THE EXPOSITORY ESSAY TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Objectives for writing exposition: -to explain -to convince -to persuade -to prove what you believe The above may be accomplished by using your critical thinking skills (while you read the novel and while you write your essay). You need to be able to evaluate, analyze, draw inferences, interpret, make conclusions, and make connections to yourself/others/the world. 1. THE INTRODUCTION -This is the first paragraph of your essay. -The introduction states the thesis and plan for your essay in a clear and concise manner. -You can write a good introduction by following 3 steps: THE LEAD -Begin your lead with a few general opening statements related to your topic / thesis. -These sentences should immediately capture the interest of your reader. THE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT -In the next few sentences, guide your reader to your thesis by defining the most important aspects of your approach. -These sentences should briefly mention / outline the points which will be discussed in the body paragraph(s). THE THESIS -The thesis is the most important part of the introduction. It is your opinion boiled down into one arguable statement. -The thesis statement is the statement that you will try to prove in the body paragraph(s) of your essay. DECIDING ON A THESIS: a) Decide on one of the topics from the choices given to you. b) Narrow down the topic. c) Write a specific thesis statement. FOR EXAMPLE: a) the character of Atticus Finch b) integrity and respect c) Atticus Finch is a man of honour and integrity who is highly respected by members of both the white and African American communities in Maycomb.
2. THE BODY PARAGRAPH(S) -The body of an essay can be made up of ONE OR MORE paragraphs. You must carefully read the directions given by your teacher and follow the format requested. -For example, you may be asked to write a three (3) paragraph expository essay. In this case, your first paragraph would be the introduction, your second paragraph would be the body of your essay, and the last paragraph would be the conclusion. -In another assignment, you may be asked to write a four or five paragraph expository essay. The four paragraph essay would contain an introductory paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The five paragraph essay would contain an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. -Whatever the number of body paragraphs you are asked to write, you must make sure that each body paragraph contains proof from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird which supports your argument or thesis. -A body paragraph can be divided into three sections: a) the topic sentence b) point / proof / comments c) summary statement THE TOPIC SENTENCE -It is the first sentence of the body paragraph. -It introduces what you will be discussing in the paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about. -It contains the main point of the paragraph. -It directly relates to the thesis. POINT / PROOF / COMMENTS - Usually, in a body paragraph, you make a point, prove that point with references / quotations from the text, and then comment on your arguments and observations. -Remember that all of your points/proofs/comments need to support not only the topic sentence for that body paragraph, but they must also prove that the thesis statement given in your introduction is true. SUMMARY STATEMENT -Your summary statement should be a sentence or two in length. It will conclude/summarize the arguments made in the paragraph.
3. THE CONCLUSION -The conclusion of an essay also contains three distinct parts: a) the thesis restated b) a summary of the proofs c) a general closing statement THESIS RESTATED -This is the first sentence of your concluding paragraph. -You should not just copy word for word the thesis statement from the introduction. Try to imaginatively restate the thesis using different words. -In one sentence, explain the point of your essay. What did you try to prove? PROOFS SUMMARIZED -Write a few sentences in which you briefly restate the proofs used in the body of your essay. How did you prove your point? GENERAL STATEMENT -This is the last part of your conclusion. It is made up of one or two general statements related to the topic.
WRITING AN INTRODUCTION The structure of an introduction should be: -general opening statements (lead) -plan of development -thesis statement There are several ways to effectively introduce your essay. General statements can: present necessary background information, state a fact, give an opinion, make an observation, reveal a universal truth, describe a situation, or create a mood. EXAMPLE: The first two sentences of the following introductory paragraph are the lead (general statements). In this case, these two sentences make an observation on human behaviour. People have the capacity to treat others with great kindness. They also have the ability to relate to others with intolerable cruelty. In Harper Lee s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the town of Maycomb is comprised of mean-spirited, evil characters who believe that the colour of one s skin is important. It is also inhabited by kind, loving, and decent folk who understand that skin colour is not an issue. Atticus Finch, an accomplished and prominent lawyer, is without question virtuous and upright. He willingly accepts the responsibility of defending Tom Robinson (a negro accused of raping a white woman). First, one must realize that Atticus genuinely cares about Tom s well-being. In addition, he treats Tom s family and friends with compassion and benevolence. Lastly, he does his utmost at the trial to prove Tom s innocence. Even though racial tolerance is a contentious issue in Maycomb, Atticus leads by example, seeking justice and equality for the marginalized. Atticus Finch is a man of honour and integrity and rightfully respected by both the white and African American members of Maycomb. In the above introduction, the 3 rd through 10 th sentences are part of the plan of development. These sentences tell the reader what will be discussed in the body of the essay. The 3 points that will be proven in the essay are highlighted in red. If the assignment called for a 5 paragraph essay, one may assume that the essay writer would use the first body paragraph to show that Atticus treats Tom Robinson with kindness and respect. The second body paragraph would be devoted to proving that Atticus tried his hardest to clear Tom Robinson of the rape charge. The third body paragraph would give examples that reveal Atticus respect for Tom s family. The last sentence is the thesis statement. It is the statement which the essay writer will try to prove in the rest of the essay.
WRITING BODY PARAGRAPHS UNITY In order to be clear and forceful, your body paragraph must have UNITY. A paragraph has unity if it confines itself to discussing one dominant idea. An effective topic sentence and well-written summary statement will help verify that unity has been achieved. A topic sentence is a brief statement of the subject of the paragraph. It indicates the direction the paragraph will take. The topic sentence is most commonly placed at the beginning of the paragraph. EXAMPLE: Atticus Finch genuinely cares about Tom Robinson s well-being. Knowing the residents of Maycomb as he does, Atticus surmises that some of the townsfolk may try to harm or even kill Tom prior to the trial. Atticus has no reservations about confronting such a mob. One particular evening, Atticus sets up a chair against the front door of the jail where Tom is being held and keeps a watchful eye for any mischief. Soon, four cars stop. Many male passengers exit and approach Atticus. When one of them asks Atticus if Tom is inside, Atticus, still seated, replies, He is and he s asleep. Don t wake him up. (Lee 202). Walter Cunningham then tells Atticus to step aside so that they can get at Tom. Atticus calmly says You can turn around and go home again, Walter. (Lee 202) Even though there is a real danger that he may become involved in a physical altercation, Atticus holds his ground and stands by his convictions. When Jem, Scout, and Dill arrive on the scene, Atticus does not abandon his commitment. After the assembly leaves, Atticus comforts and reassures a frightened Tom: Mr. Finch? A soft husky voice came from the darkness above: They gone? Atticus stepped back and looked up. They ve gone, he said. Get some sleep, Tom. They won t bother you any more. (Lee 206) When the threat of danger is no longer, Atticus and the children head home. In a gesture which reveals admiration and respect, Dill asks Atticus if he can carry his chair for him. By standing up to a mob of close-minded, prejudiced bigots hell-bent on killing a man before he has been proven guilty of a crime, Atticus demonstrates that his main concern is keeping Tom safe. Such compassion and selfless behaviour deserve respect. In the above sample body paragraph, the point being made is that Atticus is genuinely concerned with Tom s well-being. The proof given is that he protects Tom by keeping watch at the jailhouse in case there is any trouble. Atticus defends Tom by standing up to an angry mob of hooligans. He comforts Tom after the men have gone. The second last sentence makes a comment related to the point that has been proven. The last sentence is the summary statement, which not only confirms what was proven in the body of the paragraph, but helps to prove the thesis statement as well.
COHERENCE In an essay with more than one body paragraph, it is important to establish COHERENCE. All of the body paragraphs must have the same purpose: proving that the thesis statement is valid. Each body paragraph must be connected with the one before it. Coherence can be achieved by using transitional devices like the repetition of a key word, phrase, or idea from the previous body paragraph. Coherence can also be achieved by using transitional words or phrases. For example, one may start a second or third (or successive) body paragraph with one of the following choices: -moreover, further, furthermore, similarly -eventually, meanwhile -for instance, for example -nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary -next, to begin with, in conclusion -for this reason, it follows that EMPHASIS In order to achieve its greatest effect on a reader, an essay must be well organized. Each body paragraph must be arranged in the most effective order. Save your strongest argument for your last body paragraph (the one just before the conclusion). WRITING A CONCLUSION The structure of a conclusion should be: -thesis restated -proofs mentioned -general closing statements The first sentence in the sample conclusion below restates the thesis. The second, third, and fourth sentences summarize the points made which try to prove the thesis. The last four sentences comprise the closing remarks. Atticus Finch is a decent and upright man whose behaviour is respected by both the white and African American citizens of Maycomb. All of the townsfolk are witness to his kind conduct towards Tom Robinson. Atticus shows compassion not only to Tom but he extends it to Tom s family and friends as well. In addition, Atticus tries and promises to keep trying to do his utmost to clear Tom s name. In Maycomb, the issue of racial equality causes friends to fight and creates rifts among family members. It fans the flames of injustice by spreading verbal venom and physical violence. Nevertheless, all it takes for enlightenment to occur is for a single person to display courage. All it takes for social equality to soar is to find that one person who is willing to step off the cliff of ignorance and reach new heights by spreading the wings of freedom.
ESSAY WRITING TIPS ESSAY TITLES -Do give your essay an imaginative, interesting title which will grab the reader s attention. -The following titles are not imaginative, interesting, or original: My Essay Expository Essay The Character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird -The following titles are imaginative and interesting: - Soaring to New Heights: How A. Finch in Harper Lee s To Kill a Mockingbird Gained the Respect of an Entire Town TITLE PAGE - Boo Radley Gives Maycomb a Ghost of a Chance -Your essay must have a title page with the following format: Essay Title Submitted To: Teacher s Name Submitted By: Student s Name Course: Course Code Due Date: Month/Day/Year Do not draw anything on your title page. Do not include any pictures, illustrations, or decorations. Do not use more than one colour. Print your essay in black ink.
SAMPLE TITLE PAGE Soaring to New Heights: How A. Finch in Harper Lee s To Kill a Mockingbird Gained the Respect of an Entire Town Submitted To: Mr. Giudice Submitted By: Jane Doe Course: English 1D Due Date: June 16, 2015 Center the title at the top of the first page. The title should identify the author, text, and topic of the essay. The title of the text may be underlined or italicized. Capitalize the first and last words of the title, as well as words other than articles (a, an, the), short prepositions, or coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but), unless those words are the first words of the title. When a word is hyphenated, capitalize the part after the hyphen if the part before it is capitalized. Don't underline the essay title or enclose it in quotation marks. Titles can include commas or end with question marks or exclamation points when appropriate, but titles can never end with a period, even when the title would otherwise make a complete sentence.
HOW TO NUMBER THE PAGES OF A FORMAL ESSAY Do not number your title page. Number all other pages in the upper right-hand corner, starting with the first page of your text. Page numbers are usually 1/2" from the top of the page or two lines above the top line of your text. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO PROPERLY NUMBER PAGES IN A FORMAL ESSAY: Works Cited 4 1 2 3 Soaring to New Heights: How A. Finch in Harper Lee s To Kill a Mockingbird Gained the Respect of an Entire Town Submitted To: Mr. Giudice Submitted By: Jane Doe Course: English 1D Due Date: January 21, 2015 QUOTATIONS WITH CITATIONS TO PAGE NUMBERS Example 1 -After a direct quotation, indicate the page number(s) where one may find it. -In brackets, include the surname of the author of the novel followed by a space and then the page number(s). For example: Atticus calmly says: You can turn around and go home again, Walter. (Lee 202) Atticus knows that he must confront bigotry and stop it from spreading. Example 2 -You may state the page on which a direct quotation may be found by including this information before you incorporate the quotation into your sentence. For example: On page 202 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus calmly says: You can turn around and go home again, Walter. Atticus knows that he must confront bigotry and stop it from spreading.
Example 3 -You may decide to paraphrase (put into your own words) the words that the author has written. Do not use quotation marks. Do include the page number(s). For example: Atticus calmly tries to convince Walter Cunningham to leave and head home. (Lee 202) Atticus knows that he must confront bigotry and stop it from spreading. WORKS CITED PAGE -The last page of your essay must acknowledge the sources that you used. This page is entitled Works Cited. The Works Cited page is numbered. -Please use the MLA (Modern Language Association) style for this page. You may find information on how to properly use MLA style on page R-5 of the Student Handbook you received this year. -Please refer to the following example (which assumes that the works cited page is the 6 th page of your essay). EXAMPLE OF A WORKS CITED PAGE page number 6 author s surname title of the page Works Cited Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 1960. comma author s given name period title of the novel (underlined or italicized) period place of publication colon comma publisher date of publication period
MORE TIPS AND POINTERS Do not use the first person point of view when writing a formal expository essay. Use the third person. Do not write this paragraph will examine or this essay has proven, etc. Do not ramble. Make sure you are proving your point. Make sure each of your points proves your thesis. After each point that you make, ask yourself: Does this point help prove my thesis? For example, does showing that Atticus cares for Tom Robinson s well being help to prove the thesis statement that he is a man of integrity who deserves respect? The answer is YES. Use proper margins. Your top, bottom, left, and right margins should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Double-space. If writing by hand, skip a line between lines of text. Use one side of the page only. Your essays should always be neat and easy to read. Use left justification and choose a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman 12 pt.). Write out numbers less than 100 (for example, eleven ). Numbers from 21 to 99 should hyphenate the tens and ones components ("twenty-one," "twenty-two," and so on).