Mrs. Hall
English III
HSPA Review
HSPA Expository Writing (30 minutes):
Expository Prompt Sample:
Although fear is a common human emotion, our response to it varies. Using an example from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience or observation, write an essay analyzing a particular response to fear and the effect of that response.
A well-written and high-scoring essay includes:
1.
Four paragraphs that include two solid arguments of the chosen example
2.
Thesis that demonstrates the purpose of the essay
3.
Clear examples with well-developed support
4.
Cohesive and organized construction
5.
Minor or no grammatical errors
Expository Essay Planning:
1. Find examples that answer the prompt: Write an essay analyzing a particular response to fear and the effect of that response.
List examples from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience or observation:
1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.
2. Choose the two best examples that analyze a particular response to fear and the effect of that response.
Example One:
What the example shows about fear and its effect:
Example Two:

What the example shows about fear and its effect:
3. Using your two arguments, construct your thesis. A good thesis should answer the prompt and include your two examples.
What do these examples show about fear and its effect of that response?
Example: Humans often respond to fear by displaying a survival of the fittest mentality as evidenced through my personal experience of fear leading to violence amongst friends and through the historical example of fear leading to the oppression of African Americans in America. Both examples highlight humanity’s instinct in response to fear as one of survival at any cost; even if this means destroying others in the process.
Construct your own:
Thesis:
NOTE: You only have 30 minutes for the expository essay.
Tips for an Essay Outline:
Introduction:
1.
Grab the reader’s attention
2.
Integrate the quote adage or topic
3.
Background information to introduce the topic
4.
Thesis
Body Paragraphs:
1.
Include topic sentences that address the specific argument
2.
Have solid support and well-developed arguments a.
If using a personal experience, write your example as an explanation and not narration b.
Do not “relive” the experience. Use an academic voice
3.
Include a concluding sentence that wraps up argument
Conclusion:
1.
Remind the audience of your main point / thesis
2.
Generate final remarks without introducing brand new example
3.
Unify and Summarize your ideas
4.
Use a satisfactory close / clincher (could tie back into intro)