ENGLISH 9

Expository/Informational Writing

Basic Information…

Expository/informational writing is designed to INFORM, DESCRIBE, or EXPLAIN

Not the same as persuasive writing (meant to PERSUADE)

Formatting rules do not change (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)

Can be more difficultImportant to be organized (prewriting,

planning, developing)Remember the FIVE elements

Introduction

Attention grabber

Lead-in

Thesis

***“The introduction should be a basic roadmap to your essay, but it does not need to show every street. “

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence (use transitions)

Support 1

Elaboration 1

Support 2

Elaboration 2

Conclusion / transition

Conclusion

Restate your main points in a creative and engaging way

End in an interesting way (quote, fact, anecdote, etc.)

PROMPT Designing the Ideal School Building

It is often said that students are in the best position to decide how a school building should be designed. If you were asked to build the ideal school, what features would you include? Why?

Write an essay to the new school building committee describing the building features included in your ideal school and why you chose to include those features.

As you write, remember your essay will be scored based on how well you:

develop a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly communicates your controlling idea to the audience.

support your controlling idea with meaningful examples, reasons, and information based upon your research or readings.

organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.

use well-structured sentences and language that are appropriate for your audience. edit your work to conform to the conventions of standard American English.

Prompt - Honors Growing Towards Maturity

A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably. -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Maturity is a virtue that we all strive for but often find difficult to obtain. It is a quality that we must acquire at some point in our lives as we become adults. What do you think it means to be a mature person?

Write a well-organized essay in which you describe what you think are some of the qualities that make a person mature. Be sure to include specific examples to support your ideas.

As you write, remember your essay will be scored based on how well you:

develop a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly communicates your controlling idea to the audience.

support your controlling idea with meaningful examples, reasons, and information based upon your research or readings.

organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. use well-structured sentences and language that are appropriate for your audience. edit your work to conform to the conventions of standard American English.

Rubric

Here is the MyAccess rubric…

It is important to know exactly how you will be graded and what is expected of you before you complete the assignment.

Prewrite (BRAINSTORM)

What is a thesis statement?

Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Example: “The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.”

The paper that follows should: •Explain how students spend their time studying,

attending class, and socializing with peers

Write YOUR thesis statement!

Step 1: Prepare the graphic organizer.

Fold your paper into 4 squares.

Step 2: Complete the graphic organizer.

Unfold the paper and draw a box in the center. In the center box write your thesis statement.

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

THESIS

1st Body Paragraph topic: _______

2nd Body Paragraph topic:__________

3rd Body Paragraph topic:__________

4th topic (just in case):___________

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

THESIS

1. S1:E1:S2:E2:

4. S1:E1:S2:E2:

2. S1:E1:S2:E2:

3. S1:E1:S2:E2:

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

THESIS

1. S1:E1:S2:E2:

4. S1:E1:S2:E2:

2. S1:E1:S2:E2:

3. S1:E1:S2:E2:

Now, turn numbers 1, 2, and 3 into

complete sentences and insert proper

transitions: First of all, Secondly, Lastly,

etc…

Word Choice Problems

There are four common word choice problems:

1. Vague and Abstract Words2. Wordy & Redundant Language3. Clichés4. Slang

1. Vague and abstract words

Vague and abstract words are too general. They don’t provide readers with a clear idea of your meaning. That was a good movie. I felt bad when I woke up. The dog is small. Sally won a lot of money at the casino.

Vague and abstract words cont.

Try to replace vague and abstract words with concrete words or specific words. A concrete word names something that can be

seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled. The movie had many plot twists. I was running a fever when I woke up.

A specific word names a particular individual or quality. The dog weighs only three pounds. Sally won five-thousand dollars at the casino.

2. Wordy and Redundant LanguageWordy language results from

using too many words to express your thoughts. Incorrect (I): I haven’t picked

a major at this point in time. Correct (C): I haven’t picked

a major yet. I: Due to the fact that I don’t

feel well, I stayed home today. C: Because I don’t feel well, I

stayed home today.

Wordy and Redundant Language

Redundant language occurs when you use words that say the same thing. I: He has reverted back

to smoking. C: He has reverted to

smoking. I: My two twins are

celebrating their birthday.

C: My twins are celebrating their birthday.

3. Clichés

Clichés are phrases used so often that people no longer pay attention to them. Writing an “A” paper is easier said than done. I’ll turn it in late, but it’s better late than never.

Avoid using clichés in academic writing.

4. Slang

Slang is informal and casual language often shared by a particular group. My mom chewed me out for

coming home late. I used to not get along with my

mom, but we’re cool now. I was bummed about my midterm

grade.The use of slang is

inappropriate in formal writing.

Commonly Confused Words

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and are spelled differently. to, too, two there, their, they’re your vs. you’re its vs. it’s threw vs. through

Strategies to Avoid Misused Words

Proofread carefully! You can’t count on spell-check to

catch these words.Use a dictionary.

Look up the words you aren’t sure about; don’t guess!

Develop a personal list of words you often confuse! Consult your list and double-

check for these words before turning in any assignment.

SpellingMisspelled words are considered a serious

error in writing.Spelling errors leave a bad impression; you

are and will continue to be judged by your spelling!

If you want to become a better speller, you must practice certain strategies.

Strategies for Improving Spelling

1. Watch for certain words that are always spelled as one word.• cannot, nobody, anybody, everybody, somebody,

somewhat, wherever, worthwhile, anything, everything.

Strategies for Improving Spelling

2. Master your own “personal spelling demons.” Create memory aids. Break the word into parts or say the word

phonetically. Write the word correctly 10 times.

Strategies for Improving Spelling

3. Master commonly confused words.

• If you can master these words, you can eliminate many of your spelling errors.

• Use your handout as a tool.

4. Learn the six spelling rules!

• Use the handout on the Writing Room website as a tool.

Proofread your paper!

Go back through your paper after you have taken a break to read for the five elements and anything else we have talked about.

Is your paper clear? Are you redundant anywhere? Is it organized?Do you give good examples?