Expository Writing Appendix

(This appendix was distilled from meetings, held as part of meeting professional goals, between Mrs. Sara McKenny and Mrs. Susan Guilmette, 1999.)

1. Discussion by class (without teacher input)
--responsibility for reading and discussion
--on board focus points
--assessment through observation with grade and by quiz which synthesizes discussion focusing on thesis, skills, vocabulary, and applications
Both (Mrs. Guilmette and Mrs. McKenny) tried and felt pullout by teacher successful because it increased student involvement and discussion skills.

2. Topic Discussion
--appropriateness of topics for expository writing and decided to have students focus on academic issues or topics
--group discussion-brainstorming to generate a list and select a topic for use for all writings; this makes clearer the skill as applied to the same topic
--generated lists for each writing, which allows a greater variety of topics

3. Process


A. brainstorm


B. thesis


C. approval


D. outline and design

E. rough


F. conference with partner with written and oral feedback to the writer. This sheet is given to the teacher, who then reads the rough draft.


G. revisions

H. conference with partner and with teacher on the revisions and a GUM paragraph correction


I. final

4. Rubric for assessment (*See attachment.)

5. Assessment of GUM
--student lists GUM errors in his/her own paper
--generate mini lessons on typical errors

6. Reflection: At the beginning of the course write an autobiographical piece of reflection on one's writing. End of year and quarterly assessments to survey all previous papers and write reflection of strengths and weaknesses on content and form.


7. Number of writing assignments
--9 essays
--no narrative essay
--Chronicle (local newspaper) piece
--critique of movie/book--personal reflection on it--research skills of reviews and
discussion of reviews

Note to teachers of Expository Writing: Collaborative meetings have been helpful in talking about goals, strategies and locating commonalities and diversities.

*Rubric for Expository Writing--Expository Writing Evaluation Sheet
(This would be used for each composition.)


TYPE: ________________________________

Introduction: _____/9
Thesis: _____/ 9
Body: _____/27
Conclusion: _____/9
Type: _____/25
Revisions & Form: _____/21


TYPE: ________________________________

Introduction: _____/9
Thesis: _____/ 9
Body: _____/27
Conclusion: _____/9
Type: _____/25
Revisions & Form: _____/21


TYPE: ________________________________

Introduction: _____/9
Thesis: _____/ 9
Body: _____/27
Conclusion: _____/9
Type: _____/25
Revisions & Form: _____/21

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