Expository Essay Breakdown
The Four Step Planning Process
Look at your topic you will be explaining!
1. Define-Define your definition of the topic.
2. Remember-Remember an experience or two in your life that you can relate back to the topic.
3. Application-Apply the topic to the "real world". How does this topic affect music, movies, schools, politics, or anything big in the world?
4. So What?- Why is this important? Why does it matter?
How to Write Your Essay:
Your Thesis Statement: The original thought that comes from your "So What".
Your body paragraph(s): The best parts of your "Remember it" and/or "Connect It".
Your Conclusion: The best part of your "So What".
How to Break Up Your Time:
(Define, Remember, Application, So What?)
Spend 3-4 minutes going back to reread and highlight the best parts of your 4 modes. They should connect nicely.
Spend 10-15 minutes to take your highlighted portion and write a rough draft.
Take 5 minutes to edit your rough draft by checking for grammar (fragments, run-ons), punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Spend 7-10 minutes to write a final draft.
Tips from Mrs. Brazell:
Stay inside the STAAR box. Anything outside the box will not be graded.
Do not write like you talk. We want to avoid slang and contractions.
Expository Group Assignment
In a complete essay, explain how teens can help make their school a better place.
Start with the Define it, Remember it, Apply it/Connect it, and So What.
When you finish planning, come up with a strong opening sentence and thesis statement. Write them at the bottom of your colored poster and I will come check them.
Example of how to lay out your poster is below.