Paul Singley

EDMM625
October 11, 2016
Expository Writing Experience Reflection
This expository writing experience asked us to look at a variety of potential thesis statements
that derived from themes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. I chose the quote, nothing in the
world is more powerful than love for my thesis. We were then asked to read several quotes
from the play and pick the one that best supported our thesis. We were asked to respond to the
quote, and I wrote about the feeling of love that I have for my children. Finally, a partner peer
edited this in class and gave us feedback.
I really enjoyed this writing experience and believe most students will, too. I think this would be
appropriate for all students, of all demographics, in grades 9-12 language arts classes. I think
the task is also appropriate for all students in this grade level because it requires them to think
deeply about their own thoughts and feelings. Most students of this population are starting to
feel emotions they never had before, and its important for them to know that others have had
these feelings throughout history. Additionally, it is important for them to reflect on their own
feelings to put them into perspective. Finally, it is important for them to look at different class
structures and family values that can impact their own relationships.
This task would be most appropriate for ELA students in grade 9 because that is typically when
they will read Romeo and Juliet. I believe it is a timeless play that will have value for generations
to come.
The following Common Core State Standards, which Naugatuck Public Schools adhere
to, are among those being met:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6

Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of

literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world
literature.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3

Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations)
develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the
plot or develop the theme.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.9.A

Apply grades 9-10 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Analyze how an author
draws on and transforms source material in a specific work [e.g., how Shakespeare

treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play
by Shakespeare]").
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3.A

Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation,
establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or
characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
Design and purpose
In this assignment, students are asked to create content that has a strong thesis statement, a
clear structure and transitions between paragraphs and ideas. It should also have evidence that
clearly supports the thesis, a thorough explanation of that evidence, and clear writing with few
grammatical mistakes. Making sure the thesis statement is clear and is backed up with
supporting evidence is the most crucial component to expository writing. This is important
because these are the types of assignments students will write in freshmen level college
courses and perhaps in the business world. Therefore, I believe we have created an authentic
purpose, and the audience will one-day appreciate that we are preparing them for future writing
experiences.
I think we can enhance this writing experience for the classroom by making students write an
expository piece either for homework or in future classes. By doing this, we will have taken them
throughout a full writing experience that includes brainstorming, writing a thesis statement,
locating background information, creating transitions, forming a good introduction and
conclusion and through revisions. This experience will teach them the elements of good writing
and will serve them well throughout their lives.