Expository Writing

Understand scoring rubric Brainstorm relevant information and valid

inferences Gain knowledge about effective writing

techniques Understand common mistakes to better

plan for your next expository writing Create an outline to prepare for writing

process

Purpose of this PowerPoint

Take a look at your scoring rubric, and read the highlighted portions (this is why you received this score)

Scoring Rubric

Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to take a chance.

Semester Exam Writing Prompt

• Rank these examples as possible answers to the prompt (these were ACTUAL examples in student work):

1) Disneyland2) Avoid Failure3) Wearing shorts4) Stuff5) Skydiving6) Steve Jobs7) Skipping breakfast8) Hunger Games9) Success10)Coffee

11) Crossing the Street12) Things13) Albert Einstein14) Prevent injury15) Neil Armstrong16) Roller Coaster 17) Colonization of America18) Physical/Mental risks19) Playing Rookie Quarterback20) Something

Scale: 1-51= WEAK5= STRONG

Weak Thesis statement/not answering the question◦ Question: Write an essay explaining why it is

sometimes necessary to take a chance. “Risks can be good but are mostly bad. “Taking a chance can have a positive or bad

outcome. It really depends on what your taking the risk on.”

** “It is sometimes necessary to take chances, so a person can live a life full of excitement and rewards” **

Common Problems

Too general body paragraphs/ no explanation◦ “Taking risks will teach you a lot about life, and

help you be willing to try new things.”

◦ “It takes a small risk for a small reward, it is good but you are taking small baby steps. Small baby steps will help, but the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.”

** Be specific with your examples**Connect back to your thesis**

Common Problems

Using “you”

** Speak in third person, avoiding “I/me/my” and “you/your/yours”**

- EX: “You need to take risks to gain success.”- EX: “Everyone needs to take risks to gain success.”

- EX: “If you want to learn from your mistakes, you must take chances.”

- EX: “If a person wants to learn from his or her mistakes, he or she must take chances”.

Common Problems

Jumping from one example to the next without explaining why it’s necessary◦ “For example, Christopher Columbus took a risk

when he discovered America. Also, Steve Jobs took a risk when he designed Apple. Finally, Nelson Mandela took a risk with Freedom.”

*If you give an example, be sure to explain the connection to the thesis, giving SPECIFIC commentary*

Common Problems

Why do we outline?◦ Organize and accurately convey information◦ Make points clear and explain ideas thoroughly ◦ Brainstorm possibilities

Easy Four-Step Process!

Outline

Let’s brainstorm for this prompt:◦ English class is a mandatory class in High School.

Write an essay explaining why its important to take English classes.

Where do I start? A List!!◦ Make a list of as many ideas as you can!**Make sure these ideas can answer the prompt clearly**

OUTLINING: Step 1

Formulate a thesis statement using 2-3 of your ideas◦ This is going to be the big idea of your paper. It

will tell your reader: What they will be reading about The organization of your paper Your ideas/side on the subject

EX: Taking an English course is important to a student’s education because speaking and writing properly is a sign of professionalism in the real world.

EX: If a person wants to be successful in a business atmosphere, he or she must take an English class.

EX:

OUTLINING, Step 2

Once you have ideas and a thesis…◦ Begin outlining your body paragraphs

Body paragraphs◦ What is my topic for each paragraph?◦ What SPECIFIC examples should I use to back this

up?◦ How can I relate this example to my thesis?◦ How can I transition into my next body

paragraph?

OUTLINING: Step Three

Conclusion◦ How can I restate my thesis?◦ How can I leave my reader feeling satisfied and

that I answered the prompt?◦ What do I want my reader to walk away with?

OUTLINING: Step FOur

Step 1: generate a list of ideas Step 2: develop a thesis using your ideas

and your thoughts on the prompt Step 3: construct body paragraph topics Step 4: Tie up loose ends in a conclusion

To Summarize…

Pick two prompts and create and outline◦ Write an essay explaining why having a job during

high school helps a person’s future.

◦ Write an essay explaining why Austin, Texas is a great place for young people to live.

◦ Write an essay explaining how technology has changed our lives for the better.

◦ Write an essay explaining why a cat or dog is better than the other.

◦ Write an essay explaining why it’s important to change the world.

Now you try to outline!