Transcript Expository Writing Tutorial

TUTORIAL
Expository
Writing
Crews  WMC English
Expository Writing
Contents
Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.
Part 5.
Part 6.
Part 7.
Introduction to Expository Writing
Ideas & Content
Organization
Voice & Tone
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Contents of Expository Writing Tutorial correlate with the
English Writing Rubric found on website
2
Part 1.
Expository Writing
“Making an
Argument”
Expository Writing
The Writing Process
Most great writers are not hatched from eggs! Your
growth and development as a writer is a process.
DEVELOPMENT
Essay #4
Essay #3
Essay #2
Essay #1
TIME
4
Expository Writing
Making an Argument
Dictionary.com: expository
• of the nature of exposition; serving to expound, set
forth, or explain: an expository essay; expository
writing
• A statement or rhetorical discourse intended to give
information about or an explanation of difficult
material
• An act or example of exposing
5
Expository Writing
Writing Mantra
Dictionary.com: mantra
• a word or formula, as from the Veda (Hinduism),
chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer
6
Expository Writing
Essay Guidelines
• Include heading (name, teacher, class, date), title, and page
numbers (with last name top right)
• All text should be Double-spaced, size 12 Font (black)
• 1” margins around the page
• No more than three pages
• Indent new paragraphs, right justify text
7
Expository Writing
Resources
• MLA Citation:
(WMCHS.org  Library Media Center  Citations)
• Writing Handouts: (Assessment/ Rubric)
• This presentation: Expository Writing Tutorial
(WMRFH.org/dcrews  Writing Center)
• Synonyms, Antonyms, and Definitions:
(www.dictionary.com)
• Purdue University Online Writing Center:
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ )
8
Part 2.
Ideas & Content
Expository Writing
Review of the Writing Process
DEVELOPMENT
Essay #4
Essay #3
Essay #2
Essay #1
TIME
10
Expository Writing
The Nature of the Thesis Statement
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an entertaining play.
Shakespeare’s literary work is a story of love, which is
accentuated by images of magic and dreams.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream exhibits Shakespeare’s literary
brilliance. However, in order to truly appreciate the play as a
whole, one must experience the visual elements incorporated
in drama.
States an
opinion
“My paper is clear
and focused…”
Notice the Action Verbs!
Clarifies an
argument… ‘Why?’
11
Expository Writing
Supporting the Argument
Every detail provided in an expository piece should in
some way, shape, or form. . . support the argument.
“I rely on knowledge and experience and develop the topic in an
enlightening way that makes a point or tells a story. Every piece adds
something to the whole…”
Ezra Pound (ABC of Reading): “Any general statement is like a cheque
drawn on a bank. Its value depends on what is there to meet it.”
12
Expository Writing
Analysis in the Text
Richard attempts to personally address the challenges
associated with racism:
When alerting
yourareader
to “key
Culturally the Negro
represents
paradox:
Though he is
simply
put thoseby the entire
an organic part ofword
theanalysis,”
nation, he
is excluded
words
phrases (inculture.
quotes) .directly
tide and direction
of orAmerican
.The essence of
into your writing
the irony of the plight of the Negro in America, [according
to Richard], is that he is doomed to live in isolation while
those who condemn him seek the basest goals of any
people on the face of the earth (272-73).
Richard draws attention to the “plight of the Negro.” He
sees the paradoxical nature of a society that states all men
are created equal, yet “excludes” some from the “tide of
American culture.” This “isolation” causes Richard to find
himself through literature and language.
What “Ido
do you
a lot ofnotice?
showing and very little telling…”
13
Expository Writing
Almost Done…!
Your essay is complete… what next?
• Edit the Essay! (read aloud, etc.)
• Spellcheck!
14
Part 3.
Organization
Expository Writing
Organization of Thought
16
Expository Writing
Pre-writing and Planning
1. Read through assignment and expectations (find key
words and phrases to manage your expectations!)
2. Create an argument
3. Find support and evidence
4. Organize ideas Write a critique. . .
• Provide an argument; assert an opinion: answer the
5. Write!
question
Analysis: Find key words or
• Provide the ‘Why?’: link to the literature phrases and discuss their
significance
• Explore evidence to support the argument: link to the
literature
17
Expository Writing
Structure of an Introduction
1. Hook
A wise man once
said,anticipation)
a story is
creates
(General or universal, easy to understand,
In life, people often times will
the shortest distance between
face challenges [oppression].
2. Build-up to argument
the truth and the human heart.
(Good rule of thumb to reference title, author)
3. Argument
(See next slide)
4. Anticipation
#1
#2
#3
18
Expository Writing
Proper Organization
A Midsummer Night’s Dream exhibits Shakespeare’s literary
brilliance. However, in order to truly appreciate the play as a
whole, one must experience the visual elements incorporated in
drama. At three moments during the play this challenge
becomes a vivid reality: the opening scene, the artisans’ play in
the wood, and the finale at the Court of Athens.
“My details fit where they are
When organizing, choose
What would be aplaced;
logicalsequencing is logical and
a variable that means
sequencing for the
body
effective…”
something to the reader
paragraphs?
19
Expository Writing
“C+” Transitions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Therefore
To begin with
In addition to
Furthermore
However
As a result
Moreover
In contrast
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To compare to
Firstly
Secondly
Thirdly
Additionally
Fundamentally
Initially
In conclusion
20
Expository Writing
“Deep Structure” Transitions
• Connect an idea or concept
• Carry down a word or synonym
• Support the argument
How to Include: Simply underline the first and last line of
each paragraph. Examine whether you connect an idea,
carry down a word or synonym, or support the
argument.
21
Expository Writing
“Deep Structure” Transitions
The novel, Black Boy, exemplifies a young man who struggles
with finding himself. Richard’s developing sense of self
emerges once he finds an acceptable outlet for his strong
emotions. This release defines Richard’s artistic self—and the
catharsis of writing allows him to overcome racial and cultural
discrimination.
The greatest challenge Richard faces in his search for
identity is the rampant racism present in his childhood.
“Thoughtful deep structure transitions clearly
show how ideas connect…”
22
Expository Writing
Editing for “Deep Structure” Transitions
• Connect an idea or concept
• Carry down a word or synonym
• Support the argument
How to Edit: Simply underline the first and last line of
each paragraph.
Examine whether you connect an idea, carry down a word
or synonym, or support the argument.
23
Part 4.
Voice & Tone
Expository Writing
Voice & Tone
It has been said that in formal writing it is never
appropriate to address the audience (“you”) or the
writer (“I”)… but why?
• When you mention “I”, what does the reader begin to think
about…?
Is he tall, is she short?
• When you mention “you”,
what
the reader
beginshe
to have
think
Does
he does
have brown
hair; does
blonde hair?
about…?
What
planning
toisdo
today?
Does
hewas
like Idogs;
what
her
favorite color?
“I speak directly
tomany
the reader
an expressive
engaging
I wonder
if my with
friends
are
going
to
the
How
times
a week
does
he go
to
the
voice and am
sensitive
to
the
needs
of
the
audience;
mall this
weekend.
movies;
does
she like ice cream?
however, I do
not
use
the going
words
orthe
you…”
What
I getItoDad
for
his birthday?
Does
heshould
like
beach;
is she an
Wow, I have
a lot
of stuff to do this
outdoors
kind of
gal?
afternoon!
25
Expository Writing
Introducing the Quote
In a dozen words (or fewer) briefly explain the plot that
leads up to the quotation.
After Egeus refused to allow Lysander to marry his
daughter, Lysander exclaimed: “The course of true love
never did run smooth / But either it was different in blood—”
(I.1.136).
When introducing quotation into your writing. . .
1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a
“My writingclause
reflects a commitment to the
brief introductory phrase, or a dependent
topic and an effort to bring the topic to life…”
2.) Use a “:” [colon] after an independent clause
26
Expository Writing
Introducing a Passage
In a dozen words (or fewer) briefly explain the plot that
leads up to the quotation.
Richard attempts to personally address the challenges
associated with racism: “Culturally the Negro represents a
paradox: Though he is an organic part of the nation, he is
excluded by the entire tide and direction of American culture”
(272).
When introducing quotation into your writing. . .
1.) Use a “,” [comma] after a standard dialogue tag, a
brief introductory“My
phrase,
or reflects
a dependent
clause to the
writing
a commitment
topic
andan
anindependent
effort to bringclause
the topic to life…”
2.) Use a “:” [colon]
after
27
Expository Writing
Saying Things Without Saying Things
“This quote shows. . .”
“The author says. . .”
“The text explains . . .”
“The key words here. . .”
“The theme is. . .”
“My voice emerges on occasion, but then retreats
behind dispassionate language… I have done a great
deal of telling and very little showing…”
28
Part 5.
Word Choice
Expository Writing
Clarity in Writing
Think about an apple. . .
How many words can be used to
describe this piece of fruit?
30
Expository Writing
Clarity in Writing
Think about. . .
1. The idea being conveyed
2. The context of the writing
3. The audience
“I am sensitive to the needs of the audience... My words
are specific and accurate… Precise nouns and modifiers
create pictures in the minds of the audience. Striking
words and phrases catch the eyes of the audience and
linger in the minds of readers…
31
Expository Writing
Vague Verbs
is
have
Be –verb (used without object)
to exist or live: Shakespeare's “To be or not to be” is the
Have –verbultimate
(used with
object)
question.
“My verbs do not always
to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement <they have a new car>
to take place; happen; occur: The wedding was last week.
to hold in one's use, service, regard, or at capture
one's disposalthe
<theprecise
group will have
to
occupy
a
place
or
position:
The
book
is
on
the table.
enough tickets for everyone>
to continue
asused
before:
things be.
meaning…”
to feel obligation
in regardortoremain
-- usually
withLet
an infinitive
with to <we have
to
belong;
attend;
befall:
May
good
fortune
be with you.
things to do>
equalrelationship
in meaning
havethree
the fine
same
connotation as :
to stand in a to
certain
to :<has
children>
is love><these
<January
thethe
first
month>
to :
to acquire or SYMBOLIZE
get possession<God
of : OBTAIN
shoesisare
best
to be had>
RECEIVE <had
news>
: ACCEPT;
specifically
: to Iaccept
in marriage
have
identity
with <the
first person
met was
my brother>
to be markedtoorconstitute
characterized
(a quality,
attribute, or faculty) <both have red
the by
same
class as
hair>
to have a specified qualification or characterization <the
to experienceleaves
especially
by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering <I have a cold>
are green>
to make the effort
to
perform
(an action)
or engage
in (an
activity)
<have a:look
at
to have an objective
existence
: have
reality
or actuality
LIVE
that cut>
<I think, therefore I am>
to entertain in the mind <have an opinion>
to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
to cause or command to do something -- used with the infinitive without to <have
<the book is on the table>
the children stay>
toaremain
uninterrupted
-- used
cause to be in
certain untouched,
place or stateundisturbed,
<has people or
around
at all times>
only
in no
infinitive
ALLOW <we'll
have
more ofform
that><let him be>
to take
place
: OCCUR
<the concert was last night>
to be competent
in <has
only
a little French>
to hold in a position
of or
disadvantage
or certain
defeat
have him now>
to come
go <has already
been
and<we
gone>
Vague
Verbs!
to take advantage of : TRICK, FOOL <been had by a partner>
BEGET, BEAR <have a baby>
to partake of <have dinner>
BRIBE, SUBORN <can be had for a price>
32
Expository Writing
Action Verbs!
Something
anything
E.g. _____________
is _____________.
Create a simple sentence by adding
a noun and completing the predicate
Books
information
E.g. _____________
reveal _____________.
“My words are specific and accurate; it is easy to
understand what I mean. . . Lively verbs energize
my writing…”
33
Expository Writing
Editing for “Vague Verbs”
• To be (“is,” “are”)
• To have (“have,” “has”)
How to Edit: Simply box all uses of the verbs “to be”
or “to have”
Examine whether the verb is truly necessary or if
there is an action verb that could be used.
34
Expository Writing
Substitution for Common Vague Verbs
is/ are
has/ have
do
hurt
broadens
exhibits
exemplifies
expresses
informs
adjusts
distributes
enhances
mimics
possesses
acquires
completes
emulates
facilitates
instructs
bamboozles
devours
humiliates
ransacks
shatters
go (went)
look
say
show
bolts
crawls
flies
meanders
races
calculates
examines
glances
peers
stares
accepts
appraises
asserts
assigns
delegates
applies
displays
emphasizes
fosters
identifies
35
Part 6.
Sentence Fluency
Expository Writing
Sentence Fluency
See Dick run. See Jane run. See Dick and Jane
run. See Spot run. See Spot run with Dick and Jane.
Spot runs quickly. Spot runs faster than Dick and Jane.
This writing is lame. This writing is boring. There is
little variation to my sentence fluency.
37
Expository Writing
Sentence Fluency
As per the English Writing Assessment (rubric):
“Well-built sentences, with strong and varied structure, invite
expressive oral reading. My sentence structures are
grammatically correct and help make meaning clear.
Purposeful beginnings show how each sentence relates to and
builds upon the one before it. My sentences vary in length as
well as structure. Fragments, if used, add style. My dialogue
sounds natural.”
38
Expository Writing
The Eight Parts of Speech
PRONOUN
Represent nouns
NOUN
Person, place,
thing or idea
ADJECTIVE
Modifies nouns and
pronouns
The EIGHT
Parts of Speech
INTERJECTION
Expresses emotion or
serves a purpose
independent of the
sentence
VERB
Indicates action
ADVERB
Modifies verbs,
adjectives, and
other adverbs
CONJUNCTION
PREPOSITION
Indicates relationship
between words and phrases
Connects other words,
phrases, of clauses
39
Expository Writing
Noun Clauses
E.g. The burrito gave me heartburn.
What is a NOUN CLAUSE?
Find the nouns; find the verbs
Does it live at the North Pole?
Nouns
Verb
E.g. What I had for lunch gave me heartburn.
Find the nouns; find the verbs
Verb
Noun Clause
To find the subject, locate the verb—subjects
complete the action of the verb
40
Expository Writing
Noun Clauses – Dependent Signals
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Who
Whom
Whose
Whoever
Which
How
That if
Notice
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What
When
Whenever
Where
Wherever
Why
Whether
41
Expository Writing
Adjective Clauses
E.g. Purposeful students understand adjectives.
What is an ADJECTIVE CLAUSE?
Find the adjective(s)
Is it fat and
jolly and have a white beard?
Adjective
E.g. Students who are purposeful understand adjectives
Find the adjective clause
Adjective Clause
Adjectives and adjective clauses both
modify nouns and pronouns
42
Expository Writing
Adjective Clauses – Dependent Signals
•
•
•
•
•
Who
Whom
Whose
Which
That
Note: Some of the dependent signals for adjective
clauses are also dependent signals for noun clauses.
43
Expository Writing
Adverbial Clauses
E.g. English teachers are boring, and they need love.
What is an ADVERBIAL CLAUSE?
This is a perfectly correct sentence, but it doesn’t
Doestell
it bring
you presents
in December?
quite
us everything
we need
to know. . .
Because English teachers are boring, they need love.
Even though English teachers are boring, they need love.
English teachers need love after feeling boring.
English teachers need love while they are being boring.
44
Expository Writing
Adverbial Clauses
E.g. English teachers are boring, and they need love.
E.g. Even though English teachers are boring, they need
love.
Find the adverbial clause
Adverbial Clause
Adverbial clauses modify action and
various descriptions of action
45
Expository Writing
Adverbial Clauses – Dependent Signals
Adverbial clauses answer the following questions:
•
•
•
•
•
When?
Where?
Why?
To what degree?
Under what
circumstances?
46
Expository Writing
Editing for Sentence Fluency
How to Edit: Circle the first word of each sentence
How do you edit for dynamic
SENTENCE FLUENCY?
Examine whether sentence structures are similar,
redundant, or simple
“Sentences are not artfully crafted
but grammatical most of the time.
There is some variation to length and
structure. My sentence beginnings
sound familiar…”
“Well-built sentences with strong and
varied structure, invite expressive
oral reading. Purposeful beginnings
show how each sentence relates to
and builds upon the one before it…”
47
Expository Writing
Word Choice & Sentence Fluency
Great Writing is. . .
48
Expository Writing
Agreements and Tense
Common grammatical errors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sentence Fragment
Run-on Sentence
Verb-Subject Agreement
Pronoun-Subject Agreement
Pronoun-Pronoun Agreement
Shift in Verb Tense
“Sentences are choppy, incomplete, rambling or awkward. Phrasing
does not sound natural—the way someone might speak. . . My verbs
do not always capture the precise meaning, or sometimes shift
tense. . .It is difficult to sense the writer behind the words. . .”
49
Expository Writing
Errors in Sentence Structure
Sentence Fragment – A clause written as a sentence but lacking an element—as
a subject (noun or pronoun) or a predicate (verb) or a complete thought
E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird, addressing the importance of morality.
Run-on Sentence – A written sequence of two or more main clauses that are not
separated by a period or semicolon or joined by a conjunction
E.g. A person’s morality is important to living a life of happiness often times,
they may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.
50
Expository Writing
Errors in Agreement
Verb-Subject Agreement – The conjugation of the verb does not agree with the
case of the subject (noun, pronoun)
E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird address the importance of morality.
Pronoun-Subject Agreement – Pronouns used do not agree with the subject they
refer to (most common: Singular-Plural)
E.g. A person’s morality is important to living a life of happiness. Often times,
they may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.
Pronoun-Pronoun Agreement (Pronoun Shift) – Pronouns used do not agree
with the pronouns they refer to
E.g. Atticus is the moral figure in To Kill a Mockingbird. He always follows a
course of action that is good and they never waiver from this direction.
51
Expository Writing
Pronounus Significus
Personal – refers to a specific person or thing
E.g. she, his, them
Possessive – indicates ownership
E.g. This book is hers.
Reflexive – refers to subject
E.g. They psyched themselves up for the big game.
Intensive – adds emphasis to noun or pronoun
E.g. Jason himself asked Julie out.
Demonstrative – points out specific persons, places, things, or ideas
E.g. That is a good idea!
Interrogative – used to form questions
E.g. Which is your choice?
Indefinite – refer to nonspecific persons or things
E.g. one, many, both, anyone
52
Expository Writing
Editing for Agreement
How to Edit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Locate the conjugated verb of the predicate of each
independent clause.
Utilize the conjugated verb to find the subject (The subject
is the noun or pronoun that is the focus of the sentence or
clause and completes the action of the verb)
Locate any pronouns in the essay
Examine for Agreements & Proper Structure
53
Expository Writing
Verb Tense
Present – expresses a constant, repeated, habitual, or customary action or
condition; also expresses a general truth or action or condition that is
happening right now (used for expository essays)
E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the importance of morality.
Past – expresses an action or condition that was started and completed in the
past (used for discussions of history)
E.g. Old Tim chased the car until it turned the corner.
Future – expresses an action or condition that will occur at some point in the
future
E.g. Scout will not go to school today.
54
Expository Writing
Perfect Verb Tense
Present perfect – expresses an action or condition that occurred at some
indefinite time in the past or shows an action or condition that began in the
past and continues into the present.
E.g. She has heard this song.
Past perfect – indicates that one past action or condition began and ended
before another past action started
E.g. By the time I left, our team had scored twenty points.
Future perfect – indicates an action or condition that will be completed in the
future before another future action or condition occurs
E.g. Scout will have attended the first grade before moving on to second.
55
Expository Writing
Errors in Verb Tense
Present to Past – The conjugation of the verb shifts from a present tense form to
a past tense form (most common)
E.g. To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the importance of morality. The novel
gave many examples of individuals who lived with some sort of a value
system.
Past to Present – The conjugation of the verb unnecessarily shifts from past to
present tense form
E.g. Atticus’s morality was important to living a life of happiness. Often times,
people may not recognize their moral actions at work around them.
Students should refrain from unnecessary
shifts in verb tense!
56
Expository Writing
Editing for Proper Verb Tense
How to Edit:
1.
2.
Locate the conjugated verb of the predicate of each
independent clause.
Examine for shifts in Verb Tense
Note: Expository essays, commentaries, and critiques should be
written in the present tense (Typically, research papers and
historical discussions require past tense)
57
Expository Writing
Adding Dynamic Language
1. To Show a Time or Sequence
At the same time, Primarily, Originally, Previously, Sometime before, In the course of, Prior
to, In an instant, For a time, Immediately after, More than ever before
2. To Compare
In comparison, In like manner, Equally, Just the same, Closely related to, In similar fashion,
Equally important, Corresponding to, As well as
3. To Concede or Counter a Point
Conversely, In contrast, Nonetheless, Notwithstanding, A disparate view, In spite of, Whether
or not, Even though, Despite, Rather than, More importantly, The data suggests
4. To Show Cause, Effect, or Results
As a result, On account of, Consequently, Accordingly, Therefore, This implies, For this
reason, Inasmuch, This gives rise to, In all likelihood
58
Expository Writing
Adding Dynamic Language
5. Continuing a Thought
Furthermore, In addition to, Moreover, A supplement to, Another point, Let alone, In
conjunction with, Aside from, Beyond that, Additionally
6. To Emphasize a Point
Most importantly, The crucial, Obviously, Surprisingly, In fact, Undoubtedly, The prominent,
The critical point, The key element, Beyond question, Precisely
7. Summation
The result of, On the whole, Sooner or later, In any case, Eventually, In the long run
8. Expressing Emotion
Tragically, With hesitation, Surprisingly, Unfavorably, Unsuccessfully, Ominously
59
Part 7.
Conventions
Expository Writing
Citations as Evidence
Citations with one book:
“Call me Ishmael” (1).
Citations with two (or more) books:
“Call me Ishmael” (Melville 1).
Note: Never alter the citation. (?) and (!) should remain
inside the quotation marks.
61
Expository Writing
Other Citation Rules
Citing Shakespeare:
“The course of true love never did run smooth”
(1.1.134).
Citing Poetry:
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself / And what I
assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to
me as good belongs to you” (1-3).
Note: Never alter the citation. (?) and (!) should remain
inside the quotation marks.
62
Expository Writing
Writing out Contractions
Write out contractions:
• can’t
• won’t
• it’s
• he’ll
• would’ve
• they’re
• hasn’t
• should’ve
cannot
will not
it is
he will
would have
they are
has not
should have
Note: Never alter the citation. Mathematical/ Scientific
notations can be left in numeric form
63
Expository Writing
Writing out Numbers
Write out numbers two words (or fewer):
• 13
thirteen
• 20
twenty
• 32
thirty-two
• 100
one hundred
• 4,000
four thousand
• 10 E^n
one gazillion
• 130
130
Note: Never alter the citation. Mathematical/ Scientific
notations can be left in numeric form
64
Expository Writing
Writing Conventions
Underline the names of books, publications, radio and television
programs, films, artistic works, pamphlets, long poems,
operas, motion pictures, ships, plays, and sound recording
albums.
Book
Charts, graphs, maps
Long Poem
Magazine, Periodical
Motion Picture
Newspaper
Opera
To Kill a Mockingbird
Using Your Library
Paradise Lost
National Geographic
O Brother Where Art Thou
The New York Times
The Marriage of Figaro
Painting
Pamphlet
Play
Radio Program
Sound Recording
Television Program
Court Case
Into Bondage
Crisis
Romeo and Juliet
Mike and the Mad Dog
Brushfire Fairytales
Saved By the Bell
Brown vs the Board of Ed
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Expository Writing
Writing Conventions
Enclose in quotation marks the titles of short stories, essays, short
poems, songs, and magazine/ newspaper articles
Short Story
Essay
Short Poem
Song
Magazine Article
Newspaper Article
“The Man Who Was Almost a Man”
“A Room of One’s Own”
“My Father’s Laughter”
“Saint Louis Blues”
“What Makes a Leader?”
“America at War”
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Expository Writing
Altering a Passage
Remember “Never” alter a citation”? Is that always
true. . .?
• Block Quotations – a quotation that extends more than four
typed lines should be indented one inch from the left
margin—maintain double spacing
• Omitted Material – a quotation that omits verbiage should
be marked using an ellipsis (. . .)
• Added Material – a quotation that adds verbiage should be
marked using brackets ( [ ] )
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Expository Writing
Altering a Passage
Richard attempts to personally address the challenges
associated with racism:
Culturally the Negro represents a paradox: Though he is
an organic part of the nation, he is excluded by the entire
tide and direction of American culture. . .The essence of
the irony of the plight of the Negro in America, [according
to Richard], is that he is doomed to live in isolation while
those who condemn him seek the basest goals of any
people on the face of the earth (272-73).
Ellipsis
used
totext
omit(your
text to change
One
Line
aspect
indentation
not captured
here.
.Brackets
.all
used
No quotation
marks
Period from
remains
outside
the or
passage
writing
(one inch
as from
well as
margin)
the quoted
passage)
add
should
text: be
“to me” 
the citation
double spaced “according to Richard”
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Expository Writing
Word Choice & Sentence Fluency
Great Writing is. . .
69
Expository Writing
Resources
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab:
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/)
Congratulations! You have
completed the Mr. C’s English
Writing Tutorial. Good luck and
remember to edit!
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