Expository Writing
How- To…
What is expository writing?
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Expository writing- writing that describes
how to do something.
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Examples: recipes, directions for assembly,
steps on how to do something
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Where have you seen expository writing in
your life?
What do you notice in the expository
piece below?
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Step 1.
Use a sheet of 81/2-by-11 inch paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and run
thumbnail along the fold to crease it sharply. Now, unfold the paper.
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Step 2
Fold down the top corners as indicated by the arrows.
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Step 3
Fold the two edges toward the center line, as indicated.
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Step 4.
Make a valley fold in half.
Turn the plane 90 degrees as shown in figure of Step 5.
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Step 5
Create a wing crease that begins at the nose as shown.
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Step 6.
Form 3-dimensional shape as shown in figure. The Basic Dart is complete.
Bend up the tailing edge of the wings for lift if it has a tendency to nose-dive.
What do you notice in the expository
piece below?
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First, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with
paper liners.
Second, combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl. Mix
at low speed for 30 seconds, and scrape bowl. Mix at high
speed for 3 minutes.
Third, fill liners 1/2 to 2/3 full of batter. Bake 20 to 25
minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Fourth, cool 10 minutes in pans then remove from pan, and
place on wire racks to cool completely.
Fifth, frost when chocolate cupcakes are completely cool.
What do you notice in the expository
piece below:
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First, take a glass out of the cabinet.
Next, choose your favorite ice cream and remove
from the freezer.
Then, remove the ice cream scoop and run it under
hot water.
After that, scoop two big scoops of ice cream into
your glass.
Finally, pour over your favorite soda and serve with
a spoon and straw.
Transitional words are key!!!
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You must use transitional words to express the
order in which you want the directions
followed.
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What do you think would happen if the steps
or directions were out of order?
In what order would you
put the steps below?
(Use transitional words)
Pick out the two matching hearts.
Cut on one of the dotted lines right up to the center.
Print template and color as desired
Slide the hearts together, top to bottom
Cut out the template pieces
Glue a ribbon or thread onto the top (or hole punch a small hole
and tie a ribbon through)
Present directions in the form of a
paragraph.
Have you ever needed a really interesting
valentine for that someone special? Follow these
directions for a beautiful valentine. First, print
template and color as desired. Next, cut out the
template pieces. Then, cut on one of the dotted lines
right up to the center. After that, Pick out the two
matching hearts. Now, slide the hearts together, top
to bottom. Finally, glue a ribbon or thread onto the
top (or hole punch a small hole and tie a ribbon
through). Surely, that someone special will love his
or her creative valentine that is extra special because
you made it with love.
A Checklist for Expository Writing:
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Are my sentences short?
Are my steps in the right order?
Did I use words that are specific?
Are my sentences written as commands?
Did I use words that are easy to understand?
Did I leave out any steps?
Assignment:
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Step by Step Activity
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Choose your topic and write your expository
piece in the form of a paragraph.
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You will present your paragraphs tomorrow.