Name:_______________________
Homeroom:__________________
1. What is an exposition?
2. Modality- What is modality?
3. Using high and low modality words 4. Connectives
5. Homework must be banned- an annotated exposition piece
6. Example 1
7. Writing your own exposition- Task 8. Scaffolding your own exposition
9.
9. Exposition marking rubric
What is it? A point of view is argued in an exposition.
An exposition begins with a point of view. There is a statement of position and a preview of the arguments. Each argument is then presented to support your point of view is outlined. The point of view is then reinforced in the final paragraph.
What is the purpose? An exposition is a piece of writing that aims to convince readers to agree with your point of view on a particular topic
Structure 5 Paragraphs
1. Statement of Position – provides the reader your point of view. It states your position on a topic and very briefly your 3 reasons for .
2-4. Argument stage: 3 paragraphs = 3 different arguments. In these
paragraphs you elaborate on 3 different arguments. Please note these should have been mentioned in your Statement of Position.
5. Reorientation / Reinforcement of position – this is like a summary of your main points. You need to restate your position.
Functional Grammar Modality – High modality
Emotive Words – promote involvement of readers Formal writing – written in third person (No Is) Connectives – Words that link paragraphs Conjunctions – Words that link sentences Technical terms – Word families.
Modality is used for expressing a writer or speakers opinion about what they are saying. Low Modality words are weaker words and are less definite.
High Modality words are strong, definite words.
Low Modality Medium Modality High Modality
May Will Must
Could Can Will
Possibly Probably Certainly
Would like to Want to Need to
Sometimes Often Always
Rarely Regularly Frequently
Perhaps Won’t Will not
Probably maybe Definitely
When would we use high modality words in everyday life? List 2 examples 1.
2.
When would we use low modality words in everyday life? List 2 examples 1.
2.
How can high modality words be useful in writing an exposition?
Sentences with low modality words Sentences with high modality words
Bullying will not be tolerated at school.
I usually like to kick the footy at lunch.
Pollution is definitely a problem in our society today.
The food in the canteen should probably be healthier.
I could have played a better game of cricket on the weekend.
I always play x-box instead of doing my homework.
I never wear my school tie properly.
Re-write the sentences using either high modality words, or low modality words.
All students must now look at Connectives.
Words that link paragraphs. Which of the following connectives are useful for expositions?
EXPLAINING IDEAS
namely such as as already stated
for example in other words
that is for instance
PUTTING IDEAS IN ORDER
firstly meanwhile
initially further
secondly next afterwards
lastly
then finally
later
most importantly
ADDING TO IDEAS
in addition also likewise in a similar way
moreover too similarly
furthermore besides in like manner
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
nevertheless yet by contrast
all the same after all
however still rather for all that despite this
but
on the other hand on the contrary
nonetheless at the same time
CONCLUSION
therefore hence all in all
all this evidence points to
So / to sum up in conclusion
finally consequently
as a result thus
all this suggests that this resulted in
Cars should be banned in the city
Cars should be banned in the city. As we all know, cars create pollution, cause a lot of road deaths and other accidents. Cars cause a lot of noise for people who live in the city.
Firstly, cars, as we know, contribute to most of the world’s pollution. Cars emit a deadly gas that causes illnesses such as bronchitis, lung cancer, and ‘triggers’
off asthma. Some of these illnesses are so bad that people can die from them.
Secondly, the city is very busy. Pedestrians wander everywhere and cars
commonly hit pedestrians, which causes them to die. Cars are our roads biggest killers.
Thirdly, cars are very noisy. If you live in the city, you will find it hard to sleep at night, or concentrate on your homework, and especially to talk to someone.
In conclusion, cars should be banned from the city for the reasons because they are dangerous, cause pollution and are far too loud.
Highlight the five connectives (using yellow) used in this example. Write them down. Do they flow? Do they make sense? Can they be improved?
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Highlight the words (using green) that use modality? Are they high or low? Can
they be improved?
Transportation
Think of two different types of transportation Some ideas are:
A scooter
A sled and skis A canoe
A sailboat A train A bus
An aeroplane
(Or anything else you can think of)
Compare and contrast the two forms of transportation.
Consider issues such as speed, comfort, enjoyment, and expense. Choose which mode of transport you would prefer, and write an expository piece.
Make sure that you are using appropriate structure and
language features of an exposition.
RUBRIC
Scaffolding your own exposition
The Position: Outlines your position and your point of view
State what the issue/argument and outline your three reasons / arguments why. (Remember do not use ‘ I believe’ – keep your writing formal) Example Teachers must be able to keep students in instead of I believe teachers must be able to keep students in.
The Argument: A series of points with supporting evidence.
Argument 1 (with evidence):
Argument 2 (with evidence):
Argument 3 (with evidence):
Conclusion: Restating your position and summing up your main points
Strongly sum up your stance. Restate your view. Remember to mention your three main points. Do not copy your first paragraph
ACTIVITY A B C D E
3.12
Selects and uses a variety of strategies for planning, composing and reviewing own texts and for consistently spelling most common words accurately.
MECHANICS
A page may be around 250 words
Spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors are rare, only one or two each page.
Three to ten spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors on each page.
10 to
20grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors on each page.
Over 20 punctuation and spelling errors on each page.
Text cannot be read
DESCRIPTION Should be around 500 words
Very detailed arguments, with many
sentences elaborating each argument.
Commonly uses language which is specific to the topic.
Very detailed arguments, with at least three sentences on each argument.
Often uses language which is specific to the topic.
Detailed arguments, with at least two sentences each argument. Use of some language which is specific to the topic.
Arguments are explained in limited detail.
No use of specific language.
Limited description
3.4
Composes a range of texts that include ideas and information about familiar and some unfamiliar topics and applies an understanding of audience, purpose and context.
ORGANISATION Paragraphs:
Introduction
Contention
Bold statement Main
4, 5 or 6 Arguments Conclusion
All information set out in at least 6 clear paragraphs.
Each paragraph is introduced with a connective and has an easily identified main idea.
All paragraphs have an easily identified main idea.
Connectives are used.
Some paragraphs have an easily identified main idea.
Connectives are usually used.
Not well organised.
Paragraphs mixed together.
Purpose for each paragraph is not clear.
No organisation
ARGUMENTS Arguments are very convincing and are supported by compelling evidence and regular use of persuasive language.
Arguments are convincing and are supported by evidence.
Persuasive language is often used
Arguments are mostly convincing and are supported by some evidence and persuasive language.
Arguments are not convincing and are not supported by evidence.
Language is not persuasive
Limited arguments
