8th Grade Expository Writing
Eighth Grade Expository Writing - Legos® Project
Writing about a process may seem simpler than it really is! It involves explaining, relating, visualizing, defining, and clarifying. (Whew!) The eighth grade language arts students are being challenged with a Legos construction project; many students immediately thought of their childhood times constructing a Legos design! This project is a bit more complicated. Not only do the teams of students have to create Legos objects, they have to write process papers which adequately explain the construction process so that other teams can construct identical replicas of the original designs. In the near future, the success of the project designs will be revealed!
The project directions are listed below.
The purpose of expository writing is to present information about a topic so that the reader will understand it completely. A process paper explains how to make or do something. Writing directions for someone else to follow requires care and attention to detail.
You and your partner will be given a bag containing Legos®. Create an original model using all of the pieces. Prepare an expository paragraph (two copies) in which you give specific directions for assembling the model you designed. You will also draw a colored picture of your completed model.
List the separate steps that are necessary to complete the process.
Arrange the steps in chronological order – the order in which the steps must be done.
List all supplies necessary to complete the process
Try to imagine what someone unfamiliar with the process would need to know.
Writing and Revising
Write a topic sentence
Write the sentences that explain the steps.
Use transitional words to emphasize the order of the steps.
Follow your written directions to build the model again. Your directions should be clear and accurate.
Revise your paragraph as needed.
Write a concluding sentence.
Transitions That Add to or Continue an Idea:
additionally, afterwards, again, also, and, as previously stated, at last, at length, at the same time, besides, embracing, encompassing, eventually extending first furthermore in addition in conclusion, including, initially, later, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, next, overall, presently, previously, second, since, soon, subsequently, supplementing, then, to begin, and while. (WHEW!)