Expository Writing Skills
- 格式:docx
- 大小:17.37 KB
- 文档页数:3
Unit 8 Expository Writing 11. Teaching objectives:In this unit, we’re going to:A) Understand the basic principles of writing an example / illustration essay;B) Learn to analyze a sample example / illustration essay;C) Practice writing an example / illustration essay;D) Learn to use appropriate transitions in the example / illustration essay;E) Learn to improve revision skills.2. Definition of expository writingThe expository writing is written to explain and inform. There are a variety of ways to organize an expository essay, depending on your purpose. The most common strategies include development by example, definition, comparison and contrast, division and classification, process analysis, and casual analysis.3. Principles of narrative writingPrinciplesIn this unit, we will focus on the example / illustration essay. This type of expository writing involves using examples to support your general statement or explain your idea:●You may use relevant facts,statistics,personal experiences,incidents, orstoriesto explain, illustrate, or support the point in your essay.●The number of examples you use in an example essay depends onthe topic of your writing:1.In some cases, you may find that a series of short examples fityour purpose, illustrating clearly the idea you are presenting toyour reader;2.You may decide that two or three examples, explained in some detail,provide the best support for your topic; or3.You may also find that in some cases, one long, detailed exampleis more useful than several shorter ones.●To make the flow of thoughts smooth, you may use two ways toconnect the paragraphs:1. Use transitional expressions;2. Use repetition of key words and phrases.4. Task 1 Read to learn about writingSample A Out-of-Class Activities1)Sample ARead the followi ng essay about college students’ out-of-class activities, and●find the thesis statement, four examples and the conclusion;●pay attention to how the writer uses the four examples to support a point;●study the structural elements that hold the essay together.2)Learn the usage of time transitions:Usage:“First” is used before saying the first of several things you want to say, and you may also say “firstly”, “first of all”in this situation.“Finally” is used to introduce the last in a series of things, and you may also say “lastly”. People use “last but not least” to mention the last person or thing in a list and to emphasize that they are still very important.“In general” is used when considering the whol e of someone or sth., and not just a particular part of them. You may also say “to sum up”, “in a word”, etc.PracticeFill in the blanks to show that you understand the structural elements of the essay.Sample B Chinese American Students’ Association a t Yale University1)Answer the questions on content and structure2)Language pointsbe / get involved in:take part in an activity or event, or be connected with it in some way 参与,与……相关联e.g. I don’t want to get involved in some lengthyargument about who is to blame.upperclassman n.(AME) a student in the last two years of a school or university 高年级生e.g. On the first day when we came to this city, the upperclassman met us in the train station with warm-hearted welcome.entertaining a.interesting and amusing 有趣的;使人愉快的e.g. I found the talk both informative and entertaining.look forward to:anticipate sth. with pleasure 欣然期待e.g. We’re so much looking forward to a trip to the theatre.Task 2 Enlarge your vocabularyExercise AImprove your skill of using transitions in the example / illustration essay through the following exercise —Translate the phrases from Chinese into English:In the first developmental paragraph以此大学为例。
KeysUnit 5Part I Pre-readingSection B Listening Practice1. adventures2. passport3. adjustment4. alternative5. destinations6. confusingPart II Active Reading: Cultural ConflictsTask One1. C2. B3. D4. B5. CPart III Language FocusTask One1. roar2. prominent3. recoiled4. loomed5. insane6. boost7. outrages8. trigger9. alternately 10. switchTask Two1. I would bet all I have that he learned his lesson about gambling.2. She was indignant that her voice was neglected in work.3. Hopefully, I could switch myself from the legal profession to the business side of things.4. The majority of the local residents are still struggling to be compliant with environmental regulations.5. The public accuse the retail giant of exploiting its workers and discriminating against female employees.6. In winter, we slithered down the slope covered with snow.Part IV Chinese & Foreign Culture IntroductionTask OneDragons are commonly used as auspicious sign; it is one of the most typical of the Chinese nation’s traditional culture. Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, so the Chinese often consider themselves as "the descendants of the dragon". In Chinese culture, dragons are generous and wise. They are closely connected with the ancient royal family. Dragon culture also exists in the Western world. However, dragons have different reputation in western culture. The Western dragons are evil animals from hell. They usually have wings and can send out fire from their mouths.Task Two不同文化对私人空间和身体接触有不同的期望。
高中英语说明文高阶思维Developing High-Level Thinking Skills in High School English Expository WritingThe ability to think critically and engage in high-level cognitive processes is a crucial skill for students to cultivate, particularly in the context of high school English expository writing. Expository writing, which aims to inform, explain, or describe, provides an ideal platform for students to hone their analytical and problem-solving abilities. By focusing on the development of high-order thinking skills, students can not only improve their writing proficiency but also prepare themselves for the academic and professional challenges they will face in the future.One key aspect of high-level thinking in expository writing is the ability to analyze complex ideas and concepts. This involves breaking down information into its constituent parts, identifying relationships and patterns, and drawing logical conclusions. For example, in an expository essay on a literary work, students might analyze the author's use of symbolism, the thematic development, or the narrative structure. By delving deeply into the nuances of the text, students demonstrate their capacity for critical analysis and theirability to synthesize information into a coherent and insightful argument.Another important component of high-level thinking in expository writing is the capacity for problem-solving. This can involve identifying and addressing potential counterarguments, anticipating and addressing potential objections, or proposing innovative solutions to complex issues. For instance, in an expository essay on a social or political topic, students might explore the underlying causes of a problem, evaluate the effectiveness of proposed solutions, and then offer their own recommendations for addressing the issue. By engaging in this type of problem-solving, students not only demonstrate their understanding of the topic but also their ability to think creatively and strategically.Furthermore, high-level thinking in expository writing requires the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and to draw connections between disparate ideas. This might involve comparing and contrasting different perspectives on a topic, identifying common themes or patterns across a range of sources, or integrating research findings into a cohesive and well-supported argument. By demonstrating their capacity for synthesis and integration, students showcase their ability to think holistically and to engage in higher-order cognitive processes.In addition to these analytical and problem-solving skills, high-level thinking in expository writing also involves the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. This requires students to organize their thoughts logically, to use precise and nuanced language, and to present their ideas in a way that is accessible to their intended audience. By honing these communication skills, students not only improve their writing proficiency but also develop the ability to convey their ideas persuasively and with a high degree of sophistication.To cultivate high-level thinking skills in high school English expository writing, educators can employ a variety of instructional strategies. These might include the use of scaffolding techniques, such as providing detailed rubrics or modeling effective expository writing, as well as the incorporation of active learning strategies, such as group discussions, peer review, and guided research. Additionally, educators can encourage students to engage in self-reflection and metacognition, prompting them to think critically about their own thought processes and to identify areas for improvement.By emphasizing the development of high-level thinking skills in high school English expository writing, educators can equip students with the cognitive tools they need to succeed not only in their academic pursuits but also in their future careers and personal lives. Throughthe cultivation of critical analysis, problem-solving, synthesis, and effective communication, students can become confident and capable thinkers who are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.。
英语作文的种类The Types of English Writing。
English writing comes in various forms, each serving a different purpose and requiring a different set of skills. In this article, we will explore the different types of English writing and their characteristics.1. Descriptive Writing。
Descriptive writing is used to create a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. It focuses on the details and uses sensory language to bring the subject to life. Descriptive writing is often used in creative writing, such as fiction and poetry, as well as in personal essays and travel writing.2. Narrative Writing。
Narrative writing tells a story and typically follows achronological sequence of events. It can be fiction or non-fiction and is often used in novels, short stories, memoirs, and autobiographies. Narrative writing requires a strong plot, well-developed characters, and a clear structure.3. Expository Writing。
五年级下册期中最容易考的英语作文全文共6篇示例,供读者参考篇1My Life as a Fifth GraderBeing in the 5th grade is a really exciting time! We get to learn so many new and interesting things. This year has been full of challenges, but also a lot of fun moments with my classmates and teachers.One of the classes I enjoy the most is science. We've been learning all about the different states of matter - solids, liquids and gases. It's been really cool to do experiments and see how materials can change from one state to another by heating or cooling them. Just last week, we made little boats out of aluminum foil and then heated the foil over a candle to see the solid turn into a liquid. It was amazing to watch the solid metal quickly melt into a puddle of shiny liquid!In our study of matter, we also learned about the water cycle and the different stages it goes through - evaporation, condensation, precipitation. I remember our teacher brought in a glass bowl filled with ice to represent water vapor condensinginto clouds. As the ice melted, you could see the "cloud" form and little droplets of water start to drip down the sides of the bowl, just like rain. Thinking about how water constantly moves through this cycle on Earth in different forms is prettymind-blowing when you really stop to consider it.Another topic we've covered in science is the planets in our solar system. I found it so interesting learning the characteristics and order of each planet from the sun. My favorite planet is Saturn because of its bright, beautiful rings. For our project, I made a model of Saturn out of a styrofoam ball spray painted with orange paint for the planet, and I glued pieces of black construction paper cut into rings around the middle. I'm really proud of how it turned out!In math, we've been practicing long division, which is challenging but I'm getting better at it every day with more practice. We've also learned about fractions - what they are, how to represent them, and how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. Sometimes visualizing the fractions as slices of a pie or parts of a whole object makes it easier to understand the concepts. Our teacher had us work in groups to make fraction kits out of construction paper where we couldphysically show and combine different fractions. It really helped to have those visuals.Reading and writing have been my favorite subjects this year. We just finished a really fun novel called "The BFG" by Roald Dahl. It's about a young orphan girl who gets carried away by a big friendly giant and they have all these whimsical adventures together. The giant speaks in these hilarious mixed-up phrases, like calling the queen a "residencelittle" instead of a little residence. I loved using my imagination to picture the story's crazy scenarios and descriptions of giant land. For our final project, we had to write a sequel continuing the story after the ending of the book. I decided the BFG would return to give the girl another magical experience whisking her off to meet alien lifeforms on a distant planet!In addition to reading fiction, we've analyzed different types of nonfiction texts too, like biographies, newspaper articles, and persuasive essays. Our teacher taught us strategies for finding the main ideas, recognizing facts vs opinions, and identifying the author's purpose for writing. We've also worked on our own expository writing skills by researching topics and creating multi-paragraph reports with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.Another big part of 5th grade has been our social studies lessons about U.S. history and geography. It's been really interesting tracing how America was first explored, settled, and formed as a new nation over time. We've learned about early civilizations like the Native Americans and the colonial settlers. We've also studied influential figures and events from the American Revolution, such as Paul Revere, the Boston Tea Party, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. My favorite activity was creating a shoebox diorama depicting life in a colonial settlement, complete with paper doll figurines representing daily colonial activities and jobs.In geography, we've focused on understanding maps, map keys, and the features that make up different environments, climates, and regions around the world. Using atlases and online resources, we've identified the locations of continents, countries, major cities, landforms, and bodies of water. It really puts into perspective how big and diverse our planet is. Our class even had a friendly competition to see who could identify the most countries on a blank world map - I was able to get 112 correct!Fifth grade has definitely kept me busy, but I've worked hard and feel like I've grown so much as a student over the course of the year. Staying organized with my binder, taking good notes,and reviewing materials at home have been important to my success. Of course, having supportive teachers and parents who encourage me has made a big difference too.I'm excited to continue learning and taking on new challenges as I prepare to move up to middle school soon. While the work will get harder, I feel prepared to take it on after the solid foundation I've built in 5th grade. Looking back on this school year, I've truly developed a love for learning across so many subjects. I know the knowledge and skills I've gained will benefit me for many years to come as I continue my educational journey. Being a 5th grader has been an incredibly rewarding experience!篇2My Favorite HolidayHolidays are always something to look forward to as a kid. They mean no school, sleeping in late, and lots of fun activities. While I enjoy all holidays, my absolute favorite has to be Christmas. It's a magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, delicious treats, and the excitement of opening presents.One of the things I love most about Christmas is all the beautiful decorations that go up around town and in people'shomes. Our neighborhood looks like a winter wonderland, with bright colorful lights adorning houses and lawns covered in fake snow. Every year, my family has a tradition of going to look at the most extravagantly decorated houses. We drive around different neighborhoods, sipping hot chocolate and admiring the dazzling light displays. Some people go all out, with giant inflatable characters, synchronized music and light shows, and animatronic figures. It's amazing how much work they put into making their homes look so festive.Another highlight of the Christmas season is all the delicious food. My mom spends weeks baking dozens and dozens of cookies - sugar, chocolate chip, peanut butter, you name it. The heavenly smells wafting from the kitchen are almost too much to resist. We're not allowed to sample too many before Christmas, but I always manage to sneak a few here and there. Christmas dinner is also a huge production, with a enormous turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and more. I stuff myself until I can barely move.Even after all the gifts are opened, the fun continues throughout the entire Christmas break. We have time off from school to just relax, play with our new toys, and spend time together as a family. We watch cheesy Christmas movies, buildgingerbread houses, have snowball fights if it snows, and just enjoy being kids. By the time vacation is over and we have to go back to school, I'm already counting down the days until next Christmas.Christmas is just such a joyous and magical time of year. From the twinkling lights and decorations to the delicious treats and cherished family traditions, it has a special meaning that no other holiday can match. TheChildLike wonder, excitement over presents, and just overall merriment in the air makes the Christmas season my absolute favorite time of the year. I look forward to it for months, and I know I'll always cherish the happy Christmas memories I've made over the years with my loved ones. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.篇3My Life as a Fifth GraderBeing in 5th grade is really exciting! It's the last year of elementary school before moving on to middle school. A lot has changed since I was a little kid just starting school. I've grown up so much and learned many new things over the years.One of the biggest changes from when I was younger is that school has gotten much harder. The coursework, tests, andhomework assignments are way more challenging now compared to a few years ago. Math in particular has become really difficult - we're learning about fractions, decimals, and other concepts that make my head spin sometimes. I have to study and practice a lot more than I used to.English class has evolved too. Instead of just reading simple stories, we now analyze literature in-depth. We discuss the themes, write essays, and really dive into what the author was trying to convey. I enjoy reading the novels and poems, but I don't always understand the "deeper meanings" my teacher talks about. I preferred when we just read for fun without having to over-analyze everything.Science has also ramped up, covering more complex topics like the solar system, physics concepts, and biology. We even get to do experiments in the classroom sometimes, which is awesome! I loved the experiment where we built simple machines using levers and pulleys. Hands-on activities like that really help me understand the concepts better.Despite all the academic challenges, I'm still finding ways to have fun in 5th grade. Recess and gym class provide great opportunities to run around and get some exercise after sitting through long lessons. I love playing sports like basketball andsoccer with my friends. The running, jumping, and competitive games never get old.Spending time with my friends is one of the best parts of being in 5th grade. We've all grown up together and have been classmates for years now. We really know each other well and share so many hilarious inside jokes. During breaks and after school, we laugh hysterically about random things that probably wouldn't seem that funny to anyone else. Friendships are so important and meaningful at this age.Another highlight is getting to go on 5th grade field trips. So far this year, we've visited a science museum, gone on a hiking trip, and toured our city's state capitol building. Field trips make learning come alive in ways that just sitting in a classroom can't match. They allow us to experience things firsthand and create vivid memories. I'm really looking forward to our upcoming trip to a local college campus to get an early glimpse of university life.There's also the heightened pressure of knowing that middle school is right around the corner. Where I got into middle school and my grades will impact my future opportunities in significant ways. I've been mentally preparing myself for that major transition to a larger school with higher academic standards.Despite the increasing responsibilities and rigor, 5th grade has been an overall positive experience so far. I've accomplished a lot this year academically while still finding ways to enjoy my childhood. Juggling schoolwork and fun activities has helped me mature and get ready for whatever middle school has in store. These are such formative years in terms of personal growth and shaping who I'll become.I have so many amazing memories from all my years of elementary school. Looking back, I can see how much I've evolved as a student and individual since those early days. While I'll miss elementary school, I'm also eager to start an exciting new chapter in middle school. I know 5th grade is just the latest step in my ongoing educational journey. Here's to embracing all the challenges and joys that still lie ahead!篇4My Favorite HolidayThe holiday I look forward to the most every year is Christmas. I love everything about it - the decorations, the treats, getting to spend time with family, and of course, the presents! Christmas is such a magical and exciting time of year.For me, the best part is all the fun decorations. My family goes all out decorating our house for Christmas. We have strings of colorful lights outlining the roof and windows. Giant inflatable characters like Santa, snowmen, and reindeer adorn our front yard. Inside, we have a huge tree that takes up a whole corner of the living room. It's always a fun family tradition to get the tree and decorate it together with ornaments we've collected over the years.My favorite ornaments are the ones I made in school when I was little - those popsicle stick picture frames with my photo inside and the pipe cleaner candy canes covered in glitter and beads. I also love the ornaments that play music or light up. My mom has to keep me from playing with those ones too much before Christmas! The tree is surrounded by a miniature village with little houses, shops, trees, and even a train that moves around the tracks. Tinsel and garlands are strung along the stair railings. We even have a wreath on the front door. Our house looks so festive and cheerful for the holidays.Another exciting part of Christmas is all the delicious treats. My mom spends weeks baking dozens and dozens of cookies - sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles, peanut butter cookies with the criss-cross pattern on top, jam thumbprints, chocolatecrinkles, gingerbread men. The whole house smells incredible! We also make fudge, toffee, chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit, and all sorts of other candies and sweets. I'm not allowed to eat too many before Christmas, but I definitely sneak a few here and there.On Christmas Eve, we go over to my grandparents' house for a big family dinner with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We have a huge feast with a honey-baked ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, rolls, and several pies for dessert - pumpkin, pecan, and apple. While the grown-ups are visiting, all us kids get to play together and show off our new toys from Santa. After dinner, we go to church for a special candlelight service. It's so pretty with just the soft glow from all the candles. We sing classic Christmas carols and celebrate the real meaning of the holiday.When we get back home, my brother and I can finally open one present each - new pajamas that we have to put on right away. Our parents insist we wear them so we'll match in the morning's present opening photos. As if we're not already excited enough for Santa's arrival! We set out milk and cookies for Santa, as well as some carrots and sugar cubes for thereindeer. No matter how old I get, I still get a thrill seeing the snacks gone the next morning, knowing Santa really came.I try so hard to fall asleep quickly on Christmas Eve, but I'm just too amped up with anticipation. I toss and turn and listen closely for reindeer hooves on the roof. I finally do manage to fall into a restless sleep, filled with dreams of dolls, video games, art supplies, and mountainous piles of presents. When I was really little, I used to wake up before dawn to go shake all the presents under the tree. My parents quickly put a stop to that, making us wait until they woke up. Those minutes feel like hours as we sit impatiently waiting for them to get out of bed so we can finally rush into the living room and see what Santa brought.The chaos of Christmas morning is honestly my favorite part. Wrapping paper gets flung everywhere as we tear through gift after gift. My parents make us slow down and take turns so we can see what each person got. I always try to be good and wait my turn, but my little brother has no patience. He just keeps ripping into present after present, not even looking at what each one is. I love seeing the huge stack of gifts slowly diminish until there's just a mountain of crumpled paper left on the floor.No matter how many years pass, I never get tired of the excitement and magic of Christmas morning. Seeing my parents'smiling faces as they watch my brother and I is the best gift of all. Once we've made our way through everything under the tree, we take a break to go have a special Christmas breakfast with cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, and egg casserole. Then it's pretty much just a lounging day - playing with all our new toys, watching Christmas movies in our pajamas, snacking on cookies and candy篇5My Favorite HolidayHolidays are the best! They're the times when we get to take a break from school and just have fun. My favorite holiday of all is Christmas. I love everything about it – the decorations, the food, the presents, and spending time with my family.The countdown to Christmas starts right after Thanksgiving. That's when my mom starts decorating the house. She puts up the Christmas tree and decorates it with all sorts of ornaments and lights. Some of the ornaments are really old and have been in our family for years. My favorite is a little Santa Claus that my grandpa made out of wood when he was a kid.My mom also puts up other decorations around the house, like strings of lights, wreaths, and little figurines of Santa,reindeer, and snowmen. She even decorates the outside of our house with lights! Sometimes my dad gets mad because the electric bill goes up from all the lights, but I think it's totally worth it. Our house looks so cheerful and bright.Another thing I love about Christmas is all the delicious food.A few weeks before Christmas, my mom starts baking tons of cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. The house always smells amazing! She makes my favorite – chocolate chip cookies.I sneak a few every time she makes a new batch.On Christmas Eve, we have a big feast with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We have turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and so many other yummy dishes. My aunt makes the best sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top. It's hard not to eat too much!After dinner, we all gather around the Christmas tree and open presents. This is definitely the most exciting part! I love seeing all the brightly wrapped boxes under the tree and trying to guess what's inside each one. Sometimes my parents give me hints, but mostly it's a surprise.I always try to be really good in the weeks leading up to Christmas so that Santa will bring me lots of great presents. Last year, I got a new bike, some video games, books, and lots ofother cool stuff. This year, I'm hoping for a new skateboard and maybe a virtual reality headset.Even though getting presents is awesome, my favorite part of Christmas is just being with my family. We don't get to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins very often since they live far away. But on Christmas, we're all together laughing, talking, eating, and having a great time. Those are the moments I cherish the most.After all the presents are opened, we usually watch a classic Christmas movie together, like "Home Alone" or "Elf." Then we stuff ourselves with more cookies and hot chocolate before finally going to bed, exhausted but happy.Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. From the decorations and food to the presents and family time, it's a magical season filled with joy and happiness. I look forward to it all year long. In fact, I've already started making my Christmas list for next year!篇6My Summer VacationThis past summer was the best vacation ever! I had so much fun and did so many cool things. I can't wait to tell you all about it.The summer started off with a bang when my parents surprised me and my little brother Alex by telling us we were going to Disney World! I had been begging to go for years, so I was really excited. We spent a whole week in Orlando visiting all the different Disney parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.My favorite was definitely Magic Kingdom. Walking down Main Street and seeing Cinderella's Castle at the end was like a dream come true. We went on all the classic rides like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and it's a small world. I loved Living with the Land at Epcot too where you get to see how they grow fruits and vegetables with futuristic farming techniques.The highlights though were definitely meeting all the Disney characters. I got my picture taken with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and so many more. Cinderella and Belle were so beautiful and nice. We even got to have dinner with the Disney Princesses one night at Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant inside the castle. It was magical!After Disney, we drove down to the Florida Keys to go snorkeling. I had never been snorkeling before so I was a little nervous at first. But our guide helped me get comfortable with the gear and then we got to swim out over the most amazing coral reefs full of tropical fish. It was like being in an aquarium, but better because it was all real! We saw parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish like Nemo, and even a sea turtle. The water was so clear and the fish were every color of the rainbow. It's an experience I'll never forget.My dad is really into history, so we spent a few days in St. Augustine which is one of the oldest cities in the United States dating back to 1565. We toured the old Spanish fort called Castillo de San Marcos and walked around the historic downtown area with its cute shops and restaurants. I actually thought it was really interesting learning about how St. Augustine was founded by Spanish explorers and settlers.On the way home, we stopped in Savannah, Georgia for a couple of days. Savannah has these beautiful town squares shaded by giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss. We went on a tour to learn about the history and got to see homes where things from books like Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil took place. Savannah has so much characterand we loved walking along the riverside area and visiting the old forts and museums.We finished off the summer by going camping for a long weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hiked a couple of trails and saw some incredible views from the tops of the mountains. My favorite part was our evening by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and looking up at the countless stars you can see with no city lights around. We even saw a couple of shooting stars which was amazing.So that was my summer in a nutshell - Disney World, snorkeling, historical sights, the beach, camping, and so much more packed into just a couple of months. I made so many wonderful memories that I'll never forget. Even though I'm really sad summer is over and I had to come back to school, I'm glad I got to have these incredible experiences with my family. Maybe next summer we can take a trip out West to see the national parks there. Either way, I already can't wait for summer 2025!。
英语作文范文10 Ways to Develop Expository WritingSkills With The New York Times10 Ways to Develop Expository Writing Skills With The New York Times Have you been knocking your head against the proverbial wall trying to teach – or learn –expository writing skills? New York Times models can help writers learn how to write an expository essay that is compelling, convincing and authoritative as well as engaging to read – not to mention authentic. Try a fresh approach with these 10 tips.1. Ditch the five-paragraph essay and embrace authentic essay structure. New York Times news and feature articles are excellent models for structure, including transitions and organization. Look at the guide to forms of Times news coverage to get started, and then deconstruct some articles to get a feel for how they are organized.Classic news stories like this one about conflicts over rebuilding ground zero and this one on how the case of the Russian spies is being resolved are written in the “inverted pyramid” format, starting with the most important information – the first paragraph or two answers the questions “Who?”“What?”“Where?”“When?” Why?” and “How?”– and proceeding with the most important details, filling in the less important information as the article proceeds. This can be a useful structure for, say, newspaper articles based on the events in a play or novel, or relatively short research reports.Feature stories pull the reader in with an engaging introduction and develop from there to explain a topic, issue or trend. Examples of this structure: this article on gauging the national mood by tracking popular songs, blog posts and the like, and Rob Walker’s “Consumed”column on the blankets-with-sleeves fad.A sub-genre of the feature, the personality profile, is also a useful expository writing model, as we discuss in ourlesson on Dickens, which suggests using a profile of Bernie Madoff as a model for writing a literary character profile, and this lesson on the literature Nobelist Naguib Mahfouz.To take the idea of using newspaper story structures further, try this lesson on comparing classic storylines with news reports.2. Two traditional essay writing bugaboos are introductions and conclusions (or “ledes” and “kickers”). The Times is full of creative ways to open and end a narrative, and these can help developing writers learn to avoid clichéd openings and repetitive endings. Here are some of the approaches Times writers take to begin and end their stories, together with examples of each one:Narrative lede: Telling a story that illustrates or encapsulates the issue at hand, like this story about the dangers associated with riding in a taxi when the cabby is using a phone, this one about fans paying homage to Michael Jackson and Natalie Angier’s science piece on squirrelsDescriptive lede: Describing an element that is key tothe story, like this description of a high-end coffee machine in a feature on the topic of fancy coffee makersQuestion lede: posing a rhetorical question that leads directly into the rest of the essay, like this article about popular baby namesFrame: Bringing the essay full circle by starting and ending with elements of the same story, like this article on Cuban doctors unable to practice in the U.S.Quote kicker: Ending with a quote that sums up the essence of the essay, like this one on raising chickens Future action kicker: Ending with a look toward what may or will happen in the future, as in this article on fake art in VietnamLooking for more inspiration? Read John Noble Wilford’s retrospective article about covering the 1969 moon landing, focusing on the section “Moonfall Eve,” in which he recounts trying to figure out how to start his article. The upshot: Simple is often best.3. Informing and explaining – how things work or how to do something – is part of journalism’s bread and butter. Good Times models for information/explanation essaysinclude articles on how dark energy works, why and how Twitter can be useful, how to make a soufflé and how to avoid heatstroke. To find more examples, good starting places are the recipes in the Dining section, the Science and Health sections, and many Technology section features, including posts on Gadgetwise and Pogue’s Posts.One specific type of explanation essay is analysis –an examination of why and how an issue is significant. If you’re looking for good models, The Times runs many pieces under the rubric “news analysis,” such as this article on the significance of steroid use in baseball and this one on President Obama’s remarks on the arrest of Henry Louis Gates. Read these, or other articles marked “news analysis,” and then try writing your own analysis of an event – perhaps something that happened at school, or perhaps something that happened in a piece of literature or in history.4. In addition to information and explanation, there are a few other key expository patterns. Here are the most common ones, together with a Times models of each one, each paired with a related (PDF) handout:Comparison – Technology article on Bing vs. Google; Venn diagramCause and effect – Health article on “chemo brain”; Cause and Effect OrganizerProblem and solution – Op-Ed on how schools should handle flu outbreaks; Problem-Solution OrganizerExtended definition – The On Language column, such as this column on the use of “associate”, “model” and even “the” and the Times Health Guide, a library of information on numerous health conditions; Vocabulary LogFor more fun with definitions, see the Schott’s Vocab blog.5 . Whether you’re writing a descriptive piece or incorporating description into a larger expository essay, specific details are vital, as in this piece on a city mural and this one about Michael Jackson’s signature dance moves.Of course, one of the best places to find colorful descriptions is the Times’ Sports pages, as in this article about a tennis match played by Rafael Nadal. Use ourPlay-by-Play Sports Descriptions sheet (PDF) and our lesson Getting in the Game: Modeling Descriptive Writing on Sports Reporting to get a closer look at descriptive phrases in this or other sports articles.6. “I’ve said all I have to say.”“How canI possibly write three pages on this topic?”“What do you mean, develop my ideas?” Essay writers often struggle with adequate development. Times features are perfect examples of how to fully develop ideas. For example, you might read “Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cellphone Risks” or Michael Pollan’s polemic on cooking shows and the decline of home cooking in the Sunday Magazine. Then create a “reverse outline”to reveal how the writer developed the piece.7. Like development, smoothly incorporating supporting material and evidence – including introducing and integrating quotations – can be a challenge for young writers. Add the requirement to follow MLA or APA style for citations, and for many students the challenge is insurmountable. Part of the problem may be that most students see few articles or other texts with academic citations in their daily lives. UsingThe Times for models can help.You might suspend traditional academic style requirements, and instead try newspaper-style attribution or even the Web protocol of linking to the source of information – such as this article on digital curriculum materials, which, among many, many others, shows both approaches. Other articles, like this one about government recommendations to schools regarding swine flu, are good examples of how to integrate both partial and full quotations, as well as how to include paraphrases.8. Subject-verb and noun-pronoun agreement can trouble even established writers at the newspaper of record itself, as the After Deadline blog has more than once. Once you’ve reviewed agreement rules, test yourself by looking for errors in the daily paper. And given that Times style is to avoid using “he” as a universal pronoun, virtually any news article or feature provides examples of ways to write around the singular pronoun. Of course, it would help us all if English had an all-purpose, generic pronoun, wouldn’t it?More on agreement and other grammar and language quirks can be found on the Grammar and Usage and Reading and Writing Skills Times Topics pages.9. News briefs and summaries are models of conciseness and clarity. Read a few briefs, like the ones about the music video directed by Heath Ledger, the death of a show-biz dog, and a spate of squid attacks. And for the ultimate in brevity, look at TimesWire for one-sentence (or sentence fragment) summaries of the latest articles.10. Can’t use the first person in expository writing? No one uses second person? Third person is required, and must remain entirely neutral and objective? Pshaw! The Times regularly uses all three perspectives, in creative and effective ways. Here are examples:First person –“Watching Whales, Watching Us”, a Sunday Magazine article in which the reporter included personal experience alongside research, and “Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect”, Natalie Angier’s scientific report on the spleen, in which she characterizes herself as spleneticSecond person –“Party On, but No Tweets”, and the Gadgetwise blog post on a smartphone app for stargazers, which explains how the tool works, both of which repeatedly refer to “you,” avoiding the clunky and unnecessarily distancing “one”Third person with a clear voice/personality –Rob Walker’s “Consumed” column in the Sunday Magazine, such as the one on the yoga “lifestyle” shop Lululemon and the Style feature “Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair”。
成人学位英语核心词汇Essential Vocabulary for Adult Degree English Programs.Adult degree programs often require a certain level of English proficiency, as the courses and materials are designed for academic purposes. To succeed in these programs, it's essential to have a solid grasp of the core vocabulary related to the subject matter. Here is a list of essential vocabulary terms that are commonly encountered in adult degree English programs:1. Academic writing: refers to writing that is formal, structured, and follows the rules of grammar, punctuation, and citation. This type of writing is typically used in research papers, theses, and other academic publications.2. Critical thinking: the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information in order to form well-reasoned judgments and conclusions. This skill is crucial forcritical reading and writing assignments.3. Critical reading: the process of reading actively, with the aim of understanding, evaluating, and interpreting the text critically. It involves identifying the author's arguments, claims, and evidence, as well as evaluating the validity and reliability of the information presented.4. Essay: a short piece of writing that discusses a particular topic or argument. Essays typically have a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.5. Literary analysis: the process of examining aliterary work closely to understand its themes, characters, plot, language, and other elements. This type of analysis often requires a critical eye and the ability to interpret symbols and metaphors.6. Rhetorical devices: techniques used by authors to persuade or influence their readers. These devices can include analogies, metaphors, similes, parallelism, and other figurative language.7. Thesis statement: a sentence or two at the beginning of an essay that summarizes the main argument or claim that the writer will support throughout the paper. The thesis statement guides the reader through the essay and serves as a roadmap for the argument.8. Summary: a condensed version of a text that providesa brief overview of its main ideas and points. Summaries are often used to condense long texts or to prepare for discussions and presentations.9. Syntax: the rules and patterns that govern the structure of sentences in a language. Understanding syntax is crucial for writing grammatically correct and coherent sentences.10. Vocabulary: the total number of words known and understood by an individual. In academic writing, a rich and precise vocabulary is essential for expressing complex ideas and concepts.11. Argumentative essay: a type of essay that presentsa claim or opinion and supports it with evidence and reasoning. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's point of view.12. Persuasive writing: writing that aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular position or belief. It often employs rhetorical devices and emotional appeals to persuade the reader.13. Expository writing: writing that explains or informs the reader about a particular subject or concept. It aims to provide clear and concise information, rather than to persuade or entertain.14. Narrative writing: writing that tells a story, often with a focus on characters, plot, and setting. It aims to engage the reader's imagination and create an emotional connection with the story.15. Descriptive writing: writing that focuses on describing a person, place, object, or experience. It aimsto evoke a vivid and感官上的体验in the reader's mind.16. Research paper: a type of academic writing that involves conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Research papers typically have astrict format, including an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.17. Plagiarism: the unauthorized use of someone else's ideas, words, or creative expressions without proper citation or acknowledgment. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can lead to disciplinary action.18. Citation: the process of acknowledging the sources of information used in a paper or other academic work. Citations are typically formatted according to a specific style guide, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.19. Proofreading: the final stage of writing, in which the writer checks the text for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format. Proofreading is crucial forensuring that the writing is polished and ready for submission.20. Editing: the process of revising a text to improve its clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. Editing can involve rearranging sentences, deleting irrelevant information, or adding clarifying details.By mastering these core vocabulary terms and applying them to your writing, you will be well-prepared to succeed in adult degree English programs. Remember to practice actively and seek feedback from your instructors and peers to further enhance your writing skills.。
八年级下册期中经常考的英语作文全文共3篇示例,供读者参考篇1The mid-term exams in the second semester of eighth grade English often focus on a variety of essay topics that require students to demonstrate their writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. Let's take a look at some of the common essay prompts that students may encounter in their mid-term exams.1. Describe a memorable event in your life and explain why it was important to you.This type of essay prompt encourages students to reflect on a personal experience and share their thoughts and emotions about it. Students may choose to write about a significant achievement, a challenging situation they overcame, or a special moment that had a lasting impact on them.2. Discuss the importance of learning a second language.In this essay, students are asked to explore the benefits of studying a foreign language and how it can broaden their horizons, improve their communication skills, and enhance theirunderstanding of other cultures. Students can also discuss the challenges of learning a second language and how they can overcome them.3. Explain the significance of friendship in your life.This essay prompt allows students to reflect on the importance of friendship and how it shapes their identity, provides support during difficult times, and enriches their lives. Students may share personal anecdotes, discuss the qualities of a good friend, and reflect on the role of friendship in personal growth and development.4. Describe a place you would like to visit and explain why.Students are asked to imagine a destination they have always wanted to explore and articulate their reasons for wanting to visit it. Whether it's a historic landmark, a natural wonder, or a vibrant city, students can describe the attractions, culture, and experiences that make this place special to them.5. Discuss the impact of technology on society.In this essay, students are encouraged to analyze the influence of technology on various aspects of modern life, such as communication, education, and entertainment. Students can explore the benefits and drawbacks of technology, evaluate itsimpact on social interactions, and offer suggestions for using technology responsibly.6. Reflect on a book, movie, or song that has inspired you.Students can choose a literary work, film, or musical piece that has left a lasting impression on them and explain how it has influenced their thoughts, beliefs, or creative pursuits. By analyzing the themes, characters, or messages of the chosen work, students can reflect on its significance in their lives and share their personal interpretations.These are just a few examples of the essay prompts that students may encounter in their mid-term exams in eighth-grade English. By practicing writing essays on a variety of topics, students can improve their writing skills, express their ideas effectively, and develop their critical thinking abilities. Writing essays not only helps students prepare for exams but also enhances their communication skills, creativity, andself-expression in the future.篇2Title: Commonly Tested English Compositions in the Eighth Grade Midterm ExaminationIntroduction:The eighth grade is a crucial year for students as they prepare for higher education and exams. English language skills play a significant role in shaping a student's academic success. In the midterm examination for the eighth grade, certain compositions are commonly tested to assess the students' proficiency in English writing. This article will explore the most frequently tested English compositions in the eighth-grade midterm examination.Narrative Writing:Narrative writing is a common composition type in the eighth-grade midterm examination. Students are often asked to write a narrative essay based on a given prompt. The prompts may include personal experiences, fictional stories, or historical events. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to organize their thoughts, develop characters, and create a cohesive plot. The narrative writing section tests students' creativity, storytelling skills, and command of the English language.Descriptive Writing:Descriptive writing is another popular composition type in the eighth-grade midterm examination. Students are asked to write a descriptive essay about a person, place, or object. Theymust use vivid language, sensory details, and figurative language to paint a clear picture for the readers. Descriptive writing helps students enhance their vocabulary, improve their descriptive skills, and engage the readers' senses. It is essential for students to practice descriptive writing to excel in the midterm examination.Persuasive Writing:Persuasive writing is a challenging composition type that tests students' ability to convince, persuade, and argue persuasively. Students are given a topic or issue and asked to take a stance, present supporting evidence, and formulate a convincing argument. Persuasive writing requires students to use rhetorical devices, logical reasoning, and appeals to emotion to sway the readers' opinions. It helps students develop critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, and persuasive communication skills. Practice in persuasive writing is crucial for students to perform well in the midterm examination.Argumentative Writing:Argumentative writing is a complex composition type that requires students to present and defend a claim, refute counterarguments, and provide evidence to support their position. Students are asked to analyze a controversial issue,evaluate different perspectives, and present a well-reasoned argument. Argumentative writing tests students' analytical skills, research abilities, and logical reasoning. It helps students develop their critical thinking skills, research skills, and ability to construct a coherent argument. Practicing argumentative writing is essential for students to excel in the midterm examination.Expository Writing:Expository writing is a prevalent composition type in the eighth-grade midterm examination. Students are asked to explain a concept, process, or idea in a clear and concise manner. They must organize their thoughts logically, provide relevant examples, and offer a detailed explanation. Expository writing tests students' ability to convey information, organize their ideas, and present complex concepts in a simple manner. It helps students develop their explanatory skills, organizational skills, and clarity of expression. Practice in expository writing is essential for students to perform well in the midterm examination.Conclusion:In conclusion, the eighth-grade midterm examination often tests students' proficiency in various types of English compositions, including narrative, descriptive, persuasive,argumentative, and expository writing. These compositions help students enhance their writing skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. It is crucial for students to practice writing regularly, seek feedback from teachers, and improve their writing skills to excel in the eighth-grade midterm examination. By mastering these composition types, students can effectively express their ideas, communicate their thoughts, and achieve academic success in English.篇3Title: Commonly Tested English Composition in theMid-term Exam of Eighth GradeIn the mid-term exam of eighth grade, students are often required to write English compositions on various topics. These topics not only test the students' language proficiency, but also encourage critical thinking and creativity. In this article, we will discuss some of the commonly tested English compositions in the mid-term exam of eighth grade.1. Personal Experience NarrativeOne of the most common types of English composition is the personal experience narrative. Students are asked to write about a personal experience that has had a significant impact ontheir lives. This could be a memorable vacation, a challenging experience, or a meaningful encounter with someone. Students are encouraged to reflect on the experience and share their thoughts and feelings with the readers.2. Opinion EssayAnother common type of English composition is the opinion essay. Students are given a statement or a question and are asked to express their opinions on the topic. They are expected to provide reasons to support their opinions, as well as to consider opposing viewpoints. This type of composition helps students develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to construct persuasive arguments.3. Descriptive EssayIn the mid-term exam of eighth grade, students are also often asked to write a descriptive essay. In this type of composition, students are required to describe a person, a place, an object, or an event in vivid detail. They are encouraged to use sensory language to create a clear and engaging picture for the readers. This type of composition helps students practice their use of descriptive language and imagery.4. Compare and Contrast EssayThe compare and contrast essay is another commonly tested English composition in the mid-term exam of eighth grade. Students are asked to compare and contrast two different subjects and to identify their similarities and differences. This type of composition helps students develop their analytical skills and their ability to organize information logically.5. Argumentative EssayFinally, students are often asked to write an argumentative essay in the mid-term exam of eighth grade. In this type of composition, students are required to take a stance on a controversial issue and to provide evidence to support their position. They are also expected to address counterarguments and to refute opposing viewpoints. This type of composition helps students develop their persuasive writing skills and their ability to construct a coherent argument.In conclusion, the mid-term exam of eighth grade often includes a variety of English compositions that test students' language proficiency, critical thinking skills, and creativity. By practicing different types of compositions, students can improve their writing skills and become more confident communicators in English.。
英语作文说明文模板How to Write an Expository Essay。
An expository essay is a type of academic writing that aims to present and explain a topic in a clear and straightforward manner. This type of essay is often assigned in high school and college-level courses as a way to help students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. If you're tasked with writing an expository essay, it's important to understand the basic structure and format of this type of writing. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide to writing an expository essay.Step 1: Choose a Topic。
The first step in writing an expository essay is to choose a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your assignment. Consider the purpose of your essay and the audience you are writing for, and then brainstorm a list ofpotential topics. Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow it down to one that you feel passionate about and can easily research.Step 2: Research the Topic。
新时代核心英语教程写作1教材Unit 1 Introduction to WritingPart A: Understanding the Writing ProcessIn this unit, we will learn the basics of writing in English. Writing is an important skill that can help us communicate effectively and express our ideas clearly. Whether we are writing for academic, professional, or personal purposes, it is essential to understand the writing process and develop strong writing skills.The writing process consists of several key stages, including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Prewriting involves generating ideas, organizing thoughts, and planning the structure of the writing. Drafting is the stage in which we put our ideas into written form, while revising involves making changes and improvements to the content. Editing focuses on correcting errors in grammar,punctuation, and spelling. Finally, publishing involves sharing our writing with an audience.Part B: Types of WritingThere are various types of writing, each with its own specific purpose and characteristics. Some common types of writing include:1. Narrative Writing: This type of writing tells a story and often includes characters, setting, and plot. Narrative writing can be found in novels, short stories, and personal essays.2. Descriptive Writing: Descriptive writing uses vivid language to create a picture in the reader's mind. It often appeals to the senses and can be found in poetry, travel writing, and descriptive essays.3. Expository Writing: Expository writing aims to inform, explain, or describe a topic. It is often found in textbooks, news articles, and research papers.4. Persuasive Writing: Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It is often used in advertising, opinion pieces, and argumentative essays.Part C: Writing Skills and StrategiesTo become a proficient writer, it is essential to develop strong writing skills and employ effective writing strategies. Some key skills and strategies for successful writing include:1. Clarity and Precision: Writing should be clear, concise, and to the point. Using precise language andavoiding unnecessary words can help convey our message effectively.2. Organization and Structure: Writing should be well-organized and follow a logical structure. This can help readers follow the flow of our ideas and understand our writing more easily.3. Audience Awareness: It is important to consider the needs and expectations of our audience when writing. Adapting our writing style and tone to suit our audience can make our writing more engaging and persuasive.4. Revision and Proofreading: Revising and proofreading are essential steps in the writing process. It is important to review our writing carefully to correct errors and improve the overall quality of our work.Part D: Practice WritingThroughout this unit, we will have opportunities to practice different types of writing and apply the skills and strategies we have learned. We will engage in activities such as writing short stories, descriptive essays, expositoryarticles, and persuasive arguments. These writing exercises will help us develop our writing abilities and become more confident and proficient writers.In conclusion, writing is a valuable skill that can have a significant impact on our personal, academic, and professional lives. By understanding the writing process, familiarizing ourselves with different types of writing, and honing our writing skills and strategies, we can become more effective and successful writers. Throughout this unit, we will build a strong foundation in writing that will serve us well in future endeavors.。
10 Ways to Develop Expository Writing Skills With The New York TimesBy HOLLY EPSTEIN OJALVOIllustration by Paul Sahre and Jonas BeuchertGo to related Book Review essay on boredom in writing »Have you been knocking your head against the proverbial wall trying to teach –or learn –expository writing skills? New York Times models can help writers learn how to write an expository essay that is compelling, convincing and authoritative as well as engaging to read –not to mention authentic. Try a fresh approach with these 10 tips.1. Ditch the five-paragraph essay and embrace authentic essay structure. New York Times news and feature articles are excellent models for structure, including transitions and organization. Look at the guide to forms of Times news coverage to get started, and then deconstruct some articles to get a feel for how they are organized.Classic news stories like this one about conflicts over rebuilding ground zero and this one on how the case of the Russian spies is being resolved a re written in the “inverted pyramid” format, starting with the most important information – the first paragraph or two answers the questions “Who?” “What?” “Where?”“When?” Why?” and “How?” –and proceeding with the most important details, filling in the less important information as the article proceeds. This can be a useful structure for, say, newspaper articles based on the events in a play or novel, or relatively short research reports.Feature stories pull the reader in with an engaging introduction and develop from there to explain a topic, issue or trend. Examples of this structure: this article on gauging the national mood by tracking popular songs, blog posts and the like, and Rob Walker’s “Consumed” column on the blankets-with-sleeves fad.A sub-genre of the feature, the personality profile, is also a useful expository writing model, as we discuss in our lesson on Dickens, which suggests using a profile of Bernie Madoff as a model for writing a literary character profile, and this lesson on the literature NobelistNaguib Mahfouz.To take the idea of using newspaper story structures further, try this lesson on comparing classic storylines with news reports.2. Two traditional essay writing bugaboos are introductions and conclusions (or “ledes” and “kickers”). The Times is full of creative ways to open and end a narrative, and these can help developing writers learn to avoid clichéd openings and repetitive endings. Here are some of the approaches Times writers take to begin and end their stories, together with examples of each one:Narrative lede: Telling a story that illustrates or encapsulates the issue at hand, like this story about the dangers associated with riding in a taxi when the cabby is using a phone, this one about fans paying homage to Mi chael Jackson and Natalie Angier’s science piece on squirrelsDescriptive lede: Describing an element that is key to the story, like this description of a high-end coffee machinein a feature on the topic of fancy coffee makersQuestion lede: posing a rhetorical question that leads directly into the rest of the essay, like this article about popular baby namesFrame: Bringing the essay full circle by starting and ending with elements of the same story, like this article on Cuban doctorsunable to practice in the U.S.Quote kicker: Ending with a quote that sums up the essence of the essay, like this one on raising chickensFuture action kicker: Ending with a look toward what may or will happen in the future, as in this article on fake art in VietnamLooking for more inspiration? Read John Noble Wilford’s retrospective article about covering the 1969 moon landing, focusing on the section “Moonfall Eve,” in which he recounts trying to figure out how to start his article. The upshot: Simple is often best.3. Informing and explaining – how things work or how to do something –is part of journalism’s bread and butter. Good Times models for information/explanation essays include articles on how dark energy works, why and how Twitter can be useful, how to make a soufflé and how to avoid heatstroke. To find more examples, good starting places are the recipes in the Dining section, the Science and Health sections, and many Technology section features, including posts on Gadgetwise and Pogue’s Posts.One specific type of explanation essay is analysis – an examination of why and how an issue is significant. If you’re looking for good models, The Times runs many pieces under the rubric “news analysis,” such as this article on the significance of steroid use in baseball and t his one on President Obama’s remarks on the arrest of Henry Louis Gates. Read these, or other articles marked “news analysis,” and then try writing your own analysis of an event – perhaps something that happened at school, or perhaps something that happened in a piece of literature or in history.4. In addition to information and explanation, there are a few other key expository patterns. Here are the most common ones, together with a Times models of each one, each paired with a related (PDF) handout:Comparison – Technology article on Bing vs. Google; Venn diagramCause and effect –Health article on “chemo brain”; Cause and Effect OrganizerProblem and solution –Op-Ed on how schools should handle flu outbreaks; Problem-Solution OrganizerExtended definition –The On Language column, such as this column on the use of “associate”, “model” and even “the” and the Times Health Guide, a library of information on numerous health conditions; Vocabulary LogFor more fun with definitions, see the Schott’s Vocab bl og.5. Whether you’re writing a descriptive piece or incorporating description into a larger expository essay, specific details are vital, as in this piece on a city mural and this one about MichaelJackson’s signature dance moves.Of course, one of the best places to find colorful descriptions is the Times’ Sports pages, as in this article about a tennis match played by Rafael Nadal. Use our Play-by-Play Sports Descriptions sheet (PDF) and our lesson Getting in the Game: Modeling Descriptive Writing on Sports Reporting to get a closer look at descriptive phrases in this or other sports articles.6. “I’ve said all I have to say.” “How can I possibly write three pages on this topic?” “What do you mean, develop my ideas?” Essay writers often struggle with a dequate development. Times features are perfect examples of how to fully develop ideas. For example, you might read “Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cellphone Risks” or Michael Pollan’s polemic on cooking shows and the decline of home cooking in the Sunday Magazine. Then create a “reverse outline” to reveal how the writer developed the piece.7. Like development, smoothly incorporating supporting material and evidence –including introducing and integrating quotations –can be a challenge for young writers. Add the requirement to follow MLA or APA style for citations, and for many students the challenge is insurmountable. Part of the problem may be that most students see few articles or other texts with academic citations in their daily lives. Using The Times for models can help.You might suspend traditional academic style requirements, and instead try newspaper-style attribution or even the Web protocol of linking to the source of information – such as this article on digital curriculum materials, which, among many, many others, shows both approaches. Other articles, like this one about government recommendations to schools regarding swine flu, are good examples of how to integrate both partial and full quotations, as well as how to include paraphrases.8. Subject-verb and noun-pronoun agreement can trouble even established writers at the newspaper of record itself, as the After Deadline blog has “Watching Whales, Watching Us”, a Sunday Magazine article in which the reporter included personal experience alongside research, and “Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect”, Natalie Angier’s scientific report on the spleen, in which she characterizes herself as spleneticSecond person –“Party On, but No Tweets”, and the Gadgetwise blog post on a smartphone app fo r stargazers, which explains how the tool works, both of which repeatedly refer to “you,” avoiding the clunky and unnecessarily distancing “one”Third person with a clear voice/personality –Rob Walker’s “Consumed” column in the Sunday Magazine, such as the one on the yoga “lifestyle” shop Lululemon and the Style feature “Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair”。