EL 3E WA1 Notes

Part 1: Essay Writing Theory Introduction An exposition is a piece of writing that explains and conveys information while being reflective requires us to ponder over a matter. Thus, in a reflective exposition, you describe and evaluate your experiences and then explain how you draw lessons from them. Format Paragraph 1 Introduction Paragraph 2 Rising Action Paragraph 3 Climax Paragraph 4 Post-Climax / Reflection Paragraph 5 Conclusion / Reflection Reflecting & Evaluating Life Experiences ● Ask yourself the following questions as you consider your experiences: 1. What have I done right? 2. What mistakes have I made? 3. What could I have done differently? 4. What other perspectives are there to this issue? 5. What are my strengths and weaknesses? 6. What do I truly cherish in life? 7. What are my goals? 8. How do I feel about what I am going through? ● We usually evaluate our experiences in light of our personal values and that of the society that we are in. Personal values are deep-seated beliefs we hold about life and its purpose. Values provide an internal reference to what is good, important and beneficial to guide decision making. The table below gives some examples of personal values. Self Health Esteem Recognition Joyfulness Fun Contentment Exercise Self-discipline Beauty Purpose Passion Happiness Calmness Tranquility Freedom Safety Comfort Adventure Others Love Family Connection

Intimacy Teamwork Respect Friendship Belonging Relationships Praise Tolerance Forgiveness Environment Conservation Nature Sacredness Permaculture Self-sufficiency Awe Recycling Tidiness Sustainability Harmony Wonder Care Learning Lifelong learning Stimulation Challenge Education Consciousness Discovery Curiosity Variety Critical thinking Growth Insightfulness Skillfulness Achieving Achieving goals Financial security Have a go Persistence Confidence Goal setting Faith Make a difference Security Lateral thinking Excellence Creativity Community Humanity Peace Contribution Responsibility Honesty Integrity Usefulness Legacy Charity Justice Fairness Freedom General Guidelines 1 Write from a first-person point of view 2 Use twists and unexpected events to engage the readers 3 Personal feelings and resolutions must be included in the essay 4 Storylines must be original and have a sense of maturity and realism 5 Avoid run-out-of-the-mill storylines that sound like primary school essays Introductory Paragraph - Thesis Statement

Thesis statement should be at the end of your introduction to signpost where you are going with your essay. ● Tell readers what the composition is about ● Responds directly to the topic ● Be formulated in a sentence ● Be given in the opening paragraph 4 Ways The Thesis Statement Responds to the Topic Answers the question and states the main idea of the composition Topic: What problems do young people like you face? (Personal expository composition) Problems are part and parcel of life. We all faced various problems in different