1. Know Thy Topic! Expository vs. Persuasive

2. Standard ELACC8W4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

3. Standards ELACC8W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. ELACC8W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

4. Expository If the topic is expository, it will ask you to describe or explain. This means describe the topic so that the writer can visualize it. This does NOT mean make persuasive points or arguments for WHY you want the reader to agree with you.

5. Persuasive If the topic is persuasive, it will ask you to convince, persuade, or make an argument for your audience. This is when you may give reasons supporting/ arguing for or against a topic

6. Example Writing Situation: Suppose your principal wants to add a new class to your school. Think about a class that you would like to see added. It can be any kind of class you want. Directions for writing: Write a letter describing the class to your principal. Be sure to use specific details and examples so that your principal understands exactly how you want the class to be.

7. Example Writing Situation: Suppose your principal wants to add a new class to your school. Think about a class that you would like to see added. It can be any kind of class you want. Directions for writing: Write a letter convincing your principal to add your class to school. Be sure to support your argument with clear reasons.

8. Comparison Directions for writing: Write a letter describing the class to your principal. Be sure to use specific details and examples so that your principal understands exactly how you want the class to be. Directions for writing: Write a letter convincing your principal to add your class to school. Be sure to support your argument with clear reasons.

9. Sample Brainstorming Expository: New Class (Driver’s Ed.) Classroom – Outside – Traffic Cones – Parallel parking places Teacher – Famous Driver from NASCAR – Lots of Experience – Patient Driving Lessons – Practice driving and parking in class area – Practice on the real road Persuasive: New Class (Driver’s Ed.) Gives kids a class to look forward to – Increases attendance – Increases grades in other classes Saves parents money – -parent’s won’t have to pay for kids to have driver’s ed outside of school – Saves on insurance Makes the roads safer – More driving experience – Real world situations

10. Letter or essay form Look for directions IN THE TOPIC Ex. write a letter… Ex. Write an article… Ex. Write a speech…

11. Example Writing Situation: Suppose your superintendent decided to only allow one form of transportation to get to and from your school? Which transportation do you think would be best? It can be a car, a bus, or anything else. Directions for Writing: Write a newspaper article in which you convince the public to support your favorite form of transportation. Be sure to persuade the audience with specific reasons.

12. Example Writing situation: Suppose your principal wanted to add a recess to your school day. Think about the type of activities you would like to have available to you at recess. Directions for writing: Write your principal a letter describing the type of recess that you and your friends would like to have. Be sure to include specific details and examples so that your principal understands exactly what you want.