EXPOSITORY WRITING Mrs Benson 9172015 WHAT IS IT

EXPOSITORY WRITING Mrs. Benson 9/17/2015

WHAT IS IT? Expository paragraphs are nonfiction writing. Their purpose it to give information to readers in an organized format. Writers give reasons, facts, or details to support a main idea.

VIDEO EXAMPLE Study. com Lesson: What is Expository Writing?

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH Chrissy is my best friend for many reasons. First, she is always helpful. After I had a baby, I was really tired, so she came over to hold Cameron while I took a nap. Also, she is a good listener. Whenever I have a problem she hears my worries and helps me decide what to do. Finally, she is funny! Chrissy always tells the most hilarious jokes that make me laugh. All in all, I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Chrissy.

GREEN (FIRST AND LAST SENTENCES) Topic Sentence Topic sentences contain a number to help to focus the writer and reader on the information to follow. Helpful number words include: Two A few Numerous Plenty of Three Some A number of Four Many

YELLOW Reasons, Facts, and Details Definition: The Yellows are the Reasons, Facts, and Details (RFD’s) that support the topic sentence. Transition words are used to let the writer/reader know that a new reason, detail, or fact is being introduced. Example Transition Words: 1 st supporting word = first, to begin with, to start, one way, first of all 2 nd supporting word = another, along with, in addition, also, the second, next 3 rd supporting word = next, likewise, equally important, finally, the third, the last step

RED (ALWAYS COMES AFTER A YELLOW) Examples, Explanations, Evidence, Elaboration The Reds are sentences that tell more about the Reasons, Facts, and Details by giving examples, explanations, evidence, or elaboration regarding the RFD’s. Reds “piggy-back” on and follow the Yellows.

CONCLUSION Definition: Conclusions are the last sentences in expository paragraphs. They should remind the reader of the topic. The purpose of a conclusion is to summarize information, encourage readers, convince the audience, or challenge them to think. Good words to use in a conclusion sentence are: • All in all • Definitely • Obviously • Truly • Certainly • In conclusion • In fact • Clearly

LET’S LOOK AT THAT EXAMPLE AGAIN… Chrissy is my best friend for many reasons. First, she is always helpful. After I had a baby, I was really tired, so she came over to hold Cameron while I took a nap. Also, she is a good listener. Whenever I have a problem she hears my worries and helps me decide what to do. Finally, she is funny! Chrissy always tells the most hilarious jokes that make me laugh. All in all, I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Chrissy.

POP QUIZ! Is Expository Writing used for fiction writing (not real, or made up stories) or non-fiction writing (true stories, or real life)? What are the main parts of an Expository Paragraph?

A SECOND EXAMPLE Can you pick out what is the green (topic sentence), what is the yellow (reasons, facts, and details preceded by a transition word), and what is red (examples, explanations, and evidence)?

REVIEW You've just learned how to write an exceedingly excellent expository paragraph. Try to always remember that your expository paragraphs should contain. . . 1. A topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph so your reader clearly understands what he or she is reading about. 2. Three to four supporting details that elaborate upon the main idea so your reader understands the main idea better. 3. Transition words or phrases that help you move from one supporting detail to the next in order to help your reader follow your train of thought. 4. A concluding or transitioning sentence that ties everything together and provides a sense of closure to the main idea.

ACTIVITY Now, it’s your turn to write an Expository Paragraph! First, complete your graphic organizer on the following topic: Write about your favorite holiday. Provide details about why it is your favorite holiday. Once you complete your graphic organizer, we can begin writing our Expository Paragraphs