Expository Expository WritingWriting

Crews WMC English

T U T O R I A LT U T O R I A L

2

Expository WritingExpository WritingContentsContents

Part 1. Introduction to Expository Writing

Part 2. Ideas & Content

Part 3. Organization

Part 4. Voice & Tone

Part 5. Word Choice

Part 6. Sentence Fluency

Part 7. Conventions

Contents of Expository Writing Tutorial correlate with the English Writing Rubric found on website

Part 1Part 1..Expository WritingExpository Writing

“Making an “Making an Argument”Argument”

4

Expository WritingExpository WritingThe Writing ProcessThe Writing Process

Most great writers are not hatched from eggs! Your growth and development as a writer is a process.

TIME

DEVELOPMENT

Essay #1

Essay #2

Essay #3

Essay #4

5

Expository WritingExpository WritingMaking an ArgumentMaking an Argument

Dictionary.com: expository • of the nature of exposition; serving to expound, set

forth, or explain: an expository essay; expository writing

• A statement or rhetorical discourse intended to give information about or an explanation of difficult material

• An act or example of exposing

6

Expository WritingExpository WritingWriting MantraWriting Mantra

Dictionary.com: mantra• a word or formula, as from the Veda (Hinduism),

chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer

7

Expository WritingExpository WritingEssay GuidelinesEssay Guidelines• Include heading (name, teacher, class, date), title, and page

numbers (with last name top right)

• All text should be Double-spaced, size 12 Font (black)

• 1” margins around the page

• No more than three pages

• Indent new paragraphs, right justify text

8

Expository WritingExpository WritingResourcesResources• MLA Citation:

(WMCHS.org Library Media Center Citations)• Writing Handouts: (Assessment/ Rubric)• This presentation: Expository Writing Tutorial

(WMRFH.org/dcrews Writing Center)• Synonyms, Antonyms, and Definitions:

(www.dictionary.com)

• Purdue University Online Writing Center:(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ )

Part 2Part 2..Ideas & ContentIdeas & Content

10

Expository WritingExpository WritingReview of the Writing ProcessReview of the Writing Process

TIME

DEVELOPMENT

Essay #2

Essay #3

Essay #4

Essay #1

11

““My paper is clear My paper is clear and focused…”and focused…”

Expository WritingExpository WritingThe Nature of the Thesis StatementThe Nature of the Thesis Statement

Notice the Action Verbs!Notice the Action Verbs!States an States an opinionopinion

Clarifies an Clarifies an argument… ‘Why?’argument… ‘Why?’

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an entertaining play. Shakespeare’s literary work is a story of love, which is accentuated by images of magic and dreams.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream exhibits Shakespeare’s literary exhibits Shakespeare’s literary brilliancebrilliance. However, in order to truly appreciate the playtruly appreciate the play as a whole, one must experience the visual elementsexperience the visual elements incorporated in drama.

12

Expository WritingExpository WritingSupporting the ArgumentSupporting the Argument

Every detail provided in an expository piece should in some way, shape, or form. . . support the argument.

““I rely on knowledge and experience and develop the topic in an I rely on knowledge and experience and develop the topic in an enlightening way that makes a point or tells a story. Every piece adds enlightening way that makes a point or tells a story. Every piece adds something to the whole…”something to the whole…”

Ezra Pound (Ezra Pound (ABC of ReadingABC of Reading): “Any general statement is like a cheque ): “Any general statement is like a cheque drawn on a bank. Its value depends on what is there to meet it.”drawn on a bank. Its value depends on what is there to meet it.”

13

Culturally the Negro represents a paradox: Though he is an organic part of the nation, he is excluded by the entire tide and direction of American culture. . .The essence of the irony of the plight of the Negro in America, [according to Richard], is that he is doomed to live in isolation while those who condemn him seek the basest goals of any people on the face of the earth (272-73).

Expository WritingExpository WritingAnalysis in the TextAnalysis in the TextRichard attempts to personally address the challenges associated with racism:

What do you notice?What do you notice?

Richard draws attention to the “plight of the Negroplight of the Negro.” He sees the paradoxical nature of a society that states all men are created equal, yet “excludesexcludes” some from the “tide oftide of American American cultureculture.” This “isolationisolation” causes Richard to find himself through literature and language.

When alerting your reader to “key When alerting your reader to “key word analysis,” simply put those word analysis,” simply put those

words or phrases (in quotes) directly words or phrases (in quotes) directly into your writinginto your writing

““I do a lot of showing and very little telling…”I do a lot of showing and very little telling…”

14

Expository WritingExpository WritingAlmost Done…!Almost Done…!

• Edit the Essay! (read aloud, etc.)• Spellcheck!

Your essay is complete… what next?

Part 3Part 3..OrganizationOrganization

16

Expository WritingExpository WritingOrganization of ThoughtOrganization of Thought

17

Expository WritingExpository WritingPre-writing and PlanningPre-writing and Planning

1. Read through assignment and expectations (find key words and phrases to manage your expectations!)

2. Create an argument

3. Find support and evidence

4. Organize ideas

5. Write!

Write a Write a critique. . .critique. . .

• Provide an Provide an argumentargument; assert an ; assert an opinionopinion: answer the : answer the questionquestion

• Provide the ‘Provide the ‘Why?Why?’: link to the literature’: link to the literature

• Explore Explore evidenceevidence to to supportsupport the argument: link to the the argument: link to the literatureliterature

AnalysisAnalysis: Find key words or : Find key words or phrases and discuss their phrases and discuss their

significancesignificance

18

Expository WritingExpository WritingStructure of an IntroductionStructure of an Introduction

1. Hook(General or universal, easy to understand, creates anticipation)

2. Build-up to argument(Good rule of thumb to reference title, author)

3. Argument(See next slide)

4. Anticipation

A wise man once said, a story is A wise man once said, a story is the shortest distance between the shortest distance between the truth and the human heart.the truth and the human heart.

#1

#2

#3

In life, people often times will In life, people often times will face challenges [oppression].face challenges [oppression].

19

A Midsummer Night’s Dream exhibits Shakespeare’s literary brilliance. However, in order to truly appreciate the play as a whole, one must experience the visual elements incorporated in drama. At three moments during the play this challenge becomes a vivid reality: the opening sceneopening scene, the artisans’ playartisans’ play in the wood, and the finalefinale at the Court of Athens.

Expository WritingExpository WritingProper OrganizationProper Organization

What would be a logical What would be a logical sequencing for the body sequencing for the body

paragraphs?paragraphs?

““My details fit where they are My details fit where they are placed; sequencing is logical and placed; sequencing is logical and effective…”effective…”

When organizing, choose When organizing, choose a variable that means a variable that means

something to the readersomething to the reader

20

Expository WritingExpository Writing“C+” Transitions“C+” Transitions

• Therefore• To begin with• In addition to• Furthermore• However• As a result• Moreover• In contrast

• To compare to• Firstly• Secondly• Thirdly• Additionally• Fundamentally• Initially • In conclusion

21

Expository WritingExpository Writing““Deep Structure” TransitionsDeep Structure” Transitions

How to Include: Simply underline the first and last line of each paragraph. Examine whether you connect an idea, carry down a word or synonym, or support the argument.

• Connect an idea or concept• Carry down a word or synonym• Support the argument

22

The novel, Black Boy, exemplifies a young man who struggles with finding himself. Richard’s developing sense of self emerges once he finds an acceptable outlet for his strong emotions. This release defines Richard’s artistic self—and the catharsis of writing allows him to overcome racial and cultural racial and cultural discriminationdiscrimination.

The greatest challenge Richard faces in his search for identity is the rampant racismrampant racism present in his childhood.

Expository WritingExpository Writing““Deep Structure” TransitionsDeep Structure” Transitions

““Thoughtful deep structure transitions clearly Thoughtful deep structure transitions clearly show how ideas connect…”show how ideas connect…”

23

Expository WritingExpository WritingEditing for Editing for ““Deep Structure” TransitionsDeep Structure” Transitions

How to Edit: Simply underline the first and last line of each paragraph.

Examine whether you connect an idea, carry down a word or synonym, or support the argument.

• Connect an idea or concept• Carry down a word or synonym• Support the argument

Part 4Part 4..Voice & ToneVoice & Tone

25

Expository WritingExpository WritingVoice & ToneVoice & Tone

It has been said that in formal writing it is never appropriate to address the audience (“you”) or the writer (“I”)… but why?

• When you mention “I”, what does the reader begin to think about…?

• When you mention “you”, what does the reader begin to think about…?

Is he tall, is she short?Is he tall, is she short?Does he have brown hair; does she have Does he have brown hair; does she have blonde hair?blonde hair?Does he like dogs; what is her favorite color?Does he like dogs; what is her favorite color?How many times a week does he go to the How many times a week does he go to the movies; does she like ice cream?movies; does she like ice cream?Does he like going to the beach; is she an Does he like going to the beach; is she an outdoors kind of gal?outdoors kind of gal?

What was I planning to do today?What was I planning to do today?I wonder if my friends are going to the I wonder if my friends are going to the mall this weekend.mall this weekend.What should I get Dad for his birthday?What should I get Dad for his birthday?Wow, I have a lot of stuff to do this Wow, I have a lot of stuff to do this afternoon!afternoon!

““I speak directly to the reader with an expressive engaging I speak directly to the reader with an expressive engaging voice and am sensitive to the needs of the audience; voice and am sensitive to the needs of the audience; however, I do not use the words however, I do not use the words I I or or youyou…”…”

26

Expository WritingExpository WritingIntroducing the QuoteIntroducing the Quote

In a dozen words (or fewer) briefly explain the plot that leads up to the quotation.

After Egeus refused to allow Lysander to marry his daughter, Lysander exclaimed: “The course of true love never did run smooth / But either it was different in blood—” (I.1.136).

When introducing quotation into your writing. . .When introducing quotation into your writing. . .

1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a 1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a brief introductory phrase, or a dependent clausebrief introductory phrase, or a dependent clause

2.) Use a “:” [colon] after an independent clause2.) Use a “:” [colon] after an independent clause

““My writing reflects a commitment to the My writing reflects a commitment to the topic and an effort to bring the topic to life…”topic and an effort to bring the topic to life…”

27

Expository WritingExpository WritingIntroducing a PassageIntroducing a Passage

In a dozen words (or fewer) briefly explain the plot that leads up to the quotation.

Richard attempts to personally address the challenges associated with racism: “Culturally the Negro represents a paradox: Though he is an organic part of the nation, he is excluded by the entire tide and direction of American culture” (272). When introducing quotation into your writing. . .When introducing quotation into your writing. . .

1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a 1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a brief introductory phrase, or a dependent clausebrief introductory phrase, or a dependent clause

2.) Use a “:” [colon] after an independent clause2.) Use a “:” [colon] after an independent clause

““My writing reflects a commitment to the My writing reflects a commitment to the topic and an effort to bring the topic to life…”topic and an effort to bring the topic to life…”

28

Expository WritingExpository WritingSaying Things Without Saying ThingsSaying Things Without Saying Things

“This quote shows. . .”“The author says. . .”“The text explains . . .”“The key words here. . .”“The theme is. . .”

““My voice emerges on occasion, but then retreats My voice emerges on occasion, but then retreats behind dispassionate language… I have done a great behind dispassionate language… I have done a great deal of telling and very little showing…”deal of telling and very little showing…”

Part 5Part 5..Word ChoiceWord Choice

30

Expository WritingExpository WritingClarity in WritingClarity in WritingThink about an apple. . .

How many words can be used to describe this piece of fruit?

31

Expository WritingExpository WritingClarity in WritingClarity in WritingThink about. . .

1. The idea being conveyed2. The context of the writing3. The audience

““I am sensitive to the needs of the audience... My words I am sensitive to the needs of the audience... My words are specific and accurate… Precise nouns and modifiers are specific and accurate… Precise nouns and modifiers create pictures in the minds of the audience. Striking create pictures in the minds of the audience. Striking words and phrases catch the eyes of the audience and words and phrases catch the eyes of the audience and linger in the minds of readers…linger in the minds of readers…

32

Expository WritingExpository WritingVague VerbsVague Verbs

isis

havehaveVague Vague Verbs!Verbs!

Be –verb (used without object) to exist or live: Shakespeare's “To be or not to be” is the ultimate question. to take place; happen; occur: The wedding was last week. to occupy a place or position: The book is on the table. to continue or remain as before: Let things be. to belong; attend; befall: May good fortune be with you. to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : SYMBOLIZE <God is love> <January is the first month> to have identity with <the first person I met was my brother> to constitute the same class as to have a specified qualification or characterization <the leaves are green> to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : LIVE <I think, therefore I am>to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position <the book is on the table> to remain untouched, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form <let him be> to take place : OCCUR <the concert was last night>to come or go <has already been and gone>

Have –verb (used with object) to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement <they have a new car>to hold in one's use, service, regard, or at one's disposal <the group will have enough tickets for everyone> to feel obligation in regard to -- usually used with an infinitive with to <we have things to do> to stand in a certain relationship to <has three fine children> to acquire or get possession of : OBTAIN <these shoes are the best to be had> : RECEIVE <had news> : ACCEPT; specifically : to accept in marriage to be marked or characterized by (a quality, attribute, or faculty) <both have red hair>to experience especially by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering <I have a cold> to make the effort to perform (an action) or engage in (an activity) <have a look at that cut> to entertain in the mind <have an opinion>to cause or command to do something -- used with the infinitive without to <have the children stay> cause to be in a certain place or state <has people around at all times> ALLOW <we'll have no more of that>to be competent in <has only a little French> to hold in a position of disadvantage or certain defeat <we have him now> to take advantage of : TRICK, FOOL <been had by a partner>BEGET, BEAR <have a baby> to partake of <have dinner> BRIBE, SUBORN <can be had for a price>

““My verbs do not always My verbs do not always capture the precise capture the precise meaning…”meaning…”

33

Expository WritingExpository WritingAction Verbs!Action Verbs!

E.g. _____________ is _____________.

Create a simple sentence by adding Create a simple sentence by adding a noun and completing the predicatea noun and completing the predicate

Something anything

E.g. _____________ reveal _____________.Books information

““My words are specific and accurate; it is easy to My words are specific and accurate; it is easy to understand what I mean. . . Lively verbs energize understand what I mean. . . Lively verbs energize my writing…”my writing…”

34

Expository WritingExpository WritingEditing for “Vague Verbs”Editing for “Vague Verbs”

How to Edit: Simply box all uses of the verbs “to be” or “to have”

Examine whether the verb is truly necessary or if there is an action verb that could be used.

• To be (“is,” “are”)• To have (“have,” “has”)

35

Expository WritingExpository WritingSubstitution for Common Vague VerbsSubstitution for Common Vague Verbs

is/ arebroadens

exhibits

exemplifies

expresses

informs

has/ haveadjusts

distributes

enhances

mimics

possesses

doacquires

completes

emulates

facilitates

instructs

hurtbamboozles

devours

humiliates

ransacks

shatters

go (went)bolts

crawls

flies

meanders

races

lookcalculates

examines

glances

peers

stares

sayaccepts

appraises

asserts

assigns

delegates

showapplies

displays

emphasizes

fosters

identifies

Part 6Part 6..Sentence FluencySentence Fluency

37

Expository WritingExpository WritingSentence FluencySentence Fluency

See Dick run. See Jane run. See Dick and Jane run. See Spot run. See Spot run with Dick and Jane. Spot runs quickly. Spot runs faster than Dick and Jane. This writing is lame. This writing is boring. There is little variation to my sentence fluency.

38

Expository WritingExpository WritingSentence FluencySentence Fluency

“Well-built sentences, with strong and varied structure, invite expressive oral reading. My sentence structures are grammatically correct and help make meaning clear. Purposeful beginnings show how each sentence relates to and builds upon the one before it. My sentences vary in length as well as structure. Fragments, if used, add style. My dialogue sounds natural.”

As per the English Writing Assessment (rubric):

39

Expository WritingExpository WritingThe Eight Parts of SpeechThe Eight Parts of Speech

NOUNPerson, place, thing or idea

The EIGHT Parts of The EIGHT Parts of SpeechSpeech

VERBIndicates action

ADVERBModifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs

ADJECTIVEModifies nouns and pronouns

INTERJECTIONExpresses emotion or serves a purpose independent of the sentence

CONJUNCTIONConnects other words, phrases, of clauses

PREPOSITIONIndicates relationship between words and phrases

PRONOUNRepresent nouns

40

Expository WritingExpository WritingNoun ClausesNoun Clauses

Find the nouns; find the verbsFind the nouns; find the verbsNounsNouns VerbVerb

E.g. The burrito gave me heartburn.

Find the nouns; find the verbsFind the nouns; find the verbs

Noun Noun ClauseClauseVerbVerb

E.g. What I had for lunch gave me heartburn.

To find the subject, locate the verb—subjects To find the subject, locate the verb—subjects complete the action of the verbcomplete the action of the verb

What is a NOUN CLAUSE?What is a NOUN CLAUSE?

Does it live at the North Pole?Does it live at the North Pole?

41

Expository WritingExpository WritingNoun Clauses – Dependent Signals Noun Clauses – Dependent Signals

• Who• Whom• Whose• Whoever• Which• How• That if• Notice

• What• When• Whenever• Where• Wherever• Why• Whether

42

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdjective ClausesAdjective Clauses

Find the adjective(s)Find the adjective(s)

Find the adjective clauseFind the adjective clause

AdjectiveAdjective

Adjective Adjective ClauseClause

E.g. Students who are purposeful understand adjectives

Adjectives and adjective clauses both Adjectives and adjective clauses both modify modify nounsnouns and and pronounspronouns

What is an ADJECTIVE CLAUSE?What is an ADJECTIVE CLAUSE?

Is it fat and jolly and have a white beard?Is it fat and jolly and have a white beard?

E.g. Purposeful students understand adjectives.

43

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdjective Clauses – Dependent SignalsAdjective Clauses – Dependent Signals

• Who

• Whom

• Whose

• Which

• That

Note: Some of the dependent signals for adjective clauses are also dependent signals for noun clauses.

44

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdverbial ClausesAdverbial Clauses

This is a perfectly correct sentence, but it doesn’t This is a perfectly correct sentence, but it doesn’t quite tell us everything we need to know. . .quite tell us everything we need to know. . .

E.g. English teachers are boring, and they need love.

Because English teachers are boring, they need love.

Even though English teachers are boring, they need love.

English teachers need love after feeling boring.

English teachers need love while they are being boring.

What is an ADVERBIAL CLAUSE?What is an ADVERBIAL CLAUSE?

Does it bring you presents in December?Does it bring you presents in December?

45

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdverbial ClausesAdverbial Clauses

E.g. English teachers are boring, and they need love.

Find the adverbial clauseFind the adverbial clauseAdverbial Adverbial ClauseClause

E.g. Even though English teachers are boring, they need love.

Adverbial clauses modify action and Adverbial clauses modify action and various descriptions of actionvarious descriptions of action

46

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdverbial Clauses – Dependent SignalsAdverbial Clauses – Dependent Signals

• When?

• Where?

• Why?

• To what degree?

• Under what circumstances?

Adverbial clauses answer the following questions:

47

Expository WritingExpository WritingEditing for Sentence FluencyEditing for Sentence Fluency

How to Edit: Circle the first word of each sentence

Examine whether sentence structures are similar, redundant, or simple

““Sentences are not artfully crafted Sentences are not artfully crafted but grammatical most of the time. but grammatical most of the time. There is some variation to length and There is some variation to length and structure. My sentence beginnings structure. My sentence beginnings sound familiar…”sound familiar…”

How do you edit for dynamic How do you edit for dynamic SENTENCE FLUENCY?SENTENCE FLUENCY?

““Well-built sentences with strong and Well-built sentences with strong and varied structure, invite expressive varied structure, invite expressive oral reading. Purposeful beginnings oral reading. Purposeful beginnings show how each sentence relates to show how each sentence relates to and builds upon the one before it…”and builds upon the one before it…”

48

Expository WritingExpository WritingWord ChoiceWord Choice & & Sentence FluencySentence Fluency

Great Writing is. . .

49

Expository WritingExpository WritingAgreements and TenseAgreements and Tense

Common grammatical errors:• Sentence Fragment

• Run-on Sentence

• Verb-Subject Agreement

• Pronoun-Subject Agreement

• Pronoun-Pronoun Agreement

• Shift in Verb Tense

““Sentences are choppy, incomplete, rambling or awkward. Phrasing Sentences are choppy, incomplete, rambling or awkward. Phrasing does not sound natural—the way someone might speak.does not sound natural—the way someone might speak. . . My verbs My verbs do not always capture the precise meaning, or sometimes shift do not always capture the precise meaning, or sometimes shift tense. . .It is difficult to sense the writer behind the words. . .”tense. . .It is difficult to sense the writer behind the words. . .”

50

Expository WritingExpository WritingErrors in Sentence StructureErrors in Sentence StructureSentence Fragment – A clause written as a sentence but lacking an element—as

a subject (noun or pronoun) or a predicate (verb) or a complete thought

E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird, addressing the importance of morality.

Run-on Sentence – A written sequence of two or more main clauses that are not separated by a period or semicolon or joined by a conjunction

E.g. A person’s morality is important to living a life of happiness often times, they may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.

51

Expository WritingExpository WritingErrors in AgreementErrors in AgreementVerb-Subject Agreement – The conjugation of the verb does not agree with the

case of the subject (noun, pronoun)

E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird address the importance of morality.

Pronoun-Subject Agreement – Pronouns used do not agree with the subject they refer to (most common: Singular-Plural)

E.g. A person’s morality is important to living a life of happiness. Often times, they may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.

Pronoun-Pronoun Agreement (Pronoun Shift) – Pronouns used do not agree with the pronouns they refer to

E.g. Atticus is the moral figure in To Kill a Mockingbird. He always follows a course of action that is good and they never waiver from this direction.

52

Expository WritingExpository WritingPronounus SignificusPronounus Significus

Personal – refers to a specific person or thing

E.g. she, his, them

Possessive – indicates ownership

E.g. This book is hers.

Reflexive – refers to subject

E.g. They psyched themselves up for the big game.

Intensive – adds emphasis to noun or pronoun

E.g. Jason himself asked Julie out.

Demonstrative – points out specific persons, places, things, or ideas

E.g. That is a good idea!

Interrogative – used to form questions

E.g. Which is your choice?

Indefinite – refer to nonspecific persons or things

E.g. one, many, both, anyone

53

Expository WritingExpository WritingEditing for AgreementEditing for Agreement

How to Edit: 1. Locate the conjugated verb of the predicate of each independent clause.

2. Utilize the conjugated verb to find the subject (The subject is the noun or pronoun that is the focus of the sentence or clause and completes the action of the verb)

3. Locate any pronouns in the essay

4. Examine for Agreements & Proper Structure

54

Expository WritingExpository WritingVerb TenseVerb TensePresent – expresses a constant, repeated, habitual, or customary action or

condition; also expresses a general truth or action or condition that is happening right now (used for expository essays)

E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the importance of morality.

Past – expresses an action or condition that was started and completed in the past (used for discussions of history)

E.g. Old Tim chased the car until it turned the corner.

Future – expresses an action or condition that will occur at some point in the future

E.g. Scout will not go to school today.

55

Expository WritingExpository WritingPerfect Verb TensePerfect Verb TensePresent perfect – expresses an action or condition that occurred at some indefinite time in the past or shows an action or condition that began in the past and

continues into the present.

E.g. She has heard this song.

Past perfect – indicates that one past action or condition began and ended before another past action started

E.g. By the time I left, our team had scored twenty points.

Future perfect – indicates an action or condition that will be completed in the future before another future action or condition occurs

E.g. Scout will have attended the first grade before moving on to second.

56

Expository WritingExpository WritingErrors in Verb TenseErrors in Verb TensePresent to Past – The conjugation of the verb shifts from a present tense form

to a past tense form (most common)

E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the importance of morality. The novel gave many examples of individuals who lived with some sort of a value system.

Past to Present – The conjugation of the verb unnecessarily shifts from past to present tense form

E.g. Atticus’s morality was important to living a life of happiness. Often times, people may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.

Students should refrain from unnecessary shifts in verb tense!

57

Expository WritingExpository WritingEditing for Proper Verb TenseEditing for Proper Verb Tense

How to Edit: 1. Locate the conjugated verb of the predicate of each independent clause.

2. Examine for shifts in Verb Tense

Note: Expository essays, commentaries, and critiques should be written in the present tense (Typically, research papers and historical discussions require past tense)

58

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdding Dynamic LanguageAdding Dynamic Language

1. To Show a Time or SequenceAt the same time, Primarily, Originally, Previously, Sometime before, In the course of, Prior

to, In an instant, For a time, Immediately after, More than ever before

2. To Compare

In comparison, In like manner, Equally, Just the same, Closely related to, In similar fashion, Equally important, Corresponding to, As well as

3. To Concede or Counter a PointConversely, In contrast, Nonetheless, Notwithstanding, A disparate view, In spite of, Whether

or not, Even though, Despite, Rather than, More importantly, The data suggests

4. To Show Cause, Effect, or ResultsAs a result, On account of, Consequently, Accordingly, Therefore, This implies, For this

reason, Inasmuch, This gives rise to, In all likelihood

59

Expository WritingExpository WritingAdding Dynamic LanguageAdding Dynamic Language

5. Continuing a ThoughtFurthermore, In addition to, Moreover, A supplement to, Another point, Let alone, In

conjunction with, Aside from, Beyond that, Additionally

6. To Emphasize a PointMost importantly, The crucial, Obviously, Surprisingly, In fact, Undoubtedly, The prominent,

The critical point, The key element, Beyond question, Precisely

7. SummationThe result of, On the whole, Sooner or later, In any case, Eventually, In the long run

8. Expressing EmotionTragically, With hesitation, Surprisingly, Unfavorably, Unsuccessfully, Ominously

Part 7Part 7..ConventionsConventions

61

Expository WritingExpository WritingCitations as EvidenceCitations as Evidence

Citations with one book:

“Call me Ishmael” (1).

Citations with two (or more) books:

“Call me Ishmael” (Melville 1).

Note: Never alter the citation. (?) and (!) should remain inside the quotation marks.

62

Expository WritingExpository WritingOther Citation RulesOther Citation Rules

Citing Shakespeare:“The course of true love never did run smooth” (1.1.134).

Citing Poetry:“I celebrate myself, and sing myself / And what I assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you” (1-3).

Note: Never alter the citation. (?) and (!) should remain inside the quotation marks.

63

Expository WritingExpository WritingWriting out ContractionsWriting out Contractions

Write out contractions:

• can’t

• won’t

• it’s

• he’ll

• would’ve

• they’re

• hasn’t

• should’ve

cannot

will not

it is

he will

would have

they are

has not

should haveNote: Never alter the citation. Mathematical/ Scientific

notations can be left in numeric form

64

Expository WritingExpository WritingWriting out NumbersWriting out Numbers

Write out numbers two words (or fewer):

• 13

• 20

• 32

• 100

• 4,000

• 10 E^n

• 130

thirteen

twenty

thirty-two

one hundred

four thousand

one gazillion

130

Note: Never alter the citation. Mathematical/ Scientific notations can be left in numeric form

65

Expository WritingExpository WritingWriting ConventionsWriting Conventions

Book To Kill a Mockingbird

Charts, graphs, maps Using Your Library

Long Poem Paradise Lost

Magazine, Periodical National Geographic

Motion Picture O Brother Where Art Thou

Newspaper The New York Times

Opera The Marriage of Figaro

Underline the names of books, publications, radio and television programs, films, artistic works, pamphlets, long poems, operas, motion pictures, ships, plays, and sound recording albums.

Painting Into Bondage

Pamphlet Crisis

Play Romeo and Juliet

Radio ProgramMike and the Mad Dog

Sound Recording Brushfire Fairytales

Television Program Saved By the Bell

Court Case Brown vs the Board of Ed

66

Expository WritingExpository WritingWriting ConventionsWriting Conventions

Short Story “The Man Who Was Almost a Man”

Essay “A Room of One’s Own”

Short Poem “My Father’s Laughter”

Song “Saint Louis Blues”

Magazine Article “What Makes a Leader?”

Newspaper Article “America at War”

Enclose in quotation marks the titles of short stories, essays, short poems, songs, and magazine/ newspaper articles

67

Expository WritingExpository WritingAltering a PassageAltering a Passage

• Block Quotations – a quotation that extends more than four typed lines should be indented one inch from the left margin—maintain double spacing

• Omitted Material – a quotation that omits verbiage should be marked using an ellipsis (. . .)

• Added Material – a quotation that adds verbiage should be marked using brackets ( [ ] )

Remember “Never” alter a citation”? Is that always true. . .?

68

Expository WritingExpository WritingAltering a PassageAltering a Passage

Richard attempts to personally address the challenges associated with racism:

No quotation marksNo quotation marksPeriod remains outside Period remains outside the citationthe citation

Ellipsis used to omit text Ellipsis used to omit text from the passagefrom the passage

Brackets used to change Brackets used to change or add text: “to me” or add text: “to me” “according to Richard”“according to Richard”

Line indentation Line indentation (one inch from margin)(one inch from margin)

One aspect not captured here. . .all text (your One aspect not captured here. . .all text (your writing as well as the quoted passage) should be writing as well as the quoted passage) should be

double spaceddouble spaced

Culturally the Negro represents a paradox: Though he is an organic part of the nation, he is excluded by the entire tide and direction of American culture. . .. . .The essence of the irony of the plight of the Negro in America, [according [according to Richard]to Richard], is that he is doomed to live in isolation while those who condemn him seek the basest goals of any people on the face of the earth (272-73).

69

Expository WritingExpository WritingWord ChoiceWord Choice & & Sentence FluencySentence Fluency

Great Writing is. . .

70

Expository WritingExpository WritingResourcesResources• Purdue University Online Writing Lab:

(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/)

Congratulations! You have Congratulations! You have completed the Mr. C’s English completed the Mr. C’s English

Writing Tutorial. Good luck and Writing Tutorial. Good luck and remember to edit!remember to edit!