Expository
writing -gives
information or
explains.
-should be
concise
(clear).
Your writing should be
organized by -arranging
steps in the
order they would be performed.
-listing facts in order of
importance.
Process -a
step by step way of
doing something.
Details are -facts,
reasons,
examples, and statistics(FREDS).
-found in the
body of your report.
-a statistic =
a number
Ex. 15%; 2 out of 5
students; 29.5 thousand people
A reason -answers
the question
-The answer often begins
with
because.
Five types of expository writing 1. how to do or make
something
2. how
something works
3. what
something is
4. how things are
alike/different
5. why something happens
How to do or make something/
How something works -
step by step process
- put in order; make it clear
- use transition words
ex. first, next, then, while,
finally
What something is -
definition
- explain
How things are alike /different - alike(compare)
-different(contrast)
-words often used are the
adjectives more,
most, less, least
Why something happens -
cause and effect
- the cause = the reason
- the effect = the result
ex. We got 10
inches of snow,
so we did not
have school.
- do not use false cause and
effect relationships
ex. We got 10 inches of snow,
we went swimming.
When writing a report -
choose a topic you care about
- narrow down the topic so you
can cover it completely
- get information from several
sources
-make sure you know whom
your audience will be
- put quotes around information you take from a published source
Sources you can use for your research report - magazines, computers, videos,
almanacs, atlas,
encyclopedias, and books
- primary sources = people
close to the event you are researching or original material you study
- secondary sources = books,
magazines, or another writer who gathered information
If you interview someone for your report - find an expert on the subject
you are researching
- This would be a primary
source. Ex. You are doing your report on hurricanes,
so you interview someone who experienced a hurricane.
- prepare questions in advance.
- Open-ended questions are the
best; they have more than a one word answer.
- Immediately after the
interview, write out your notes. This way the interview is still fresh in your
mind.
All research papers have -
a thesis statement
- It is a simple statement that
tells the main idea you want your readers to understand.
- tells what you want to show,
prove, or explain
- gives your report focus
- list ideas to support the
thesis statement
- form an outline and organize
you details
Every report has -
three parts
- 1st = introduction
= sparks reader’s interest
- 2nd = body = develops
the topic at least one paragraph for each main idea in your outline
- 3rd = conclusion =
summarizes the topic, states your final thoughts on the topic, wraps it up
It is important to -
make sure your report
kept your purpose in mind:
inform, persuade, entertain,
and describe
- double check details; dates,
names, quotations, and numbers should be correct
- include graphics, pictures,
and a cover