Expository Essay

ENGLISH 10H

December 11 Get a Kickstart and take out all your essay materials On your Kickstart (courtesy of NAME):

Homework & Reminders Homework None

Reminders Independent Reading journal now due December 17

Parallel Structure What is it? Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or.“

Example: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Objective Students will review the process of writing an expository essay in order to create an outline in preparation to write an essay of their own about Achebe’s view of the storyteller’s role.

Part 1:Read and annotate excerpts from the Achebe interview about the role of the storyteller. Complete the graphic organizer in order to determine the author’s claim(s) and analyze how the claim is introduced, developed, shaped, and refined by specific details, and to identify any false statement or fallacious reasoning.

Part 2Watch the Achebe interview and take notes about the role of the storyteller. Complete the second column of the graphic organizer in order to determine the author’s claim(s) and how the claim is introduced, developed, shaped, and refined by specific details, and to identify any false statement or fallacious reasoning.

Part 3 Make connections between and among the ideas in both texts. Complete the appropriate space on the graphic organizer.

Did you…? …take good notes from the print and video interviews? …complete the graphic organizer? …make connections between and among the ideas in both texts?

Part 4 Compose an informational/expository essay discussing Achebe’s views about the role of the storyteller. Be sure to include ideas from the graphic organizer and evidence from both texts as part of your analysis.

Information can be dry so your hook and style need to be compelling.

Part 4 Achebe’s views are based on evidence. The role of the storyteller needs to be defined before you tell us Achebe’s views.

What is an expository essay? The expository essay requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

What is an expository essay? Expository writing imparts information, shares ideas and provides explanations and evidence. It should not be assumed that readers already possess prior knowledge of the subject matter. Answers to any questions the reader might have about your topic must be provided.

Be careful you are not summarizing which takes you off track.

For example, when writing an expository essay claiming that consuming honey is a better alternative to sugar, you would not just tell the reader about the health benefits of honey, but would compare the health advantages and disadvantages of both substances, supporting your arguments and claims with the necessary evidence.

My Thesis A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Transitions Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs that include evidential support. Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Evidence! Body paragraphs that include evidential support. Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Don’t be Dull Though creativity is not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. You are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay. The art of writing is what elevates your scores.

In Conclusion A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

Achebe What is a storyteller? What does he say about the role of the storyteller? Does it differ in the three interviews? How is his claim is introduced, developed, shaped, and refined by specific details? Did you identify any false statement or fallacious reasoning?

Achebe Interviews Chinua Achebe CNN Interview: (“African Voices” April 26, 2009) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqeWAVlps0U

From 2:40 mark in video to 9:13 Conversation with Chinua Achebe: (“Fresh Air” September 1988) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FzVUXxqNdw

From 4:30 mark in video to 8:43

Did you…? …take good notes from the print and video interviews? …complete the graphic organizer? …make connections between and among the ideas in both texts?

Outlining Have you determined your opinion of Achebe’s view of the storyteller? Have you selected evidence from print and video sources? Good... Now, turn that into a thesis What order will you use your evidence in building your case?

How do you want to introduce us to Achebe and your thesis? Write a practice body paragraph. Draft your conclusion.

The Rubric Let’s review the terms and determine the differences between a 1 and a 4.

Reading Comprehension: Key Ideas and Details Writing: Written Expression Writing: Knowledge of Language and Conventions