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.