The (Engaging) Expository Essay
Writing a Paper That Your Readers Will Want to Read
Georgia Department of Education Model Essay - Sample Papers for Your Review
As you read the essays, below, consider what is appealing about these essays, and what, if anything, needs work.
Take out a sheet of paper, and make a list of pros and cons, and grade it on a scale of 1 to 5 - 5 being the highest, also known as "Exceeds the Standard." Use our GAVS Formal Essay Rubric as a guide. And did you know that our GAVS Rubric is the same as is used for the State of Georgia Writing Tests? Our essays are good practice for your upcoming GA Writing Tests.
When you have finished reviewing each essay, scroll-down to see the score it received. I have a feeling you will instinctively know which essays are appealing to you, without even having known the score.
After reading these essays, reread your own expository essay.
How would you rate it on this same scale, now that you have read these other samples? Be honest with yourself.
Look at the list you created of what works and doesn't work for each essay. Which aspects of your essay are good? Which need to be improved? How can you achieve this? Look at the essay that received all 4s as a guide - what rhetorical (persuasive) strategies did this student use to appeal to you, the reader? How can you incorporate these strategies into your own final expository essay?
I know that, with revision, you have the ability to write an excellent essay, and I am looking forward to reading them.
Happy writing!
Mrs. Wolff
*The GA DOE website containing these essays and more, may be accessed at:
Click on this button to access the GA DOE website containing more sample 8th Grade essays for your review.
Good, Overall, How-to Video for Students:
How to Paraphrase the Prompt to Make Your Essay Less Repetitive
Nice Overview Video of the Intro Paragraph
I contains an excellent explanation of how to elaborate in your main point paragraphs with engaging detail, as well.