Expository Writing

Expository WritingExpository Writing

Reveal SomethingReveal Something

What’s that big word What’s that big word mean?mean?

• What is expository writing? Well, What is expository writing? Well, expository comes from the word expository comes from the word exposeexpose which means “to reveal”, so which means “to reveal”, so expository writing explains or expository writing explains or analyzes a topic to reveal analyzes a topic to reveal information to the reader. It can information to the reader. It can also sometimes be called informative also sometimes be called informative writing.writing.

What is a paragraph?What is a paragraph?

• You could say that a paragraph is a You could say that a paragraph is a group of sentences. When group of sentences. When handwritten, the first word of each handwritten, the first word of each paragraph is indented. When word paragraph is indented. When word processed, block style is sometimes processed, block style is sometimes used. used.

• The group of sentences in a The group of sentences in a paragraph are related in topic.paragraph are related in topic.

Read the paragraph and Read the paragraph and identify the topic and identify the topic and

controlling ideacontrolling idea• Some amusement park rides, like Some amusement park rides, like

rollercoasters, can be frightening rollercoasters, can be frightening experiences. Looking at a rollercoaster experiences. Looking at a rollercoaster from the ground can make you think it is from the ground can make you think it is fun. However, once you are up in the air, fun. However, once you are up in the air, your feelings can change. The coaster goes your feelings can change. The coaster goes higher than you thought. The cars bump higher than you thought. The cars bump and swerve around so you feel as if you are and swerve around so you feel as if you are about to fall out. Going to an amusement about to fall out. Going to an amusement park is enjoyable, but it might be scary as park is enjoyable, but it might be scary as well.well.

Introduction to expository Introduction to expository paragraphsparagraphs

• Exposing a topic can be accomplished in many Exposing a topic can be accomplished in many ways, but in expository writing, it is usually ways, but in expository writing, it is usually done by supplying specific details and done by supplying specific details and examples. In the amusement park ride examples. In the amusement park ride paragraph, the writer explains why a ride might paragraph, the writer explains why a ride might be frightening by supplying specific details be frightening by supplying specific details about a rollercoaster. This is not the only way about a rollercoaster. This is not the only way to reveal the controlling idea frightening. The to reveal the controlling idea frightening. The writer could have chosen to discuss another writer could have chosen to discuss another type of ride, such as one that uses a parachute type of ride, such as one that uses a parachute to drop one from an extremely high point. That, to drop one from an extremely high point. That, of course, would have required different specific of course, would have required different specific details or examples to expose the controlling details or examples to expose the controlling idea and make the meaning clear to the reader. idea and make the meaning clear to the reader.

Let’s practice it!Let’s practice it!

• Let’s see if we can use the same Let’s see if we can use the same topic and controlling idea in a topic and controlling idea in a paragraph of our own about a paragraph of our own about a different kind of amusement park different kind of amusement park ride. Remember to use specific ride. Remember to use specific details.details.

You do it!You do it!

• Of course, there are other possible Of course, there are other possible controlling ideas and topics for controlling ideas and topics for paragraphs about an amusement park. paragraphs about an amusement park. Look at this example of a topic sentence.Look at this example of a topic sentence.

• One of the best things about amusement One of the best things about amusement parks are that everyone is in a happy parks are that everyone is in a happy mood. mood.

• Brainstorm some ideas to support the Brainstorm some ideas to support the controlling idea and write a paragraph to controlling idea and write a paragraph to support the topic sentence.support the topic sentence.

PracticePractice

Read the paragraph and answer the questions on the Read the paragraph and answer the questions on the following slide.following slide.Mrs. Smith became one of my favorite teachers Mrs. Smith became one of my favorite teachers when she went out of the way to help me when I was when she went out of the way to help me when I was having trouble with math. Mrs. Smith would always having trouble with math. Mrs. Smith would always come in early to help me and other students who come in early to help me and other students who had trouble understanding their multiplication and had trouble understanding their multiplication and division problems. She would often think of division problems. She would often think of activities using food, such as cookies or candy, to activities using food, such as cookies or candy, to help us learn some difficult lesson. Whenever I had help us learn some difficult lesson. Whenever I had trouble understanding a new idea, she would go trouble understanding a new idea, she would go over it again but not embarrass me. I think I am over it again but not embarrass me. I think I am doing well in math today because of the help Mrs. doing well in math today because of the help Mrs. Smith gave me in the fifth grade.Smith gave me in the fifth grade.

PracticePractice

• What is the topic?What is the topic?• What is the controlling idea?What is the controlling idea?• What are the three supporting What are the three supporting

ideas?ideas?• Do you think the concluding Do you think the concluding

sentence is a good one? Why?sentence is a good one? Why?

PracticePractice

Complete the topics and controlling Complete the topics and controlling ideas practice sheet and add two or ideas practice sheet and add two or three supporting statements to each three supporting statements to each one.one.

Writing Complete Writing Complete SentencesSentences

• You may have been told at some You may have been told at some point that you have trouble writing point that you have trouble writing complete sentences (incomplete complete sentences (incomplete sentences are called fragments) or sentences are called fragments) or that you tend to write run-on that you tend to write run-on sentences. Don’t despair. Almost all sentences. Don’t despair. Almost all student writers will have trouble student writers will have trouble with these at some point. with these at some point.

FragmentsFragments• If you are writing fragments, you might need to If you are writing fragments, you might need to

understand exactly how a simple sentence is understand exactly how a simple sentence is composed. A simple sentence consists of a subject composed. A simple sentence consists of a subject and a predicate. Here are four types of simple and a predicate. Here are four types of simple sentences.sentences.

• Bob ran to the story. (simple sentence w/ 1 subject Bob ran to the story. (simple sentence w/ 1 subject and 1 verb)and 1 verb)

• Sandra and Maria share a locker at school. (simple Sandra and Maria share a locker at school. (simple sentence with compound subjects and 1 verb)sentence with compound subjects and 1 verb)

• The children played and screamed on the playground. The children played and screamed on the playground. (simple sentence with 1 subject and compound verbs)(simple sentence with 1 subject and compound verbs)

• Joanna and Sarah walked around the campus and Joanna and Sarah walked around the campus and visited their friends. (simple sentence w/ compound visited their friends. (simple sentence w/ compound subjects and compound verbs)subjects and compound verbs)

You try it!You try it!

• Write a sentence to fit each of the Write a sentence to fit each of the situations below.situations below.– Simple subject and simple predicateSimple subject and simple predicate– Compound subject and simple predicateCompound subject and simple predicate– Simple subject and compound predicateSimple subject and compound predicate– Compound subject and compound Compound subject and compound

predicatepredicate

Writing complete Writing complete sentencessentences

• Some writers run into trouble when Some writers run into trouble when they write a dependent clause and they write a dependent clause and think that it is a complete sentence.think that it is a complete sentence.– Because I was late.Because I was late.– Since no one was at home.Since no one was at home.– Neither of these is a complete sentence. Neither of these is a complete sentence.

Each must be connected to an Each must be connected to an independent clause in order to be independent clause in order to be complete.complete.

Correct it!Correct it!

Everyone was upset with me because I Everyone was upset with me because I was late.was late.

The house was dark since no one was The house was dark since no one was at home.at home.

Complete the finding dependent Complete the finding dependent clauses exercise on the class clauses exercise on the class calendar.calendar.

Correcting Run-On Correcting Run-On SentencesSentences

• Most students write run-on Most students write run-on sentences. It is actually easy to sentences. It is actually easy to detect these and to correct them. detect these and to correct them. What happens is that the writer What happens is that the writer strings two complete sentences strings two complete sentences together without a proper together without a proper connection. connection.

Correcting Run-On Correcting Run-On sentencessentences

• Ex. Susan wanted the job at the pet store she Ex. Susan wanted the job at the pet store she wasn’t hired.wasn’t hired.

• One way to improve this is to separate the One way to improve this is to separate the sentences.sentences.– Susan wanted the job at the pet store. She wasn’t Susan wanted the job at the pet store. She wasn’t

hired.hired.

• However, a better way to improve this would be However, a better way to improve this would be to combing the two sentences with a connecting to combing the two sentences with a connecting word.word.– Susan wanted the job at the pet store, but she wasn’t Susan wanted the job at the pet store, but she wasn’t

hired.hired.• Notice that the original two sentences were Notice that the original two sentences were

connected using commas and the word but. This connected using commas and the word but. This is now a compound sentence.is now a compound sentence.

Practice!Practice!

• Run-on: My brother is a singer I am a dancer.Run-on: My brother is a singer I am a dancer.• Compound: My brother is a singer, but I am a Compound: My brother is a singer, but I am a

dancer. dancer. • Run-on: All my friends are coming to my Run-on: All my friends are coming to my

party I am very excited.party I am very excited.• Compound: All my friends are coming to my Compound: All my friends are coming to my

party, and I am very excited.party, and I am very excited.• Run-on: Mary can take photography next Run-on: Mary can take photography next

semester she can take band.semester she can take band.• Compound: Mary can take photography next Compound: Mary can take photography next

semester, or she can take band.semester, or she can take band.

Complex sentencesComplex sentences

• Another type of sentence is a Another type of sentence is a complex sentence. Actually, you complex sentence. Actually, you used these on the finding dependent used these on the finding dependent clauses worksheet. Here are some clauses worksheet. Here are some common complex sentence common complex sentence connectors: because, since, unless, connectors: because, since, unless, before, after, until, if, when, before, after, until, if, when, whenever, although, as, as soon as, whenever, although, as, as soon as, while, though, althoughwhile, though, although

Correcting Run-On Correcting Run-On sentences with Complex sentences with Complex

SentencesSentences• Run-on: Maria doesn’t like to cook she will Run-on: Maria doesn’t like to cook she will

help her mother on special occasions.help her mother on special occasions.• Complex: Maria doesn’t like to cook Complex: Maria doesn’t like to cook

although she will help her mother on although she will help her mother on special occasions.special occasions.

• Run-on: The reporter wrote an article about Run-on: The reporter wrote an article about the new teacher she interviewed him.the new teacher she interviewed him.

• Complex: Before the reporter wrote an Complex: Before the reporter wrote an article about the new teacher, she article about the new teacher, she interviewed him.interviewed him.

Something cool…Something cool…

• You may have noticed that the You may have noticed that the clauses in a complex sentence can clauses in a complex sentence can usually be switched from the back of usually be switched from the back of the sentence to the front and from the sentence to the front and from the front to the back. the front to the back.

• Ex. I don’t like to surf even though I Ex. I don’t like to surf even though I like to swim. Even though I like to like to swim. Even though I like to swim, I don’t like to surf.swim, I don’t like to surf.

Practice it!Practice it!

• Complete the “Correct Run-On Complete the “Correct Run-On Sentences” worksheet on the Sentences” worksheet on the classroom calendar.classroom calendar.

Free writingFree writing

• In this technique, you are to write for In this technique, you are to write for five or ten minutes on a subject five or ten minutes on a subject without stopping. You are to put without stopping. You are to put down whatever comes to your mind as down whatever comes to your mind as fast as you can. Do not stop until the fast as you can. Do not stop until the time is over. Try not to stop writing time is over. Try not to stop writing the entire time. Do NOT worry about the entire time. Do NOT worry about spelling or punctuation during this spelling or punctuation during this time. Just get down the ideas!time. Just get down the ideas!

Focused Free writeFocused Free write

• This time, instead of free writing This time, instead of free writing about anything that comes to your about anything that comes to your mind, focus in on the topic of your mind, focus in on the topic of your neighborhood. neighborhood.

The Five W QuestionsThe Five W Questions

• Your topic is the importance of table Your topic is the importance of table manners. Now what? Right, you manners. Now what? Right, you must develop a controlling idea! Try must develop a controlling idea! Try this brainstorming technique based this brainstorming technique based on the five W questions that on the five W questions that newspaper articles often use. Who? newspaper articles often use. Who? What? Where? When? Why? What? Where? When? Why?

Five W Questions Cont.Five W Questions Cont.

• Who uses good table manners?Who uses good table manners?• What is so important about good table What is so important about good table

manners?manners?• Where should a young person use good Where should a young person use good

table manners?table manners?• When is an important time to be aware When is an important time to be aware

of your table manners?of your table manners?• Why should anyone care about good Why should anyone care about good

table manners?table manners?

Bubble GraphsBubble Graphs

• Here is a way of coming up with Here is a way of coming up with writing topics that you have writing topics that you have probably used before. Let’s look at probably used before. Let’s look at one student’s example and see what one student’s example and see what controlling ideas she figures out controlling ideas she figures out from her graph.from her graph.

LoopingLooping

• Suppose the teacher gives you no subject Suppose the teacher gives you no subject at all and asks that you write an essay at all and asks that you write an essay about whatever you want? Just start about whatever you want? Just start writing about anything you want and write writing about anything you want and write does the various thoughts which happen to does the various thoughts which happen to pop into your mind. You don’t even have to pop into your mind. You don’t even have to finish a whole thought if something else finish a whole thought if something else occurs that seems more interesting. Just occurs that seems more interesting. Just write. After you are done, go back and write. After you are done, go back and circle ideas that could be possible topics circle ideas that could be possible topics and write a topic and controlling idea and write a topic and controlling idea statement for each one.statement for each one.

Model ParagraphModel Paragraph

Automobiles are expensive to own. After Automobiles are expensive to own. After buying a car you have to have money for buying a car you have to have money for insurance that the law says you must have in insurance that the law says you must have in case of an accident. Cars, even new ones, case of an accident. Cars, even new ones, need occasional costly repairs. Even if you need occasional costly repairs. Even if you drive carefully, you will sometimes make drive carefully, you will sometimes make mistakes and might get a ticket, which you mistakes and might get a ticket, which you must pay for or you license will be taken must pay for or you license will be taken away. Even if you never get in an accident away. Even if you never get in an accident or get a ticket, you have to fill the car with or get a ticket, you have to fill the car with gas, and prices are at an all-time high.gas, and prices are at an all-time high.

ReviewReview

• Why is the topic sentence a good one?Why is the topic sentence a good one?• Do the supporting sentences explain the Do the supporting sentences explain the

controlling idea?controlling idea?• Are all the sentences related?Are all the sentences related?• Which would make the best concluding Which would make the best concluding

sentence?sentence?– Owning a car will cost the owner plenty of money.Owning a car will cost the owner plenty of money.– Also, you could get in trouble driving without a Also, you could get in trouble driving without a

license.license.– Commercials on television tell you that you must Commercials on television tell you that you must

have insurance.have insurance.

Peer Paragraph ReviewPeer Paragraph Review

• List your name and the name of the person List your name and the name of the person who wrote the paragraph.who wrote the paragraph.

• What is the topic of the paragraph?What is the topic of the paragraph?• What is the controlling idea?What is the controlling idea?• Is it an acceptable topic/controlling idea Is it an acceptable topic/controlling idea

sentence? If not, what is the problem?sentence? If not, what is the problem?• Do all sentences support the controlling Do all sentences support the controlling

idea? Point out any problems.idea? Point out any problems.• Which supporting detail is most interesting?Which supporting detail is most interesting?• Tell the writer what he/she has done well.Tell the writer what he/she has done well.

Thesis StatementsThesis Statements

An expository essay, like a paragraph, is An expository essay, like a paragraph, is controlled by one central idea. In an controlled by one central idea. In an essay, this controlling idea is called a essay, this controlling idea is called a thesis statement. In our model essay thesis statement. In our model essay “The Positive Side to Student “The Positive Side to Student Government” the thesis statement is Government” the thesis statement is Holding a school office will bring you Holding a school office will bring you many rewards. It is a complete sentence many rewards. It is a complete sentence restating the topic- school office- and the restating the topic- school office- and the controlling idea- bring many rewards.controlling idea- bring many rewards.

Thesis statementsThesis statements

• A clear thesis statement A clear thesis statement – Should be a complete sentenceShould be a complete sentence– Should express an attitude or opinion.Should express an attitude or opinion.– Should be an arguable statement.Should be an arguable statement.– Should have only one clear controlling Should have only one clear controlling

idea.idea.

ExamplesExamples

• My dad’s love of swimming. My dad’s love of swimming. • I am going to discuss the camera.I am going to discuss the camera.• Air conditioning is used in many Air conditioning is used in many

schools today. schools today.

The IntroductionThe Introduction

Where should the thesis statement Where should the thesis statement be placed in your introductory be placed in your introductory paragraph? Although there is no paragraph? Although there is no single place that it must be, the most single place that it must be, the most common place is the last sentence in common place is the last sentence in the first paragraph. the first paragraph.

Model paragraphModel paragraph

Trees can change the look of a Trees can change the look of a neighborhood. Trees provide shade, neighborhood. Trees provide shade, windbreaks, and homes for singing windbreaks, and homes for singing birds. Every homeowner should be birds. Every homeowner should be required to plant at least one tree in required to plant at least one tree in the front of the house.the front of the house.

What is the topic?What is the topic?

What is the controlling idea?What is the controlling idea?

IntroductionIntroduction

• In an essay, the entire first In an essay, the entire first paragraph sets up the topic and the paragraph sets up the topic and the controlling idea. The thesis controlling idea. The thesis statement (topic and controlling statement (topic and controlling idea) is placed at the end of the first idea) is placed at the end of the first paragraph so it is fresh in the paragraph so it is fresh in the reader’s mind as the writer starts his reader’s mind as the writer starts his proof in the developmental or body proof in the developmental or body paragraphs.paragraphs.

Introductions Introductions Continued…Continued…

• Expository writing must prove the attitude or opinion Expository writing must prove the attitude or opinion that the writer states, whether it is just a paragraph, that the writer states, whether it is just a paragraph, an essay, or a 500-page book. Most expository an essay, or a 500-page book. Most expository writing is nonfiction and can therefore be compared writing is nonfiction and can therefore be compared to how a trial is conducted, since the law often deals to how a trial is conducted, since the law often deals with facts. However, facts may be dealt with in with facts. However, facts may be dealt with in different ways, depending on which side of the case is different ways, depending on which side of the case is important to a participant. A lawyer must prove his important to a participant. A lawyer must prove his case to the jury. The writer must prove his statement case to the jury. The writer must prove his statement to the reader. A lawyer only argues one side of the to the reader. A lawyer only argues one side of the case (the side of the client). The writer states one case (the side of the client). The writer states one view of the topic and attempts to prove it. A lawyer view of the topic and attempts to prove it. A lawyer will not usually bring up facts that would help the will not usually bring up facts that would help the other lawyer’s case. Likewise, a writer only uses other lawyer’s case. Likewise, a writer only uses proof that will help his or her case.proof that will help his or her case.

PracticePracticeSuppose you are a lawyer and your client is a Suppose you are a lawyer and your client is a student accused of jaywalking on a busy street. student accused of jaywalking on a busy street. Which of the following would you use to defend Which of the following would you use to defend your client.your client.

1.1. The crosswalk was not clearly marked.The crosswalk was not clearly marked.2.2. The student had been kept late after school and The student had been kept late after school and

felt that he did not have time to walk to the corner.felt that he did not have time to walk to the corner.3.3. The student frequently was seen crossing in the The student frequently was seen crossing in the

middle of the block.middle of the block.4.4. On the day the student was given a jaywalking On the day the student was given a jaywalking

ticket, he had a sore foot and he was needed at ticket, he had a sore foot and he was needed at home to help his mother take care of his baby home to help his mother take care of his baby sister.sister.

5.5. He was just one of eight students who crossed in He was just one of eight students who crossed in the middle of the block.the middle of the block.

Write Your OwnWrite Your Own

Using one of the facts below to begin your own Using one of the facts below to begin your own introduction paragraph for an expository essay. introduction paragraph for an expository essay. You must add at least one sentence that states You must add at least one sentence that states examples that can be used to support the first examples that can be used to support the first sentence. The last sentence should state the sentence. The last sentence should state the attitude or opinion about your topic.attitude or opinion about your topic.

1.1. All schools can use improvement, and ours is All schools can use improvement, and ours is no different.no different.

2.2. Almost all students look forward to summer Almost all students look forward to summer vacation.vacation.

3.3. Eating continuously at fast-food restaurants Eating continuously at fast-food restaurants can cause problems.can cause problems.

4.4. Computer training is important for the future.Computer training is important for the future.

Paragraph ReviewParagraph Review

Answer these questions about the paragraph that Answer these questions about the paragraph that you read.you read.

1.1. Was there a fact stated in the first sentence that Was there a fact stated in the first sentence that cannot be argued? What is it?cannot be argued? What is it?

2.2. What has the writer made you think he or she will What has the writer made you think he or she will discuss in the developmental paragraphs?discuss in the developmental paragraphs?

3.3. What is the topic? What is the controlling idea?What is the topic? What is the controlling idea?4.4. Make a positive comment about the paragraph.Make a positive comment about the paragraph.5.5. What do you think will be the writer’s topic sentence What do you think will be the writer’s topic sentence

for the first body paragraph? Write a possibility. Do for the first body paragraph? Write a possibility. Do the same thing for the second body paragraph.the same thing for the second body paragraph.

6.6. Do you think that there will be a third body Do you think that there will be a third body paragraph? Explain.paragraph? Explain.

Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

Developmental paragraphs usually Developmental paragraphs usually number from 2 to 4 in student number from 2 to 4 in student essays. They provide explanation, essays. They provide explanation, illustration, discussion, or proof for illustration, discussion, or proof for the thesis statement. the thesis statement.

Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

Each developmental paragraph Each developmental paragraph discusses one aspect of the main discusses one aspect of the main topic. If you write about some of the topic. If you write about some of the ways trees have an impact on a ways trees have an impact on a neighborhood street, each neighborhood street, each paragraph should discuss one of paragraph should discuss one of those ways or functions.those ways or functions.

Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

Each developmental or body paragraph Each developmental or body paragraph should echo or refer to the thesis statement. should echo or refer to the thesis statement. If your thesis statement says “every If your thesis statement says “every homeowner should plant trees,” then each homeowner should plant trees,” then each controlling idea should have something to controlling idea should have something to do with the reason every homeowner should do with the reason every homeowner should plant a tree.plant a tree.

The developmental paragraphs should flow. The developmental paragraphs should flow. The flow of thoughts from one paragraph The flow of thoughts from one paragraph should flow into the next. This is done by should flow into the next. This is done by using transitions.using transitions.

ConclusionsConclusions

• The conclusion can restate the main The conclusion can restate the main points.points.

• The conclusion can restate the The conclusion can restate the thesis.thesis.

• The conclusion should not bring up a The conclusion should not bring up a new topic.new topic.

PracticePractice

Thesis statement: The food in San Francisco is Thesis statement: The food in San Francisco is unusual and surprising for the people who visit this unusual and surprising for the people who visit this fascinating city.fascinating city.

Support:Support:1.1. Chinese cuisine found in Chinatown area is often Chinese cuisine found in Chinatown area is often

considered the best in the United States.considered the best in the United States.2.2. The restaurants in the Italian section of North Beach The restaurants in the Italian section of North Beach

often specialize in food from one small section of often specialize in food from one small section of Italy.Italy.

3.3. The area of Fisherman’s Wharf has developed dishes The area of Fisherman’s Wharf has developed dishes that originated in this city.that originated in this city.

Develop a concluding paragraph using the thesis and Develop a concluding paragraph using the thesis and supporting details.supporting details.