Writing Expository ParagraphsUsing the Paragraph Burger method for writing expository, non-

fiction, or informative paragraphs.

It’s Just a Formula!!!

• Riddle me this… what is the FORMULA for finding the area of a rectangle? L x W=Area

• Does that formula ever change?

• Nope!

• For expository paragraphs… there is also a FORMULA! Yay!

• In writing, a good formula = a clear organization of ideas and details.

• The formula, or organization goes like this:1. Topic Sentence2. Details: Define, describe, give

reasons or facts3. Details: Supporting evidence4. Details: Explain, expand, analyze5. Concluding Sentence

Expository, or informative, or non-fiction writing gets better and easier

when you…Prewrite and Plan

Draft, Revise, and Edit

Create a Final Copy, Proofread, and Share

Look at the burger. How would you describe it?

Now, compare this burger to the previous image. Consider similarities and differences of the two

images.

In order to help you create an informative, well-organized, and juicy paragraph, I recommend picturing the perfect burger…

Condiments = DETAILS

Toppings = DETAILS SUPPORTING EVIDENCE or EXAMPLE

Meat = DETAILS that explain, expand, and analyze

Bottom bun = CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Top Bun = TOPIC SENTENCE: The purpose of the sentence is to RESTATE the question or prompt and ANSWER the question. The purpose of the topic sentence is to ask the writer to decide:“What am I going to prove?”

“What am I going to explain?”

“What information will I share?”

Introduces reasons or facts that support the topic sentence by providing additional information about the topic or position: Additional DETAILS that describe, define, and inform the reader.

Draw from the text and use a direct quote or paraphrase information that SUPPORTS the answer (or position) and the topic.

• Explanation and analysis means that the writer needs to stop and explain.• Remember: No one can read your mind! But a reader can understand what you are

thinking if you:• Explain HOW the details (evidence or examples) support your answer or position.

• Explain WHY or WHAT: Why or What about your details are important to the topic?

• Answer the following question for your READER: “So what? Why is it important to understand this?

• Use synonyms and close with something that your readers will remember.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING:Expository writing is generally considered “Formal”. You want to try to write it in a way that you think would IMPRESS your parent, teacher or future teacher. Follow the suggestions below to help you achieve this.

• AVOID using, I, we, me, you, us, our

• AVOID using the same word over and over… use a thesaurus to help make your writing more sophisticated… bigger words, when used correctly, make you sound smarter!

• AVOID the following words NEVER belong in your paper: STUFF, THINGS, COOL, ANY

TEXTING ABBREVIATIONS (omg, lol, tmi, idk, etc.) • AVOID contractions (don’t, can’t, doesn’t, couldn’t, etc.) • AVOID giving your opinion unless the assignment specifically asks for it… STICK TO THE

FACTS • AVOID exclamation points (they do not belong in these papers) • AVOID making stuff up… make sure your paper is factual and that if I ask you where you

found a piece of information you can point to that fact in the book or another source

STANDARD FORMAT FOR HANDWRITTEN PARAGRAPHS AND PAPERS IN TEXAS HISTORY:

• Full heading in the top right hand corner of the paper

• A Title that summarizes the topic of the paragraph (in 4 words or less)

• Indented paragraphs (use the two finger method if necessary)

• NEAT, readable FINAL COPY handwriting (if I cannot read it, I cannot grade it)

STANDARD FORMAT FOR TYPED PARAGRAPHS AND PAPERS IN TEXAS HISTORY:

• Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial, size 12• Double-spaced• Indent your paragraphs (hit the tab key once before you start typing)• Your full heading should be in the top right and corner of the page• A TITLE that summarizes the topic of the paper (in 4 words or less)• Your heading and TITLE should be in the “header” of the paper. To

use the header, do the following:

– In Microsoft Word, go to “View” and select “Header and Footer”– Change the alignment to “Align Right” (either click the shortcut button in the bar at the top of the page or go to “Format” then

“Paragraph” and when the box pops up change the “Alignment” to right)– Type your full heading (Full name, TX History, class period and date)– Hit Enter– Change the alignment to center and type the Title of the paragraph/paper– Click “close” on the header and footer menu bar