Expository WritingPreparing for the FCAT Writes 2.0 Assessment

Mrs. Janet ShawSwimming Pen Creek Elementary School

These are the types of writing students have studied by fourth grade:

Types of Writing

Expository

Narrative

Descriptive

In Florida, fourth graders will have to write either a

narrative or expository for the

state test.

Expository

Writing

Expository writing explains or informs.

Expository Writing

Prompts for expository writing use words such as: explain, clarify, inform, describe.

Expository writing has three main parts or sections.

Sometimes your teacher calls expository writing an “essay.”In grades three and four, an

expository paper usually four or five paragraphs.

The three body parts of an expository paper include

Expository Writing

The Introduction

The Body

The Conclusion

In fourth grade, the body usually has two or three sections or paragraphs .

We color code our writing. Green stands for the topic, yellow for star idea sentences, and red

represents examples and details.

Expository Writing

The Introduction

The Body

The Conclusion

The Body

Expository Writing

The Introduction

The Body

The Conclusion

The introduction should state the topic of the paperThe body provides

support, details, and examples.

The conclusion “wraps up”

thoughts and ideas about the topic.

Brainstorming

After reading a prompt, writers brainstorm ideas for their paper.

Example: The writeris asked to write about pets.

The writer makes a list of Ideas for a paper about pets.

There are no right or wrong answers in brainstorming. Write down all of your ideas!

Sample Brainstorming List

Brainstorming

Dogs Sam cats Merlin parrots Popeye

love me help me play with me

guard the house make me happy

best friend funny messy

pets

After brainstorming, choose your best or their favorite idea.

After the topic is chosen, the writer makes an outline

Making An Outline

My pet is my best friend

Loves meProtects

me

PlaysWith Me

My pet is my best friend

The outline may also be called an organizer or planner.

The three body parts should contain support for the topic of the paper.

Making An Outline

Introduces the topic

support &detail

support &detail

support &detail

Concluding statements about the topic

Each box on the organizer represents a paragraph on the completed paper.

Take a closer look at one of the three

body parts on the organizer

Making An Outline

star or key idea

detail/example

detail/example

detail/example

Here is an example of the first body part of the organizer

filled with ideas for writing.

Making An Outline

My petloves me

He licks me

When I was sick, he stayed on my bed all day.

He cuddles me

Here is the final outline for the pet paper.

Making An Outline

My pet cat Merlin is my best friend.

HeLoves me

He protects

me

He playswith me

Pets like Merlin are good friends

He licks me he hisses at he chases string

He cuddles me strangers he bats a ball

When I was sick chases dogs to me

laid on my sick he bit a dog We like to run

bed. that chased me around the house

Write your topic sentence here:

Do not write complete sentences here. Just jot down your ideas.

You do not have to write anything on the outline here:

Once the student creates an outline, he or she puts the essay together paragraph by paragraph

Writing the Paper

Everyone has a best friend, but not everyone’s best friend says, “meow,” and is covered with white fur. My cat Merlin is the best friend any girl could wish for: he loves, me, protects me, and plays with me.

The introductory paragraph should contain only two or three sentences.

The first sentence or two contain a “grabber” hat hooks the reader’s interest.

The last sentence should be the TOPIC SENTENCE.

Introductory Paragraph

Writing the Paper

Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too.

INDENT at the beginning of each paragraph!

First Body Part

.Each body paragraph should begin with a “star” or key idea transition sentence. Next are sentences with details

and examples about the star idea sentence. The paragraph should end by referring back to the star idea.

Writing the Paper

Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me.

Second Body Part

Writing the Paper

Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

Third Body Part

Writing the Paper

• Each body part should contain at least five sentences.

• All of the sentences should be in logical or sequential order.

• Avoid repeating ideas or words.

• Make sure you have plenty of support for your star idea.

The final paragraph should restate the topic

Writing the Paper

In conclusion, my cat Merlin and I will always be best friends. Pets can be wonderful pals, but I am especially lucky to have a buddy like Merlin.

Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph should have two or three sentences. The first sentence should be a

summation of your topic sentence or a conclusion related to your topic sentence. End your last

paragraph with a “take-away” ending.

Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too.

Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me.

Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

Your writing should contain transition phrases. Some of the transition phrases/words are highlighted here:

Everyone has a best friend, but not everyone’s best friend says, “meow,” and is covered with white fur. My cat Merlin is the best friend any girl could wish for: he loves, me, protects me, and plays with me.

Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too.

Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me.

Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

In conclusion, my cat Merlin and I will always be best friends. Pets can be wonderful pals, but I am especially lucky to have a buddy like Merlin.

Here is the completed essay:

Everyone has a best friend, but not everyone’s best friend says, “meow,” and is covered with white fur. My cat Merlin is the best friend any girl could wish for: he loves, me, protects me, and plays with me.

Happily, I know Merlin loves me because he licks me which is a cat’s way of kissing. Also, he cuddles up next to me and purrs. Last week, I had the flu, and Merlin curled up on my bed and stayed next to me the whole time until I was better. Purring like the rumbling of a dryer, he was more comforting than hot chocolate and a soft quilt. As lucky as I am because Merlin adores me, he is fortunate because I adore him, too.

Even though Merlin looks like a fluffy pushover, he is my fierce protector when he thinks I am in danger. Growling like a wild animal, he lunges at dogs that come around our yard. Once my brave cat even bit a massive Rottweiler that tried to come too close to me! Merlin even hisses at strangers so they will not come near. Last week, he leaped onto the screen door hanging on with all four sets of razor sharp claws when a salesman came to call. The poor man didn’t even bother to ring the doorbell, but ran off with Merlin’s yowls and hisses ringing in his ears! I never have to be afraid when Merlin is nearby to protect me.

Hanging out and having a great time is the greatest part of having a best friend. Merlin is hilarious. My funny little kitty slides all over the place when he chases the strings that I dangle for him. With reflexes better than a major league batter, Merlin butts the balls I throw at him right back to me. Flying down the halls and bumping off the walls, Merlin and I love chasing each other, too. Life would be pretty boring and dull if I had to give up playing games with my cat.

In conclusion, my cat Merlin and I will always be best friends. Pets can be wonderful pals, but I am especially lucky to have a buddy like Merlin.

Look at the highlighted

areas.

Can you identify:

Topic paragraphs?

Star Idea transition

sentences?

Support and examples for

the star ideas?

This is the organizational pattern your expository

essay should follow.

In writing an expository paper, the student should:

Read the prompt carefully

Brainstorm a list of ideas

Make an outline

Write an introductory paragraph

Write at least two or three body paragraphs

Write a concluding paragraph

Completing the First Draft

When you have written the first draft of your paper, edit by:

Checking to make sure you have indented each paragraph

Checking for good grammar & spelling

Checking for complete sentences

Checking for capitals and periods

Checking for good descriptions

Checking for clear explanations

Editing the Paper

When you have edited your paper, revise your paper by

Changing words or phrases that sound repetitious

Adding SPECIFIC details to your writing

Making sure you did not use a pronoun without an antecedent

Making sure you have transition phrases throughout your paper

Making sure you have used different sentence beginnings

Adding better descriptions or figurative language that make your writing more interesting

Removing overused and “tired” words

Making sure you did not begin sentences with conjunctions (and, or, so, because)

Revising the Paper

Expository Writing ReviewBrainstorm

Make an Outline

Write the Paper

Edit and Revise the Paper

Make a final draft of your paper