1. The Process 1.Read the prompt. 2.Create a “Do-What” Chart” 3.Craft a thesis statement and supporting arguments. 4.Find examples and details to support each argument. 5.Think about how to introduce your essay and how to conclude it. 6.Write!

2. Personal Goals Many students have personal goals, such as making the honor roll, playing a musical instrument, or being a top scorer in a video game. To be successful in reaching goals, it helps to have certain qualities. Some of these might include self-discipline, determination, or a positive attitude. Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, state your goal. Describe at least two qualities you will need to reach your goal, and explain why each quality is important to be successful.

3. Deconstruct the Prompt Many students have personal goals, such as making the honor roll, playing a musical instrument, or being a top scorer in a video game. To be successful in reaching goals, it helps to have certain qualities. Some of these might include self-discipline, determination, or a positive attitude. Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, state your goal. Describe at least two qualities you will need to reach your goal, and explain why each quality is important to be successful. Do: the verbs What: product details

4. Do-What Chart Do (verbs) What (product details)  think  state  describe  explain about a goal your goal two qualities why each is important to be successful

5. Writing plan: Thesis/Claim Argument #1 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because… Argument #2 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because… Argument #3 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because…

6. More Expository Prompts…

7. What does it take to be a survivor? In order to survive, people have been known to go to great lengths and to do things they would not ordinarily do. Often survival requires self-esteem, bravery, or creativity. Write an expository essay for that explains the lengths to which people will go in order to survive. Use examples from real life, books, movies, or television shows to support your essay. Survivors

8. Team Challenges Most of us have been on some sort team in which we had to work together to achieve a common goal. There are both good things and bad things about playing on a team, such as the school soccer team or the school volleyball team. Write an expository composition in which you explain both what is good and what is bad about playing on a school team. Be sure to explain each point fully and include specific examples.

9. A role model is a person you admire or look up to. Think about someone you look up to. Why do you admire this person? Write an essay in which you explain to your classmates whom you admire. Explain why you admire this person, describing the qualities they possess which you look up to. Role Model

10. How much time do you spend “on the road?” Transportation is a necessary part of modern life. Some of us use public transportation such as buses and trains, while others drive their own cars. Write an essay that explains how American families use transportation. Explain how it is used for business, pleasure, and emergencies. Be sure to give specific examples and include details. Transportation

11. The Arts and Sports The arts (music, art, drama, dance etc.,) and sports have important effects on people's lives. When begun at a young age, they can be pursued for a long time and can shape future interests, careers, and life styles. One does not have to become a superstar, but the effect can be there and shown in many ways. Choose one of the arts or a sport and write an informational essay explaining how it could shape a person and influence their life.

12. Do-What Chart Do (verbs) What (product details)  (verb)

13. Writing plan: Thesis/Claim Argument #1 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because… Argument #2 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because… Argument #3 (with examples and explanation) For example… This is important because…

14. Links to additional prompts http://home.earthlink.net/~jhholly/expository.html http://www2.asd.wednet.edu/pioneer/barnard/wri/exp.htm http://jc-schools.net/write/grade8.html http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/itmrlsx/search.aspx?subject=writing