Week 3 expository writing

1. Expository Essay
WEEK 3
RUSSELL RODRIGO

2. Lesson outline
Intro to Expository Essay
 Elements of a research question
 Types of focus of a research question
Rough outlines:
Thesis statements:
 Characteristics of an effective thesis statement
 Identifying effective thesis statements
 Correct amount of information
 Style

3. What is Expository Writing?
 Expository writing is defined as presenting
reasons, explanations, or steps in a process
 Informational writing
 An expository essay should follow a logical
sequence and have three different main
points
 Logic and coherence is the main focus of an
expository essay

4. How is it different ?
 Expository writing does not tell a story
 Expository writing does not persuade a
reader but only gives facts and reasons
 Expository writing can also give the steps
of a process

5. WHAT IS AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY?An EXPOSITORY essay is a multi-paragraph essay with
a specific structure.
It explains a position or opinion that you have
regarding a topic or text.
It provides adequate textual evidence to support that
opinion.
AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY IS NOT …
It is not a summary of the book.
It is not a book review or a book report.
It is not ONLY your opinion. You must base your ideas on
events from the text.

6. Research questions
What are the causes of internet addiction?
2 parts – topic and focus

7. Research questions - topic
What are the causes of internet addiction?
The general topic is usually a noun phrase

8. Research questions - focus
What are the causes of internet addiction?
The focus suggests what you will say about
the topic and the information that you will
look for.

9. 8 Types of focus
Cause
Effect
Definition
Classification
Problem and solution
Process (How to?)
Argument (Should?)
Comparison

10. What is the focus of the following
research questions?
1. How are expectations of marriage in the U.S. and
India similar or different?
2. Why do people become homeless?

11. Sourcework p33
Look at the examples on pp31-32.
Complete the 2 questions on p34.

12. More than one focus
Sometimes a research question has more than
one focus.
For example: What are the causes and effects
of insomnia?

13. Sourcework p34
Look at the examples
Complete the 2 questions on p34.

14. Rough Outline
 A good way to organize your ideas is to create a rough
outline.
 3 parts to a rough outline:
1. The research question
2. The focus of the research question
3. 3 to 5 categories of answers to your research question.

15. Example
Research question: Why do people become
addicted to alcohol?
Focus: Causes
Answers: Emotional distress
Social Pressure
Genetic predisposition

16. In pairs - Look at the following research
question and create a rough outline.
What makes a successful city?
Focus - definition

17. Thesis Statements
 4 characteristics of a good thesis statement
1. It states the topic and focus, which answers your
research question.
2. It gives an overview of your supporting points, which are
logically connected to your focus.
3. It gives the correct amount of information [not to much
or too little]
4. It uses correct grammar and precise vocabulary

18. Example 1
R.Q.: How are expectations of marriage in the U.S.
and India similar or different?
T.S.: Belief in romantic love, the division of family
responsibilities, and attitudes towards divorce are
three differences between American and India
expectations of marriage.

19. Example 2
R.Q.: Why do people become homeless?
T.S.: The lack of affordable housing, inadequate
public assistance, and the breakdown of the
family are three causes of homelessness.

20. Sourcework – p48
Look at the 3 thesis statements: Circle
the topic and underline the focus

21. Identifying an effective thesis
statement.
Look at the 2 sample rough outlines and
effective thesis statements on pp48-49.
Now look at the thesis statements and rough
outlines in the exercises on pp49-51 and decide
if they are OK or not OK and why.

22. Look at the example rough outlines on
pp48-49 and their thesis statements.
Create a thesis statement using your rough
outline from earlier –
What makes a successful city?

23. Correct amount of information
Your thesis statement should have just
enough information to enable your reader
to know the key points you will make
about your topic.

24. Too little information.
Internet addiction causes many
problems.
This does not tell us what problems
are caused.

25. Too much information!
 Capital punishment, which is practiced in many countries
such as Pakistan, China, and parts of the United States, is a
problem because it actually costs more than a carefully
planned system of rehabilitation, often leads to the
execution of innocent people when the justice system is
corrupt or operates too quickly, and can cause
unreasonable pain to the person being executed if
methods like electrocution are used.

26. Identify the correct thesis statement
On page 52 which of the 3 thesis
statements gives the correct
amount of information?

27. Style
 Do not write your thesis statement in the first person ie:
 I’m going to talk about two reasons…
 I think…
 Instead use the third person:
 There are 2 reasons that…
 It is believed that…

28. Further reading
Pages 54 – 58 : Common
problems with thesis statements

29. Lesson summary
 Research Questions:
 Elements of a research question
 Types of focus of a research question
 Rough outlines:
 Thesis statements:
 Characteristics of an effective thesis statement
 Identifying effective thesis statements
 Correct amount of information
 Style

30. SESSION 2: OUTLINING

31. Topic Sentences, Thesis Statements,
and Subtopic are the Heart
Thesis: a statement
discussing the topic
of your paper.
Subtopics: the main
ideas that support
your thesis.
Topic Sentences: a
statement that
discusses the topic
of each paragraph.

32. Definition of Terms
 Thesis Statement: The main idea of the whole
essay
 Transition words: Words such as first, second, as a
result, which make transitions easy in the essay.
 Main Ideas: Each paragraph should have a
main point or idea
 Supporting Details: Details support the main
ideas

33. Introductory Paragraph
Body Paragraphs
= Subtopics
Concluding Paragraph

34. Expository Writing
 Introduction of an expository should include the
main idea and what the essay is about
 The three main reasons supporting this main idea
should also be included in the introduction

35. Thesis Statement
 The thesis statement can be first in the
paragraph, last in the paragraph or
implied throughout the paragraph
 OR more experienced writers use the
inverted pyramid style introduction.

36. Introductory Paragraph – Inverted
Pyramid

37. Introduction
 Hook- Hook your reader with a question, quote, short
anecdote, or personal experience statement

38. Body Paragraphs
Purpose of Body Paragraphs:
To support your topic statement using direct
quotations, specific textual detail, and strong
explanations.
Elements of a Body Paragraph:
Topic Sentence
Textual Evidence
Explanation of Evidence
Concluding/ Transition Sentence

39. TOPIC SENTENCE
The first sentence in each body paragraph. It gives the reader
specific information about what will be explained in the body
paragraph. It is best to use words from the TOPIC STATEMENT in
this sentence.
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
Sentences in the body paragraph which use the AUTHOR’S
paraphrased, summarized or quoted ideas to help support your
topic statement.
EXPLANATION OF EVIDENCE
Sentences in the body paragraph which explain to the reader
HOW YOUR TEXTUAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTS YOUR TOPIC
STATEMENT.
VOCABULARY OF BODY PARAGRAPHS

40. Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Explanation of Evidence
Textual Evidence
Concluding Sentence
(repeat for each piece of textual
evidence)

41. Evidence and Examples
Your evidence is the
meat of the essay.
You need to prove
what you know.
Remember the Es:
-Examples
-Explanations
-Evidence
-Elaboration

42. Transitions
 Like shifting from
one gear to the
next in a car, a
transition shifts from
one paragraph to
the next. It is the
glue of an essay.

43. Transition words
 Add your transition words
 First
 Second
 Third
 Finally, or In Conclusion

44. Conclusion
 Conclusions restate
your thesis and
subtopics, and
remind your reader
what you wrote
about.
 Do not include any
new information in
your conclusion.

45. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Purpose of Concluding Paragraph
• To summarize your main ideas for your reader, so
they leave your writing with clarity.
Elements of Concluding Paragraph
• Restate your topic statement
• Review body paragraphs

46. Concluding
Paragraph
Restate Thesis
Review Paragraph Ideas

47. Re-Cap:
Expository writing needs:
 One topic
 Reasons supporting that topic
 Details supporting the reasons
 A conclusion re-stating the reasons
 Transition words
 Clear, concise, logical and informative
language

48. Body I:
Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV
programs for children is documentaries.
A. (major 1) Documentaries on National
Geographic
a. (minor 1) teaches appreciation of
life
b. (minor 2) promotes the importance
of conservation of the planet.
B. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
a. (minor 1) teaches history in an
appealing way
b. (minor 2) introduces civilizations that
are not in the curriculum
Thesis Statement:
The two main types of TV programs that are beneficial for children are documentaries
and history channels because they bring positive influence on children’s development.
Stage 3Sample Outline for an Expository Essay
Body II:
Topic Sentence: In addition to documentaries, children's
programs have a positive influence on children’s
development.
A. (major 1) prepare preschool kids to school
a. (minor 1) teach alphabet, colors, animals
b. (minor 2) raise social awareness praising
friendship and sharing
B. (major 2) encourage creativity
a. (minor 1) encourage painting
b. (minor 2) promote musical intelligence

49. IMPORTANT REMINDER
 Keep in mind that an outline should be
prepared BEFORE writing the first draft,
because it is a skeleton that helps one in the
writing process. It is like a detailed plan one
makes before writing the essay.
Stage 3: Outline

50. Principles of an Effective Outline: Parallelism
Body I:
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV
programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
a. (minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
b. (minor 2) promotes the importance of
conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
a. (minor 1) teaches history in an appealing
way
b. (minor 2) introduces civilizations that are
not in the curriculum
Stage 3: Outline

51. Principles of an Effective Outline: Coordination
Body I:
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV
programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
a. (minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
b. (minor 2) promotes the importance of
conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
a. (minor 1) teaches history in an appealing
way
b. (minor 2) introduces civilizations that are
not in the curriculum
Stage 3: Outline

52. Principles of an Effective Outline: Subordination
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV
programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National
Geographic
a. (minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
b. (minor 2) promotes the importance of
conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
a. (minor 1) teaches history in an
appealing way
b. (minor 2) introduces civilizations that are
not in the curriculum
B. Topic Sentence: Children’s programs have a
positive influence on children’s development.
Stage 3: Outline

53. Principles of an Effective Outline: Division
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV
programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National
Geographic
a. (minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
b. (minor 2) promotes the importance of
conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
a. (minor 1) teaches history in an
appealing way
b. (minor 2) introduces civilizations that are
not in the curriculum
B. Topic Sentence: Children’s programs have a
positive influence on children’s development.
Stage 3: Outline

54. Outlining an Expository Essay
 Use an outline to organize your essay
 Preplanning ensures you don’t forget
anything.
 Essay practically writes itself from the
outline.

55. Outline for Expository
Title__________________________________________
I. Introduction:
A. Hook______________________________________________________
B. Background information______________________________________
C. Background information on topic_______________________________
D. Background information on topic_______________________________
E. Statistic or personal anecdote-optional_________________________
F. THESIS STATEMENT________________________________________
II. First Reason__________________________________________________
A. Fact/ or example_________________________________________
B. Detail__________________________________________________
C. Fact/ example___________________________________________
D. Detail_________________________________________________
E. Fact/example____________________________________________
F. Detail__________________________________________________
G. Sum- up statement_______________________________________

56. III. Second Reason_______________________________________________
A. Fact/or example_________________________________________
B. Detail__________________________________________________
C. Fact/example____________________________________________
D. Detail__________________________________________________
E. Fact/example____________________________________________
F. Detail___________________________________________________
G. Sum- up statement_______________________________________
IV. Third Reason_________________________________________________
A. Fact/example___________________________________________
B. Detail__________________________________________________
C. Fact/example___________________________________________
D. Detail___________________________________________________
E. Fact/example___________________________________________
F. Detail
V. Conclusion:
Re- state all reasons in conclusion
Clincher sentence- gives a summation of the above and a “feeling”
about the whole essay.
Use transition words, plan reasons in a logical order, make sure you re-
state reasons in your conclusion.
Outline Continuation

57. Editing your essay
 Check that you have all the elements of an expository
essay:
 Reasons
 Details
 Transition words
 Conclusion that re-states your topic
 Grammar
 Coherence, logic and clearly written

58. 1) Essay that is developed with examples and/or facts and statistics
2) Essay that is developed with steps in a process
3) Essay that is in a compare and contrast format
Example:
Paragraph 1: Introductory Paragraph
A. Thesis sentence____________________________
B. Background info____________________________
C. Statistics- if relevant__________________________
Paragraph 2: Reason#1 or Process #1 Use a transition word
A. Example/detail #1______________________________
B. Example/detail #2______________________________
C. Example/detail#3_______________________________
Paragraph 3: Reason #2or Process #2 Use a transition word
A. Example/detail #1______________________________
B. Example/detail#2_______________________________
C. Example/detail #3______________________________
Paragraph 4: Reason #3 or Process #3 Use a transition word
A. Example/detail #1_______________________________
B. Example/detail #2_______________________________
C. Example/detail#3________________________________
Paragraph 5:Conclusion:
Take a reason from each paragraph and RE-STATE it in the conclusion. Add a clincher sentence.
Evaluation:
Do you have a clear logical topic?
Have you introduced your topic in the first paragraph?
Do you have one reason per paragraph?
Do you have three details to support each reason?
Have you used transition words at the beginning of each paragraph?