Expository Essay

This week we will be focusing on writing expository(informational) essays. There are many different types of expository(informational) essays. A how to step-by step essay, a compare & contrast essay, or a detailed explanation of how something works is also an expository essay. Pretty much any news article is expository.  Basically any essay that is not a story and is not trying to persuade you of an opinion is an expository essay.

Great expository essays include:

1. A heading with a title and your name and the date

2. A clear focus or a purpose for writing

3. Stays on topic

4. Uses examples and details that pertain to the topic

5. An intro paragraph with a hook, background information, & a thesis

6. At least 3 detailed body paragraphs with examples, details, at least seven complex sentences that all relate to your topic

7. An effective conclusion that highlights some of your main points in a new way

Directions: Follow the step-by-step guide to get a good grade on your essay. Check off each step as you go.

Step-by-Step: Writing an Expository Essay

1. Choose a topic that is most interesting to you and write it on the Graphic Organizer______

2. Complete the graphic organizer____

3. Use research from the internet to complete your organizer____

4. Include details and examples from the internet but you must PARAPHRASE or write the information in your own words.______

5. Use the information in the graphic organizer to write a rough draft on paper.____

6. Revise your rough draft and type in a word processor.____

7. When you are done, use the rubric and this checklist to  check for mistakes.____

8. Publish a copy on a page in your blog____

9. Print out a copy and hand it in to Mr. Huston (11/6/13)____

Essay Topics

Directions: Choose a topic from the list below and write a descriptive 5 paragraph essay.

1. In order to survive, people have been known to go to great lengths and to do things they would not ordinarily do. Write an essay for your teacher that explains the lengths to which people will go in order to survive. You may use examples from real life, books, movies, or television shows to support your essay.
2. In an essay, explain the importance of being able to see a situation from another person’s point of view.

     3.  Write an essay explaining why it is important to forgive.

    4. Music plays an important role in every culture and in every individual’s life. Write an essay explaining the role music plays in your culture or in your own life.

    5. Write an essay explaining what makes a great leader.