Expository Writing...Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform. The creator of an expository text cannot assume

Mind Sweep Activity

Ice Breaker: “I never…”

Expository Writing

On a piece of paper, number down the left side

of the paper 1–10. After each number, write

“Writing is.”

For the next few minutes, complete each

sentence. The sentences may be positive or

negative ideas about what writing means to

you.

2

At your table groups, share one sentence from your list. If someone else shares something that is the same as one of yours, choose a different sentence.

Continue taking turns until all ideas have been shared.

3

Think about all the ideas that have been shared.

In your group, choose one negative thought about writing and talk about how you could turn it into something positive or how you could fix the problem.

Finish your group statement, and be prepared to share with the class. Each student should write this statement on the first page of their journal.

4

In order to get to know each other better, we are going to play a game of “I never.”

Everyone will stay seated except the person making the statement.

Each person will take a turn saying one thing they never did while standing.

All students who have also never done that activity will stand up with that student.

A student stands up and says, “I never got suspended from school.”

All other students who have never been suspended stand up with that student. (I hope that’s all of you!!)

We will go through two tables today, and if we like this game, we will play it again next Monday and give a turn to two more tables.

For the next 4-5 weeks, we will be exploring expository writing.

One of the two essays on the HSPE is an expository essay. So, it is important that you understand what is expected in this type of writing.

Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform.

The creator of an expository text cannot assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed.

One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about, rather than blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed.

In other words, show, don’t tell. DESCRIBE & ELABORATE

Once again, expository writing is a type of

writing that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform.

Copyright 2006 Washington OSPI. All rights reserved.

Defining Elaboration

Asking Questions that Lead to Elaboration

Recognizing Elaboration

Show, Don't Tell

Specific, Concrete Details versus General Language

Elaboration within Sentences

Layering -- Elaboration Using Multiple Sentences



Elaboration means. . .

To tell the reader more using

Specific words

Extensions (phrases, clauses)

Onion-like layering of detail

Specific strategies, e.g., anecdotes or scenario, lists for specificity, examples, definitions, descriptions, quotations, statistics, and facts. (DADS QE)

Lesson 1


ANECDOTES -- An anecdote is a short narrative inserted into an essay that develops an idea or argument. This sounds like. . .

Hey, I remember the time when I had to carry my . . .

Once when I was in middle school, the kids would

always. . .

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You can’t give up, Jack. I remember one time when I played on the high school baseball team. We were losing, and it was the 8th inning. Everyone was getting discouraged, and then the coach said, “BOYS! You’ve got to RALLY here! Turn your ball caps around and GET OUT THERE!” So, Jack, turn your ball cap – I mean ATTITUDE -- around and get out there!

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Do you remember any teacher who told lots of stories as they were teaching? Or parents who told stories about “when they were young”?

This is an effective way to make or develop a point. Share some with your classmates.

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EXAMPLES -- provide more specific information about an idea. This sounds like. . .

The cats were all acting like they were crazy. For example, one jumped at me with all …

We had a barrage of different weather last week: hail, rain, snow, and sunshine.

My brothers always seem to pick on me. For instance, they may hide my soccer shoes before a game.

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The game of golf can be played for an entire lifetime and also by yourself. People of any age can go out and play a round of golf whenever they want as opposed to team sports. For example, football, soccer, and volleyball take an entire team of people to play. How many times are you going to call up ten or more of your friends and go play sports?

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Examples are an effective way to help the reader understand your ideas.

Tell a classmate about a situation at school and provide him/her with an example.

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DEFINITIONS -- are restatements of an unfamiliar word or phrase to tell what it means. This sounds like…

The best part of our hot lunch program is the A La Carte. What I mean by A La Carte is the little deli line past the lunch line where you can buy cookies, slushies, and candy bars.

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One of the best programs at our school is something called Brainworks. Brainworks is an after-school program where kids go and do their homework. They even let you work on the computers there. I like it a lot because the lady who runs the program keeps everyone pretty quiet. At my house, I have 6 little brothers and sisters, and there is never a quiet place to work.

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Defining specific words shows an awareness of the audience. It shows you are thinking of what the audience knows and what they don’t know.

Talk to your classmate about some of the “lingo” you hear at school. What would you have to define for your parents?

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STATISTICS and FACTS -- are the numbers (data) and information that help support your idea or argument.

Mom, did you know that 98% of all my friends get to stay up until 1:00 AM on weekends?

Well, Son, did you know that 3 out of 4 parents would have grounded you for staying out so late?

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Kids who smoke at an early age are prone to heart attacks later in life.


Another craze to sweep America was the low-carb diet. It was reported in the newspaper after the last holiday season that 67% of all Americans were low-carb dieting. Let me tell you the personal impact that has had on my family’s wheat farm here in Washington.

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Talk to a partner and come up with a statistic about school, e.g., number of football games won, number of friendly teachers, amount of time wasted in class.

Think of what statistics would convince the audience.

Share an idea with the whole group.

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QUOTATIONS -- are words someone says that can help support your idea or argument.

“Spaying or neutering dogs and cats is the single best gift a pet owner can

give.”

Dr. Stein, the veterinarian from the animal shelter, agreed when she said,

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Another reason to graduate from high school is that even technical jobs require a diploma. Jared Turner from Best Performance Welding magazine states, “We won’t even consider hiring a person without a high school diploma. Our workers need to read the job specs, monitor equipment performance, and write orders and reports.” Turner went on to describe the many qualified applicants who compete for positions in his busy firm. This seems to be different from the good old days and makes a pretty decent point about staying in school.

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Quotations or simple dialogue can add information and credibility to your idea or argument.

Tell your classmate what a world famous principal and author of The Best Schools for Kids might say about your school.

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DESCRIPTIONS --are ways to create vivid images for the reader.

The sound of my phone cut through the silent class, and I anxiously dug into my backpack to grab it before Mrs. Schuman, the writing teacher, noticed. Pawing through Chapstick, lipstick, gum wrappers, and rubber hair wraps, my hand darted around the deep pockets of my backpack. “Must shut off ringer,” I thought.

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Lesson 1

Jackie walked slowly to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial exhibit. In her hands were two yellow daffodils that she had brought with her on the hour-long bus ride. Their green stems, snapped from the patch in the backyard, were slowly drying out.


Description can take many forms and still be effective. Show, don’t just tell, your reader. Be specific with your word choice. Try to create an image that appeals to your reader’s senses.

Work with your partner and write a paragraph that describes the cafeteria at your school. Elaborate using sensory details.

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D – Definition

A – Anecdotes

D – Description

S – Statistics and Facts

Q – Quotations

E - Examples

Expository Writing...Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform. The creator of an expository text cannot assume

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