Expository Writing

Huddleston: 8th Grade Language Arts

Created by Sarah Smith

8th Grade Language Arts: Essential Questions What are the purposes for writing? (to inform, to

describe, to explain, to persuade, to entertain) SPI 0801.3.1

How do you select an appropriate thesis statement for a writing sample? SPI 0801.3.3

What are some different types of graphic organizers, and how can they help us with writing? (clustering, listing, mapping, webbing) SPI 0801.3.12

8th Grade Language Arts: Objectives This lesson will enable students to:

Review the definition and characteristics of effective expository writing.

Develop brainstorming techniques for an expository essay.

Write a clear, concise, specific thesis statement. Explore the revision and editing stages of the writing

process. Synthesize the information from the lesson to write an

effective expository essay and develop a class presentation.

What is expository writing?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that 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.

How is an expository essay organized? A common method for writing an

expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. The five-paragraph approach consists of: an introductory paragraph three detailed body paragraphs a conclusion

How is an expository essay organized? The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following: A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first

paragraph of the essay. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion. Body paragraphs that include evidential support (details and specific

examples that further explain the main idea in that paragraph) Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will

allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. 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.

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

What are the five stages of the writing process? Prewriting Drafting/Writing Revising Editing Publishing For further information, click here.

Prewriting

The first step in writing your expository essay is brainstorming.

To find out more information about brainstorming techniques, logon to your Learning Express account (through TEL).

Once we have completed the lesson on brainstorming, you will choose one of the techniques to develop ideas for your essay. Complete the Prewriting assignment for homework tonight (due tomorrow).

Explanation of Task

You will visit three stations that will allow you to review and practice:Writing a thesis statementRevising Editing Work with your partner to complete each task

(five minutes at each station).

Assignment

Complete the Prewriting assignment for homework tonight (due tomorrow).

Use the techniques discussed today to write your expository essay (due Friday). The essay will be evaluated using the TCAP Writing Assessment rubric.

Use the essay to develop a presentation in your Reading class next week.

Need more help? Learning Express offers several expository writing courses. See your Prewriting handout for more information.

Closure

Reflect on today’s lesson by completing and turning in the Exit Pass:Choose one of today’s essential questions. Write two things you learned in today’s class

to answer the essential question. Write one question you still have about

expository writing or the writing process.