EXPOSITORY WRITING

Contributions from “Writing to Command Success” Workshop By Mark Diamond

EXPOSITORY/INFORMATIVE WRITING

Directions/How tos

Reports about: books, people, places, objects, experiments, history, surveys

* Goal – give clear information & get somebody excited about your subject.

3 A’S OF WRITING

Attitude – We love mistakes!

We’re not afraid to make spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.

We will fix those mistakes later!

ATMOSPHEREEliminate distractions

Soft lighting

Smooth jazz music – covers distracting noise

ACTIVITIESWrite about topics that fascinate you!

Favorite tv, movie, music, sportFavorite hobby or petA special person in your lifeHow to do something you enjoyA report about a SS or Science topicReview a favorite book, movie or

play

TOPIC 1

The PTA wants to honor a local hero at their next meeting. They believe that many people in our community are heroes. Write a report about your hero. Think carefully about why this particular person is your hero and be sure to include specific details to support your choice.

TOPIC 2

Everyone has an activity that they enjoy doing. It might be playing an instrument, reading a book, or playing a sport. Think of reason why you enjoy an activity. Write a report about your activity.

TOPIC 3

Some people cherish their pets. Responsibilities and rewards are part of owning a pet. Write a report about your favorite pet, including how to choose and care for your pal.

FIVE STEPSStep 1 – Planning (How Line)

Step 2 – Sloppy CopyStep 3 – Revising Step 4 – ProofreadStep 5 – Neat Sheet

TRICK #1 THE HOW! LINE

Without it, your report will ramble & lack direction.

Expository Topic:

Write a report about your favorite pet, including how to choose and care for your pal.

Beginning

Middle

End

Lead Show

Meet

Highlight 1

Highlight 2

Highlight 3

How Moment!Really?

Closing

TRICK #2 HOW MOMENT!

Fill this out first!

Choose your most fascinating & compelling piece of information.

Pick a highlight that will rock your readers – Usually it’s about how something happens

How MomentHow to teach your bird to talk.

Really?

TRICK 3 “SHOW” Relate an experience

Interaction/Dialogue to create or recall a short experience that introduces your topic.

Make up portions you can’t remember or create a realistic scene, esp. one that will get readers thinking or talking

How moment How to teach your bird to talk

Show Show how people made fun of me having a bird instead of a dog or cat.

TRICK #4 MEET

Meet your subject.

Help the reader get to know your subject.

Provide some basic information and a lead-in to the HIGHLIGHTS that will follow.

How moment How to teach your bird to talk

Show

Show how people made fun of me having a bird instead of a dog or cat.

MeetParakeets in parrot family. Can have 1 or 2. Don’t need lots of attention. Tips Follow.

How moment How to teach your bird to talk

Show

Show how people made fun of me having a bird instead of a dog or cat.

MeetParakeets in parrot family. Can have 1 or 2. Don’t need lots of attention. Tips Follow.

Highlight 1Choosing the keet. Good store. Puffiness.Get a young one. Color Bars. Active one.

Highlight 2 Bringing it home. Decorate cage. Radio.Seed and water. Changing cage bottom.

Highlight 3 Important safety tip. No drafts! Put cage In corner of busy area.

Closing Can’t walk them, but cute & easy.Don’t eat sofas. Don’t mess carpet.