STAAR FORMATTED EXPOSITORY ESSAYS Warm Up Monday Oct

STAAR FORMATTED EXPOSITORY ESSAYS

Warm Up: Monday, Oct. 26 Complete questions 1 -5 on the front side of your homework for this week. The homework requires you to add a dependent clause to the already existing independent clause. Remember, dependent clauses start with a subordinating conjunction. Example: While we sang at the concert, parents recorded the show with their video cameras.

EXPOSITORY WRITING WORKSHOP EXPOSITORY DEFINITION: “SERVING TO EXPOUND, SET FORTH, OR EXPLAIN” If this is the definition of expository, what do you think the definition of expository writing will be? Expository Writing: writing with a purpose to explain a topic or idea

Organizational Styles 1. Compare/Contrast Definition: explain how 2+ more things are alike/ different Example: Explain the types of changes a student may undergo from middle school to high school. As a writer you would have to explain what the student was like before (in middle school) and what student was like after (in high school).

Organizational Styles 2. Cause/Effect Definition: identifies one or more causes and the resulting effects Example: Explain the importance of being involved in your community. As a writer you would have to explain what are different things that would cause you to become involved in the community and what the effects of your involvement would be (could be for yourself or for the community as a whole)

Organizational Styles 3. Definition: describes characteristics or features of something Example: Explain what it means to be an American. As a writer you would have to explain what are the characteristics that make a person American.

Organizational Styles 4. Explanatory Definition: explains a writer’s position on a topic Example: Explain whether second chances are important. As a writer you would need to choose a position to explain. Example: Explain why it’s necessary to give someone a second chance. As a writer you are given the position to explain.

Expository Essay Prompt Read the information in the box below. “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ” - Jane Howard Think about people in your life that you consider family. Write an essay explaining the multiple meanings of family. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

Expository Essay Prompt Read the information in the box below. J. K. Rowing is the author of the famous Harry Potter series, but she didn’t become famous overnight. Penniless, recently divorced, and raising a child on her own, she wrote the first Harry Potter book on an old manual typewriter. Twelve publishers rejected the manuscript. A year later, she was finally given a chance with Bloomsbury Publishing, who agreed to publish the book, but insisted she get a day job because there was no money in children’s books. Due to her success of the Harry Potter series, she is now worth an estimated $1 billion dollars. Think about what would happen if a person gave up after one rejection. Write an essay explaining why perseverance is critical to success. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

Expository Essay Prompt Read the information in the box below. “Music’s the only thing that makes sense anymore, man. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay. ” - Across the Universe (movie) Think about how hip-hop or pop culture influences your life and your friend’s lives. Write an essay explaining the effect of music on today’s youth. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

Expository Essay Prompt Read the information in the box below. In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain. Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement. Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

STAAR Essay Overview Makes up 26% of your total EOC score. � The writing components of STAAR (expository essay and short answers combined) actually make up 50% of your total EOC score! 26 lines (one single side of a sheet of paper) � Introduction + Thesis � Body paragraph one � Body paragraph two � Conclusion

Let’s Review! Thesis Statements Ø A single sentence that expresses what you want your readers to understand; the controlling idea of your essay and road map for your paper Ø Last sentence (and possibly the only sentence) of your introduction

Thesis Statements Main idea of paper (using words from the prompt) + transition word + topics/reasons of paper. Examples: Prompt: Explain the types of changes a student may undergo from middle school to high school. Many students undergo changes from middle school to high school such as becoming more responsible and feeling increased levels of stress. Prompt: Explain the importance of being involved in your community. Being involved in the community is important because it helps people stay connected and gives people pride in their community.

Let’s Practice! Read the information in the box below. In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain. Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement. Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Be sure to — • clearly state your thesis • organize and develop your ideas effectively • choose your words carefully • edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self Helping other people makes you feel better. (WARM AND FUZZIES!) – sense of accomplishment Helping others keeps you humble. Improves society GREATER GOOD – is their life more important than yours? – lets six men die Helping other people makes you more social. (social skills developed) KARMA – what goes around comes around. – Odysseus helps others; he survives. You need to put yourself first in order to maintain your mental health. You can’t help others if you are hurting. We have to help ourselves before we are prepared to help anyone else (oxygen masks on airplane) You should put yourself first because people will just take advantage of you in life. – We didn’t help the French! People can end up hurting you. – Brutus (Julius Caesar event) If you keep helping others they will never learn for themselves. – fish proverb 7 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because people end up hurting you; in addition, if we keep helping others, they will never

7 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because people end up hurting you; in addition, if we keep helping others, they will never learn for themselves. 2 nd Body Paragraph: If we continue to coddle others during their times of need, they will never learn to fend for themselves. In Homer’s Odyssey, the goddess Athena cannot swoop to Odysseus’ rescue every single time or he will never learn his lesson. In the final battle, he must prove his superior battle skills in order to be deemed worthy by the Greek gods.

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self When we help other people, We have to take care of our we also in turn help own needs first (i. e. health) ourselves. (We learn from before we can even help the experience. ) – others. Odysseus when he was If you put yourself first, you fighting Scylla (greater can gain fame and fortune. good) - Steve Jobs (pushed his We need to help other own agenda/vision forward people so that we are not for the product = gained self-centered. Helping other fortune / brand name) people builds character and You need to put yourself gives us a better first in order to feel reputation. ) accomplished. When you help other people, they are more likely 6 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about to help you. themselves as opposed to others because it can lead to fame and fortune; in addition, we must take care of our own needs first before we can be of any help to others.

6 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others because it can lead to fame and fortune; in addition, we must take care of our own needs first before we can be of any help to others. 1 st Body Paragraph: When we put our own needs before others, we can ensure our own success. Steve Jobs, the founder and visionary of Apple, was persistent in presenting his own ideas to

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self It feels good to help others (sense of accomplishment). Improves society as a whole (Ebola doctors put themselves at risk to save LIVES) (Martin Luther King) You can be rewarded for helping others (A Long Way Gone) – good karma When you help others, they are more likely to help you. (personal example – HW) We should look out for ourselves because people will only hurt you / disappoint you in the end. You have to help yourself first before you can be of any help to others (airplane mask example) (A Long Way Gone) 4 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it improves society; in addition, helping others can

4 th Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it improves society; in addition, helping others can lead to unexpected rewards. 2 nd Body Paragraph: Often times when we put the needs of others first, we can experience surprising benefits. In the memoir A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah travels to UN conferences to speak about his experience as a child soldier. In his quest to help his fellow child soldiers, he experienced unexpected rewards in the form of a new home with Laura Simms.

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self Helping others gives you a People take advantage of you, sense of accomplishment. so you should put yourself first. You should help other people - Ender’s Game because you might need help You need to see to your own too in the future. needs first (stay recharged / Helping others builds character rejuvenated) because who else and gives you a good will do that for you? reputation. (provides You cannot help others if you recognition) - Odysseus are not composed. Helping others improves society. You don’t want others to drag / Showing acts of kindness you down with them. encourages others to follow suit. (lead by example) Makes you appreciate your own life more 3 rd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others as opposed to themselves because it builds character; in addition, when we help other people, they are more likely to return the favor.

3 rd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others as opposed to themselves because it builds character; in addition, when we help other people, they are more likely to return the favor. 1 st Body Paragraph: Society respects you when you put the needs of others first. In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus gains the respect of his men due to his battle prowess. After he uses his cunning nature to save his men from the cyclops’ cave, they can’t help but to revere Odysseus’ leadership skills. Just like Odysseus, we should all strive to put the needs of others first for the greater good. Its selflessness that people recognize and ultimately defines your character.

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self Helping others makes you feel better. (WARM AND FUZZY) - promotes self confidence If you help other people, they can help you when you need it. When you help other people, you learn life lessons. Helping others builds character and a better reputation in your community. GOLDEN RULE! (Treat others how you want to be treated. ) Helping others improves society. You have to take care of yourself first in order to be of any help to others. Human nature is inherently selfish. You have to be selfish to be successful. Your safety / essential needs must be a priority. Not everyone wants your help, but you can always take your own help/advice. If you focus on everyone else your whole life, you don’t have time to ensure your own happiness. (You nd can’t help those who don’t want your 2 Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about help. ) other than themselves because it helps to improve society; in addition, when you help other people, they will be there for you in return.

2 nd Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about others than themselves because it helps to improve society; in addition, when you help other people, they will be there for you in return. 1 st Body Paragraph: When people go out of their way to help others without any selfish ambitions, society benefits. The founder of Five Hour Energy drinks uses his own salary to fund a clean water project for third world nations. He has selflessly committed to this project because he desires to better this world as a whole. When

Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves. Others Self Helping others builds familylike bonds Pride in yourself and your community If we don’t help other people we will lack basic human empathy If you don’t help others, no one will ever help you. Life is short, so you should give to others as much as possible. You can’t help other people if you don’t take care of yourself first You have to take time to recharge and rejuvenate yourself Human nature is selfish / survival instincts are strong Life is short, so you should live life to the fullest. “You have to be selfish to become successful. ” -MJ 1 st Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others for human nature is inherently selfish; in addition, if you sacrifice too much of yourself, you cannot help anyone else.

1 st Period Thesis: People should be more concerned about themselves as opposed to others for human nature is inherently selfish; in addition, if you sacrifice too much of yourself, you cannot help anyone else. 2 nd Body Paragraph: One must take care of his or her individual needs first before he or she can be of any help to someone else. In the memoir A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah must confront the demons of his child soldier past before he can speak out and help other children heal from their experience. Ishmael spent time at a rehabilitation center in order to cope with his PTSD symptoms, which allows him to share his message of redemption when he speaks at UN conferences. By dealing with your own hurts first, you can become an instrument of healing for others. Sometimes it is necessary to put your own needs first for the greater good.

Additional Practice Prompt 2: Write an essay explaining whether second chances are important. Prompt 3: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices.

Prompt 2: Write an essay explaining whether second chances are important. Important Thesis: Not Important

Prompt 3: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices. Ideas: Thesis:

TUESDAY’S SLIDES

Warm Up: Tuesday, Oct. 27 A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Using a relative pronoun (who, whom, that, or which) also creates a dependent clause. Directions: Underline the dependent clause in each of the sentences below. 1. I know the woman who owns that store. 2. The DVD that you borrowed last week is due at the library today. 3. The student whom I recommend for class president is **You will see examples of complex sentences on your homework (back side) Lindsey. that use relative pronouns to create dependent clauses! Make sure you mark them as complex and not simple!

Warm Up: Tuesday, Oct. 27 Directions: Underline the dependent clause in each of the sentences below. 1. I know the woman who owns that store. 2. The DVD that you borrowed last week is due at the library today. 3. The student whom I recommend for class president is Lindsey.

Expository Essay Organization Introduction + thesis sentence Body Paragraph 1 � Topic Sentence � Evidence � Analysis � Transition sentence / concluding sentence Body Paragraph 2 � Topic Sentence � Evidence � Analysis � Transition sentence / concluding sentence Conclusion

Body Paragraph Organization This should look familiar! *Topic Sentence (sentence 1) – shows the main idea of the paragraph (baby thesis statement) *Evidence (sentences 2 and 3) – example, facts/data, and quotes *Analysis (4 and 5) – your analysis, explanation, or interpretation of your evidence. *Concluding/Transition Sentence (6) – wraps up the main idea of the paragraph, or leads the reader into the idea of the next paragraph

Here’s where things change… You don’t have books to pull text evidence from on the STAAR test! Since you won’t be able to embed quotes, where does your evidence come from?

Evidence Options Definition: Facts or examples to prove that your ideas are true 1. Literary examples: - using well known examples from literature to prove a point. Ex: In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus’ dedication to get home to his wife Penelope after 20 years lost at sea proves the value of sacrifice and loyalty. 2. Historical examples (events or people): - using well known examples from history to prove your ideas. Ex: Rosa Parks demonstrates how one woman’s involvement in her community impacted not only a single city, but an entire country. 3. Personal examples: - using your own life experiences to relate to your audience Ex: Having to balance school work, a job, and theater rehearsals was one element of my high school experience that caused extreme stress.

Analysis Definition: explaining to the audience how your evidence connects to your thesis. Strong analysis (connects evidence to the big picture): Many students experience similar juggling acts as I did, trying to succeed both academically and extra-curricularly. These students lack the time management skills needed to balance all of their activities, leading to an amount of stress that was not experienced in middle school. Weak analysis (only applies to the writer): Trying to keep up with all my stuff was just crazy. It was really hard to stay focused on all the things I was supposed to do. I don’t remember feeling that way in middle school.

Body Paragraph Organization An example of an entire paragraph: One negative change that many students experience from middle school to high school is an increased amount of stress. Having to balance school work, a job, and theater rehearsals was one element of my high school experience that caused an increased amount of stress for me. Many students experience similar juggling acts as I did, trying to succeed both academically and extra-curricularly. These students lack the time management skills needed to balance all of their activities, leading to an amount of stress that was not experienced in middle school. Even though the increased stress can be difficult, learning those time management skills are a valuable life lesson for students.

Strong Transitions Your reader needs to see how your ideas connect or where your ideas are about to change. Here is a toolbox of strong transition words to use in your writing Therefore Even though However Consequently Furthermore In addition,