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Grade 9 Essay #2: Expository essay on The Pigman.

Write an expository essay based on one of the following ideas. You are not simply summarizing the story; rather, you are making a statement ABOUT the story, then finding facts to prove the statement.

1. Compare/contrast two characters from the book, The Pigman.

2. Compare/contrast yourself with one of the main characters in The Pigman.

Find two or three strong similarities. Go through the story and find incidents and quotes to back up the similarities you find.

3. John (or pick another character) is most responsible for Mr. Pignati’s death.

4. Love changes people’s outlooks on everything.

5. (other)

Think of tone: This essay should be written at the standard or conferential level, not sub-standard (with slang and over use of idioms), nor non-standard. Be precise. Be descriptive. If one follows this outline, the essay should be a good one.

Types of leads

1. quote

2. bold statement

3. question

4. feeling

5. riddle

I. Introduction:

1. lead statement:________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

2. explain the lead:_______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. overview of the story:__________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

4. thesis statement:_______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

II. First reason supporting the thesis

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. elaboration/ use a quote from the story that illustrates your reason. Explain

what the quote means: __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

4. commentary/ how do you react to this quote or point: _________________

____________________________________________________________________

III. Second reason supporting the thesis

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. elaboration/ use a quote from the story that illustrates your reason. Explain

what the quote means: _________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

4. commentary/ how do you react to this quote or point: ________________

____________________________________________________________________

IV. Third reason supporting the thesis