Objective: In this lesson, you will learn how to write …



Objective:

In this lesson, you will learn how to write an expository essay.

A Prewriting Activity:

Write about any topic that pops into your mind. You can write about music you like, food you like or don't like, or anything about which you want to express your thoughts.

Remember, write continuously for five minutes.

Begin writing here:

An Exercise

As you go through the day, listen carefully to people as they speak. Notice the patterns, the rhythms, and the sounds you hear as they talk. Generally, people do not speak in complete sentences. Instead, they often express themselves in phrases and even single words. As you listen to their words, watch their faces for expressions. What are their hands doing as they talk?

Begin writing here:

Writing an Expository Essay

Expository writing is writing that informs or explains. As a subject for your expository essay you may choose to explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, how to study for a test, how to fly a kite, or how to do tricks on a skateboard.

Read the example of an expository essay below.

How to Manage the Stress in Your Life

Do sixth graders have stress? Of course they do. The pressure on them is growing yearly. These days, sixth graders face pressure from violence, poverty, and situations that only a few years ago were considered "adult problems." However, even though sixth graders are coping better with their problems and managing stress better than their parents could ever expect, many of them still need help managing their everyday stress.

Here are some hints to help you manage the stress in your life.

1. Be a positive person. Don't allow yourself to be drawn into childish acts such as making fun of another person through belittling remarks. When one of your friends makes rude or negative comments about another person, counter those remarks with a smile and something positive about that person.

2. Realize you don't have to be a perfect person. Do the best you can in school work. Study and try to make good grades. At home, be a good family member by helping with the chores and being a pleasant person to be around.

3. Set realistic goals for yourself. You will achieve more if you take the time to sit down, map a plan for the important things you want to achieve, and then work toward reaching those goals. Set daily, weekly, and long-range achievable goals. If you set goals for yourself, you will find you get more done, and you will feel less pushed, rushed, and pressured as you travel toward those goals.

4. Along with your goals, set some priorities. No one can do everything at one time.

5. Feed your energy. A car has to have gasoline or diesel to run. A bicycle even has to be pedaled to move forward. Your body must have the right kind of treatment to function right. Proper nutrition, sufficient rest, and the right kind and amount of exercise will do wonders for your body. These three things will give you a whole new attitude toward yourself, your life, and the people around you.

6. Use your mind. Somebody once said, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Our brains enjoy two things: action and relaxation. Your mind thrives on activity. However, an active mind can also be a stressed mind. Be active, and then calm your mind with some form of relaxation.

7. Balance mental and physical activities. Don't allow the computer and the television to consume all your time. Balance the time you spend "glued to the tube" with other activities.

8. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't suffer in silence. Don't try to handle the hard issues alone. Adults are resources to you. Don't be afraid to use those resources. Parents, teachers, mature relatives and friends are all willing to help you through difficult times. Ask for their help.

Writing a Five-Paragraph Essay

Up to this point you have written very short essays. The five paragraph essay is very much like the five-sentence paragraph. You just extend your ideas. Look at the basic format for a five-paragraph essay below.

I. Introduction

II. Body

1. Paragraph 1

2. Paragraph 2

3. Paragraph 3

III. Conclusion

The Introduction

Paragraph one is the introduction. It should be five sentences. In your introduction, tell your reader what you are going to write about. A good general rule of thumb is to break your idea into three points.

For example, if you are going to write an essay about how to study for a test, you would want your first sentence to grab the reader's attention. Then you would want to introduce the three main points you are going to discuss.

Example:

1. Collect study materials

2. Find a quiet place and time to study

3. Organize your notes and study material in a logical and easy to read way.

The Body

The body of your essay (paragraphs 2, 3, and 4) then develops each of the three ideas you presented in the introduction. Paragraph 2 explains or supports your first idea, "Collect study materials." Paragraph 3 explains or supports your second idea, "Find a quiet place and time to study." Paragraph 4 explains or supports your third idea, "Organize your notes and study material in a logical and easy to read way." Each of these paragraphs is about 5 sentences long.

Conclusion

Paragraph 5 is the conclusion. Conclude your essay in the same way that you conclude a paragraph, by bringing your writing to a close. You may summarize and bring together the ideas you presented in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 or you may refer to your introduction. Always leave your reader with the feeling that your essay is finished.

Assignment

Now choose a topic and write a five-paragraph expository essay. Remember, an expository essay informs or explains. Here is a list of suggested topics. Select one and type it in the space provided.

1. How to be a best dressed sixth grader

2. How to be a successful fullback in football (or quarterback, defensive end, etc.)

3. How to sink every freethrow in basketball

4. How to deal with a bad report card

5. How to play a specific game or sport

6. How to access your favorite computer program or game

7. How to write an essay

8. Ways to spend a rainy day

9. What to do if you get lost

10. How to be a best friend

Put your topic here:

Write your introduction below. Remember, it should contain five sentences. Your final sentence should be your topic sentence.

Begin writing here:

Write the body of your essay here. Remember to supply details that support your topic. You may want to actually list information like the previous essay on managing stress.

Begin writing here:

Write your conclusion here. Remember, your conclusion summarizes or restates your main idea in different words.

Begin writing here:

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