Expository Techniques
Every paragraph should support this.
Test: Can you summarize the entire essay in one sentence?
What is the main idea?
To present an issue and then offer one or more ways to resolve it.
What is the problem and solution?
Expresses a single, straightforward idea.
Example: The scientist conducted the experiment.
What is a simple sentence?
Watch clips of Craig Kielburger or his brother, Marc, speaking about the origins of their charity (originally Free The Children, later WE Charity).
What is an inerview?
Use reliable, relevant, and accurate sources, usually involves numbers.
What are facts and statistics?
To show similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
What is compare and contrast?
Connects two related, equal ideas.
Example: The scientist conducted the experiment, and she recorded the data.
What is a compound sentence?
View any available documentaries or clips related to the early days of his activism, which often detail his initial inspiration.
What is "It Takes a Child?"
Think of these as the 'proof' that backs up your claims. Should be clear and precise.
What are supporting details?
To show how one event leads to another.
What is cause and effect?
Shows a clear hierarchy of ideas (one is less important).
Example: Because the results were unexpected, the scientist repeated the experiment.
What is a complex sentence?
Listen to a narrated version of the essay or a related speech.
What is audio?
Examples: Headings/Subheadings, bold/italic font, bulleted lists, captions, diagrams, glossaries.
What are text features?
To explain the steps in a process or to tell events in time order.
What is chronological order?
Used to express sophisticated, connected, and varied ideas.
Example: Although the data was confusing, the scientist continued the research, and she consulted with her colleagues.
What is a compound complex sentence?
Search for authentic photos from WE Charity or other humanitarian organizations showing:
What is photography?
Restate the thesis in new words, summarize key details, offer a final thought or implication.
What is the conclusion?
To paint a picture; describing how something looks, feels, or exists in space.
What is description?
Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.
What is a compound sentence?
Find current data on global poverty, child labor, and military spending. (He quotes statistics from the 1997 UN Development Report, but it's important to update the context.)
What are infographics?