Expository Writing
Huddleston: 8th Grade
Language Arts
Created by Sarah Smith
8th Grade Language Arts: Essential
Questions

What are the purposes for writing? (to inform, to
describe, to explain, to persuade, to entertain) SPI
0801.3.1

How do you select an appropriate thesis statement for a
writing sample? SPI 0801.3.3

What are some different types of graphic organizers, and
how can they help us with writing? (clustering, listing,
mapping, webbing) SPI 0801.3.12
8th Grade Language Arts:
Objectives

This lesson will enable students to:
 Review
the definition and characteristics of effective
expository writing.
 Develop brainstorming techniques for an expository
essay.
 Write a clear, concise, specific thesis statement.
 Explore the revision and editing stages of the writing
process.
 Synthesize the information from the lesson to write an
effective expository essay and develop a class
presentation.
What is expository writing?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that
requires the student to investigate an idea,
evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set
forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear
and concise manner. This can be accomplished
through comparison and contrast, definition,
example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.
How is an expository essay
organized?

A common method for writing an
expository essay is the five-paragraph
approach. This is, however, by no means
the only formula for writing such essays.
The five-paragraph approach consists of:
 an
introductory paragraph
 three detailed body paragraphs
 a conclusion
How is an expository essay
organized?
The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:
 A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first
paragraph of the essay.
 Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
 Body paragraphs that include evidential support (details and specific
examples that further explain the main idea in that paragraph)


Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will
allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. It is important to note that
each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to
the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.
A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in
light of the evidence provided.

This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on
the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not
introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come
to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.
What are the five stages of the
writing process?
Prewriting
 Drafting/Writing
 Revising
 Editing
 Publishing
 For further information, click here.

Prewriting



The first step in writing your expository essay is
brainstorming.
To find out more information about brainstorming
techniques, logon to your Learning Express
account (through TEL).
Once we have completed the lesson on
brainstorming, you will choose one of the
techniques to develop ideas for your essay.
Complete the Prewriting assignment for
homework tonight (due tomorrow).
Explanation of Task

You will visit three stations that will allow
you to review and practice:
 Writing
a thesis statement
 Revising
 Editing
 Work with your partner to complete each task
(five minutes at each station).
Assignment




Complete the Prewriting assignment for homework
tonight (due tomorrow).
Use the techniques discussed today to write your
expository essay (due Friday). The essay will be
evaluated using the TCAP Writing Assessment rubric.
Use the essay to develop a presentation in your Reading
class next week.
Need more help? Learning Express offers several
expository writing courses. See your Prewriting handout
for more information.
Closure

Reflect on today’s lesson by completing
and turning in the Exit Pass:
 Choose
one of today’s essential questions.
 Write two things you learned in today’s class
to answer the essential question.
 Write one question you still have about
expository writing or the writing process.