Writing the Expository Essay
English IV
An expository essay provides facts and ideas to inform and instruct the
reader. It can be used to share information in a variety of different
situations: in writing a scholarly article, in writing a how-to manual, or
even in writing an answer to an exam question.
It’s
It’s an opportunity for you to explain what you
know about a concept, event or process to
someone who has had less experience in this
area.
• Begins with an introduction that establishes its topic, purpose and
tone and presents a thesis statement.
• Thesis statement should be a statement of fact that you intend to
explain.
• It should not include an opinion suitable for argument.
Example:
Statement of fact: Most American Presidents
retire from public office when they leave the
White House.
Statement of opinion: Most American Presidents
make no significant contributions after they leave
the White House.
• The body of an expository essay should develop the main point with a
complete explanation. It should include enough examples, details
and facts to fulfill the reader’s expectations and cover the main point
thoroughly.
• You can create an informative tone by defining items, using precise
language, being objective and focusing on instructing the reader.
• Present your information in an unbiased, expository way that is
appropriate to both your topic and your readers.
• Take the background and experience of your audience into account
when writing your explanations.
How to Be a Gentleman
from WikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Gentleman)
Chivalry and honor aren't dead, but they're not thriving either.
Conduct yourself like a gentleman and you'll gain a woman's
respect. Plus, you'll feel better about yourself.
Who is the audience for this essay?
What is its intended purpose?
• To create your thesis, you’ll have to decide on your intended
audience.
• That means you’ll also have to decide why you think it’s important for
people to become ladies and gentlemen, and who should become
ladies and gentlemen.
• The body of your
essay should be
organized according
to the steps needed
to complete this
process.
• What is most
important? What
can or should be
done first, second,
third?
Method 1 of 6: Personal Grooming is Important
Good hygiene is a must. Make sure to bathe and groom yourself
regularly. When applying deodorant or cologne, don't use a lot. Some
girls may not like the smell and if you reek of it they're not going to be
pleased. Also, make sure you don't use too much hair gel (it's sticky
and goes rock hard after a while).
Pay attention to how you look. Wear clothes that fit your body well,
eliminate flashy clothing and avoid fashion "faux pas" (e.g. baseball
hats cocked slightly to the side). A simpler wardrobe will keep the
emphasis on you, not your clothes, which will change your outlook.
Get regular haircuts.
Method 2 of 6: Be Polite
A true gentleman is polite to everyone, in action and words. Always
be aware of how you can help people. Wait an extra few seconds to
hold the door for the person behind you. Offer to help an old or
pregnant person get their grocery bags to the car. You don't have to be
paranoid or risk killing yourself (e.g. if you've got a precarious grip on
something heavy, don't open the door for someone) but respect is
paramount. Even if someone is being stupid, be polite and respectful.
• Use examples from Great Expectations and your own research (the
person you chose for Monday’s homework) to support your
statements.
If you wanted to make this argument…
There are some things you shouldn't talk to girls about.
These include how hot other girls are, or anything at all of
that nature. If she's not into sports or video games, you can
say a few things but then move on to something she's into.
Girls tend to be more interested in books and music than in
sports and video games, though there are plenty of
exceptions to every rule. It's fine to talk about that stuff with
your guy friends, but a gentleman doesn't do that.
…you could use this example.
It was not to be shuffled off now, however, and I
answered, "The beautiful young lady at Miss
Havisham's, and she's more beautiful than anybody
ever was, and I admire her dreadfully, and I want to be
a gentleman on her account." Having made this lunatic
confession, I began to throw my torn-up grass into the
river, as if I had some thoughts of following it.
"Do you want to be a gentleman, to spite her or to
gain her over?" Biddy quietly asked me, after a pause.
"I don't know," I moodily answered.
What resources will your potential gentleman or lady need?
If you say…
• Method 3 of 6: Partake in Polite
Conversation
• Don't talk about yourself much. On the
other hand, girls like to know a little bit
about you so they can understand what
you are talking about sometimes. In
addition to making you a much more
desirable conversationalist, it will make
you seem more mysterious to not share
too much, which many women find
attractive. Get a basic idea of what's
going on in music, sports, and politics.
…you should also tell the reader:
Where can someone learn these skills?
• Social skills classes?
• Courses in history or current events?
• Reading a newspaper (which one?) or
magazine (which one?) or a Web site
(which one?)
• Is there an app for that?
How to organize your essay:
• Introduction: Include your definition of what it means to be a lady or
gentleman and some reference to your intended audience:
• “It is important for every student at Clayton Valley Charter High
School to be respectful towards others, to be well-informed about
current events and to conduct himself or herself with honesty and
integrity.”
How to organize your essay:
• Create an outline that lists the steps needed to become a lady or
gentleman, the resources that will be required and potential
examples from the text.
• Step 1: Learn to be respectful towards others.
• Example: Pip disrespecting Joe when he comes to London (negative)
• Example: Will Smith urging his son to treat people well (positive)
• Resources: Charm schools, particular classes, books (To Kill a
Mockingbird), training programs, Web pages…
How to organize your essay:
In your conclusion, describe the goal your reader will have achieved
after completing all of these steps:
• “Only by following these instructions can you achieve the level of
character required of a member of the United States Marine Corps.”
• “If everyone were to follow these guidelines, we would have a more
cultured, civilized world – one with fewer public disputes and greater
social harmony.”