Expository Writing Tips!

The Five Paragraphs of a Basic Essay

It is important to learn the components of each paragraph in the standard essay.

Expository Paragraph #1

This is your introduction. Begin with a good "grabber." Restate the topic and define it. State three explanations or examples. Conclude with a transition sentence that leads into the next paragraph.

Paragraph #2, Paragraph #3, and Paragraph #4

These paragraphs are the body of your essay. Use a transition at the beginning of each paragraph. Try to be different. In each paragraph you develop one of your arguments, points, or explanations as fully as you can, restating the explanation and then expanding on it with examples or evidence that supports it. These are the most important paragraphs in the grading of the State Assessment Test. The judges are looking at how you support the broad statements you make. Each of these paragraphs (as well as the body of the essay) needs an introductory sentence and a concluding sentence. These are the paragraphs where it is important to use spectacular vocabulary to show a good knowledge of words.

A little well placed humor and creativity definitely add to the quality of the paper.

Paragraph #5

This is your conclusion. Restate your topic in words that are different from those in paragraph 1. Summarize paragraphs 2, 3 and 4. Draw a one sentence conclusion. End with a "zinger" that makes the reader think or smile.

Expository Tips!

Keep to the topic. Do not stray or go off on a tangent. Use great vocabulary. You want to show that you have a good command of words that is above and beyond what the average student your age knows. Organize yourself well. Never make a statement that you do not back up or support. Develop that support well. Use transitions such as first, second, third, next, before or after, and finally.

*The above information was taken from "Blowing Away the State Writing Assessment Test" by Jane Bell Kiester available through Maupin House Publishing.

Writing the Narrative! FCAT Information & Help FCAT Grade 4 Writing
What is Expository Writing?
Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather then blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.

What is Expository Writing?

Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather then blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.

1.Expository writing explains or informs. It answers the reader's basic questions about a topic: Who what where when how why

2. Understanding Types of Expository Essays .There are three basic types of expository essays: Informative how to comparison contrast

3. Giving Information Repeated word repeated idea

4. Explaining a Process A how-to essay tells the reader how to do something. Information in a how-to essay appears in time order. These transition words and phrases show time: First second third finally to begin next last then

5. Showing Similarities and Differences Comparison-contrast essays show the similarities and differences between two subjects. The information appears in a point-by-point pattern. These transitions are used to compare and contrast.

Similarities Both Similarly Likewise Same And Also

differences however by contrast otherwise different but while

6.Gathering and Organizing Information Learning Essentials provides templates to help you plan and organize expository writing. Kwl chart Time line Venn diagram

7. Using a KWL Chart The letters KWL stand for what you Know, what you Wonder about, and what you Learn. Filling out a KWL chart can help you gather information for an informative essay. Write what you already Know Write question you Wonder about Write answer you Learn 8. Using a Time Line For how-to essays, a time line can help you organize the steps in the process. First Next Then

Finally 9. Using a Venn Diagram For comparison-contrast essays, a Venn diagram can help you gather and organize details. Write each su bject in one circle Write similarities in the center space Write different in the side spaces 10.

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Expository Writing Tips

www.sbac.edu/~idylwild/writingtips.html www.stanford.edu/~arnetha/expowrite/info.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expository_writing www.ahs.albany.k12.ny.us/.../Writing.../HS%20Writing%20Manual(pdf)/...-