The Expository Essay & The Descriptive Narrative

The Expository Essay

Due Dates

• Global Studies Class: The Expository Essay Due November 20.  The Descriptive Narrative Due Nov. 25
• Block Classes: The Expository Essay AND The Descriptive Narrative  Due Dec. 3
• Expository Essay- approx. 2 pages in length
• Descriptive Narrative- 2-3 pages

Sample Expository Essay: http://teacherweb.com/ca/vannuyshighschool/tovarsenglishclass/sampleexpository.pdf

What is an Expository Essay?
An expository essay explains a concept, investigates an idea, or presents evidence for an opinion. According to Purdue's Online Writing Lab, in-class writing assignments and exams frequently instruct students to use an expository essay format. Expository essays can be developed using several different organizational patterns, depending upon the assignment, writing prompt or topic.

Read more about Expository Essays here:https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/02/

Structure of an Expository Essay: http://www.sbcc.edu/clrc/files/wl/downloads/StructureofaGeneralExpositoryEssay.pdf

Prompts: EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Write an essay to explain one of the following:

• 􏰀  Think of an invention that has been especially helpful (or harmful) to people. Write an essay to explain why. 
• 􏰀  Think of the most valuable thing you own that was not bought in a store. Explain why it is valuable to you.
• 􏰀  Describe a teenage fad, and why, in your opinion, it became popular 
• 􏰀  Explain how climate dictates lifestyle 
• 􏰀  Many students have personal goals, such as making the honor roll, playing a musical instrument, or being the top sorer in a video game. To be successful in reaching goals, it helps to have certain qualities. Some of these might include se;lf- discipline, determination or a positive attitude. Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, state your goal. Describe at least two qualities you will need to reach your goal, and explain why each quality is important to be successful.
• 􏰀  Age has a funny way of making changes. It is probably easy for you to look back and see that you and your friends have make some major changes since you left middle school. Your teachers and friends may be different; your school is different, and some of your interests are probably different. Think back to sixth grade and describe how school has changed for you as a ninth or tenth grader. 
• 􏰀  “’Cheating is on the rise,’ reports expert Donald McCabe, a professor at Rutgers University. His surveys show that school dishonesty is a growing problem in every part of the country.” His and other studies report that 73 % to 80% of high school students cheat. “What is the big deal about cheating? It’s only wrong if you get caught.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement. What should we do about cheating in the schools? 

The Descriptive Narrative Essay- A Combination of Two Essay Styles: The Descriptive Essay and The Narrative Essay

• Typed, MLA format, 2-3 pages
• Topic: Tell a story about something that has happened to you, your opinions, your ideas, or your response to something.   You may tell the story form the first person (I)  point of view.
• Topic Ideas:


• When I Got Lost
• If I Could Change One Thing About Me
• If I Could Be Somebody Else for a Day
• My Hero
• The Most Beautiful Thing in the World
• My Greatest Accomplishment
• The Hardest Thing I Ever Had to Do
• The Best News I Ever Received
• Include descriptive writing that appeals to the five senses: smell, taste, hearing, sight, touch.
• Use descriptive language to make the reader really feel as if they are there - what does it look like, smell like, feel like.

What is a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).

One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!

What is a narrative essay?

When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

• If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story.

This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

• The essay should be written from a clear point of view.

It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays often times manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

• Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.

• The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed.

Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.

• As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

Here are some guidelines for writing a Narrative Descriptive essay.

• Take time to brainstorm

If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.

• Use clear and concise language.

This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.

• Choose vivid language.

Why use horse when you can choose stallion? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent? Or why not miserly in place of cheap? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.

• Use your senses!

Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.

• What were you thinking?!

If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.

• Leave the reader with a clear impression.

One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.

• Be organized!

It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

The Persuasive Essay

This week you will write a 3-5 page Persuasive Essay.

This is the handout we will use as a basis for the essay: 
http://www2.waterforduhs.k12.wi.us/staffweb/sereno/mainpages/InfoLit/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Writing%20the%20Persuasive%20Essay.pdf 
Please print this handout and refer to it as you write your essay.

TOPIC IDEAS:

Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds who are old enough to vote, choose not to register, not participating in elections. Do you think it is important to register and exercise your right to vote?
Consider the reasons one would want to register and participate in elections.
Directions for Writing: Now write a persuasive essay stating whether or not eighteen year old should register and participate in elections. Give reasons to support your position. Argue in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you.

Writing Situation: Some of the parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary.
What is your position? Do you think homework should be limited?
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Writing Situation: Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books that some consider unacceptable. The books are either inappropriate, describe graphic violence, or use questionable language. As parents have complained, the town council has considered removing all questionable books from the library
Consider the advantages and/or disadvantages of this action. What is your position on this issue?
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Writing Situation: The state department of education has provided funding for an experimental online school. All the classes will take place on the Internet, using email, online chat, and the world wide web. The students taking classes at this new online school will never meet each other face-to-face. They will only interact online with each other and with their teachers.
Consider the advantages and/or disadvantages of an online school. What is your position on this issue?
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Writing Situation: Current research suggests that because teenagers have different sleep patterns, they would benefit from beginning the school day at a later time. Suppose your Board of Education has proposed that all high school schedules begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
Do you agree or disagree that this later schedule would be beneficial?
Directions for Writing: Now write an essay in which you persuade the Board of Education to agree with your opinion. Support your position with reasons and examples.

Writing the Persuasive Essay

What is a persuasive/argument essay?

In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something

Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. 

The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps

1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.
   
2. Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
   
3. Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.
   
4. Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.
   

The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument

• Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.
  
  
• Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
  
  
• Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
  
  
• Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason. 

Parts of the Persuasive Essay

1. The Introduction

• Includes a hook- something to grab the reader's attention
• Contains a thesis: your statement of purpose. The thesis/hypothesis should be one sentence in length. This is the foundation of your essay and it will serve to guide you in writing the entire paper. 

2. The Body

Hints for successful body paragraphs:

• Clarify your position in your topic sentence – state your argument or reason that supports your position (thesis), think about what needs to be explained, and then think about how you can elaborate.

•  Include Concession Statements (address opposing viewpoints!): 
• concession: If you're writing a persuasive piece, you might consider beginning with a concession--that is, by beginning with an acknowledgement of part of your opponent's argument as being valid. 
• Remember that a concession is not a form of weakness. In fact a concession is a strength as it finds common ground with your opponent and establishes your ethical appeal: you are a reasonable person willing to listen to/acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours.
• **You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are writing about from all perspectives.**

example: "True, gun control legislation in Canada needs to be tightened to prevent the United States from becoming as violent as its neighbors to the south. The proposal that has been submitted, however, does not go far enough. Instead,...[now writer begins building his side of argument, showing how it is stronger than the opposing side’s!] 

The Persuasive Essay requires research!

You must become somewhat of an expert on your topic.  Use reliable sources!

The following are different ways to support your argument:

Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience.
            Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.

Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources.

Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.

Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof. 


3. Conclusion

• Restate your thesis or focus statement.
• Summarize the main points: The conclusion enables your reader to recall the main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main points of your argument.
• Write a personal comment or call for action. 

DUE NEXT WEEK:

1. Outline: Use outline format from this handout: http://www2.waterforduhs.k12.wi.us/staffweb/sereno/mainpages/InfoLit/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Writing%20the%20Persuasive%20Essay.pdf

2.  Persuasive Essay with Works Cited and parenthetical documentation in MLA format

Research Paper: Transcendentalism

For this Research Paper, you will research Transcendentalism: An American Literary Movement of the 1830s-1860s.

In your essay, you will:

• Define Transcendentalism- including the core beliefs of this literary, religious and philosophical movement
• Explore how the Transcendentalist movement shaped American culture and ideals, and continues to shape it still (Historical research!)
• Identify the "key players" in the movement.  Use examples from their writings to reinforce your statements about what transcendentalism is and why it is important to American literary culture.
• Quote at least two works by  two authors and explore how these quotes exemplify what transcendentalism is all about.

Before you begin writing your essay, you should:

• Read at least two works by two different authors that were important to the movement
• Conduct research to find out what Transcendentalism is, what makes it an important part of American Literature, and how it affects our past and present view of what it means to be an American.
• Write your thesis statement
• Make an outline- including your main points and documentation to support your claims
• WRite down your citations for your Works Cited

 Formatting:

• Your paper should be written in MLA format using parenthetical documentation. 
• Beside the two works by two different authors (in the fourth bullet, above), you must cite a minimum of three additional sources as part of your historical research- for a total of five sources.
• Include a Works Cited page with a minimum of five sources
• 5 pages in length

 Before you turn in your essay, you should:

• Edit, edit, edit: check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
• Check for understanding: do your sentences make sense?  Have you included transitions to improve the flow between paragraphs?  Have you supported your thesis with direct quotes, paraphrasing, and documentation?
• Have you included a Works Cited that list all five of the sources you cited within the body of your text?

MLA FORMAT WEBSITE:

 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/