
Rhetorical modes
Rhetorical modes (also known as modes of discourse) describe the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of language-based communication, particularly writing and speaking. Four of the most common rhetorical modes and their purpose are narration, description, exposition, and argumentation.
What is expository writing?
Expository writing is writing that aims to inform its reader. As we mentioned above, this includes all types of factual writing, like textbooks, news stories, technical guides, and pieces of business writing. Many journalistic pieces are pieces of expository writing, but not all are—advertorials, opinion pieces, and many pieces of political writing are not pieces of expository writing because their primary goal is something other than providing unbiased facts.
How to write a strong piece of writing?
The first step in writing a strong piece isn’t typing words on a screen, but rather brainstorming your topic. With other kinds of writing, like narrative or persuasive writing, you might have a clear idea of what you want to write from the moment you receive your assignment and, with it, skip ahead a few steps in the writing process. But because you’re working with facts and a strategy for presenting them in a coherent, engaging way, you’ll need to devote time to thoroughly brainstorming, researching, outlining, and then drafting your work.
What is a classification piece?
Classification. In a classification piece, you write about the characteristics of multiple subjects within one category. For example, you might write a blog post about the types of expository writing. In that blog post, you explain each type of expository writing, covering their differences as well as their similarities.
What is a compare and contrast essay?
Compare and contrast. In a compare-and-contrast essay, you present two or more subjects and write about their similarities and differences.
Is an advertorial an editorial?
Remember one of the kinds of writing we mentioned above, advertorials? An advertorial is an advertisement disguised as an editorial. In other words, it’s an article presented as either fact or the author’s personal thoughts, but really, it’s a sponsored advertisement. Advertorials aren’t the only instance where you can find subjective opinions disguised as objective facts—many documentaries, journalistic pieces, books, and even scholarly articles are written according to the author’s bias or to fit a specific agenda.
When to write out the process?
Process. When you need to explain how a process works or the steps the reader needs to follow to assemble something or complete another task, you write out the process step by step , providing as much explanation as necessary for each step.
Is expository writing a fact?
Although expository writing is fact-based, it doesn’t need to be dry or boring. A skilled writer can present factual information in an engaging way that only increases the reader’s comprehension of the topic, often by borrowing techniques used in narrative and descriptive writing to make the facts more vivid and impactful. If you’ve ever seen the docuseries Cosmos, you’ve seen engaging expository writing in action. In both the 1980 and 2014 versions, the host captivates viewers by guiding them through our known universe, our solar system, and how life on Earth evolved over millennia. Although Cosmos is a docuseries, the narrative that speaks directly to the viewer and constantly positions them within our universe’s story is a kind of expository writing: screenwriting.
What is the importance of supporting effective writing strategies?
It's important to support effective writing strategies for students. In this activity, the students must learn to summarize the text "Into the Sea". In order to activate prior knowledge you may ask questions and provide students with information on the activity.
Why should students put their ideas into sentence format?
After the students create their list of important ideas, they should put it into sentence format in order to create an appropriate summary. However, because of the ability level of a first-grade class, the students can give a verbal summary. Use your own discretion based on the ability level of your students.
What is a word work activity in a story?
In order to support grammar skills, there will also be a word work activity in which students will be able to recognize and connect homophones. This lesson plan introduces expository writing and idea development. Students will focus on writing the first draft of a text.
Is it a good idea to script a lesson?
It's a good idea to script out a lesson regarding how you want to approach your students on a topic. If a substitute needs to use the lesson, a scripted lesson will provide them with appropriate guidance.
How to teach expository writing?
Young students are typically taught to prepare expository writing by following a five-step model. For children just learning to organize their thoughts and write them down, the steps may consist of sentences. Older children may use paragraphs.
What is the format of an expository essay?
Format. The first sentence or paragraph of an expository writing assignment will convey the main idea of the piece. If it's a paragraph, it should include a topic sentence that conveys the thesis clearly, without taking a position or resorting to opinion. The following three sentences or paragraphs will contain supporting details to buttress ...
Why is expository writing important?
Unlike other writing assignments that children may get in school, which are designed to inspire them to use words and grammar in a proper fashion, the expository writing assignment has an overarching goal in addition to correct grammar and spelling. Expository writing provides a challenge to the student because they must be able to organize their ...
How to help older kids with expository writing?
One good way to help older kids in their use of expository writing is to remind them to address the who, what, when, where, and why of the topic they've chosen. All five components may not always apply, but remembering to think about each of these aspects can help students write a compelling report.
Why is it important to write in an expository manner?
The ability to write in an expository manner is a component of many careers, and as such, it's an important skill for your child to master. Expository writing is used to describe, explain, define, or otherwise inform a reader about a specific subject. It’s devoid of opinion or unnecessary descriptive language.
What is the purpose of expository writing?
Unlike creative or persuasive writing, which can appeal to emotions and use anecdotes, expository writing's primary purpose is to deliver information about an issue, subject, method, or idea using facts. Descriptive/definition: In this style of writing, topics are defined by characteristics, traits, and examples.
What Is an Expository Essay?
An expository essay has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each is crucial to writing a clear article or effective argument.
How to write a thesis sentence?
Compose your thesis: When your ideas coalesce into a sentence in which you can summarize the topic you're writing about, you're ready to compose your thesis sentence. Write down in one sentence the main idea that you'll explore in your paper.
What is classification essay?
Classification: A classification essay breaks down a broad topic into categories or groupings.
How to start an introduction for a book?
You don't have to write your introduction first. In fact, it might be easier to wait until the end for that. If you don't like the look of a blank page , move over the slugs from your outline for the main body paragraphs and write the topic sentences for each. Then start putting in your information according to each paragraph's topic.
How to address the reader in an essay?
Consider voice and tone. How you address the reader depend s on the kind of essay you're writing. An essay written in the first person is fine for a personal travel essay but is inappropriate if you're a business reporter describing a patent lawsuit. Think about your audience before you begin writing.
What is an encyclopedia entry?
An encyclopedia entry is a kind of descriptive essay. Process/sequential: This essay outlines a series of steps needed in order to complete a task or produce something.
What is Expository Writing?
When a writer wants to educate readers on a topic or a concept, they have two similar choices in how to approach the subject. If a writer chooses to present information to the reader in general, an informational essay would be an ideal approach. If, however, the writer wants to educate the reader with facts and evidence that supports a topic or thesis argument, they would choose an expository essay.
What is descriptive expository essay?
When a writer chooses to create a descriptive expository essay, they are deciding to present all the information possible on a given topic. That information can include background, facts, historical information, etc. The excerpt below shows an example of an introduction to a descriptive essay.
How to write a comparative essay?
When writing a comparative essay, it's important to stick to just the two topics and not add in additional comparisons. The best way to think about writing a comparative essay is to start with the topics on a Venn diagram . Taking a filled-out Venn and turning it into a full essay is the exact definition of a comparative essay. The following excerpt is an example of an introduction to a comparative essay.
What is descriptive definition?
Descriptive/Definition - The writer gives a complete explanation of the topic with evidence, examples, and background history.
When a writer is putting together the information for a given topic, it is vital that they assume that the?
When a writer is putting together the information for a given topic, it is vital that they assume that the reader knows nothing about the topic being presented. Assum ing that a reader has prior knowledge of the core subject can lead to a confusing essay.
What is a comparative writer?
Comparative - The writer explains the differences and similarities between two topics or ideas.
How many writing prompts are there in 1st grade?
Use printable & EASEL graphic organizers (with SOUND) to teach 1st grade writing. You will find 60 writing prompts- specifically for Opinion, Narrative & Informative/Explanatory writing. Each graphic organizer is organized with a "Prompt", ”Plan” and “Go” section. Students type in the edita
How many lessons are there in 1st grade informative writing?
1st Grade Informative Writing Freebie This freebie comes from the 1st Grade Informative/Explanatory Writing Unit. In that unit, there are ten lessons. This specific free lesson focuses on writing strong introductions for informative pieces. The lesson activities may take between 3 and 4 days to comp
How many rubrics are there for 1st grade?
Grab these Common Core aligned 1st grade writing rubrics. Perfect for narrative, opinion, and informative pieces. Includes 9 rubrics in 3 different options depending on your preferences. Choose from student friendly, teacher friendly, and time saving rubrics. Check out the preview and informatio
What is a 1st grade bundle?
This 1st grade bundle of narrative, opinion, and informative writing units includes everything you need to incorporate writing into your first-grade literacy centers! This resource is designed with standards-based research and includes mini-lessons to use as a review, suggested mentor text and onli
How long is a writing unit on frogs?
This is a 5 day, informative writing unit on frogs! Aligned with the Common CORE standards, and has everything you need for 5 days of Writing Workshop! Enjoy!
What are half page writing prompts?
Your students can never get enough writing practice! These half page writing prompts are great for practicing Explanatory/Expository Writing through short paragraphs and journaling. Place them in a writing center, use as a daily warm-up during your writing unit, or use as test prep.Common Core Liter
How many expository prompts are there in Staar?
This product includes twenty expository prompts that were modeled after released STAAR prompts. Alternate versions of the first three prompts are offered that include additional instructions/reminders for students. A template of the student response page is also included. The same prompts are ava
FIRST GRADE STRUCTURED WRITING CURRICULUM for Opinion Narrative and Informative
This completely done-for-you writing curriculum includes a year's worth of first-grade writing lessons and activities for teaching opinion writing, informational writing, personal narrative writing, and beginning-of-the-year writing skills in first grade.
Informative writing for First Grade: All About Book
This informative writing workshop unit was created to help your students create an All About Book about their favorite animal.
FIRST GRADE STRUCTURED INFORMATIVE WRITING CURRICULUM
This NO PREP, STEP-BY-STEP informational writing unit includes 8 weeks of totally done-for-you daily digital lesson plans that build upon each other as the unit progresses, all the printables you'll need, colorful posters, and step-by-step directions to make your teacher life as easy and stress-free as possible.
Informative Writing Graphic Organizers, Anchor Charts, Lessons 1st Grade W.1.2
This 1st grade informative writing product includes lesson plans, writing prompts, writing papers, graphic organizers, and assessments perfect for making your Informative Writing unit a breeze. In first grade, students must introduce topic/text, supply facts, and provide a sense of closure.
1st Grade Narrative Opinion Informative Writing Bundle - printable & digital
This 1st grade bundle of narrative, opinion, and informative writing units includes everything you need to incorporate writing into your first-grade literacy centers! This resource is designed with standards-based research and includes mini-lessons to use as a review, suggested mentor text and online resources, academic vocabulary posters, anchor charts, seasonal writing prompts, and center activities.⭐️⭐️ Narrative Writing Prompts, Graphic Organizers, & Centers ⭐️⭐️This unit includes every.
Writer's Workshop Informative Writing - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grades
Thank you for checking out my Informative Writing Unit for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades! This unit was developed over time teaching it in my first grade classroom.
First Grade Writing Rubrics- Informative, Opinion, and Narrative
These are very simple, copier friendly, writing rubrics. Just staple these to the student's writing sample and grade accordingly. Points are listed on the rubrics as well for grading purposes.Rubrics included are :-informative writing rubric-opinion writing rubric-narrative writing rubric*These are created using First Grade standards.

Lesson Objectives and Goals
Materials
- BookInto the Seafrom Fountas & Pinnell
- A dry erase board for modeling your own summary to the students.
- Paper to prepare important sentences/words for their word lists and summary if needed.
Reading Activity
- It's a good idea to script out a lesson regarding how you want to approach your students on a topic. If a substitute needs to use the lesson, a scripted lesson will provide them with appropriate guidance. Begin by introducing the book and different ideas about the story to activate the students' prior knowledge of the subject matter. This will give students an idea of what they will …
Supporting Effective Writing Strategies
- It's important to support effective writing strategies for students. In this activity, the students must learn to summarize Into the Sea. In order to activate prior knowledge, you may ask questions and provide students with information on the activity. The following is an example of how I did this in the classroom: Allow for students to answer. I would then show students my list of ideas, …
Drafting and Revising
- After teaching the effective writing strategy, students are ready to try the strategy on their own. From my example, you can see that I provided a model for the students. However, I used a different text so that students would be able to come up with their own ideas. The following is an example of how I introduced the activity to the students: Allow the students a few minutes to wri…
Extending The Text
- Extending the text can reinforce ideas and subject matter for the students. For this lesson, I asked my students to give a brief verbal summary of a story we read together in class. Prompt students if they cannot think of stories. Remind your students to use all three pieces of a summary. Participate in the students’ discussions and ask questions about important ideas from the story…
Word Work Activity: Homophones
- This is an introduction to the word work activity, which focuses on homophones. The students in my class had prior knowledge of homophones, so this exercise can be adjusted accordingly to your students' ability level. It's a good idea to define what a homophone is regardless of the students' prior knowledge. Doing so will reinforce the concept for your students. Allow time for y…
Comments
- Nicole A. Winterfrom Chicago, IL on November 03, 2012: jshe4941: This is a fantastically informative hub! I don't know if you've heard about this article in Businessweek about teachers selling their lesson plans online... (or how much of a hassle it is, for that matter,) it's definitely something I think you should check out, you've put a lot of great work into this. Lisa Gilbertsono…