Essay Writing Techniques and Strategies

This video tutorial guides students through planning and writing an expository essay. It begins with an introduction to the materials needed and understanding the essay prompt. Students are then taught how to brainstorm ideas and plan their essay using a circle method. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of structuring the essay with a graphic organizer, using examples from literature to support the main idea. The lesson concludes with instructions on writing a rough draft.

What materials are needed to start planning an expository essay?

• A textbook and highlighter

• A dictionary and thesaurus

• A prompt, colored sheet of paper, lined paper, and something to write with

• A computer and internet access

What is the first step in writing an expository essay?

• Writing the introduction

• Brainstorming ideas

• Reading the prompt

• Choosing examples

What type of essay requires you to explain your thoughts and provide reasons?

• Persuasive essay

• Narrative essay

• Descriptive essay

• Expository essay

What should you do if you're uninspired by the prompt?

• Ask a friend for ideas

• Use the additional information provided in the prompt

• Write about a different topic

• Skip the essay

What is the purpose of brainstorming in essay writing?

• To finalize the essay

• To organize the essay structure

• To generate ideas and get them on paper

• To edit the essay

How should you use the brainstorming list?

• Share it with classmates

• Use it as inspiration for your own ideas

• Copy it exactly as it is

• Ignore it and start writing

What is the purpose of the three-circle method in planning?

• To create a rough draft

• To organize ideas into big idea, examples, and importance

• To brainstorm new ideas

• To finalize the essay

What should you focus on when choosing examples for your essay?

• Using only personal experiences

• Explaining your thoughts without preaching

• Including as many examples as possible

• Making the essay sound like a sermon

What is the role of a graphic organizer in essay writing?

• To write the final draft

• To brainstorm ideas

• To structure the essay

• To edit the essay

What can be included in the introduction of an expository essay?

• A quote, a question, or a comment

• A list of examples

• A detailed explanation

• A summary of the essay