Mastering Expository Writing with the Keyhole Essay Method
Master the art of expository writing through the Keyhole Essay method, which emphasizes focus, organization, and clarity. This guide covers the Keyhole Essay concept, when to use it, characteristics of expository writing, and tips for crafting a strong introduction with a solid thesis statement.
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Presentation Transcript
The Keyhole Essay A Guide to Expository Writing
What is the Keyhole Essay? Method of organizing expository writing [used to explain, describe, inform] Forces writers to be Focused Organized Clear
Keyhole Essay Concept When you put them together and overlap the circle, you get an image to help you remember essay writing. Remember this image? Two Keyholes one upside down and the other normal. Starts general (hook) Becomes more specific Intro Paragraph Thesis Statement Body Paragraphs- Very specific Becomes more general Conclusion Paragraph
When will I use this? ALL THE TIME In class essays PARCC Literary analysis Argumentative pieces Persuasive pieces
Characteristics of Expository Writing Formal Third person point of view (no I ) No slang, clich s, or fragments (unless it is quoted) Clear Make assertions, not suggestions Not I think, I believe, In my opinion, Maybe, Probably, etc. [Write as if there is only one answer and it s yours] Do not make the reader guess your meaning
Introduction Can start with a broad, general statement In the novel/short story/autobiography by __(author s name____ the reader sees/learns/experiences Can start with a Hook, whichgrabs the reader s attention Hook starters: Imagine (usually three statements beginning with Imagine) Example: Imagine a hand cut off for stealing a piece of bread. Imagine an innocent person being killed because of a mistake. Imagine being sentence to death for trying to save another s life. A general statement relating to the experience/s of character/s or situation Example: Laws are in place to protect the people of a society.
Introduction Begin to narrow focus Connect hook/opening to essay topic DO THIS BY: Introduce title of novel/short story/info piece Introduce author Use words from the prompt
The Introduction: Thesis Thesis statement: assertion that you will prove in the body of the text It is the answer to the essay question Must be arguable Can be written two ways: 1) Hammurabi's laws proved to be too harsh, showed social class inequities, and restricted religious freedom. 2) Hammurabi's philosophy on laws that should govern a society proved to be unjust in many ways.
The Body Overall function: to support thesis statement Overall format: Three main points= three main paragraphs (this can be adjusted depending on type of writing) Each paragraph focuses on a specific piece of evidence that supports your thesis
The Body: Topic Sentence Topic sentence (TS): first sentence of each paragraph Identifies and clarifies main point Provides focus and organization Transition: connection between previous main point and current main point In addition to harsh laws, Hammurabi's laws also had social class inequities.
The Body: Evidence Support your main point with evidence Start by using your own words Give a general overview of the main point Use specific examples from the text 2 or 3 in each paragraph THIS COMES IN THE FORM OF QUOTES Explain why that quote/s support your main point and thesis through analysis Do not summarize the whole plot, rather give the necessary background knowledge a reader needs to understand why your quote proves your point.
The Body: Closing Statement Closing statement: neatly ties up your main point for that paragraph Refocuses the reader Aids in organization and clarity
Conclusion: Thesis Echo Thesis echo: reworded, simplified version of thesis Refocuses reader Aids in organization It is apparent that Hammurabi's laws were too extreme for society because the laws restricted equality and certain freedoms afforded to the people.
Conclusion: Restated Main Points Briefly revisit main points used in body paragraphs Aids in organization, clarity, and focus
Conclusion: Strong close Close should broaden the focus as did the hook Connect topic to life (NOT YOURS), world, human nature in general Strong, concise, memorable Although Hammurabi's laws are not in practice today, the governing of modern society is based on these ideas.
