Expository Template

So, in the world of brainstorming, I've dabbled in a bit of everything ranging from Venn Diagrams to the joys of kernel essaying (a personal favorite that I'll be blogging about soon), to the dark arts to fervent prayer and gnashing of teeth. Whatever works, right?

Here is one that I have had great success with recently with two of my students, one with Asperger's Syndrome who overthinks everything and cannot help it--that's how he's wired, and another highly functioning on the spectrum UNTIL you ask him to write (which is then followed by him collapsing on the ground and sobbing into his hands). When this template actually produced a strong brainstorm from the both of them, I wanted to sing hallelujah from the mountaintops. Not only did they breeze through it, but they ran up to my desk to brag. They finished, with MUCH detail, before anyone else in the class had.

Without any further fanfare, I give you THE PLAN. Please adapt as needed if you like! We are in this together, teacher warriors.

Plan It!
Before you ever write an essay, you should plan out the parts. Directions: Create a plan for the prompt below. Make sure you include all the parts in numbers 1-3.

Prompt: What makes a good leader?

1. Start with a thesis (the topic + opinion). Like a scientific hypothesis, this can change!

Example: A good leader is someone who ___________ because ____________. A good leader is someone who treats others how they should be treated because people who feel appreciated work harder to be part of a group.


2. Next, brainstorm one example OR non-example that fits your thesis. You can write out some details now if you like. (This is just the planning part!) Example: My 5th grade teacher, Ms. McClaran, treated her students each with respect and love. Explain how...and include how we reacted (we loved her and did everything she asked).


3. Last, plan your paragraphs and number them. This can change later, too.
P1: Intro with a thoughtful question plus thesis
P2: My personal example plus how it fits
P3: What happens with leaders who do not respect others (opposite example)
P4: Conclusion: what I want my reader to know overall