Other words that signal an expository writing assignment include “summarize,” “clarify,” or “tell about. " For example, “Explain camping to a person who has never camped before” is an example of an expository prompt. So is “Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years. "
For example, for “Explain camping to a person who has never camped before,” you could take several approaches. You could explain reasons why people might want to go camping, or you could explain how to set up a campsite. You might even want to try both approaches in your essay.
Strong expository essays have a theme or center of gravity that organizes them. For example, for “Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years” you might want to focus your essay on how teens use communication differently, or the impact of communication changes on daily life. An expository thesis statement does not have to present an opinion or even make an argument. It should be based on the facts you will examine. For example, “Over the past 20 years, communication has changed significantly. It is now affordable to stay in touch with people all over the world, easier to connect with people from different places and cultures, and keep others updated with even your minor doings. "
For example, if you were writing an essay explaining camping, you might have the following topic sentences for your paragraphs: 1) “There are many reasons why people might want to go camping. " (Paragraph about reasons to go camping. ) 2) “You must consider several things when choosing a campsite. " (Choosing a campsite paragraph. ) 3) “Finally, you must set up your campsite. " (Paragraph about setting up camp. )
You’ll want to open with a general statement about your topic that “hooks” your reader. Then provide any context your reader needs to understand your topic. Close with your thesis statement.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Explain your topic sentence. Give an example that supports your topic sentence. Analyze your example. Write a concluding statement.
For example, if you are explaining camping, you could conclude by saying something like, “Although some people who live in cities have never been camping before, it is actually fun and easy. Next time you’re considering a vacation, why not consider camping?”
For example, a narrative prompt might look like this: “Talk about a time when you experienced friendship” or “Describe a moment when you showed courage. "
Write in first person. Tell the story as yourself, using “I” and “me. "
A narrative thesis statement may offer the lesson you learned or talk about the impact of the moment on your life, such as “The most memorable moment in which I showed courage happened in seventh grade. " It could also identify a theme that connects your story to a greater theme, such as “Most people do not know how courageous they can be until they’re faced with danger. This was true for me, too. "
You may want to structure your essay chronologically to show the development of the lesson over time. This is usually the clearest way to structure your essay. Use words such as “then,” “next,” and “finally” to show your progress.
You may be trying to convince the tester who will read your essay, or you may be asked to write as if you were trying to convince a hypothetical person. Other signals that you are writing a persuasive answer include “How do you feel about” or “What do you think about”. If a prompt asks whether you agree or disagree with a statement, it is a persuasive prompt.
Cause and effect are a common persuasive thesis. For example, “Giving underprivileged students free school lunches raises their performance and makes the whole school better” is a cause and effect argument. Value is another common tactic. This type of argument emphasizes the importance of something. For example, “Allowing global warming to continue will destroy habitats for animals such as polar bears and penguins. We cannot allow our world to lose this rich wildlife. "
For example, someone might object that providing free school lunches places a burden on taxpayers, or singles students out as “poor” in the eyes of their classmates. To refute these objections, consider the type of argument you want to make. If you’re making a logical argument, use logical refutations. If you’re making an emotional argument, use emotional refutations.
For example, if you are writing about the necessity of stopping global warming, you will need to identify what scientists believe are the main causes of it. End with your thesis that states that although it will be difficult to stop global warming, we cannot afford to lose the rich wildlife that global warming is destroying.
Most persuasive essays will include at least 3 body paragraphs.