LESSON 2

Expository Essay

What’s that mean? (review)

An expository essay is “a form of writing which intends to define, inform, explain, elaborate and expound the author’s subject to the reader”.

Huh…?It means: You get to write about a topic

you know and explain it to your reader.

*http://www.writeawriting.com/essay/expository-essay-writing/

How’s it work? (review)

Who is your best friend? And Why

You get a writing prompt, (like the one on the side.) Or choose your own.

Figure out what is the central point you’re going to write about.

Come up with your topic.Brainstorm details and

supporting facts.Write your essay.Revise.Polish and publish it.

Who is your best friend? And Why?

A central point is the main idea of your essay.

Well, who is my best friend?

The topic answers the question posed by your prompt.

My sister This information will help you

come up with your Topic Sentence.

Central IdeaWho is your best friend? And Why?

Central Idea (essay)

The central idea of my essay is:

My sister is my best friend.

Topic Central Point

My sister

Is my best friend.

Topic SentenceWho is your best friend? And Why?

Central Idea (essay)

To write the topic sentence, which will make up the body of your essay, the central idea must ask another question: WHY?

Topic Central Point

My sister

Is my best friend.Why?

Topic SentenceWho is your best friend? And Why?

Central Idea (essay)

Topic Sentence (within essay)

She is always there for me.

Topic Central Point

My sister

Is my best friend.Why?

She Is always there for me.How is she always there for me?

Topic Central Point

Pitfalls

• Sentences like these could never be central ideas or topic sentences:

I have three sisters.

My name is Michelle.

Field Hockey is a sport.

Why are those bad central ideas or topic sentences?

Because they don’t help pose a question for you to answer with more details and supporting sentences.

Assignment

•Download the Writing prompt worksheet. There are 8 writing prompts. Come up with a central idea for each ,then submit it for a grade.•Choose three new journal topics and write a short (one paragraph) journal for each. You can write then in one word document, just label each. •Submit each by Saturday midnight (end of the week)