The United States has two major political parties, Republicans and Democrats. What are some of the difference and similarities in their beliefs? (Stick to three elements.)

  Writing Assignment 2 – A Short Expository Research EssayENGL 110C
Assignment: Write a 1,200-word expository research essay
Deadlines: Feb. 18
Length: 1,200 words
Description: An expository essay is a type of writing “that requires the student to investigate an
idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea
in a clear and concise manner” (“Expository Essays”). In the essay, the writer will examine the
topic using different strategies that will enable the audience to understand the topic. Some of
the strategies may include comparing and contrasting, describing, defining or classifying items
with similarities and differences. To investigate the topic, you will need to find references, no
more and no less than three, that enable you to support your idea.
To draft your expository essay, here are the sections and what they should contain:
Introduction – In the introduction, you’ll 1) explain the issue or topic and provide your
thesis, which will identify the purpose (your position on the issue) of the topic
for your short expository research paper. You’ll 2) provide background information
(briefly explaining the history of the issue) and briefly 3) identify what individual points
or ideas you’ll examine.
(Unlike a typical argument essay, in your expository essay, you’ll examine the topic
(narrowed) without focusing solely on one side of it.)
Body Paragraphs – In this section, you’ll provide 1) background information on the
topic, so the reader will understand it. This doesn’t have to be long for such a short
assignment. You’ll then discuss 2) your points or ideas on the paper topic within
separate paragraphs, and you’ll provides examples to help the reader understand the
points and evidence from your references that support the points you make. Keep in
mind that you’ll examine any alternative ideas or opposition to your points to assure the
audience understands the narrowed topic fully.
Conclusion – Just as with any other conclusion, you’ll restate the topic and reemphasize
your discoveries. You don’t want your conclusion to be a copy of the introductory
paragraph. Instead, you want to place emphasis on your supporting details (“Expository
Essay”).
Topic: Choose a topic you find interesting and that you believe your audience would find
interesting. If you can’t think of a topic to write about, you can choose one of the following
topics:
1. There are some people in the world today who don’t believe in climate change. In light of the
evidence, why might they doubt the information presented?
2. What is the COVID-19 virus and where did it originate?
3. The United States has two major political parties, Republicans and Democrats. What are
some of the differences and similarities in their beliefs? (Stick to three elements.)
Audience: Classmates, instructor, and others interested in the particular area of research you
choose.
Style/Format: In writing the expository essay, you will discuss the subject in third person. Avoid
using first and second person (I, me, we, us or you).
Be sure to document (cite) your research using the Modern Languages Association
Handbook style for both in-text and works cited page citations. Also, double-spaced with
margins of at least one-inch on all sides and follow the MLA paper format.
Before submitting the final assignment, be sure to keep photocopies of the work for your own
protection.
Value: 20 points
Work Cited
“Expository Essay.” The Purdue OWL.
owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.htmlLinks to an external site.. Accessed 21 January 2024.
Short Expository Research Essay Grading CriteriaContent/Key elements of the assignment are included – 4 points/1 point each
 Paper is 1,200 words in length, follows the Modern Languages Association citation
format,  Identifies the topic, brief background and the points to be covered in the
introduction.  Uses at least one of expository writing strategies – definition, description,
cause/effect, comparison/contrast or classification.  Uses factual and other forms of evidence that provide support for the claim(s) from
no less than three references.
Content/Documentation format and inclusion – 4 points/2 points each
 The paper includes the MLA in-text citations to document references used within
the assignment.  The paper includes an MLA works cited page listing all references cited within the
assignment.
Organization/Style – 4 points/1 point each
 The paper includes an introduction with a thesis sentence that doesn’t announce
the subject and is organized well, including enough information to allow the reader
to understand how the paper will unfold.  The paper body expands on the thesis, discussing the main points in separate
paragraphs. Each paragraph has a topic sentence.  The conclusion summarizes the main point without introducing details not discussed
in the body.  The writer uses transitions between sentences and paragraphs, and the writer
doesn’t rely on slang, nonstandard English or inappropriate wording to convey the
meaning.
Sentence Structure/Verbs – 4 points/2 points each
 Comma splices, run-together/run-on sentences or fragments
 Subject/verb agreement errors
Grammar/Style – 4 points – .7 points each
 Punctuation
 Parallel, varied and concise sentence structure
 Spelling/word usage
 Pronouns
 Dangling constructions
 Other grammar points
The grading criteria sheet includes general categories, which may cover other related errors