Assignment 1.6: Write it Up

2. Writing an Expository Essay

Writing an expository essay is a simple but important skill.  Being able to communicate a fact to another person is fundamental.

The Writing Process (click here to read a summary)

Introduction
There are five steps in the writing process. These are five tasks that must be done if you are to write at your best.

  • Prewriting: Brainstorming and Deciding on a Topic
  • Prewriting: Organizing and Outlining
  • First Draft: Decide on a Thesis Statement and Write
  • Revising: Editing and Proofreading
  • Final Draft

Prewriting

At this stage there is an emphasis on focusing your topic and selecting your content (what will be included in your writing). Writers plan and choose a topic by developing their idea. The audience (to whom the essay is aimed) is identified. Prewriting can take place in oral, pictorial, or written format. Time spent prewriting will produce a better first draft, and ultimately a better final draft.

  • Think about your topic.
  • Jot down words, phrases, and ideas.
  • Think about purpose, audience, and attitude.
  • Try mind mapping, lists, clustering, note-taking, patterns.
  • Organize and outline your ideas write a thesis statement.

First Draft
  • Write a thesis statement.
  • Write the first draft.

Final Draft
  • Proofread and edit.
  • Write the final draft.