HSPA- Expository Essay

• You will be asked to write (at least) a 4-paragraph expository essay, similar to the SAT Writing prompt

• Topics are usually based on famous quotations, adages, or universally accessible topics– “To be without some of the things you want is an

indispensable part of happiness.” Bertrand Russell – A chain is a strong as its weakest link.– Often, the things in life most worth having are the most

difficult to come by.• Remember, this is NOT a narrative writing prompt;

EXPLAIN your analysis of the prompt.

HSPA- Expository Essay

• TOPIC: An anonymous author once said, “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” Using examples from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience or observation, write an essay analyzing this quotation and its meaning.– Step 1: Read the prompt carefully and make sure you

understand what it is asking you to do.• Underline/circle key words• Think about how to put the quotation/adage in your own

words

HSPA- Expository Essay

• Step 2: Brainstorm the reasons/examples you will use to explain your analysis of the quotation– For five minutes, make a list of the possible examples

you could use;– Think about possible examples from the following: • Literature (books, short stories, etc.) • History (battles, events, people, etc.) • Science (famous people, innovations, etc.)• Film (characters, plot lines, etc.)• Personal experience/observation

– REMEMBER, don’t slip into narrative; keep your tone academic.

HSPA- Expository Essay• Step 3: Write your introductory paragraph (5

minutes)– Grab the reader’s attention– Integrate the quote, adage or topic

• A “path with no obstacles” would certainly be most people’s dream come true. Imagine living life with no problems. Imagine finding success without have to face failure.

• Explain the meaning of the quote, adage or topic in your own words

– To me, this quote holds the truth of life. Of course, not having to run into mistakes would be a dream come true for me. But at the same time, it would also be my own loss.

– State your interpretation of the quote, adage or topic in a thesis statement.» Every single challenge one encounters happens for a reason. A “path with no

obstacles” is not natural. Whether everyone thinks, obstacles are necessary in everyone’s path to succeed.

HSPA- Expository Essay

• Step 4: Write your 2+ body paragraphs (5 minutes each) – Use transition words/phrases to guide the organization– Topic sentences should provide focus for each paragraph– Include specific and vivid details from literature, history,

science, film or personal experience:• Albert Einstein, for instance, was rejected from the first college he

applied to.• Throughout elementary school, I did well with little effort. It was not

until I had difficulty in high school that I learned the importance of preparation and time management.

• Explain how your details support your thesis• Finish each paragraph with a concluding sentence.• No more than one body paragraph should focus on personal example.

HSPA- Expository Essay• Step 5: Write your conclusion paragraph (5 minutes– Generate final remarks without introducing new

examples– Unify and summarize your ideas– Remind the audience of your main points/thesis– Use a clincher (could tie back to the intro)

• A path without obstacles probably does not lead somewhere because there is no where to lead to. Paths in life are made up of mistakes. I failed in my youth and I will probably fail many more times. To tell you the truth, without failure, I do not know where I would have ended up. But, I can honestly say this: it would not be as good of a place.

HSPA- Expository Essay

• Step 6: Revise & Edit– For 5 minutes, carefully read what you have written– Usage, sentence construction and mechanics do

count: check for correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, subject-verb agreement, etc.

– Use the yellow “Writer’s Checklist” as a reminder – You can erase or cross out mistakes, and correct

them in the margins – This essay is scored as a rough-draft