Expository Writing Prompt

Expository Writing Prompt

Directions: You will have the entire block period to plan, write, and proofread your response to this writing prompt. Please staple the rubric on top of the essay and return the prompt and outline underneath (do not staple them to the rubric/essay.)

Plan

Before you write:

· Read the prompt carefully so you understand exactly what you are being asked to do.

· Your brainstorm should address the following:

Þ A brief analysis/explanation of the quote

Þ Examples from the present, past, literature and your life that may apply to your interpretation of the quote.

Write

As you write:

· Maintain a clear and consistent focus.

· Include specific details; use examples and reasons to support your ideas.

· Use a variety of well-constructed, complete sentences.

· Use a logical organization with an obvious introduction, body, and conclusion.

Proofread

After you write:

· Did you support your ideas with specific details?

· Do the point of view and tone of the essay remain consistent?

· Check for capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage errors.

Expository Writing Prompt

Template for Summer Reading Essay

Introductory Paragraph

Ø Grabber: Get your reader’s attention by discussing the idea of “others’ expectations” if you choose Option 1 or “being torn between individual vs. community” if you choose Option 2.

Ø Lead sentences: Make a connection to the grabber and introduce the title and author of your summer reading novel (or other novel); provide background information about your novel and/or discuss what a reader needs to know before encountering the thesis.

Ø Thesis statement: This is the last sentence of introductory paragraph; the controlling point for the essay. This is your general opinion or idea on the subject you will be discussing.

THESIS:

Body Paragraph 1

Ø Transition topic sentence: Begin with a transition (First,…). The first sentence should include your first idea to support your thesis statement.

Ø Elaboration: In your own words, provide reasons/facts/details to develop your topic sentence.

Ø Evidence: Provide specific examples and/or paraphrases from the text that provide proof of your topic sentence and elaboration.

Ø Explanation of Evidence: In your own words, provide your own explanation for each piece of evidence. Discuss how it supports your topic sentence.

(Provide as much evidence with explanation as needed to fully develop your topic sentence. All sentences in this paragraph must only be about the same topic as stated in transition topic sentence #1.)

Body Paragraph 2

Ø Transition topic sentence: Begin with a transition (Second, Next, In addition, etc.). The first sentence should include your second idea to support your thesis statement.

Ø Elaboration: In your own words, provide reasons/facts/details to develop your topic sentence.

Ø Evidence: Provide specific examples and/or paraphrases from the text that provide proof of your topic sentence and elaboration.

Ø Explanation of Evidence: In your own words, provide your own explanation for each piece of evidence. Discuss how it supports your topic sentence.

Body Paragraph 3

Ø Transition topic sentence: Begin with a transition (Third, Finally, etc.). The first sentence should include your third idea to support your thesis statement.

Ø Elaboration: In your own words, provide reasons/facts/details to develop your topic sentence.

Ø Evidence: Provide specific examples and/or paraphrases from the text that provide proof of your topic sentence and elaboration.

Ø Explanation of Evidence: In your own words, provide your own explanation for each piece of evidence. Discuss how it supports your topic sentence.

Conclusion

Begin with a transition (In conclusion,…) and restate the thesis statement in a new way.

Summarize all main points you developed in each body paragraph.

End with a clincher sentence: provide closure for your reader and connect this statement to the grabber in the intro.

OUTLINE: Use this outline to organize your ideas before you write. You do not have to fill out the organizer if you think you will run out of time but if you do not fill it out, please go over your essay to make sure that you have included each sentence(s) included below.

INTRODUCTION

Grabber:

THESIS STATEMENT (always appears as the last sentence in the introduction):

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

Transition Topic Sentence:

Elaboration:

Evidence:

Explanation of Evidence (in your own words):

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Transition Topic Sentence:

Elaboration:

Evidence:

Explanation of Evidence (in your own words):

BODY PARAGRAPH 3

Transition Topic Sentence:

Elaboration:

Evidence:

Explanation of Evidence (in your own words):

CONCLUSION

Transition and Restate Thesis in a new way:

Summarize all main points from each Body Paragraph:

Clincher Sentence:

Name:______Date:______

Flowers for Algernon Essay Rubric

Focus ____/10

_ Thesis statement is a visible thread throughout the essay

_ All reasons/examples and development provide clear support for the thesis

Organization ____/20

_ Introduction: develops primary idea within thesis, clearly identifies thesis statement, identifies the novel, identifies author by full name, includes an attention grabber purposeful to the essay

_ Body paragraphs have clear topic sentences that refer back to the thesis

_ Uses transitions between paragraphs and within paragraphs

_ Body paragraphs are not overlong and unwieldy

_ Quotes are integrated into the body paragraphs

_ Conclusion summarizes the main body detail points and connect to the attention grabber

Content ____/60

_ Body Paragraphs (___/20 points each)

_ Provides clear reasons to support the thesis

_ Gives an example that illustrates the point

_ Explains how the examples support the topic sentence and the thesis

Style/Mechanics ____/10

_ Spelling/grammar

_ Accurate word usage

_ Does not use first or second person pronouns or contractions (i.e. don’t versus do not)

_ Non-negotionables

Total ____/100

Overall Comments

Well Done: / Work On:
¨ Strong thesis statement / ¨ Need a clearer thesis statement
¨ Effective development of evidence / ¨ Work on spelling/grammar
¨ Comprehensive response / ¨ Evidence needs further development and clarity

Name:______

STHS Grammar Non-Negotiable Rubric: 10 Points

Below is a list of non-negotiable requirements for your writing in 10th grade. Since we are beginning the semester, we will only assess the following elements.

1. Form plurals with s or es. (No apostrophe!)

Examples: boy…boys tomato…tomatoes

2. Apply the rules of capitalization.

3. Form possessives with an apostrophe. Punctuate singular and plural possessive correctly.

Examples: one boy’s (The boy’s dog was lost.)

two boys’ (The boys’ clubhouse was dirty.)

4. Do not confuse a possessive with a contraction.

Example: its for it’s

5. Do not confuse words that sound alike or look similar.

Examples: their, there, they’re to, too, two

witch, which loose, lose

6. Indicate titles of literature correctly.

Examples: Use “quotation marks” for essays, song titles, short stories, and poems.

Use italics for novels, plays, anthologies, and films

7. Avoid slang, colloquial, and trite language.

8. Match pronouns with the nouns they replace. Pay attention to gender and number.

Examples: Jane…she…her...herself

reader…he/she…him/her...himself/herself

teachers…they…them…themselves

(“Everyone” is a singular pronoun. You cannot use it to replace a plural noun.)

9. Do not switch verb tense without good reason.

(Write about literature in the present tense. Write about history in the past tense.)

10. Avoid ending phrases, clauses, or sentences with a preposition (i.e. in, on, out). Avoid sentence fragments or run-on sentences.

11. Use commas when required:

§ series of adjectives or phrases

§ two independent clauses joined by conjunction

§ non-essential information

§ introductory material

§ addresses