Explanatory Writing to explain inform An Explanatory Essay

Explanatory Writing to explain / inform.

An Explanatory Essay Contains: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Specific topic Clear thesis Organization appropriate to topic Effective text-based evidence Thorough explanation of evidence Correctly cited evidence & ‘works cited’ page

The purpose of an explanatory essay is to inform NOT persuasive No personal opinions No personal pronouns

Format STANDARD 5 paragraphs HAND ANALOGY • Thumb and pinky are shorter – represent introduction and conclusion (less information… shorter) • Three fingers in the middle are longer – represent body paragraphs (longer for more information)

Introduction Must Include: • Summary of the topic to be addressed • Titles & Authors of the text being discussed • Thesis statement

Body Paragraphs • • THINK RACE(R) Topic sentence Context and blended text-based evidence (quote) Explanation of how/why the evidence is supportive of your ideas Clincher (wrap-up) sentence

Conclusion Must Include: • Restatement of thesis • Summary of key ideas • Statement about importance of topic

Organization? • What are some options? • Use transition words / phrases – Relationships – Connections – Smooth flow

Assignment Throughout the Acceptance Unit we have been discussing the ideas of prejudice, stereotype, discrimination, and segregation. Write an explanatory essay about one (1) of these ideas. Your essay must be based on ideas and information that can be found in at least three (3) of the sources listed below. Be sure to • use evidence from multiple sources • avoid overly relying on one source • include at least one blended citation per body paragraph