elaborate on your main points in order to create your body paragraphs. / Use these steps to help you:

Conclusion / Review main points / Explain the significance of the topic and your thesis statement / Do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion! / Review main points / Explain the significance of the topic and your thesis statement / Do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion!