Expository Essay 8 th Grade Writing
Purpose (definition) to inform about or explain a topic Expository essays explain, interpret, or describe something based on prior knowledge, background experiences, or information in the prompt or other resources. Ex: research reports, compare/contrast, cause and effect, how-to, explanation of an event or topic, review of piece of literature or a movie
Format: 3rd person (nonfiction) 5-6 paragraphs in length Minimum of 8 sentences per body paragraph Factual BE CAREFUL! Do not to include your emotions or personal feelings on the subject. Use a topic sentence for each body paragraph
Overall: Use strong word choice and avoid repetition Use transitional phrases to link all paragraphs and also within paragraphs to link support Incorporate compound sentences (more than 1 idea combined by a comma, conjunction, or semicolon) JUST THE FACTS! ~ no emotions (end)
Expository Introduction Sentence # 1 = attention getter (Use the idea sheet) 2 3 = connect attention getter to thesis, bring up the general idea of essay, and lead into the thesis 4 = thesis statement: What is the overall purpose of your essay? (BE SPECIFIC!) 5 8 = introduce topics of 3 body paragraphs (don t give details yet!) This MUST be done in at least two to three separate sentences.
Thesis Statements Tells what the paper is about (without stating This paper is about or In this paper I will tell you about ) Gives paper direction and focus (narrows topic) Answers a developed question
How to Write a Thesis Statement Choose a Topic Develop a specific question to be answered in the paper The THESIS statement answers the question Example - baseball? Topic: Baseball Question: What safety equipment is needed to play Thesis: There are three essential pieces of equipment needed to play baseball
Sample Attention Getters: (See Handout) Amazing or Interesting Fact A Description A Quote A Question A Bold Statement A Statistic
Expository Introduction Example: Preparing for the Worst The safety of millions depends on scientists ability to track and predict the path of a hurricane. Although these storm systems can cause major destruction, the ability to warn the public can certainly help reduce their tragic effects. Nonetheless, when disaster does strike, weather scientists use the event to actively learn, hopefully allowing more protection for coastal residents in the future. Today, scientists use three major methods to track hurricanes. The use of satellites provide information about the strength of the storm. Additionally, Radar is also used to determine the organizational patterns of the particular hurricane, and despite all of the technology available, observation is still one of the most popular ways of gaining data.
Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs are made up of the main idea sentence and several sentences giving support and details. The body paragraphs must be a minimum of 8 sentences. Continue use of transitions to link sentences together. Avoid use first, second and third ONLY ONE PER ESSAY
Body Paragraphs You MUST take each main idea / reason through 1st order, 2nd order, and 3rd order elaboration. 1st order ~ main idea / reason The main idea sentence should describe the topic of the paragraph in an interesting way. See suggestion handout 2nd order ~ explain Expand on your main idea 3rd order ~ examples, quotes, definitions, etc. to further your explanation These sentences offer support and detail to your main idea. This information should come from research or background information you KNOW TO BE TRUE, It can be proven. *** See suggestion handout
Body Paragraph Example Another method commonly used to track hurricanes is that of Doppler radar. Specifically, radars provide scientists with information about the amount of rainfall and the location of different types of rains inside of the hurricane. Scientists focus on the eye of the hurricane, as well as the wall of the eye, which is made up of an organized band of clouds, intense rain, and strong winds. Analyzed along with the satellite pictures, scientists can predict the strength of the storm and in turn can greatly influence which emergency procedures will be initiated. On top of this vital information, scientist can also use radar to predict the movement the storm will make. By collecting and comparing the data from different storms, scientists may be able to see patterns over the years.
Expository Conclusion: Sentence # 1 = Concluding transition followed by your thesis statement restated in a different way (What should reader have learned from your essay?) 2-4 = SUMMARIZE your overall point of each of your three body paragraphs in two to three separate sentences. You should NOT repeat your introduction! 5-6 = Final concluding statements about the overall topic to tie whole essay together and leave the reader thinking beyond the paper.
Expository Conclusion Example: All in all, satellites, radar and observation are currently the most helpful tools scientists rely on to keep us safe during and before a hurricane. After putting together the position of cloud patterns provided by satellites and the data regarding band location recorded by radars, scientists can make extremely accurate predictions. Combining these theories with past and present observations, allows for an even better chance that these predictions will be correct. Until the time comes when technology allows us to determine exactly what will happen, these methods can at least serve to warn us of the possibilities!