Expository Writing

What is expository writing?

An expository essay introduces, explains, describes, or demonstrates something.

When something hidden is exposed, it is opened or uncovered.

When film is exposed, images become visible.

When a newspaper uncovers a scandal, it publishes an expose’ that reveals the truth to readers.

An art exposition shows works and illustrates why a period of art is important.

4-Step Essay Writing

IntroductionStep 1:

Introduce the topic, then write a thesis statement that takes a clear and definite positionV format

IntroductionThe Topic Sentence: Your job is to introduce the topic in an interesting, engaging way. You need to imagine that your reader has not read the essay prompt.Sometimes this may be done by asking a question.

Example SentencesFootball Football is a uniquely American

game.War The 20th century has seen more

than its share of violent wars.Jobs Where have all the good jobs gone?

Example SentencesCooking Cooking has become a major hobby among young professionals.

Television Reality television is a strong force in today’s network line-ups.

After adding more depth to general topic, move to thesis

The Thesis Statement: The thesis tells readers what your essay will be about specifically.

It comes at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Thesis Shows Your PositionFootball reflects what is best and worst in the American character.Wars create more problems than they solve.Computer literacy is the key to finding good jobs today.Chili is a simple and tasty dish that even beginners can cook.“Jersey Shore” positively influences the lives and minds of its viewers.

Body ParagraphsStep 2:

Support your thesis statement with reasons and detailsEach body paragraph has its own topic sentence and supporting details

Supporting Detailsthe additional information the author provides so readers can understand the main idea completely. The function of details is to support (explain, illustrate, prove) the information in the main idea sentence.

It’s All in the DetailsDetails consists of specific

information such as examples, explanations, descriptions, proof, and statistics.

Note that examples are always details.

Ask who, what, when, where, and why when reading your paragraphs over.

If there are not answers to the questions you ask, then you need more DETAILS

Look for places to add details

Thesis: “Jersey Shore” positively influences the lives and minds of its viewers.Main Points (3 Paragraphs): It is full of realistic portrayals of young Italian-Americans.

It promotes a positive body image for both men and women.

It encourages young adults to learn to solve problems together.

The MTV program “Jersey Shore” is full of realistic portrayals of young adults.

It shows how real young adults live. There are many things that happen on the show that happen in real life. Also, the characters on the show are recognizable to the average teenager. This is why “Jersey Shore” is full of realistic portrayals of young adults.

How?

Like what?

Why?

Rewrite with Details!The MTV program “Jersey Shore” is full of realistic portrayals of young adults. It depicts the lives of 6 normal twenty-somethings trying to live, work, and find love in an honest way. For example, the show members all live together in a house. This is common for young adults because rent may be too expensive for one person to manage by him/herself. This is especially true in New Jersey, where rent for a one bedroom apartment may be as high as $3,000 a month.

There are also many things that happen on the show that happen in real life. Snooki, Pauly D, and the Situation are seen going to work in many episodes. Today’s young people all have to have jobs in order to live. In addition, the cast members are often seen blowing off steam at bars and clubs, which are frequented by young adults across the country. “Getting ready” and “GTL” are things that people do in real life that are often overlooked by mainstream TV shows. The “Jersey Shore” makes showing these things a priority.

Finally, the people on the show are recognizable to the average teenager. Relationship problems, break-ups, and drama are the cornerstones of the teenage experience, and “Jersey Shore” specializes in this. Drama is regularly seen in Sammi and Ronnie’s relationship; will they break up again? Will they stay together? Who is in the hot tub with whom? Everyday questions like these are why “Jersey Shore” is full of realistic portrayals of young adults.

Major and Minor DetailsMajor (primary) details support or

explain the main idea directly. They are usually essential to understanding the main idea.

Minor (secondary) details support or explain other details.

All details, of course, directly or indirectly support the main idea.

Cadence for Supporting Details

Details are the info authors supplySo you’ll understand the big “MI.”

Details prove, explain, or illustrateWhat the main idea states.

Details are like supporting walls:Without ‘em the main idea “roof” falls.

Main Idea and Supporting Details “House”

Main Idea

Supporting Details

Reinforce!Main ideas are general; details are specific.

Examples are always details.

Each sentence you write or point you make should be backed up by details

Conclude!Step 3:

Re-state your thesis statement and plug it back into the topic.

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Conclude!“Jersey Shore” is a reality show that benefits young viewers. In addition to portraying real life, it also promotes a positive body image and shows how young adults can work together to solve problems both big and small. In today’s reality-obsessed society, it is nice to see a positive influence for young people. After all, reality television is a driving force for people of all ages.