Expository Essay Assignment (100 Points)



Expository Essay Assignment (100 Points)

Final Draft Due: 11/12 (JAX), 11/13 (MAN)

“The Nature of an Exposition” from Communicating Effectively: Grades 9 and 10 Book Two

The noun exposition comes from the verb expose. Thus, an exposition is writing that exposes. It takes something not seen or understood by others and holds it up to clear view. This immediately suggests a limitation in the topics that are suitable for expository writing. Why explain something that everyone already understands? You are in a position to explain a subject only when you understand things about it that your readers do not. Some of this understanding you gain through personal experience. Some of it you gain through reading and research. “In writing exposition, you must present your topic with complete clarity and precise order. You may report new information; you may explain how something works; you may show how to do something; or you may describe the steps in a process. Whatever the topic, you must present everything as clearly as possible. Anything unfamiliar to the reader must be laid out before him in plain language. The goal of all expository writing is to lead the reader to say, “I understand.” (114)

For this assignment, you will write an expository essay 3-5 pages in length, following all of the MLA conventions (double spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font, one inch margins, etc.). You will be required to cite at least two sources for this paper. (These sources may be of any kind as long as they are credible: books, interviews, documentaries, newspaper articles, encyclopedia entries, etc. Be careful of using websites.) This essay can be on the topic of your choice, but be sure to choose one you are interested in. Consider topics that are worthy of your time and are appropriate for your given audience.

Rubric Focus (15 pts)

The text clearly focuses on a compelling topic that informs the reader with ideas, concepts, and information that creates a unified whole.

Development (20 pts)

The text provides significant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations that fully develop and explain the topic. The conclusion provides insight to the implications, explains the significance of the topic, and projects to the future, etc.

Audience (10 pts)

The text consistently addresses the audience’s knowledge level and concerns about the topic. The text addresses the specific needs of the audience.

Cohesion (20 pts)

The text strategically uses words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of text. The text explains the relationships between the topic and the examples and/or facts.

Language and Style (20 pts)

The text presents an engaging, formal, and objective tone and uses sophisticated language and topic-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.

Conventions (15 pts)

The text intentionally uses standard English conventions of usage and mechanics along with discipline-specific requirements (MLA).

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