EXPOSITORY WRITING
MEANT TO INFORM OR EXPLAIN - NON-FICTION
THESIS: DO NOT USE “I”!
Students can absolutely use "I". In fact, from TEA, they'd rather see "I" than
"one." Also, they expect students to answer from their own experience, so "I"
and other personal pronouns are fine to use.
Example #1:
-Analyze and Connect to Thesis!!
Example #2:
-Analyze and Connect to Thesis!!
Students can do these two things together in one paragraph, or they can do
separate paragraphs (though space is limited) but the examples should be tied to
the thesis, which should have ONE point. A two or otherwise multi-pronged
thesis is too much to attempt in 26 lines. A specific thesis with one thing to
prove is most effective. In real life and AP, a more complex thesis is appropriate,
but STAAR is more limited. The thesis should be proportional to the length of the
essay. In a 26 line "essay," a one point thesis is proportionate.
Conclusion:
Do not just copy paste thesis.
Say something NEW!
EXPOSITORY WRITING
MEANT TO INFORM OR EXPLAIN - NON-FICTION
TYPES OF EXAMPLES YOU CAN USE:
-Historical
-Current Events
-Pop culture
-Literature
-Personal (w/o using I)
These are fine ways to develop examples. TEA
does expect students to draw from their own
experience, so they are not looking for fake
statistics, etc. If a student is well read and knows
some real stats, facts, etc., those are fine to use.
REMEMBER:
*Two examples are better than one
*Watch out for “dead words”
*Do not use general examples
i.e. homeless people, military
members, and government officials
*If you use one general example, attempt
to use a more specific example as well.
*Use concrete examples, not
generalizations
* DO NOT USE THE BOX!!!
ARCHETYPES
WHAT IS AN
ARCHETYPE?
An archetype is a repeated image that comes
through the ages from human experience as a
pattern or a symbol.
An archetype can be thought of as a model after
which other things can be patterned, a prototype
or a permanent underlying structure.
Archetypes are templates for characters with
which the reader is familiar with and can identify.
Archetypes are encouraged in fiction, but care
needs to be given in order to prevent them from
becoming stereotypes.
• Stereotypes, like archetypes, are templates, but a stereotype
is categorized as an oversimplified and therefore contorted
conception of an idea.
Let’s look at the
different archetypes
and some famous
characters that fulfill
them…
THE HERO
Usually arises from a lowly birth to become a glorified
leader/king after facing many trials
Example: Harry Potter
YOUNG PERSON FROM
THE PROVINCES
Taken from home and returns with a new perspective
Example: Dorothy
INITIATES
Innocents who train for a quest
Example: Luke Skywalker
MENTORS
Teachers or counselors for the Initiates
Example: Yoda
BENEVOLENT GUIDE
Usually an older person who gives the hero/heroine wise
counsel
Example: Fairy Godmother
SHAMAN
Protector of rituals
Example: Rafiki
COMPANIONS
Loyal to hero/heroine at all costs
Example: Samwise Gamgee
LOYAL RETAINER
A true and loyal friend
Example: Zazu
FRIENDLY
BEAST/ANIMAL
Helps the hero/heroine
Example: Chewbacca
MOTHER FIGURE
Nurtures and cares for the hero/heroine
Example: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather
TRICKSTER
A wise fool, rascal or troublemaker
Example: Bart Simpson
DEVIL FIGURE
Purely Evil
Example: Scar
EVIL FIGURE WITH
ULTIMATELY A GOOD
HEART
Redeems himself by the end of the story
Example: Scrooge
SCAPEGOAT
Sacrificed animal/human who takes on the sins and
punishment for others
Example: Aslan
OUTCAST
Banished; not accepted in society
Example: The X-Men
STAR-CROSSED
LOVERS
Fate is against them
Example: Romeo and Juliet
TEMPTRESS
Beautiful woman who brings destruction to the hero
Example: Cat Woman
PLATONIC IDEAL
The woman on a pedestal who inspires the hero, but with
whom he has no romantic relationship
Example: Lois Lane
CREATURES
Monsters that threaten the hero
Example: The Kraken