Expository essay

1. Meerkats
Introduction paragraph -
Meerkats aren't really cats at all. They are actually
relatives of the mongoose - a snake fighting animal that
lives in India. The Dutch settlers in South Africa gave
them their name in 1776. The name actually means
"marsh cat," which is really funny, since they aren't cats
and do not live near any swamps. Meerkats really live in
the Kalahari Desert region of Africa. They live in
communities of 10 to 20 animals. Meerkats have an
interesting family life that is why I wanted to write about
them.
First paragraph – describe the animal
Meerkats are not very big animals. Adults weigh around 2
pounds and stand 12 inches high. When they are on all four feet, they
are only 6 inches tall. Meerkats have short brown hair, with gray or
tan markings. They have dark brown markings around their eyes and
black tipped ears. Meerkats have black or dark brown bands on the
side of their body, with a white face and throat. with white Their legs
are short and their bodies are long and thin. Meerkats have long thin
tails that are tipped with black fur.
Second paragraph – where they live
The Kalahari Desert spreads over the countries of: South Africa,
Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Third paragraph – family life
Conclusion
Attribution:
Original Image: "meerkat"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieandjohn/5058988208/
By: Mackenzie and John
Released under: CC BY-SA 2.0