staar formatted expository essays. warm up: monday, oct. 26 complete questions 1-5 on the front side...

STAAR FORMATTED EXPOSITORY ESSAYS

Warm Up: Monday, Oct. 26

Complete questions 1-5 on the front side of your homework for this week. The

homework requires you to add a dependent clause to the already existing independent

clause. Remember, dependent clauses start with a subordinating conjunction.

Example: While we sang at the concert, parents recorded the show with their video

cameras.

EXPOSITORY WRITING WORKSHOP

EXPOSITORY DEFINITION: “SERVING TO EXPOUND, SET FORTH, OR EXPLAIN”

Expository Writing: writing with a purpose to explain a topic or idea

If this is the definition of expository, what do you think the definition of expository writing will be?

Organizational Styles

1. Compare/Contrast

Definition: explain how 2+ more things are alike/

different

Example: Explain the types of changes a student may undergo from middle school to high school.

As a writer you would have to explain what the student was like before (in middle school) and what student was like after (in high school).


2. Cause/Effect

Definition: identifies one or more causes and the resulting effects

Example: Explain the importance of being involved in your community.

As a writer you would have to explain what are different things that would cause you to become involved in the community and what the effects of your involvement would be (could be for yourself or for the community as a whole)


3. Definition

Definition: describes characteristics or features of something

Example: Explain what it means to be an American.

As a writer you would have to explain what are the characteristics that make a person American.


4. Explanatory

Definition: explains a writer’s position on a topic

Example: Explain whether second chances are important.

As a writer you would need to choose a position to explain.

Example: Explain why it’s necessary to give someone a second chance.

As a writer you are given the position to explain.

Expository Essay Prompt

Read the information in the box below.

Think about people in your life that you consider family. Write an essay explaining the multiple meanings of family. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and

spelling

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

- Jane Howard

Expository Essay PromptRead the information in the box below.

Think about what would happen if a person gave up after one rejection. Write an essay explaining why perseverance is critical to success. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

J.K. Rowing is the author of the famous Harry Potter series, but she didn’t become famous overnight. Penniless, recently divorced, and raising a child on her own, she wrote the first Harry Potter book on an old manual typewriter. Twelve publishers rejected the manuscript. A year later, she was finally given a chance with Bloomsbury Publishing, who agreed to publish the book, but insisted she get a day job because there was no money in children’s books. Due to her success of the Harry Potter series, she is now worth an estimated $1 billion dollars.



Think about how hip-hop or pop culture influences your life and your friend’s lives. Write an essay explaining the effect of music on today’s youth. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and

spelling

“Music’s the only thing that makes sense anymore, man. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay.”

- Across the Universe (movie)



Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement. Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain.

STAAR Essay Overview

Makes up 26% of your total EOC score. The writing components of STAAR

(expository essay and short answers combined) actually make up 50% of your total EOC score!

26 lines (one single side of a sheet of paper) Introduction + Thesis Body paragraph one Body paragraph two Conclusion

Let’s Review!

Thesis StatementsA single sentence that expresses what you want your readers to understand; the controlling idea of your essay and road map for your paper

Last sentence (and possibly the only sentence) of your introduction

Thesis Statements

Main idea of paper (using words from the prompt) + transition word + topics/reasons of paper.

Examples:

Prompt: Explain the types of changes a student may undergo from middle school to high school.Many students undergo changes from middle school to high school such as becoming more responsible and feeling increased levels of stress.

Prompt: Explain the importance of being involved in your community.Being involved in the community is important because it helps people stay connected and gives people pride in their community.

Let’s Practice!Read the information in the box below.

Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement. Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain.

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

7th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because people end up hurting you; in addition, if we keep helping others, they will never learn for themselves.

Others SelfHelping other people makes you feel better. (WARM AND FUZZIES!) – sense of accomplishmentHelping others keeps you humble.Improves societyGREATER GOOD – is their life more important than yours? – lets six men dieHelping other people makes you more social. (social skills developed)KARMA – what goes around comes around. – Odysseus helps others; he survives.

You need to put yourself first in order to maintain your mental health. You can’t help others if you are hurting.We have to help ourselves before we are prepared to help anyone else (oxygen masks on airplane)You should put yourself first because people will just take advantage of you in life. – We didn’t help the French! People can end up hurting you. – Brutus (Julius Caesar event)If you keep helping others they will never learn for themselves. – fish proverb

7th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because people end up hurting you; in addition, if we keep helping others, they will never learn for themselves.

2nd Body Paragraph:

If we continue to coddle others during their times of need, they will never learn to fend for themselves. In Homer’s Odyssey, the goddess Athena cannot swoop to Odysseus’ rescue every single time or he will never learn his lesson. In the final battle, he must prove his superior battle skills in order to be deemed worthy by the Greek gods.


6th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because it can lead to fame and fortune; in addition, we must take care of our own needs first before we can be of any help to others.

Others SelfWhen we help other people, we also in turn help ourselves. (We learn from the experience.) – Odysseus when he was fighting Scylla (greater good)We need to help other people so that we are not self-centered. Helping other people builds character and gives us a better reputation.)When you help other people, they are more likely to help you.

We have to take care of our own needs first (i.e. health) before we can even help others.If you put yourself first, you can gain fame and fortune. - Steve Jobs (pushed his own agenda/vision forward for the product = gained fortune / brand name)You need to put yourself first in order to feel accomplished.

6th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because it can lead to fame and fortune; in addition, we must take care of our own needs first before we can be of any help to others.

1st Body Paragraph:When we put our own needs before

others, we can ensure our own success. Steve Jobs, the founder and visionary of Apple, was persistent in presenting his own ideas to


4th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it improves society; in addition, helping others can lead to unexpected rewards.

Others SelfIt feels good to help others (sense of accomplishment).Improves society as a whole (Ebola doctors put themselves at risk to save LIVES) (Martin Luther King)You can be rewarded for helping others (A Long Way Gone) – good karmaWhen you help others, they are more likely to help you. (personal example – HW)

We should look out for ourselves because people will only hurt you / disappoint you in the end.You have to help yourself first before you can be of any help to others (airplane mask example) (A Long Way Gone)

4th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it improves society; in addition, helping others can lead to unexpected rewards.

2nd Body Paragraph:Often times when we put the needs of others

first, we can experience surprising benefits. In the memoir A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah travels to UN conferences to speak about his experience as a child soldier. In his quest to help his fellow child soldiers, he experienced unexpected rewards in the form of a new home with Laura Simms.


3rd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others as opposed to themselves because it builds character; in addition, when we help other people, they are more likely to return the favor.

Others SelfHelping others gives you a sense of accomplishment.You should help other people because you might need help too in the future.Helping others builds character and gives you a good reputation. (provides recognition) - OdysseusHelping others improves society. / Showing acts of kindness encourages others to follow suit. (lead by example)Makes you appreciate your own life more

People take advantage of you, so you should put yourself first. - Ender’s GameYou need to see to your own needs first (stay recharged / rejuvenated) because who else will do that for you?You cannot help others if you are not composed.You don’t want others to drag you down with them.

3rd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others as opposed to themselves because it builds character; in addition, when we help other people, they are more likely to return the favor.

1st Body Paragraph:Society respects you when you put the needs

of others first. In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus gains the respect of his men due to his battle prowess. After he uses his cunning nature to save his men from the cyclops’ cave, they can’t help but to revere Odysseus’ leadership skills. Just like Odysseus, we should all strive to put the needs of others first for the greater good. Its selflessness that people recognize and ultimately defines your character.


2nd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about other than themselves because it helps to improve society; in addition, when you help other people, they will be there for you in return.

Others SelfHelping others makes you feel better. (WARM AND FUZZY) - promotes self confidenceIf you help other people, they can help you when you need it.When you help other people, you learn life lessons.Helping others builds character and a better reputation in your community.GOLDEN RULE! (Treat others how you want to be treated.)Helping others improves society.

You have to take care of yourself first in order to be of any help to others.Human nature is inherently selfish.You have to be selfish to be successful.Your safety / essential needs must be a priority.Not everyone wants your help, but you can always take your own help/advice.If you focus on everyone else your whole life, you don’t have time to ensure your own happiness. (You can’t help those who don’t want your help.)

2nd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it helps to improve society; in addition, when you help other people, they will be there for you in return.

1st Body Paragraph:

When people go out of their way to help others without any selfish ambitions, society benefits. The founder of Five Hour Energy drinks uses his own salary to fund a clean water project for third world nations. He has selflessly committed to this project because he desires to better this world as a whole. When


1st Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others for human nature is inherently selfish; in addition, if you sacrifice too much of yourself, you cannot help anyone else.

Others SelfHelping others builds family-like bondsPride in yourself and your communityIf we don’t help other people we will lack basic human empathyIf you don’t help others, no one will ever help you.Life is short, so you should give to others as much as possible.

You can’t help other people if you don’t take care of yourself firstYou have to take time to recharge and rejuvenate yourselfHuman nature is selfish / survival instincts are strongLife is short, so you should live life to the fullest.“You have to be selfish to become successful.” -MJ

1st Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others for human nature is inherently selfish; in addition, if you sacrifice too much of yourself, you cannot help anyone else.

2nd Body Paragraph:

One must take care of his or her individual needs first before he or she can be of any help to someone else. In the memoir A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah must confront the demons of his child soldier past before he can speak out and help other children heal from their experience. Ishmael spent time at a rehabilitation center in order to cope with his PTSD symptoms, which allows him to share his message of redemption when he speaks at UN conferences. By dealing with your own hurts first, you can become an instrument of healing for others. Sometimes it is necessary to put your own needs first for the greater good.

Additional Practice

Prompt 2: Write an essay explaining whether second chances are important.

Prompt 3: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices.

Prompt 2: Write an essay explaining whether second chances are important.

Thesis:

Important Not Important

Prompt 3: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices.

Ideas:

Thesis:

TUESDAY’S SLIDES

Warm Up: Tuesday, Oct. 27

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Using a relative pronoun (who, whom, that, or which) also creates a dependent clause.

Directions: Underline the dependent clause in each of the sentences below.

1. I know the woman who owns that store.

2. The DVD that you borrowed last week is due at the library today.

3. The student whom I recommend for class president is Lindsey.**You will see examples of complex sentences on your homework

(back side) that use relative pronouns to create dependent clauses! Make sure you mark them as complex and not simple!

Warm Up: Tuesday, Oct. 27

Directions: Underline the dependent clause in each of the sentences below.

1. I know the woman who owns that store.

2. The DVD that you borrowed last week is due at the library today.

3. The student whom I recommend for class president is Lindsey.

Expository Essay Organization

Introduction + thesis sentence Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence Evidence Analysis Transition sentence / concluding sentence

Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence Evidence Analysis Transition sentence / concluding sentence

Conclusion

Body Paragraph Organization

This should look familiar!*Topic Sentence (sentence 1) – shows the main idea of the paragraph (baby thesis statement)

*Evidence (sentences 2 and 3) – example, facts/data, and quotes

*Analysis (4 and 5) – your analysis, explanation, or interpretation of your evidence.

*Concluding/Transition Sentence (6) – wraps up the main idea of the paragraph, or leads the reader into the idea of the next paragraph

Here’s where things change… You don’t have books to pull text

evidence from on the STAAR test! Since you won’t be able to embed quotes, where does your evidence come from?

Evidence Options

Definition: Facts or examples to prove that your ideas are true

1. Literary examples: - using well known examples from literature to prove a point. Ex: In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus’ dedication to get home to his wife

Penelope after 20 years lost at sea proves the value of sacrifice and loyalty. 2. Historical examples (events or people):

- using well known examples from history to prove your ideas. Ex: Rosa Parks demonstrates how one woman’s involvement in her

community impacted not only a single city, but an entire country. 3. Personal examples:

- using your own life experiences to relate to your audienceEx: Having to balance school work, a job, and theater rehearsals

was one element of my high school experience that caused extreme

stress.

Analysis

Definition: explaining to the audience how your evidence connects to your thesis.

Strong analysis (connects evidence to the big picture): Many students experience similar juggling acts as I did, trying to succeed both academically and extra-curricularly. These students lack the time management skills needed to balance all of their activities, leading to an amount of stress that was not experienced in middle school.

Weak analysis (only applies to the writer): Trying to keep up with all my stuff was just crazy. It was really hard to stay focused on all the things I was supposed to do. I don’t remember feeling that way in middle school.

Body Paragraph OrganizationAn example of an entire paragraph:

One negative change that many students experience from middle school to high school is an increased amount of stress. Having to balance school work, a job, and theater rehearsals was one element of my high school experience that caused an increased amount of stress for me. Many students experience similar juggling acts as I did, trying to succeed both academically and extra-curricularly. These students lack the time management skills needed to balance all of their activities, leading to an amount of stress that was not experienced in middle school. Even though the increased stress can be difficult, learning those time management skills are a valuable life lesson for students.

Strong Transitions

Your reader needs to see how your ideas connect or where your ideas are about to change.

Here is a toolbox of strong transition words to use in your writing

Therefore Even though

However Consequently

Furthermore In addition,

staar formatted expository essays. warm up: monday, oct. 26 complete questions 1-5 on the front side...

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