HSPA Section: Expository Writing

Types of Prompts:

• Quotes- famous quotations by historians, authors, politicians, etc. Example: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.”
• Adages- short, memorable sayings that have great meaning attached. Example: Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react to it.
• Universally Accessible Topic- Food for thought that is not attached to curriculum or studies, but rather an idea formed from life experience. Example: Some say that love is the most powerful emotion. Others think love is simply a reaction.

In All Prompts:

You will see the same set of directions embedded in each prompt: “Using an example from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience or observation, write an essay analyzing…”

Aim For:

Aim for a 4-paragraph response (at a minimum) which uses various cohesive devices (think- transitions!). Remember that this is all expository (explanatory) not narrative (telling a story). You will need: an opening and a closing; a well-developed, cohesive, single focus; organization and logical progression; at least two well-developed examples, using vivid details, that directly relate to the prompt.

Organization:

Introduction: (build your examples from weakest to strongest)

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 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.

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.

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)

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