Grade 7 Expository Writing

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1. Table of Contents 34.

Expository Essay Writing Tips


2. Title Page: All About Expository 35. Thinking About Writing
Writing 36. Vocabulary
3. K-W-L Chart 37. Genius Hour Expository Essay
4. What is an Essay? 38. Expository Essay Instructions
5. What is the Topic? 39. Planning Page: Choosing a Topic
6. What is the Purpose? 40. Planning Page: Essay Structure
7. Who is the Audience? 41. Planning Page: Body Paragraphs
8. Expository Writing 42. Planning Page: References
9. Expository Writing 43. Planning Page: Preparing to Write
10. Expository Writing 44. Proofreading
11. Expository Essay Example 1 45. Partner Proofreading
12. Expository Essay Example 1 46. Reflection
13. Expository Essay Example 1: 47. Expository Essay Rubric
Questions
14. Expository Essay Style
15. Expository Essay Style
16. Expository Essay: Introduction
17. Expository Essay: Introduction
18. Expository Essay: Introduction
19. Expository Essay: Thesis Statements
20. Expository Essay: Thesis Statements
21. Expository Essay: Thesis Statements
22. Expository Essay: Body
23. Expository Essay: Body
24. Expository Essay: Conclusion
25. Expository Essay: Conclusion
26. Expository Essay: Conclusion
27. Expository Essay: References
28. Gathering Information
29. Gathering Information
30. Choosing a Reliable Source
31. Expository Essay Example 2
32. Expository Essay Example 2
33. Expository Essay Example 2:
Questions

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 1


Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 2


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

In the chart below, write what you know and wonder about expository
writing. At the end of this workbook, write what you have learned about
expository writing.

What I know about expository writing is...

What I wonder about expository writing is...

What I have learned about expository writing is...

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 3 Language - 7


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

An essay is a piece of writing that presents information


about a topic in full sentences and paragraphs.

An essay is a piece of writing that presents information about a topic in


full sentences and paragraphs. Some essays may present an author's
opinion or argument, while others may present only the facts. Essays are
commonly used in educational settings, like school, but they can also be
used in professional or personal contexts.

Most essays are made of three main components: the introduction,


body paragraphs, and the conclusion.

1. What subjects in high school do you think you would have to write
essays for?

2. What do you think is the most challenging part of writing an essay?

3. What part of writing an essay do you feel confident about?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 4 Language - 7.A1.1, C1.2, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The topic is what you are writing about. The topic for an
expository essay should be specific enough to write about
in-depth, but not too broad that it becomes overwhelming.

1. Rewrite the essay topics below so that they are more specific.
An example is shown.

General Topic Specific Topic

Sports The history of the Olympic Games

Renewable energy

Social media

Languages

Technology

Education

Nutrition

Mathematics

Automobiles

2. Why might a topic that is too general become overwhelming when


you are trying to write an essay?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 5 Language - 7.C1.2, C1.3, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The purpose is the reason why someone writes something. The four main
purposes of writing are to educate, to entertain, to persuade, and to
describe.

The purpose of essays is to describe something. Specifically, an


expository essay is a form of writing that explains a topic clearly and
concisely. They present factual information, not to persuade the reader.
The author’s voice is neutral.

1. Use the Venn diagram to compare the purposes of expository essays


and narrative writing.

Expository Essays Narrative Writing


Both

2. Think of a profession. How might someone in this profession use an


expository essay?

Profession:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 6 Language - 7.A1.1, C1.2, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The audience is the people who read a piece of writing.

The audience is the people who read a piece of writing. The audience
of an essay can vary based on the topic. Usually, the audience of the
essay is anyone who is interested in reading the topic and learning
more about it. The audience could be students, educators, people from
a specific profession, or members of the public who have an interest in
the topic.

Write the purpose and potential audience for each topic below.

Topic Purpose and Possible Audience

The benefits of regular


exercise and a healthy
lifestyle

The importance of
financial literacy and
money management

The history and


significance of
Groundhog Day

The effects of
technology on
education and learning

The effects of social


media on mental health

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 7 Language - 7.A2.5, C1.2, C1.3, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

An expository essay is a form of writing that


explains a topic clearly and concisely.

An explanation is a statement that makes something clear.


Explanations are also often given to provide a reason or justification for
people’s thoughts, opinions, or ideas.

An expository essay (also known as an explanatory essay) is a form of


writing that explains a topic clearly and concisely. They include facts,
definitions, and details. Expository essays can be written about almost
any topic. They are often used in academic writing, like in high school or
university, but they can also be found on websites and in newspapers.

1. What kind of topics do you think require explanation?

2. How do you think expository essays are different from other forms
of writing, like persuasive essays or poetry?

3. In your own words, describe what an expository essay is without


using the word “explain.”

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 8 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

An expository essay is a form of writing that explains a topic clearly and


concisely. It provides information supported by facts and details.

1. The information in an expository essay can include facts, definitions,


and details. Write the definition of these terms.

Fact

Definition

Detail

2. Which form(s) of writing do you think would most likely require


research: persuasive, expository, narrative, recount, poetry, or reports?
Explain your thinking.

3. How do you think an expository essay is structured? Make a


flowchart that shows your thinking.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 9 Language - 7.B2.2, C1.3, C1.5, D1.1, D1.2
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Expository essays are usually written in paragraphs, without subheadings.


Expository essays include an introduction, detail paragraphs, a
conclusion, and sometimes images with captions.

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3

● Topic sentence ● Topic sentence ● Topic sentence


● Facts ● Facts ● Facts
● Definitions ● Definitions ● Definitions
● Details ● Details ● Details

Conclusion

1. Why is structure important for expository essays?

2. What are subheadings? Why do you think essays often do not use
subheadings?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 10 Language - 7.B2.2, C1.3, C1.5, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Smith 1
Sophia Smith
Mrs. Ballantyne
March 8, 2023

The Origins of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is an annual holiday celebrated on February 2 in


Canada and the United States. According to tradition, if a groundhog
comes out of its den and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will go
back into its den, and winter will last six more weeks. If a groundhog
comes out of its den and does not see its shadow due to cloudy weather,
it will be an early spring. Where did this tradition of weather-predicting
rodents come from? This essay will explore the origins and history of
Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day originated before the 18th century based on ancient


European traditions, mainly in Germany. The ancient tradition stated that
if a burrowing animal, such as a badger or hedgehog, emerged from its
burrow on Candlemas Day, February 2nd, to see its shadow, winter would
last for six more weeks. When German immigrants came to Pennsylvania,
USA in the the 18th century, they brought this tradition (“Legend & Lore”).
However, the more appropriate rodent to observe became groundhogs,
as they were much more common than badgers in the new region. The
first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in Punxsutawney,
Pennsylvania in 1887 (“Legend & Lore”).

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 11 Language - 7.B2.3, C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C1.5, C3.3
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Smith 2
The celebrations on February 2 in Punxsutawney are organized by the
Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The club claims that the groundhog,
Punxsutawney Phil, is the same groundhog who has been predicting the
weather since 1887 (“Legend & Lore”). However, many skeptics argue that the
groundhog is likely a different one from year to year. The annual event in
Punxatawney draws thousands of visitors each year.

Today, Groundhog Day is a popular holiday across Canada and the


United States. Many towns have their own prognosticating (predicting)
rodent. There is Wiarton Willie in Ontario, Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia,
Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, and Stormy Marmot in Colorado. Each event brings
many visitors to watch the rodent emerge from its burrow and to hear the
official report.

In conclusion, the history of Groundhog Day can be traced back to


European traditions, brought to the United States by German immigrants. It is
a beloved tradition, as it is a great way to break up the dark and dreary days
of winter with some fun and celebration. Whether the prediction of the
groundhog is accurate or not, Groundhog Day remains a way to observe the
changing seasons.

Smith 3
Works Cited

“Legend & Lore.” Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Punxsutawney


Groundhog Club. https://www.groundhog.org/legend-and-lore.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 12 Language - 7.B2.3, C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C1.5, C3.3
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Read the example report titled “The Origins of Groundhog Day” and
answer the questions below.

1. Describe how the essay is structured overall. What do you notice?

2. Look at the introduction. How does the introduction inform the reader
about what they will encounter in the essay?

3. What advice would you give to the person who wrote this essay to help
them improve their writing?

4. What is a question or wonder you still have about structuring an


expository essay?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 13 Language - 7.C1.1, C1.2, C1.3, C1.5, C2.6, C2.7, D2.5, D2.6
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Expository essays follow a specific style. Three common styles used for
writing in high school and post-secondary are MLA, APA, and Chicago
style. MLA is a common style used for essays in Language Arts.

An example first page of an MLA style essay is shown below.


Running head
Header with with your last
your full name, name and page
your teacher’s number
name, and the
due date of the
assignment.
Size 12 font,
double-spaced

Indent new
paragraphs

In-text
citations
1-inch
margins

How can you ensure that your paper is properly formatted when you
finish typing your essay? Where can you go for more information or
help with formatting?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 14 Language - 7.C1.1, C1.2, C1.3, C1.5, D1.5, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Expository essays follow a specific style. An essay style, such as MLA


style, explains how to format your writing and how to give credit to
sources (print or internet) that you used.

Example sentences in MLA style are shown below.

In-text citation, book author and page number

Tofu, beans, and nuts are excellent sources of protein and are popular in
East Asian cuisine (Bedard 293).

In-text citation, no author known

The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in Punxsutawney,


Pennsylvania in 1887 (“Legend & Lore”).

1. What is an in-text citation? How is it different from other citations?

2. How does an in-text citation look different when an author is known


compare to when the author of a source is not known?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 15 Language - 7.C1.1, C1.2, C1.3, C1.5, D1.5, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The introduction is the first part of expository writing. This section is


important because it hooks the reader’s interest and outlines the
structure of the essay. It should also include a thesis statement that
explains the purpose of the essay.

Purpose of the introduction:


● Introduces the topic and thesis statement
● Tells the readers what they will learn
● Explains why the reader should continue reading

An example introduction is shown below.

The Benefits of Yoga for Mental Health


Yoga is a holistic practice that originated in ancient India and has
been gaining popularity in recent years as a form of physical exercise and
relaxation. In addition to its physical benefits, yoga has also been found to
be highly beneficial for mental health. In this essay, we will explore the
various ways in which yoga can improve mental health and well-being.

1. a) What do you think the thesis statement of this essay is?

1. b) Explain how you know this is the thesis statement.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 16 Language - 7.B2.2, C1.3, C1.5, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write an introduction that would be suitable for the title and thesis
statements given below.

Title: The Impacts of Social Media on Everyday Life

Thesis Statement: Although social media has changed the way we


communicate, it has also had a negative impact on our mental health,
relationships, and privacy.

When you are done, check:

ロ Formatting (Begins with an indent) ロ Thesis statement included

ロ Spelling and grammar ロ Introduces a fact, definition,


or question
ロ Punctuation

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 17 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.4, D2.1, D2.2, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write an introduction that would be suitable for the title and thesis
statements given below.

Title: Immediate Action Required to Fight Climate Change

Thesis Statement: Climate change is a global issue that requires


immediate action from individuals, corporations, and governments.

When you are done, check:

ロ Formatting (Begins with an indent) ロ Thesis statement included

ロ Spelling and grammar ロ Introduces a fact, definition,


or question
ロ Punctuation

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 18 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.4, D2.1, D2.2, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

A thesis statement is an important part


A thesis statement is a clear
of an essay’s introduction. A thesis
explanation of the main point
statement is a clear explanation of the
of the essay.
main point of the essay.

A thesis statement can be difficult to write because it is challenging to


write a clear statement that encompasses the whole point of the essay
in one or two sentences.

Follow these suggestions to write a clear thesis statement:

1. Identify the topic and narrow the focus to a specific aspect


you want to explore.

2. Take a position on the topic. This is not necessarily your opinion, but it
is the point you are trying to get across in the essay.

3. Make it specific, clear, and concise. Your thesis should be one or two
sentences at most.

4. Revise if necessary. Consider if there are better words you can


choose to more accurately construct your thesis.

1. What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

2. Why do people often find it difficult to write a thesis statement?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 19 Language - 7.C1.3, C1.5, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write a thesis statement based on the title of each paper and the body
paragraph topics.

1. Thesis:
Title: The Benefits of Getting
Outdoors During Winter

Body 1: Movement breaks


Body 2: Reduce stress
Body 3: Mood boost

2. Thesis:
Title: The History of Lacrosse

Body 1: Indigenous game


Body 2: European involvement
Body 3: Lacrosse today

3.
Thesis:
Title: Commonly Banned
Library Books

Body 1: Why are books banned?


Body 2: What books are banned?
Body 3: Societal response

4. Thesis:
Title: Access to Free Education

Body 1: Importance
Body 2: Access to free
education around the world
Body 3: Goals for the future

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 20 Language - 7.C1.3, C1.5, D1.1, D1.2, D1.4, D2.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Look at the example thesis statements below. Revise them based on the
thesis writing suggestions below.

1. Identify the topic and narrow the focus.


2. Take a position on the topic.
3. Make it specific, clear, and concise.
4. Revise if necessary.

1. “This essay will look at the history of the mobile phone.”

2. “Noise pollution affects people in cities.”

3. “This essay explains plastic pollution.”

4. “Earth Day is an important celebration.”

5. “Hockey is a sport played on ice.”

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 21 Language - 7.D2.5


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The body paragraphs follow the introduction. The body paragraphs are
also called detail paragraphs because they include facts and information.
Body paragraphs do not have subheadings for shorter essays. This is
because essays are written with a continuous, flowing structure.

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence. The topic sentence
identifies the main point of the paragraph. Every topic sentence and
paragraph should support the thesis statement for the essay using facts
and evidence.

An example body paragraph is shown below.

Yoga can also improve cognitive function and brain health. Regular
yoga practice has been found to increase grey matter in the brain, which is
responsible for processing information and controlling memory (Dawson
120). Studies have also found that yoga can improve memory and overall
cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that it may be a helpful tool
for preventing age-related cognitive decline (Edison 87).

1. a) What is an example of a fact included in this body paragraph?

1. b) How can you tell it is a fact and not an opinion?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 22 Language - 7.C1.3, C1.5, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Read the example thesis statements and write three body paragraph
ideas for each. Write your own thesis statement for the final box.

1. Thesis: Social media has changed the way people interact, leading to both
positive and negative effects on well-being.

Body 1:

Body 2:

Body 3:

2. Thesis: The ethical treatment of animals requires greater consideration of


their welfare in industries like agriculture, entertainment, and research.

Body 1:

Body 2:

Body 3:

3. Thesis: Video games are often criticized, but they can have a positive
impact on social skills and mental health, and can teach players new things.

Body 1:

Body 2:

Body 3:

4. Thesis: The sport of badminton offers many physical benefits such as


improved mobility, endurance, and hand-eye coordination.

Body 1:

Body 2:

Body 3:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 23 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The conclusion is the last part of the essay. It is a summary of the main
points of the essay. It also provides final thoughts related to the topic.

Purpose of the conclusion:


● Review the main ideas
● Share any final information on the topic
● Give readers a sense of completeness

An example conclusion is shown below.

In conclusion, yoga is a highly beneficial practice for mental health. It


can help to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance self-awareness,
promote mindfulness, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall
quality of life. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner,
incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help to improve your mental
health and well-being.

1. A conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a different way.


How can you accomplish this?

2. Conclusions should not introduce new ideas. Explain why not.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 24 Language - 7.C1.3, C1.5, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write a conclusion for the expository essay outlined below.

Thesis: Body 1: Relaxation opportunities at an


All-inclusive resorts have all-inclusive, benefits of relaxation
changed the tourism
industry, giving a spot for Body 2: Entertainment opportunities at a resort,
travellers to relax, be benefits of entertainment (social, physical)
entertained, and explore
a new culture. Body 3: Benefits of learning about a new culture
(knowledge, compassion)

When you are done, check:

ロ Formatting (Begins with an indent) ロ Thesis statement re-stated

ロ Spelling and grammar ロ Gives readers a sense of


completeness
ロ Punctuation

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 25 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.4, D2.1, D2.2, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write a conclusion for the expository essay outlined below.

Thesis: Body 1: How music affects people's emotions


Music has a strong effect and feelings and impacts on mental health
on human emotions,
cognition, and behaviour. Body 2: Playing music is beneficial for your brain
and learning

Body 3: How music affects people’s behaviour in


social settings (e.g. grocery stores, parties)

When you are done, check:

ロ Formatting (Begins with an indent) ロ Thesis statement re-stated

ロ Spelling and grammar ロ Gives readers a sense of


completeness
ロ Punctuation

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 26 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.4, D2.1, D2.2, D2.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The reference list is a new page that follows the end of the essay.
References give readers information to find and allow them to explore the
sources mentioned in the essays.

Purpose of the reference list:


● Give credit to original sources mentioned in the report
● Allow readers to find the sources

An example reference list is shown below in MLA style.


New page
Article title

Smith 3
Works Cited
“Legend & Lore.” Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Punxsutawney
Groundhog Club. https://www.groundhog.org/legend-and-lore.

Hanging indent Website title URL

1. Why is it important that a reference list is included?

2. Why might a reader look at the reference list of an essay?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 27 Language - 7.C1.2, C1.5, D1.3, D1.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Gathering research and information is essential for expository essays.


Writers can gather information and research from print sources and
digital media sources.

Print sources include books, magazines, newspapers, and written


interviews. Digital media sources include television, movies, and results
from internet search engines.

When using a source, it is important to write the information in your own


words to avoid plagiarism. It is okay to use information from sources in
your work, but they must be cited.

1. In the chart below, write the print and digital sources that someone
could use to gather information.

Print Sources Digital Sources

2. Do you think digital or print sources are more useful for research?
Justify your answer below.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 28 Language - 7.C1.2, C1.5, D1.3, D1.5
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Practice gathering information and fill in the chart below. Make sure to
write the website URL or book you used for your research.

1. The Life of Terry Fox

Fact 1:
Fact 2:
Fact 3:
Source:

2. All About Panda Bears

Fact 1:
Fact 2:
Fact 3:
Source:

3. The Origins of the Automobile

Fact 1:
Fact 2:
Fact 3:
Source:

4. Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Fact 1:
Fact 2:
Fact 3:
Source:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 29 Language - 7.C1.5, D1.3, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

When writing an expository essay, it is important to ensure the sources


you are using are credible and reliable. Reliable sources are supported
with evidence and written by a trustworthy author or organization.

How to spot reliable sources:

✓ Main purpose of the website is to give facts, not opinions.

✓ The website does not appear to be selling anything.

✓ It is clear what organization or author wrote the site


(This information can usually be found at the bottom of the site).
✓ The website has a publishing date and has been recently updated.

✓ The information on the site can be confirmed through other sources.

Use the chart below to explain the difference between a source that is
reliable and unreliable.

Reliable Sources Unreliable Sources

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 30 Language - 7.C3.5, D1.3, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Choudhury 1
Asa Choudhury
Mr. Browne
June 2, 2023

Dogs: Man’s Best Friend

Dogs are one of the most beloved animals around the world. Dogs are
commonly referred to as “man’s best friend.” In this sense, they are the best
friend of all humans. They are known for being loyal companions. Dogs are
able to communicate in many different ways, using both body language and
vocalizations, in order to show how they are feeling and what they want.

One of the most common ways dogs communicate is through their


body language. Dogs can communicate a wide variety of emotions through
their body language. For example, when a dog is happy, it will wag its tail,
jump up and down, and have a relaxed body posture. When a dog is afraid, it
might tuck its tail between its hind legs, lower its ears, and tense up its body.
These body cues help humans understand and communicate with dogs.

In addition to body language, dogs can also communicate through


their vocalizations and sounds. Dogs are able to bark, growl, whine, and howl.
Each sound can be used to convey a different emotion, want, or need. For
example, a dog’s bark might indicate excitement, or it might be used to
indicate a warning or danger. Dogs often growl when they are angry. A dog’s
growl can be used to tell others to back off because they are frustrated and
might bite. Sounds are important to dogs for communication.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 31 Language - 7.B2.3, C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C1.5, C3.3
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Choudhury 2
Finally, dogs can also communicate through human interaction, as
they are able to make sense of human words. Dogs are intelligent creatures,
able to learn many commands, such as sit, stay, come, and fetch. Through
consistent training and socialization, dogs can develop a strong bond with
their human companions. It is this reason that dogs are known as extremely
loyal companions for humans.

In conclusion, dogs are able to communicate in a variety of ways, such


as through body language, vocalizations, and human interaction, which
makes them loyal companions. Understanding how dogs communicate can
allow humans to build strong relationships with their furry friends.

Choudhury 3
Works Cited

Gibeault, Stephanie. “How To Read Dog Body Language.” American Kennel


Club, American Kennel Club, 27 Jan. 2020,
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-read-dog-body-
language/

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 32 Language - 7.B2.3, C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C1.5, C3.3
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Read the example essay titled “Dogs: Man’s Best Friend” and answer
the questions below.

1. Describe how the essay is structured overall. What do you notice?

2. Look at the introduction. How does the introduction inform the reader
about what they will encounter in the essay?

3. What advice would you give to the person who wrote this essay to help
them improve their writing?

4. What is a question or wonder you still have about structuring an


expository essay?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 33 Language - 7.C1.1, C1.2, C1.3, C1.5, C2.6, C2.7, D2.5, D2.6
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

The following is a list of tips and suggestions to follow when writing your
own expository essay:

● Choose a clear and concise topic. Your topic should be narrow


enough to allow you to cover it comprehensively.

● Develop a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be 1 to 2


sentences long. It should be a clear and concise idea that you will
support throughout your essay.

● Research and gather information. Use reliable sources such as


books and reputable websites.

● Organize your essay. Plan the topic sentences for your body
paragraphs before you begin writing.

● Edit and proofread. Review your essay for errors in grammar,


spelling, and punctuation. Also, ensure you have used clear and
concise language that is easy for your readers to understand.

Add one suggestion of your own!

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 34 Language - 7.C1.3, C1.5


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

1. Describe how expository essay writing is different from other


forms of writing you have learned.

2. Why is it helpful to plan your essay thesis and body paragraph topics
before beginning writing?

3. What strategies can you use before writing to improve your essay?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 35 Language - 7.A1.1, A1.2, A2.5, D1.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Write the definitions for the words you learned during


the expository essay writing unit.

Explanation _______________________________________
_______________________________________

Expository Essay _______________________________________


_______________________________________

Thesis Statement _______________________________________


_______________________________________

Body Paragraph _______________________________________


_______________________________________

In-text Citation _______________________________________


_______________________________________

Works Cited _______________________________________


_______________________________________

Reliable Source _______________________________________


_______________________________________

Plagiarism _______________________________________
_______________________________________

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 36 Language - 7.B2.2


Name: ______________________________________________

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 37


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Genius Hour is an approach to learning where students


(you!) have the opportunity to explore their own interests
and curiosity to learn.

For this task, you will write an expository essay about a topic you are
very interested in. You will complete planning sheets, a draft copy,
revisions, and a final copy.

Your essay will be written in MLA style for in-text citations and the
reference list. It must be about 3 - 5 pages, double-spaced, in size 12
font. Your final copy will be typed on a computer.

Your report must include:


● An essay that includes all of the elements outlined in the
expository essay writing unit (Introduction, body paragraphs,
conclusion)
● All planning/brainstorming pages
● A reference list

Write the due date for your assignment below:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 38 Language - 7.D3.1, D3.2


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Use the flowchart below to help you choose a topic for your essay.

Step 1: What is the assignment?


Identify

If you have If you have


an idea… no idea…

Step 2: What is your idea? What are your interests?


Brainstorm
1.

2.

3.

Step 3: Why does it interest you? How could you relate an


Focus interest to the assignment?
1.

2.

3.

Show this topic idea


Potential topic:
to your teacher for
approval

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 39 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Structure your essay and brainstorm ideas for each section.

Introduction

Thesis:

Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3

Conclusion

Thesis Re-stated:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 40 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Conduct more detailed research for each of your body paragraphs.


Record the sources of information.

Body Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence:

Body Paragraph 2:
Topic Sentence:

Body Paragraph 3:

Topic Sentence:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 41 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4, D2.3, D2.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

As you gather research, write the names of the books or websites you
used below.

Print Sources:

1. Title:
Author:

2. Title:
Author:

3. Title:
Author:

Digital Sources:

1. URL:
Title:

2. URL:
Title:

3. URL:
Title:

4. URL:
Title:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 42 Language - 7.A2.3, C1.3, D1.2, D1.3, D2.1
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Before beginning your typed draft, answer the questions below.

1. Does your research have enough detail to teach your reader new
information about your topic?
Yes No

2. How can you determine which parts of your research may need further
clarification?

3. Have you looked at a variety of sources for your essay? How can you
tell they are reliable sources?

4. What can you do to provide a sense of completeness for your reader


in the conclusion?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 43 Language - 7.D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4, D2.3, D2.4
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Use the checklist below to help proofread your work.


When proofreading a typed piece of work, it can be helpful
to print the draft and proofread on a hard copy.

Spelling
My words have correct spelling.

Punctuation
.,!?“”’

Ideas
My writing makes sense and includes many ideas.

Capitals
Sentences begin with a capital letter. Proper nouns have
capital letters, too.

Omitted Words
My sentences are not missing any words.

Indents
The first sentence of every paragraph has an indent.

Detail
My sentences include detail and descriptive explanations.

Organization
● My essay includes an introduction with a thesis
● There are body paragraphs
● There is a concluding paragraph that restates my thesis

References
Sources used for this essay are properly cited

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 44 Language - 7.D2.5, D2.6, D3.1, D3.2
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Proofread a partner’s essay and make comments below.

Proofread Check Comments

Spelling
Correct spelling

Punctuation
.,!?“”’

Ideas
The writing makes
sense.

Capitals
Sentence beginnings
and proper nouns

Omitted Words
Sentences are not
missing any words.

Detail
Sentences include
details and
explanations.

Elements
e.g. Introduction,
body, conclusion

Point of View
Report is written in
third person.

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 45 Language - 7.D2.5, D2.6, D3.1, D3.2
Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Think about what you learned in the expository essay writing unit. Answer
the questions below.

1. What is something I learned in this unit?

2. How did I learn about this?

3. How can I use what I learned?

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 46 Language - 7.D1.5, D3.3


Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________________

Topic:

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Content The essay is The essay has The essay is The essay has
lacking detail some detail and detailed and many details
and is difficult to is usually clear. makes sense. and makes
understand. sense.

Organization The essay is The essay The essay The essay


(Intro, thesis, at missing contains some contains most contains all
least 3 body elements. elements. elements. elements and is
paragraphs,
conclusion) properly
formatted.

Mechanics The essay has The essay has The essay has The essay is free
many spelling some spelling limited spelling of spelling and
and and and grammatical
grammatical grammatical grammatical errors.
errors. errors. errors.

Planning Planning sheets Some planning Planning sheets Planning sheets


are incomplete. sheets are not are completed are thoroughly
complete. completed.

Knowledge Student Student Student Student


and demonstrates a demonstrates a demonstrates a demonstrates
Understanding limited satisfactory good an excellent
understanding of understanding understanding understanding
essay writing of essay writing of essay writing of essay writing
techniques techniques techniques techniques

Comments:

© Teacher Resource Cabin - Expository Writing Unit 47

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