expository essay staar examples

All comments, highlights, notes, and ideas are by Laura West at Round Rock High School, RRISD.

All comments, highlights, notes, and ideas are by Laura West at Round Rock High School, RRISD

• No category

Expository step by step good examples and tips for STAAR

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

You can add this document to your study collection(s)

Add this document to saved

You can add this document to your saved list

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib

(For complaints, use another form )

Input it if you want to receive answer

Client Login

Berkeley² Academy

Test Prep | Tutoring | College Admissions

• Ryan Murphy
• Feb 13, 2020

STAAR Writing: 4th and 7th Grade Essay Practice Strategies

Within the next few months, students across the state of Texas will be taking the STAAR test. Teachers usually review relevant information in class and conduct practice sessions, but because kids typically don’t have as much experience writing essays, the essay portion of the 4th and 7th grade STAAR tests can present unique challenges. Today, I’ll discuss how to practice writing for the STAAR test and also how to generally practice writing with younger students.

The STAAR test for 4th grade and 7th grade requires that students compose an expository essay within 26 lines. To clarify, essay “genres” fall into a two main categories:

Expository = informative (you are describing facts)

​Ex: Textbook article, newspaper report, description of a person, how-to guide

Argumentative = persuasive (you are trying to convince someone to think or act a certain way)

Ex: Book review, newspaper opinion piece

The STAAR test is somewhat strange in that you often are presenting your opinion but you are not necessarily trying to persuade the reader to agree with you. You often are describing “the best invention” or “what makes a good friend.”

At any rate, the best method for studying the STAAR essay outside of school involves three steps:

1. Gather sample materials from the STAAR website from past exams.

The STAAR website offers great resources for understanding the basics of the test. You can see last year’s exam and several before that. These exams include the prompt as well as scored responses and grader feedback. So you can see what kind of essay generally scores a 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Before getting too far with practicing the writing itself, I like to have younger students see samples of good writing. First, we will read a past year’s official prompt and brainstorm how we would respond. Then, we keep in mind our brainstorming and review the 4-scoring essays. With those samples, I will explain the different parts of the essay, such as the thesis statement, topic sentences, the examples, and the commentary. The goal here is to provide a “model” of good writing.

During the modeling stage, you don’t necessarily need to go through each and every test. Reviewing the most recently released test should work well since there are multiple examples for each score.

2. Practice writing paragraphs and short essays that include all the essential parts.

Younger students are going to struggle a lot with writing the basic structure of paragraphs and essays. To keep things simple, I like to break down a paragraph as follows:

TOPIC SENTENCE - a broad statement of the key idea of the paragraph

TRANSITION/CLAIM - a more specific statement that introduces evidence

EVIDENCE - a specific example that supports the claim/topic

COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS - an explanation of how the evidence supports the claim/topic

CONCLUSION - a statement that reiterates the main point of the paragraph

Not every paragraph needs to include all of these elements, but for the sake of practicing strong paragraphs, it is best to get students in the habit of including all of these parts. Often, younger students will write about 3 out of 5 pieces, usually forgetting to include a topic sentence and a conclusion.

For basic practice, I have students practice writing simple paragraphs, responding to prompts like “What is the best way to serve a tennis ball?” or “Describe your favorite class at school.” I recommend that they write at least once a day for 30 minutes to an hour. At this point, the information itself does not need to be perfect (and there will most likely be spelling and grammar errors); again, writing the structure correctly is the goal.

3. Once the structure is consistently correct, then focus on refining the content.

With practice, the student should be able to more consistently produce the structure of a paragraph and also a multiple-paragraph essay. Then you can start focusing on improving the content within the paragraph. (Of course, you can still guide the student on content before this stage.)

Usually students struggle with clarity in expressing their ideas and including examples that support their topic sentences and claims. Often, younger students rely too much on vague pronouns or phrasing that doesn’t precisely explain an idea or situation. Sometimes this lack of clarity happens because what they are describing is too abstract or the example is too complicated to explain. So you may need to help them brainstorm, too, if the content proves too tricky to write about.

When reviewing the essays during this stage, try to pinpoint areas in the student’s writing that leave you wondering what exactly they meant. Ask the student if they can clarify. Also, demonstrate and work together to come up with an improvement so they can see the process firsthand. I like to type up what the student has written and then break the essay down into parts, revealing what the student needs to improve.

Final Thoughts

Through this three-step process you should be able to more systematically help younger students with writing paragraphs and essays. Once you have done practice for a few weeks, you can then “benchmark” the progress by handing out another official STAAR essay prompt and having the student write a response. After reviewing, you can once again look at sample essays and compare, determining the student’s score and what to focus on for future practice.

Preparing for the STAAR test? Need help on the writing section -- or maybe just need writing help in general? Our tutors can assess your student’s weaknesses and help them build their skills for the test and beyond!

Featured Posts

"Any Person, Any Study": Opportunity at Cornell

Major Selection is a Major Deal: How to Strategize for College Applications

Preparing for the 3 Most Popular College Application Portals

Summer Preview Classes to Boost Your GPA and Rank!

Understanding your College Admissions Chances: How to Create a Balanced School List

Uncovering UIUC: A Big Ten School with a Lot to Offer

Declining Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2028

Junior Year Checklist: How to Prepare for Senior Year and College Applications

The Return of Required Testing and What it Means for You

Why the Digital SAT Proved Tougher Than Expected

Recent Posts

Search By Tags

• Public Speaking
• Success Stories
• ElevatEd (Blog)

Please Select

STAAR Test Essay Structure: Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith!

• December 21, 2023

Tackling STAAR Test's English essays may seem like a monumental task, almost like scaling the literary Everest, but you need not worry! This comprehensive guide is your seasoned guide, leading you through the intricate steps toward essay mastery. Together, we will dissect the essay structure, unravel the art of brilliance, and enrich your writing with a vocabulary that sings. Bid adieu to writer's block as you prepare to unleash your inner wordsmith and claim the spotlight on the STAAR Test stage – the journey is yours to own!  

Take STAAR Scholarship Test Now!

Understanding the Essence of STAAR Test Essay Structure

Before starting the journey we must understand that structure that defines STAAR Test English essays . The standard essay structure comprises an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let's explore each section to unlock the secrets of crafting a compelling essay. 

• Introduction: Setting the Scene The introduction acts as the opening act of your essay, establishing the tone and introducing the central theme. Commence with a hook – a magnetic sentence designed to captivate the reader's attention. Following the hook, provide context and culminate with a crystal-clear thesis statement that outlines the main point or argument of your essay. 
• Body Paragraphs: Crafting the Narrative The body paragraphs form the core of your essay, where ideas flourish, and evidence strengthens your thesis. Each paragraph should center on a single idea or point, commencing with a topic sentence that introduces the central concept. support this with supplementary details, examples, or quotes that bolster your argument. Ensure seamless transitions between paragraphs to maintain a cohesive flow. 
• Conclusion: The Artsy Finale The conclusion serves as your essay's grand finale, bringing all elements together and leaving an indelible impression. Recapitulate your main points without introducing novel information. Conclude with a resounding closing statement that reinforces your thesis and leaves the reader with something substantial to ponder. 

Formulas for Success 

While creativity remains the soul of essay writing, having a formulaic approach can provide a robust scaffold for your ideas. Consider the following blueprint as your guide through the process: 

• Prewriting: Cultivating Ideas Before putting down your thoughts onto paper, invest time in brainstorming ideas. Write down key points, relevant examples, and any thoughts related to your essay topic. This stage allows you to organize your thoughts and chart the course for your essay. 
• Introduction: Capturing attentionInitiate your essay with a compelling hook that captivates the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a pertinent quote, or a rhetorical question. Following the hook, provide context and conclude with a robust thesis statement that outlines your stance or argument. 
• Body Paragraphs: Nurturing IdeasStart with a topic sentence that introduces the concept, followed by supporting details, examples, or evidence. Leverage transitional words for a seamless flow between paragraphs. 
• Conclusion: The Grand Finale Summarize your vital points in the conclusion without introducing fresh information. Conclude with a poignant closing statement that leaves a lasting imprint. Consider the broader implications of your argument or provide a call to action for the reader. 

Enriching Your Vocabulary

A rich and varied vocabulary can elevate your writing to new heights. Here are some tips to amplify your linguistic prowess:

• Diverse Reading: Expose yourself to a diverse array of literature. Books, articles, and essays from different genres and periods can introduce you to new words and expressions. 
• Vocabulary Journal: Maintain a journal to record unfamiliar words and their meanings. Challenge yourself to incorporate these words into your writing, reinforcing your understanding and usage. 
• A Verbal Journey: Utilize a thesaurus to discover synonyms and antonyms for common words. This not only diversifies your vocabulary but also empowers you to choose the most fitting words for your intended tone. 
• Linguistic Exploration: This practice not only sharpens your understanding of their meanings but also allows you to wield them in an adept manner using your writing. 

Unleashing Your Inner Wordsmith

Now that we've explored the structural foundations, formulaic brilliance, and vocabulary enhancements, it's time to unleash your inner wordsmith. Here are additional tips to amplify your writing prowess: 

• Practice Till You Succeed: Writing is a skill that comes with practice. Dedicate time to writing exercises, essays, and creative pieces to refine your craft. 
• The Art of Receiving Feedback:   Share your writing with peers, teachers, or mentors, and welcome constructive feedback. Understanding areas for improvement is pivotal for growth as a writer. 
• Revise, Edit, and Finalize: The first draft is just the beginning. Invest time in revising and editing your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and that your language is precise. 
• Embrace Creativity: While structure and formula is important, so is creativity. Employ metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery to make your essay memorable.

Your Child Handbook Awaits - Download Now!

Mastering STAAR Test's English essays is an attainable feat with the right strategies and mindset. By comprehending the essay structure, embracing a formulaic approach, enriching your vocabulary, and practicing consistently, you can evolve into a wordsmith extraordinaire.

As you embark on this literary journey, remember that every word you pen is a brushstroke on the canvas of your expression. Unleash your creativity, embrace the writing process, and let your essays resonate on the STAAR Test stage! 

As a parent, we understand you are mindful of the critical importance of quality English Language Education for your child. 98thPercentile is here to help your child succeed!

Start Your Free Trial Today! 

Welcome to the ElevatEd blog space, where we share crucial information on Math, English, Coding, and Public Speaking. Explore, network, and connect with like-minded students to begin elevating your education here at ElevatEd.

Try Free Classes for 2 Weeks

Explore topics.

• English (100)
• Coding (100)
• Public Speaking (37)
• Contest (9)

Parents’ Corner

Preparing for the Harvard University Interview Process

• June 3, 2024

Admission Requirements for Harvard University

• May 29, 2024

Summer Break Online Safety Tips - 98thPercentile

• May 10, 2024

5 Educational Board Games for Summer Break

Creative Arts and Crafts Ideas for Summer Break Fun and Learning

Balancing screen time during summer break, student newsletter.

Subscribe Newsletter

5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

• Video Overview
• Quick Example
• Formatting Guide

An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

• A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
• B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
• C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
• D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
• A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
• B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
• C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
• D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

• Clarity and Conciseness
• Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
• Objective Tone
• Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
• Objective thesis statement (see below)
• Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

• Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
• Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
• Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
• Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
• Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
• Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Forest Schools Philosophy & Curriculum, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori's 4 Planes of Development, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori vs Reggio Emilia vs Steiner-Waldorf vs Froebel

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Expository Essay Sample #5, Test Prep

Description

This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples.

This particular essay is a .pdf file...and was scanned directly from the sample I used on the document camera. It is written, intentionally, in my handwriting...as I try very hard to use samples that resemble (as much as possible) what students will actually produce. This is particularly necessary as students transition from writing a 2-page essay to a single-page one and must explore how to manage their space.

The topic (expository) is: "Write an essay explaining whether technology is more harmful or helpful to us." On this particular example, my focus was on how to incorporate voice ("engaging"--as written in the grading rubric) into an academic or non-literary piece. I have also included the assignment sheet, which is in the layered format (read, think, write)...a planning organizer...and lined pages in the 26-line test format.

Students should, of course, avoid anything resembling a call-to-action, as that is the major defining (difference) between the expository and the persuasive essays. Otherwise, expository is a sub-category of persuasion--as the writer selectively chooses the facts to include in order to inform the reader.

If you like this sample essay, be sure to check my products page for others, as I am adding new samples often!

Questions & Answers

A novel idea.

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

Mr. Skipper dot Com

Wri ting  Essays for Class (and STAAR/ ECR)

"The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc."

                                                                                                     - Online Writing Laboratory,

                                                                                                         Purdue University

The 6th-8th [grade] ECR items will be either information, argumentative, or correspondence. The genres of the ECRs will not be released before testing.  The student’s responses will be based on a passage they have read. Information from the passage will be needed to answer other items as well. The student will be expected to cite evidence from the passage in their ECR. Their response can be up to 2300 characters long, not including spaces.  ECRs will be scored by two human scorers*, each using a 5-point rubric.

*We've been told the ECRs would be graded by computers.

Before we begin, here are some "never do's":

Do not use first person;

Do not refer to the reader;

Do not refer to the paper itself.

Avoid writing things like this: In my paper, I'm going to give you three reasons why...; There is a lot of evidence to support my claim; The evidence above...; My reasons prove...

Make sure you have at least three sections: Here's a nice graphic.

I. Introduction (HoTT)

     A. Hook (lead, connect)

     B. Transition (bridge, summary)

     C. Thesis (claim)

            SOaR: Subject, Opinion, Reason

II. Body Paragraph One (TEEC)

     A. Topic Sentence (Reason #1)

     B. Example (HELPS)

     C. Explanation / Elaboration

     D. Concluding Sentence

III. Body Paragraph Two (TEEC)

     A. Topic Sentence (Reason #2)

IV. Conclusion (XYZ)

     A. Explain/ restate the thesis

     B. Why should audience care?

     C. Zing audience with concluding

         thought

Introduction

The introduction has three parts:

1. Hook, Lead, or Connect

2. Transition, Bridge, or Summary

3. Thesis/ Claim (SOaR - Subject, Opinion, and Reason)

The lead is a broad introduction   that starts the reader thinking about the topic. It can "hook" your reader ' s interest or "lead" them into your topic. Use the lead to connect the ideas of your essay to something the reader  may already be familiar  with: t ext-to-text; text-to-self; text-to-world.

The prompts for the  7th grade Writing STAAR test always began with a quote , such as "A famous businessman once said, 'Players win games; teams win championships' ", giving students their lead. (The essay prompt that followed was: WRITE an essay explaining whether it is better to work by yourself or with a group.)

The ThinkCERCA  writing program begins with a  connect , "Describe a time when you argued about something with a parent or teacher. Think about what you did or said to them that was convincing and what wasn't." (The prompt that followed was: How did the SCLC and SNCC successfully work to get the Voting Rights Act passed?)

You can see how, in both cases, the first bits of directions give the students an idea to start their essay with that will get the reader thing in general terms about the topic of the essay.

But what is a student to do when they're given nothing? 

Our beloved Grammarly suggests:

(1)Starting with a shocking or amusing fact

(This doesn't help on a standardized test when students are not allowed outside resources, so I will say nothing else about it.); 

(2) Dramatiz e a scene: 

"The rain pounded against the roof, loudly drowning out any conversations we attempted to have. I’d promised them I’d play the latest song I wrote for guitar, but Mother Earth prevented any concert from happening that night.”  

“Imagine you’ve just gotten off an airplane. You’re hot, you’re tired, you’re uncomfortable, and suddenly, you’re under arrest.”

This I actually like. I o ften start example essays with, "Imagine....."

(3) A quote:

The Writing STAAR, as mentioned above, gave students a quote, but like statistics, if you don't have something memorized, you're out of luck on standardized tests. However, you can certainly use them when you're allowed internet access.

(4) State your thesis directly:

We don't like that in middle school, but at least you'll know you have a thesis.

(5) Ask a question:

This is the most difficult for students. So much so, that a university in New Zeland has this to say:

Responding to an essay question with more questions is annoying. So, try to avoid posing direct rhetorical questions to the reader in an essay. These are usually tiresome to read because they shift the burden of answering the question to the reader when the reader just wants to sit back and let you do that. Rhetorical questions are useful for the person writing the essay (i.e. they help you come to grips with the topic), but it is best to rephrase them as statements or as indirect questions.

In an essay about personality traits, one student wrote

What would someone say if someone asked what your personality is like? Many people struggle to find the right words to describe their personality.

The question adds nothing to the conversation. The student should just begin with the second sentence.

How would you describe your personality? The article discusses the five personality types using the acronym OCEAN.

In this case, not only does the question add nothing to the introduction, it's asked and then ignored.

How many personality traits do you use in your daily life? People are able to have multiple personality traits from the big 5: openness, conscie ntiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Once again, the question does nothing for the reader.

The transition connects the lead to the thesis  by introducing  the text the essay is based on. It bridges the two parts of the introduction and can be a simple summary of the passage.

Going back to the Writing STAAR ,  READ the following quotation  is followed by  THINK carefully about the following statement.

In our example about working in groups, the statement is  Sometimes you can accomplish good things by yourself but better things with other people.

This sentence can serve as the transitio n from the hook to the thesis.

A famous businessman once said, “Players win games; teams win championships" and though it's true that you can achieve a lot with other people, sometimes you can accomplish good things simply by working by yourself.

In  ThinkCERCA , students write a summary of the passage. After writing a connect about convincing parents of this or that, the student incorporates the summary into the introduction.

After explaining to my parents how useful it would be to have my own cellphone, they bought me one. The right persuasive approach/ argument can achieve much. For example, in the early Sixties, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Black American leaders, along with college students and white supporters, were able to use various persuasive techniques to ultimately lead to the passing of the Voting Rights Act.

When writing a text-based response with no additional assistance, the student can still write a brief summary of the passage as a transition.

The thesis contains the subject of the essay, the opinion that is being discussed, and the supporting reasons. We like the acronym  S OaR: Subject, Opinion, and Reason. It is the answer to the prompt.

The origins of many traditions followed today are often  not known or practiced anymore. Some people celebrate  Christmas without any regard to Jesus, and most girls celebrating their  Quincenera  have no intention of getting married right away. Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," tells about a small village that follows a disturbing  tradition every June. However, the behavior of the characters reinforces  the theme that traditions are often followed long after it's forgotten why they were established because they've forgotten many parts of the lottery and seem much less enthusiastic than they should.

II. (and III.) - The Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs are  very  similar to a short answer response: TEEC

The topic sentence is one of the reasons from your thesis, the evidence and explanations are from the text, and the concluding sentence closes out the paragraph.

The body of your paragraph is where you use evidence to prove your answer. Use my page on paraphrasing and quoting for guidance. And my new page here .

(Eventually, I'll have all of this on one or two pages, so there's less jumping around.)

IV. The Conclusion

Don't ignore the conclusion.

It IS the last thing your reader will read so it needs to really put an end to the paper, but you must avoid going overboard.

Focus on three things:

     First, what's your last sentence going to do?

     Second, how does it relate to your thesis?

     Third, how many students end their papers with a "call to action"?

Look at page 10 of this booklet    I made for information or check out this little slideshow someone else made.

(Click the underlined sentences for more information.)

Most Americans use lots of electricity without thinking about it. Two of the biggest culprits are running the air conditioner instead of using fans and forgetting to turn off lights. keeps lights and appliances turned on. This waste puts a huge strain on our energy supply. With the development of a process called fracking, companies have been able to extract natural gas and oil from areas previously unattainable. Despite the benefits of fracking, it should not be used because it harms both the environment and people.

Fracking is bad for the environment because it affects the groundwater with toxins. Fracking pumps millions of gallons of water and toxic chemicals into the earth (7). According to the passage, this creates toxic and potentially radioactive wastewater, “which can seep into the groundwater, poisoning drinking water” (7). Any process that has the potential to poison drinking water is a process that should be avoided.

In addition to the toxic chemicals polluting the earth, it is also dangerous for humans.  The author states that “25% of these chemicals could cause cancer” (8).   Fracking companies seem unconcerned about this risk because they have “found legal loopholes that allow them to circumvent federal environmental protection laws, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act” (8). These loopholes allow this dangerous process to continue, putting lives at risk.

Though fracking has benefits such as job creation and reducing carbon pollution, it poses too many risks to humans and the environment. The text states that improvements are being made, but until the risks are diminished, fracking in the United States should be banned. ​

The Scoring Rubric is actually rather generous.

The new STAAR essay is worth 17% of the total score, and that's a lot. Fortunately, if you have good writing and typing skills, you can get an 8 or 10. (It 's scored from 0 - 5, and then it's doubled.)

There are two sections: Development of Ideas (0-3) and Conventions/ Grammar and Punctuation (0-2). However, if you get a 0 for Development of Ideas, you get a 0 for the whole thing.