Expository Modes of Writing

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Expository Modes of Writing

• Information adapted from Strategies for
  Successful Writing

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Cause and Effect Essay

• Examines the causes leading up to an event
• OR Examines the effects of an event
• Sometimes both methods may be combined.
• Example Cause/Effect Topic Who/what is
  responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

3
Argumentative/Persuasive

• To present, support, or defend a position on an
  issue.
•  Use evidence/facts from outside sources

4
Descriptive Essay

• Describes a person, place, or thing through
  sensory description and a specific spatial order.
• Example the first essay you did for my class was
  a descriptive essay describing a place and
  developing a certain mood through word choice.

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Process Evaluation Essay

• Describing a process through a sequence of
  events.
• Example an essay on how to assemble a BMW motor.

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Classification Essay

• Categorizing something/someone into different
  categories while also looking at distinguishing
  features.
• Example An essay on three different types of
  shoppers while looking at distinguishing features
  such as where they shop and what they buy.

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Comparison/Contrast Essay

• Comparison between 2 items to show they are alike
  and different by examining points of contrast.
• Two methods point by point OR block format
• Example Comp/cont assignment on I Have a Dream
  and Women

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Definition Essay

• To discuss, in a thoughtful manner, what an
  abstract term means and does not mean through
  methods of negation (saying what it is not),
  illustration, and comparison.

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Brainstorm w/ elbow partner

• Jot down ideas of what love is how would you
  define love?

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Definition Essay Continued

• In this essay, you are moving beyond the
  denotation and exploring the connotation through
  your comparison, negation, and other discussions.

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Survey Data

• You are going to create a survey to give to 10
  adults and 10 teenagers with questions on love

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Distinguishing Features

• What are some features of true love?

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Comparison to another culture

• Compare some aspect of love in American culture
  to another culture
• Dating rituals
• Marriage rituals

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Definition by Negation

• What true love is NOT

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Process

• Some of your survey questions should address
  this
• How does one find true love?
• Discuss the process of finding true love

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Definition Essay continued.

• Analogy comparing an abstract concept to
  something concrete.
• Morals to a compass.

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Definition Essay Grabbers

• Use your dictionary definition.
• Use your analogy
• Discuss opposing definitions