“There is music in words, and it can be heard... by thinking.”
― E.L. Doctorow
― E.L. Doctorow
expository
the kind of writing that informs, describes, or explains
Example: The article we read in the newspaper about pollution in China was an expository article.
pre-writing
the writing plan you make BEFORE you write your essay
Example: Before we write our essays for the ERB, we will spend lots of time pre-writing to make sure we have the best ideas and a strong plan.
Supporting Details
information that helps make your main idea more clear
Example: In Mrs. Briseno's class, we learned to use supporting details in each paragraph. They're called FRIES: facts, reasons, incidents, examples, statistics, and sensory details.
Example: In Mrs. Briseno's class, we learned to use supporting details in each paragraph. They're called FRIES: facts, reasons, incidents, examples, statistics, and sensory details.
substitute
something (or someone) that takes the place of something (or someone) else
Example: When Mrs. Briseno isn't at school, we have a substitute teacher.
Example: When Mrs. Briseno isn't at school, we have a substitute teacher.
good lead
a way to begin your essay that grabs the reader's attention and makes him/her want to keep reading
Example: For expository writing, we have learned four good leads: 3-in-1 info shots, snapshots, strong questions, and a connection to the topic.
Example: For expository writing, we have learned four good leads: 3-in-1 info shots, snapshots, strong questions, and a connection to the topic.
persuade
to make someone think the way you do or agree with you about something
Example: Even though my mom said no the first time, I still tried to persuade her to let me go to the concert on a school night.
Example: Even though my mom said no the first time, I still tried to persuade her to let me go to the concert on a school night.
rubric
a guide that explains how a teacher will grade a test, paper, or project
Example: The people who score the ERB use a rubric with six categories and six possible points in each category.
Example: The people who score the ERB use a rubric with six categories and six possible points in each category.
devastating
awful, bad, harmful
Example: The attacks on American buildings, people, and planes was a devastating event for many people.
Example: The attacks on American buildings, people, and planes was a devastating event for many people.
pilcrow
a symbol that tells the writer where a new paragraph should be
Example: My essay didn't have any paragraphs, so my teacher put several pilcrows to show me where paragraphs should be.
Example: My essay didn't have any paragraphs, so my teacher put several pilcrows to show me where paragraphs should be.
ban
to say that something is not allowed
Example: Some schools in America have banned soft drinks like Coca-Cola because they contain too much sugar.
Example: Some schools in America have banned soft drinks like Coca-Cola because they contain too much sugar.
infer
taking what you already know (your schema), adding the clues/evidence and making a thoughtful guess (an inference)
Example: Based on the clues she gave us, we could infer that Mrs. Briseño is pregnant.
Example: Based on the clues she gave us, we could infer that Mrs. Briseño is pregnant.
predict
to make a guess about what might happen
Example: The class predicted that the problem in the movie Super 8 was an alien and they were right!
equality
to be treated the same way as everyone else
Example: In America, in the 1950s and 1960s, people fought so that black people could have equality with white people.
Example: In America, in the 1950s and 1960s, people fought so that black people could have equality with white people.
value
to treat something with importance or to think of something highly
Example: In Mrs. Briseño's class, hard work, kindness, and honesty are valued highly.
Example: In Mrs. Briseño's class, hard work, kindness, and honesty are valued highly.
chivalry
the code of the knights that valued
bravery, courtesy, honor, and politeness towards women
Example: A long time ago, knights were the ones who showed chivalry to women; today, there are still gentlemen who still show this kind of respect and honor to women.
bravery, courtesy, honor, and politeness towards women
Example: A long time ago, knights were the ones who showed chivalry to women; today, there are still gentlemen who still show this kind of respect and honor to women.