Mrs. Van’s HSPA Information


Expository Writing

( 30 min. to view a qoute or adage and write an explanatory essay )

Expository Writing is educated, thought provoking
writing in response to:

  • Quotes- famous quotations by historians, authors, politicians…
  • Adages- short, memorable sayings with meaning attached.
  • Universally Accessible Topic- Food for thought that is not attached to curriculum or studies, but rather an idea from life experience.

 

See full size image

 

Introduction:      

Grab the reader’s attention
Integrate the quote, adage or topic
Find background information to introduce the topic
Thesis statement or main idea

Body Paragraph:
Example(s) from literature, history, science, film

  • You can actually study for this part, because themes are UNIVERSAL
  • Think about some major novels that you have read thus far and/or some historical figures. Figure out what they stand for, what themes they exemplify, and be ready to work that into whatever prompt presents itself.

Body Paragraph:
Example(s) from your own experience or observation

  • You will write this as an explanation, not a narration.
  • Do not be tempted to relive the story; speak with an academic voice.

Conclusion:    

Generate final remarks without introducing brand new examples
Unify and Summarize your ideas
Remind the audience of your main point / thesis
Use a satisfactory close / clincher (could tie back into intro)



BACK TO HSPA HOME PAGE