Expository Unit Review

Expository writing is _____________.

• informational/factual text

• fictional/fake text

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Fictional means fake. Non-fiction means real. We have been writing non-fiction pieces with real information in this unit.

Which one is the BEST example of expository writing?

• a fictional novel

• a science textbook

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Pieces of writing that are considered to have real or nonfiction information are forms of expository writing.

What are the three parts of an expository essay?

• introduction, body, and conclusion

• counterclaim, conclusion, and body

• introduction, counterclaim, and body

• introduction, counterclaim, and conclusion

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Your introduction is your first paragraph overall, then you have THREE body paragraphs (paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 overall), and then your last paragraph is your conclusion (paragraph 5 overall).

The thesis statement should tell us what your essay will be about.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Your thesis should tell us the three main points of your essay.

Your thesis statement should be in your introduction paragraph.

• false

• true

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Not only does your thesis need to tell us the three main points of the essay, it also needs to be in your introduction (or at the beginning) so we know what to expect.

Which is the stronger thesis?

•  I would like to become a chef when I finish school.

•  Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, commitment, and artistry.

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Your thesis needs to state THREE main points.

In a five paragraph essay, how many key points or main ideas should be included in the thesis?

• 1

• 4

• 3

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: Your thesis should have THREE main points that say what three things you will be talking about in your THREE body paragraphs.

What is a main idea?

• the central (or main) point of a piece of writing

• the most interesting detail in a book

• the punctuation used in a paragraph

Answer explanation

REMEMBER: The main idea of a passage is what it is "mainly" about.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Juan loves to play games. His favorite game is chess because it requires a great deal of thought. Juan also likes to play less demanding board games that are based mostly on luck. He prefers Monopoly because it requires luck and skill. If he's alone, Juan likes to play action video games as long as they aren't too violent. 

• Juan dislikes violence

• Juan likes to think

• Juan enjoys playing games

Answer explanation

This paragraph talks about different games that Juan plays or likes. The main idea can be found in the first sentence!

What might the main idea be for these supporting details?

It starts to get dark earlier.

The leaves begin to change color.

Birds leave to move south for the winter.

• b. Halloween is my favorite holiday.

• c. There are signs that tell us fall is on the way.

• d. Raking leaves is an unnecessary task.

Answer explanation

All three supporting details talk about things that happen in the fall!