Writing Explanatory Essays
When asked to write an explanatory essay, are you responding to literature or informational reading?
What is informational reading?
These support your claim/thesis
One _______ why...
Reason
Explain the type of prompt you might see if asked to write a narrative. (3)
What is...
- Write a continuation to the story
- Write from a different character's point of view
- Write a personal narrative
What is theme?
The lesson or moral of the story.
What strategy should I use when I am stuck on multiple choice?
Process of elimination, cross out method
What are some examples of nonfiction text structures? (Name at least 3)
Chronological/sequence
Problem and solution
Cause and effect
Description
Compare and contrast
Write a counterclaim to this claim:
Students should wear uniforms because it is easy to identify the students that belong to each school.
Some people think students should NOT wear uniforms because...
List what a plot mountain has.
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
What does it mean to divide something into parts and look at each part in detail; then look at how the parts are connected?
Analyze
Tool used to identify important information when reading passages, to help when writing an essay.
What is the highlighter tool?
This tells your reader what to expect while reading your essay. This sentence states the purpose of your essay -- the point you are trying to make.
What is a thesis statement?
Explain what belongs in the body paragraphs of an essay.
1. reason
2. evidence (2)
3. explanation (2)
Properly punctuate the sentence:
Hey! How's it going David asked
"Hey! How's it going?" David asked.
What is it called to put ideas in order, arrange thoughts?
Organization
If I time left over, I should check my essay for (at least 2 things)
- word choice, show don't tell, figurative language
- capital letters, misspelled words, punctuation, sentence structure and clarity
What type of question will they ask after reading non-fiction texts? (Provide 2 examples)
Author's Purpose, text structure, vocabulary, central idea
What do we call direct quotations / Specific detail which can illustrate and support the ideas you are developing in your essay.
Text evidence
Provide an example of figurative language. (in a sentence)
Metaphor- He is a walking dictionary.
Simile- She has eyes like the sun.
Personification- The wind sings beautifully at night.
What does it mean to give only the main facts in a shortened form; leave out details and examples?
Summarize
Use context clues, synonyms, antonyms to help find...
What is the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
If I read 3 texts, my writing would be organized in...
5 paragraphs
(intro, 3 body, conclusion)
How an argumentative essay should be organized
-Introduction
-Body paragraphs/reasons
-Counterclaim/rebuttal
-Conclusion
Your narrative should include what? (5 things)
What is dialogue, sensory details, setting, characters, plot, etc.
Give an example of author's purpose
To persuade, inform, or entertain an audience.
When you get an argumentative or explanatory Essay, what are 2 things you should do to plan your essay?
1. Find the prompt
2. Make T-chart