Writing the Expository Essay English IV. An expository essay provides facts and ideas to inform and instruct the reader. It can be used to share information.

Writing the Expository Essay

English IV

An expository essay provides facts and ideas to inform and instruct the reader. It can be used to share information in a variety of different situations: in writing a scholarly article, in writing a how-to manual, or even in writing an answer to an exam question.

It’s It’s an opportunity for you to explain what you know about a concept, event or process to someone who has had less experience in this area.

• Begins with an introduction that establishes its topic, purpose and tone and presents a thesis statement.• Thesis statement should be a statement of fact that you intend to

explain.• It should not include an opinion suitable for argument.

Example:Statement of fact: Most American Presidents retire from public office when they leave the White House.

Statement of opinion: Most American Presidents make no significant contributions after they leave the White House.

• The body of an expository essay should develop the main point with a complete explanation. It should include enough examples, details and facts to fulfill the reader’s expectations and cover the main point thoroughly.• You can create an informative tone by defining items, using precise

language, being objective and focusing on instructing the reader.

• Present your information in an unbiased, expository way that is appropriate to both your topic and your readers.• Take the background and experience of your audience into account

when writing your explanations.

How to Be a Gentlemanfrom WikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Gentleman)

Chivalry and honor aren't dead, but they're not thriving either. Conduct yourself like a gentleman and you'll gain a woman's respect. Plus, you'll feel better about yourself.

Who is the audience for this essay?

What is its intended purpose?

• To create your thesis, you’ll have to decide on your intended audience.• That means you’ll also have to decide why you think it’s important for

people to become ladies and gentlemen, and who should become ladies and gentlemen.

• The body of your essay should be organized according to the steps needed to complete this process.

• What is most important? What can or should be done first, second, third?

Method 1 of 6: Personal Grooming is ImportantGood hygiene is a must. Make sure to bathe and groom yourself regularly. When applying deodorant or cologne, don't use a lot. Some girls may not like the smell and if you reek of it they're not going to be pleased. Also, make sure you don't use too much hair gel (it's sticky and goes rock hard after a while).Pay attention to how you look. Wear clothes that fit your body well, eliminate flashy clothing and avoid fashion "faux pas" (e.g. baseball hats cocked slightly to the side). A simpler wardrobe will keep the emphasis on you, not your clothes, which will change your outlook. Get regular haircuts.

Method 2 of 6: Be PoliteA true gentleman is polite to everyone, in action and words. Always be aware of how you can help people. Wait an extra few seconds to hold the door for the person behind you. Offer to help an old or pregnant person get their grocery bags to the car. You don't have to be paranoid or risk killing yourself (e.g. if you've got a precarious grip on something heavy, don't open the door for someone) but respect is paramount. Even if someone is being stupid, be polite and respectful.

• Use examples from Great Expectations and your own research (the person you chose for Monday’s homework) to support your statements.

There are some things you shouldn't talk to girls about. These include how hot other girls are, or anything at all of that nature. If she's not into sports or video games, you can say a few things but then move on to something she's into. Girls tend to be more interested in books and music than in sports and video games, though there are plenty of exceptions to every rule. It's fine to talk about that stuff with your guy friends, but a gentleman doesn't do that.

It was not to be shuffled off now, however, and I answered, "The beautiful young lady at Miss Havisham's, and she's more beautiful than anybody ever was, and I admire her dreadfully, and I want to be a gentleman on her account." Having made this lunatic confession, I began to throw my torn-up grass into the river, as if I had some thoughts of following it."Do you want to be a gentleman, to spite her or to gain her over?" Biddy quietly asked me, after a pause."I don't know," I moodily answered.

If you wanted to make this argument… …you could use this example.

• Method 3 of 6: Partake in Polite Conversation• Don't talk about yourself much. On the

other hand, girls like to know a little bit about you so they can understand what you are talking about sometimes. In addition to making you a much more desirable conversationalist, it will make you seem more mysterious to not share too much, which many women find attractive. Get a basic idea of what's going on in music, sports, and politics.

What resources will your potential gentleman or lady need?

If you say…

Where can someone learn these skills?

• Social skills classes?

• Courses in history or current events?

• Reading a newspaper (which one?) or magazine (which one?) or a Web site (which one?)

• Is there an app for that?

…you should also tell the reader:

How to organize your essay:

• Introduction: Include your definition of what it means to be a lady or gentleman and some reference to your intended audience:

• “It is important for every student at Clayton Valley Charter High School to be respectful towards others, to be well-informed about current events and to conduct himself or herself with honesty and integrity.”

How to organize your essay:

• Create an outline that lists the steps needed to become a lady or gentleman, the resources that will be required and potential examples from the text.

• Step 1: Learn to be respectful towards others. • Example: Pip disrespecting Joe when he comes to London (negative)• Example: Will Smith urging his son to treat people well (positive)• Resources: Charm schools, particular classes, books (To Kill a

Mockingbird), training programs, Web pages…

How to organize your essay:

In your conclusion, describe the goal your reader will have achieved after completing all of these steps:

• “Only by following these instructions can you achieve the level of character required of a member of the United States Marine Corps.”

• “If everyone were to follow these guidelines, we would have a more cultured, civilized world – one with fewer public disputes and greater social harmony.”