STAAR E

XPOSIT

ORY ESSAY

26

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EXPOSITORY = EXPLAIN

This prompt will ask you to explain something

Your essay should have:• A clear thesis sentence (not the “mad-lib”

– this is not literary analysis). Restating the prompt is sufficient.

• Supporting details• Clear organization (thesis sentence, 2 body

¶’s, concluding sentence)• Effectively developed ideas

ESSAY STRUCTURE

Four total paragraphs (indent paragraphs a “finger space”)

• Introduction (keep it brief, and end with your thesis!)

• Body Paragraph #1 (personal example in support of thesis)

• Body Paragraph #2 (current event/historical example in support of thesis)

• Conclusion (1-2 sentences to bring your essay to a close)

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER• You MAY use first-person since you will be using a

personal example.

• HOWEVER, do not use phrases like “I think” or “I believe.”

• DO NOT use “you.”

• DO NOT make your personal example into story; you’re simply referencing something in your own experience to support your thesis.

• DO NOT make up your personal example.

• DO NOT write outside the box – 26 lines. Don’t add more.

SAMPLE PROMPT: