Expository Writing Unit Test, Mr. Pyle Technical Writing

Body Paragraphs

A middle paragraph in an essay (three middle pieces that uphold your thesis); at first, there will be three body paragraphs in a 5-paragraph essay. Includes 1) Topic sentence; 2) Concrete Detail; 3) Commentary 1; 4) Commentary 2; 5) Concluding Sent. This is the "meat" of your paper.

Essay

A piece of writing that gives your thoughts commentary about a subject

Thesis Statement

A sentence with a subject and opinion; your main argument in once sentence; indicates about what the main ideas of body paragraphs will be; often last sentence of Introductory Paragraph. The "backbone" of your paper. Make sure the topic is narrow enough to be upheld with facts in the following paragraphs.

Commentary 2

Additional comments on the statement in Commentary 1. This sentence is our "Therefore, . . ." (or any similar word) sentence.

Commentary 1

Comments on the importance of the Concrete Detail. This sentence is our, "This proves that, . . ." sentence. VERY IMPORTANT!

Exemplification Paragraph

Develops a general statement - the topic sentence - with one or more specific examples. These examples show and explain the topic sentence. They also make your writing more interesting and more convincing.

Commemtary

Feelings or reflection - your own feeling (avoid using, "I")

Topic Sentence

First sentence (usually) in each body paragraph; introduces topic of paragraph; states the subject or position that will be discussed in the paragraph.

Expository Definition

Informational writing using details, examples, description, persuasion and reasoning

Persuasive format

Intro Body Argument A Rejection A Argument B Rejection B Argument C Rejection C Final argument Conclusion

Descriptive format

Intro Body Detail A Detail A Detail B Detail B Conclusion

Compare & contrast format (point by point)

Intro Body Point A Compare Contrast Point B Compare Contrast Point C Compare Contrast Conclusion

Cause/effect format

Intro Cause Effect Conclusion

Compare & contrast format (block)

Intro Compare Point A Point B Point C Restatement Contrast Same as compare Conclusion

Problem/solution format

Intro Problem Solution (Call to action) Conclusion

Chronological format

Intro Purpose Event 1 Event 2 Event 3 Conclusion

Transition

Last sentence of each body paragraph

Hook

Makes the reader of the paper want to read to continue reading. Can be a a definition, phrase, or quote from a known source, One to three sentence story, a simile or a metaphor, etc. This is also NOT a question!

Chunk

One sentence of concrete detail and two sentences of commentary.

Shaping The Essay

Outline of thesis, topic sentences, concrete details and ideas for commentary; done after writing and first draft

Brainstorming/Pre-Writing

Process of getting concrete details down on paper; thinking out your concrete details before organizing your essay into paragraphs

Ratio

Ratio of one part concrete detail to two parts commentary (1 to 2).

Concrete Details

Specific details that form the backbone or core of your body paragraphs. This is your proof! Facts quoted or paraphrased from the piece you are writing about. Make sure to cite the source!!!

Format of Body Paragraph

TS CD CM CM CD CM CM TRANS

Conclusion/ Concluding Paragraph

The final paragraph in your essay that wraps up the entire paper. Directly relates to the thesis statement but does NOT simply repeat it; gives a finished feeling. ALL COMMENTARY; DO NOT INTRODUCE ANY NEW INFORMATION IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

Introduction/Introductory Paragraph

The first paragraph in an essay; introduces topic and provides background information; the first paragraph of your five-paragraph essay that includes: 1) Hook, 2) Author and Book Title, and 3) Thesis

Description Paragraph

The most natural arrangement of details in this type of paragraph reflects the way one actually perceives a person, scene, or object: near to far, top to bottom, side to side, or front to back. This arrangement of details is made clear by transitions that identify precise spatial relationships (next to, near, beside, under, above, and so on).

Definition Paragraph

This type of paragraph explains a term or subject, so one's audience understands the topic of the paragraph. This can be done in three different ways: Synonym, Class, and Negation. Synonym - uses a word with similar definition to explain the topic. Class - puts the topic in a larger category to explain the term. Negation - the writer first says what the topic is not, and then says what it is.

Classification

This type of paragraph helps readers see order in the subject by understanding the kinds or groups it can be sorted into.

Comparison/Contrast

This type of paragraph is used when the need is to discuss similarities/differences in topics, ideas or concepts.

Narration

This type of paragraph tells a story about the subject, possibly to enlighten or explain something

Concluding Sentence

Wraps up the thought of the paragraph. directly relates to the Topic Sentence again. Last sentence in a body paragraph.

Paper Response

Written reaction to a partner's paper