THE EXPLANATORY PROMPT

THE EXPLANATORY PROMPT

What is an explanatory prompt?An explanatory prompt will present students with an essay topic based on a quotation. The quote is a springboard for the student to write a composition.Explanatory writing is used to share knowledge and to explain ideas and experiences.

WRITING AN EXPLANATORY ESSAY ..

Example QuoteIf you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesnt lead anywhere.-AnonymousINTRODUCTIONRestate the quote- USE QUOTATION MARKS!Explain what the quote means to you- in detail!! ( General meaning)

What does a sample 6 introduction look like?

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

The quote If you had a path with no obstacles, it probably doesnt lead anywhere means that if you take the easy way out in life, you are not bettering yourself or improving your future in any way. Imagine living life without any problems. Imagine finding success without having to face failure. Imagine what such a life would be like. Of course, not having to run into mistakes would be a dream come true, but at the same time, it would be a dreadful loss. Obstacles, failures, mistakes, and every single challenge one encounters happen for a reason. BODY PARAGRAPHSMOST IMPORTANT PART!!

BODY PARAGRAPHS

First Body ParagraphPersonal example(s)You may use more than one paragraph for this part, but please make sure the examples relate DIRECTLY to the quote!!

Second Body ParagraphName an historical event, literary character from a novel/short story, poem, song, OR a current event (situation in the news) that relates to the quote. This counts as an ALLUSION (a reference to something outside of the text). It counts as a compositional risk. ALWAYS EXPLAIN HOW EACH EXAMPLE RELATES BACK TO THE QUOTE!!!

CONCLUSION

Is there a MORAL or a lesson learned from this writing prompt/quote? EXPLAINHow can we apply this lesson in our lives- be specific and detailedRestate the writing prompt/quote and its meaning. Have a STRONG ending!

REMEMBER

To receive a high score, you must include compositional risks such as figurative language, literary devices, advanced vocabulary, and varying sentence structure.

COMPOSTIONAL RISKS

The following are examples of figurative language and literary devices:

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Imagery Language that appeals to the senses. Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms of our senses. Sight Hearing Touch Taste Smell

SimileA figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. Example: Her hair was like silk, very shiny and soft. MetaphorA figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be. The comparison is not announced by like or as. Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped through the desert.

PersonificationA figure of speech which gives the qualities of a human to an animal, an object, or an idea. Example: The wind slapped my face as I ran through the field." .

Joyet 200417PersonificationExamples:The sleeping water reflected the evening sky. Humidity breathed in the girl's face and ran its greasy fingers through her hair.OnomatopoeiaThe use of words that mimic sounds. (usually used in narratives) Example: The firecracker made a loud ka-boom!

AlliterationRepeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

HyperboleAn exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. Example: Shes said so on several million occasions.

FINALLY

MORE TO REMEMBERUse real-life examples: Personal examples have to be plausible (believable) and significant (important)!ALL EXAMPLES must be connected to the quote!Be sure to quote words from the quote.Check your essay for mistakes in: capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and complete sentences!Use transition words!You must have an introduction and conclusion!WRITE MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED!!