Elements of Expository: Two Column Notes

MAIN IDEA DETAILS

Definition of Writing which explains something to the reader.
Expository
Purpose(s) of  Explains
Expository  Informs
 Defines
 Investigates
 Clarifies
Patterns of  Chronological
Organization  Cause/Effect
 Compare/Contrast
 Problem/Solution
 Description/Spatial
 Process Order
 Point by Point
Elements of 1. Essay has a Controlling Idea:
Effective  a statement that identifies the purpose of your essay
Expository  usually in the introduction (skilled writers can place it in other areas)
Essays  also referred to as a “thesis statement”
2. No set number of paragraphs
3. Captures the reader with a strong lead in the introduction
4. Remains objective/no bias towards the subject
5. Obvious Pattern of Organization
6. Use smooth transitions/transition statements to move from idea to idea
7. Uses vivid and interesting language to continue to engage the reader
8. Uses a variety of rhetorical schemes (using language effectively and persuasively)
9. Uses a variety of sentence length/type
10. Uses comparisons to build images for the reader
11. All paragraphs support the Controlling Idea/Thesis
12. Individual paragraphs are supported with factual information
 Paraphrases of factual information
 Text Evidence from another source
 Narrative anecdotes that help explain an idea
13. Ends with a strong conclusion that
 Presents no new information from outside sources but can be deeper observations
made during the research.
 Highlights the most important aspects of the essay
 Leaves a final thought
Paraphrase vs. Paraphrase: 1. a re-wording of a text or passage
Plagiarism 2. a restatement of a text or passage in a new form

Plagiarism: 1. the act of using someone else’s words without giving credit to the author OR
2. largely using the author’s words and sentence structure, only changing
a few words and phrases.
Schemes of Anaphora : Def - the repetition of a sequence of words in neighboring clauses
Rhetoric Ex – “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp… Never shall I
forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children.” (Elie
Wiesel, Night)

Parallel Structure: Def - the repetition of a chosen grammatical form

Ex – “John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they require
students to attend, receive money from the government, and
destroy students' humanity.” (verb-noun-phrase)