Expository Essay

Some of the important characteristics of an Expository Essay are;

• Introduction= It needs a good Introduction that catches the readers attention and make him wanted to read more. Give definitions or explanations to help the reader understand.
  
• Thesis= An opinion of what the writers thinks about the topic. Giving facts, definitions and examples of the information.
• Third Person= Don't give personal opinions or personal experiences about the topic. Not proper to use I or me.
  

Most expository essays build on a similar structural pattern:

• Introduction (including the thesis statement)
• Supporting body paragraphs.
• Conclusion.
  

An expository essay also has 4 ways to develop it:

• Topic: This is the (What?). The text you will write it's about...

• Time Order: Is how chronological the topic its going to be. (first, second... few years ago, now...).

• Space Order: Giving the main information at the middle of the context.

• Informative Process: It is like "how to" of an essay or demonstration.

What is a Summary?

A summary is a short explanation of something you read. Is a completely different way to say the Main Idea and the important points of the reading. Is when you paraphrase and give more explanation about the facts without using your personal opinion. Keep it short and sweet. The summary should be just enough to cover the main points and not include too many details.

Strategy in Action

I used the strategy of highlighting my text to find answers for my questions. I did this in ESL and SPAN 131 class. By doing this I can go back and review the information. Is a good way to review for tests and to learn information by reading it again and again. I always highlight the most important things and try to remember things in my own words.

Strategies

• QICS: Is mostly used after you read something. Is very helpful to understand the reading. When you make Questions, have an Idea, make a good Connection and the reading gives you a Surprise.
  
• VIP/MVP: Is a good way to help you summarize the information you already read. You can pick some Very Important Points and later on find the Most Valuable Point. Is like the main idea of all and with this you can easily write a good summary.
• Text Guide: Reading guide of what to look for (definitions, examples, important people, explanations)
• Graphic Organizer: Visual representation of the parts of a concept.
• Language Starters: "What does the author mean by...?" "The author states on page 123 that... it makes me think of..." " Stress is defined as..." An example of the presences of stress could be..."-hedges...
• Building Background Knowledge: Using simpler readings (websites) before the academic reading.
• CLOZE Exercise: To highlight text structure, providing a source, and general to specific structure of academic texts.
• Stop-Look-Reflect - Blog it!: Stop to gather strategies and reflect on the 4W's and an H - put it in the blog...