EXPLAINING A CONCEPT
A VERY ROUGH OUTLINE
I. INTRO ( 1-2 Paragraphs)
ATTENTION GETTER….Really get a “WOW”
BACKGROUND INFORMATION?
THESIS
II. BODY ( 6-9 Paragraphs)
Start with one or Two NARRATIVE PARAGRAPHS. Tell the story! Of how this phenomenon started.
And/OR….
Define your terms .In order of importance? One Paragraph might simply explain what words mean? (These two steps could be reversed?)
Explain How this concept ( MOOC’s) are different and the same as traditional classrooms. Use Stats and Quotes.
Explain what experts see as the future of this concept. Use quotes. Use stats.
(Remember! Do not persuade. Explain.)
III. CONCLUSION:
REVIEW MAIN IDEAS AND TERMS
BIG FINISH? Quote? ANALOGY!! BOTH?
Expository writing is a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform. The text is organized around one topic and developed according to a pattern or combination of patterns. The writer of an expository text cannot assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed.
Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms to improve skills in exposition is to improve the organization of the text. The patterns shown below are frequently used to create an expository essay.
Additionally, more than one pattern may be used within an expository essay.
Pattern Name
Written and Graphic Example of the Pattern
Description
The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples. It provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds
Cue Words for example, the characteristics are...
Example of Descriptive Writing
Expository essays are written by students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. For example, a student might use a descriptive pattern to emphasize the features and characteristics of a topic. Sequential writing emphasizes the order of events, listing items in numerical or chronological order. A writer might use a comparison or contrast pattern to emphasize the similarities or differences between two topics. A cause and/or effect pattern shows the relationship between events, while a problem/solution pattern shows a different kind of relationship that discusses a problem and suggests solutions. Variations of these patterns are sometimes used, as well as a combination of patterns to create an expository essay.
Sequence or Process
The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.
Cue Words first, second, third; next; then; finally
Example of Sequential Writing
Expository writing is intended to convey the writer's knowledge about a topic. While different patterns may be employed to create the essay, every essay contains the same features: the introduction, the thesis, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The introduction is the first paragraph in the essay. The introduction contains the thesis statement, one sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay. The body paragraphs follow the introduction and explain the main topics. Lastly, the conclusion is the final paragraph that restates the main topics and and the thesis. Every expository essay contains these features, in this order.
Comparison
The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.
Cue Words different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand
Example of Compare/Contrast Writing
Expository writing has distinct features that distinguish it from creative writing. The content of an expository essay is factual and straight-forward while the content of a creative story is imaginative and symbolic. Expository essays are written for a general audience but creative