说明文

Learning Objectives
::学习目标

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• Provide evidence that supports a thesis, including relevant information on varying perspectives.
  ::提供证据支持一个论点,包括关于不同观点的相关资料。
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• Articulate concepts and information from correctly and concisely.
  ::正确和简明地阐明概念和信息。
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• Decipher between the significance and merit of different facts, concepts and data.
  ::不同事实、概念和数据的重要性和价值之间的分界。
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• Master the organization of an expository essay.
  ::一份解释性论文的主编

Introduction
::导言

The main aim of an expository essay is to provide an effective explanation of a topic. While a descriptive essay strives to describe a subject or a narrative essay seeks to show personal growth, an expository essay tries to explain a topic or situation. Thus, expository essays are written as if the writer is explaining or clarifying a topic to the reader. Since an expository essay is trying to clarify a topic, it is important that it provides the categories or reasons that support the clarification of the paper. Moreover, these categories and reasons also provide the framework for the organization of the paper.
::解释性文章的主要目的是对一个专题提供有效的解释; 叙述性文章力求描述一个主题或叙述性论文力求显示个人成长; 解释性文章试图解释一个专题或情况; 因此, 解释性文章的写法仿佛作者正在向读者解释或澄清一个专题; 由于解释性文章试图澄清一个专题,因此,它必须提供支持澄清文件的类别或理由; 此外,这些类别和理由也为文件的组织提供了框架。

Much like the categories are essential to clarifying the topic, organization is the key to any well-developed essay. When composing your essay, think of its organization as a house, with each component of an essay representing a major part of a house. Just as the foundation provides support on which a house can be built, a thesis represents the foundation upon which to build an essay. The introductory paragraph then functions as both the door and framework for an expository essay. Like a house door, the introductory paragraph must allow the reader to enter into the essay. Additionally, just as walls are built upon the framework of a house, the body paragraphs of an essay are organized around the framework or organizational scheme, presented in the introductory paragraph. The body paragraphs, much like the walls of a house, must be firm, strong and complete. Also, there must always be as many body paragraphs as the framework of the introductory paragraph indicates otherwise your essay will resemble a house that is missing a wall. Finally, an essay must include a conclusion paragraph that tops off the essay much like a roof completes a house. As the roof cements the structure of the house and helps hold the walls in place, the conclusion paragraph must reiterate the points within your body paragraphs and complete an essay.
::类似分类对于澄清主题至关重要, 组织是任何完善的论文的关键。 在撰写您的论文时, 组织是任何完善的论文的关键。 在撰写您的论文时, 将组织视为一栋房子, 其每个组成部分都视为一栋房屋, 以及代表一栋房屋主要部分的一篇文章的每个组成部分。 正如基金会为建房提供了支持, 论文也代表了建房的基础。 介绍性段落作为开篇论文的门和框架, 然后作为开篇论文的门和框架发挥作用。 与家门一样, 介绍性段落必须允许读者进入文章中。 此外, 正如墙壁建在房子的框架或组织计划上一样, 论文的正文段落围绕框架或组织计划组织安排, 在导言性段落中展示的。 身体段落, 与房子的墙壁一样, 必须坚固、 坚固、 坚固和完整。 另外, 还必须有像导性段落框架一样多的体段, 表明您的论文将类似于一堵墙的房屋。 最后, 作文必须包括一个结论段落, 上面的顶部必须坚固了房屋结构, 并且帮助将墙挂在段落内。

Although the overall organization of an expository essay is important, you must also understand the organization of each component (the introductory, body and conclusion paragraphs) of your essay. The chart below identifies the essential parts of each component of your essay, explaining the necessary information for each type of paragraph. While the guidelines listed below may feel constrictive, they are merely meant to guide you as a writer. Ultimately, the guidelines should help you write more effectively. The more familiar you become with how to organize an essay, the more energy you can focus on your ideas and your writing. As a result, your writing will improve as your ability to organize your ideas improves. Plus, focusing your energy on your argument and ideas rather than the organization makes your job as a writer more exciting and fun.
::虽然解释性论文的总体组织很重要,但您也必须了解您论文的每个部分(导言、正文和结论段落)的组织结构。下图确定了您论文的每个部分的基本部分,解释了每一类段落的必要信息。虽然下文所列指导方针可能感觉过于紧凑,但它们只是用来指导您写作。归根结底,指南应该帮助您更有效地写作。您越熟悉如何组织一篇论文,您就越能集中精力于您的想法和写作。因此,您的写作将随着您组织思想的能力的提高而提高。此外,您将精力集中在您的观点和想法上,而不是组织上,使得您作为一个作家的工作更加令人兴奋和有趣。

Introductory Paragraph:
::引言段:

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• Introduce the issue.
  ::提出这一问题。
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• Present the topic and its explanation or clarification.
  ::介绍本专题及其解释或澄清。
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• Provide the categories used to explain the topic.
  ::提供用于解释专题的类别。
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• Provide the thesis statement.
  ::提供理论陈述。

Body Paragraphs:
::主体段落:

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• Begin with a topic sentence that reflects an explanation of the paper and the category being discussed in the paragraph.
  ::首先是专题句子,反映对该文件的解释和该段讨论的类别。
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• Support the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, etc.
  ::从书籍、杂志文章等来源引用有用和资料丰富的引文支持这一论点。
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• Provide 2-3 quotes that connect the category being discussed to the explanation
  ::提供将所讨论的类别与解释联系起来的2-3引文
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• Provide 2-3 sentences explaining each quote more full, drawing stronger connections between the category and the explanation.
  ::提供2-3句句子,对每一引号作出更完整的解释,使类别与解释之间的联系更紧密。
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• Ensure that the information in these paragraphs is important to the thesis statement.
  ::确保这些段落中的信息对理论陈述很重要。
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• End each paragraph with a transition sentence which leads into the next body paragraph.
  ::在每一段结尾处加上一段过渡句,进入下一段。

Concluding Paragraph:
::结束段落:

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• Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
  ::开始是反映论点陈述论点的专题句子。
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• Briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
  ::简要概述该文件的要点。
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• Provide a strong and effective close for the paper.
  ::为该文件提供有力和有效的贴近。

Introductory Paragraphs

A strong introductory paragraph is crucial to the development of an effective expository essay. Unlike an argumentative essay which takes a stand or forms an opinion about a subject, an expository essay is used when the writer wishes to explain or clarify a topic to the reader. In order to properly explain a topic, an expository essay breaks the topic being addressed into parts, explains each component in relation to the whole and uses each component to justify the explanation of the topic. Thus when writing an introductory paragraph, it is crucial to include the explanation or clarification of the topic and the categories or components used to produce this explanation.
::一个强有力的导言段落对于编写一个有效的解释性论文至关重要,与对一个主题采取立场或形成意见的论论著不同,在作者希望向读者解释或澄清一个专题时使用解释性论文,为了适当解释一个专题,一个解释性论文将所处理的专题分成若干部分,解释每个部分的整体,并使用每个部分来解释这个专题,因此,在撰写导言段落时,必须包括对这个专题的解释或澄清,以及用来作出这一解释的类别或组成部分。

Introductory Paragraph:
::引言段:

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• Introduce the issue.
  ::提出这一问题。
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• Present the topic and its explanation or clarification.
  ::介绍本专题及其解释或澄清。
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• Provide the categories used to explain the topic.
  ::提供用于解释专题的类别。
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• Provide the thesis statement.
  ::提供理论陈述。

Since the success of the paper rests on the introductory paragraph, it is important to understand its essential components. Usually, expository papers fail to provide a clear explanation not because the writer’s lacks explanations or clarifications but rather because the explanations are not properly organized and identified in the introductory paragraph. One of the most important jobs of an introductory paragraph is that it introduces the topic or issue. Most explanations cannot be clarified without at least some background information. Thus, it is essential to provide a foundation for your topic before you begin explaining your topic. For instance, if you wanted to explain what happened at the first Olympic Games, your introductory paragraph would first need to provide background information about how the first games happened. In doing so, you ensure that your audience is as informed about your topic as you are and thus you make it easier for your audience to understand your explanation.
::由于该文件的成功取决于导言段落,因此重要的是要理解其基本组成部分。通常,解释性文件未能提供清楚的解释,原因不是因为作者缺乏解释或澄清,而是因为导言段落没有适当地组织并指明解释内容。导言段落最重要的一项工作是介绍主题或问题。大多数解释不能在没有至少一些背景资料的情况下得到澄清。因此,在开始解释主题之前,必须为你的主题提供一个基础。例如,如果你想解释在第一次奥林匹克运动会上发生的事情,你的介绍性段落首先需要提供关于第一次比赛如何发生的背景资料。这样做,你确保听众了解你现在的题目,从而使观众更容易理解你的解释。

Below is a table describing and explaining the main jobs of the introductory paragraph.
::下表说明和解释了导言段落的主要工作。

Introductory paragraphs introduce the topic and suggest why it is important.
::介绍性段落介绍了这一专题,并说明了为什么它很重要。

Example:   An analysis of the essay exam results of the new English class shows that the new class format promotes close reading and better essay organization.
::例如:对新英文类论文考试结果的分析表明,新的班级形式有利于近距离阅读和更好的作文组织。

This sentence tells the reader both that the topic of the paper will be the benefits of the new English class and that the significance of these benefits is the improvement of close reading and essay organization.
::这一句既告诉读者,论文的主题将是新的英语类的收益,这些收益的意义在于改进近距离阅读和作文组织。

Introductory paragraphs outline the structure of the paper and highlight the main ideas.
::介绍性段落概述了文件的结构,并强调了主要想法。

Example:   Considering the results of the High School Exit Exam, it is apparent that school curriculum is not properly addressing basic math skills such as fractions, percentages and long division.
::实例:考虑到高中毕业考试的结果,学校课程显然没有适当处理诸如分数、百分比和长分数等基本数学技能问题。

This sentence indicates that main ideas (fractions, percentages and long division) of the essay and indicates the order in which they will be presented in the body paragraphs.
::这一句表明论文的主要思想(违规、百分数和长篇大论),并表明在正文段落中将提出这些思想的顺序。

Introductory paragraphs state the thesis.
::介绍性段落陈述了论点。

Example:   California high schools will require all students to take a resume and cover letter writing workshop in order to better prepare them for employment.
::例如:加利福尼亚高中将要求所有学生参加简历和附函写作讲习班,以便更好地为就业做好准备。

This thesis statement indicates the explanation of the paper.
::该理论陈述说明了对该文件的解释。

In addition to introducing the topic of your paper, your introductory paragraph also needs to introduce each of the arguments you will cover in your body paragraphs. By providing your audience with an idea of the points or arguments you will make later in your paper, your introductory paragraph serves as a guide map, not only for your audience but also for you. Including your main sub-points in your introduction not only allows your audience to understand where your essay is headed but also helps you as a writer remember how you want to organize your paper. This is especially helpful if you are not writing your essay in one sitting as it allows you to leave and return to your essay without forgetting all of the important points you wanted to make.
::除了介绍你的论文的主题外,你的介绍性段落还需要介绍你将在身体各段落中阐述的每一个论点。通过向听众介绍你将在论文后面提出的要点或论点,你的介绍性段落不仅为你的听众,而且为你们提供了指导性地图。在介绍性段落中包括你的主要分点不仅使听众能够了解你的论文的走向,而且帮助你作为作家记住你如何组织你的论文。如果你不坐在一席里写作,这样特别有用,因为这样你就可以离开和回到你的论文,而不会忘记你想要提出的所有要点。

Most importantly, when writing an introductory paragraph, it is essential to remember that you must capture the interest of your reader. Thus, it is your job as the writer to make the introduction entertaining or intriguing. In order to do so, consider using a quotation, a surprising or interesting fact, an anecdote or a humorous story. While the quotation, story or fact you include must be relevant to your paper, placing one of these at the beginning of your introduction helps you not only capture the attention or the reader but also introduce your topic and argument, making your introduction interesting to your audience and useful for your argument and essay.
::最重要的是,在撰写导言段落时,必须记住,你必须抓住读者的兴趣,因此,你作为作者的职责是使介绍娱乐或引人入胜。为了这样做,你应该考虑引用引语、一个令人惊讶或有趣的事实、一个厌烦或幽默的故事。虽然你所包括的引语、故事或事实必须与你的论文相关,但在介绍开始时放置其中的一个内容不仅有助于吸引读者的注意,而且有助于介绍你的主题和论点,使你的介绍对观众很有意义,对你的论辩和论文也很有用。

Body Paragraphs

In an expository essay the body paragraphs are where the writer has the opportunity to explain or clarify his or her viewpoint. By the conclusion paragraph, the writer should adequately clarify the topic for the reader. Regardless of a strong thesis statement that properly indicates the major sub-topics of the essay, papers with weak body paragraphs fail to properly explain the topic and indicate why it is important. Body paragraphs of an expository essay are weak when no examples are used to help illuminate the topic being discussed or when they are poorly organized. Occasionally, body paragraphs are also weak because the quotes used complicate from rather than simplify the explanation. Thus, it is essential to use appropriate support and to adequately explain your support within your body paragraphs.
::在解释性文章中,正文段落是作者有机会解释或澄清其观点的段落,在结论段落中,作者应当为读者充分澄清这一专题。无论是否有有力的论点说明恰当表明文章的主要分专题,但文中段落薄弱的文件未能适当解释专题,也未能说明为何重要。当没有利用任何实例来说明正在讨论的专题或它们组织不善时,文中各段是软弱的。有时,文中段落也很弱,因为引用的引文使解释复杂化,而不是简化解释。因此,必须利用适当的支持,并充分解释你本部段落内的支持。

In order to create a body paragraph that is properly supported and explained, it is important to understand the components that make up a strong body paragraph. The bullet points below indicate the essential components of a well-written, well-argued body paragraph.
::为了建立一个得到适当支持和解释的主体段落,必须理解构成强有力的主体段落的各个组成部分,下面的圆点表示写得清楚、理由充足的主体段落的基本组成部分。

Body Paragraph Components
::机构 段落构件

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• Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
  ::开始是反映论点陈述论点的专题句子。
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• Support the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, expert opinions, etc.
  ::以书籍、期刊文章、专家意见等来源的有用和资料丰富的引文支持这一论点。
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• Provide 1-2 sentences explaining each quote.
  ::提供1-2个句子,解释每一引文。
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• Provide 1-3 sentences that indicate the significance of each quote.
  ::提供1-3句,说明每一引号的意义。
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• Ensure that the information provided is relevant to the thesis statement.
  ::确保所提供的资料与理论陈述相关。
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• End with a transition sentence which leads into the next body paragraph.
  ::结尾处为过渡句,可进入下个正文段落。

Just as your introduction must introduce the topic of your essay, the first sentence of a body paragraph must introduce the main sub-point for that paragraph. For instance, if you were writing a body paragraph for a paper explaining the factors that led to US involvement in World War II, one body paragraph could discuss the impact of the Great Depression on the decision to enter the war. To do so, you would begin with a topic sentence that explains how the Great Depression encouraged involvement in the war because the war effort would stimulate certain aspects of the economy. Following this sentence, you would go into more detail and explain how the two events are linked. By placing this idea at the beginning of the paragraph, not only does your audience know what the paragraph is explaining, but you can also keep track of your ideas.
::正如你导言必须介绍你论文的主题,正文段落第一句必须介绍该段的主要分段落。例如,如果你为解释导致美国参与第二次世界大战的因素的文件撰写正文段落,那么,正文段落可以讨论大萧条对进入战争决定的影响。要这样做,你首先要解释一下大萧条如何鼓励参与战争,因为战争努力将刺激经济的某些方面。在此句之后,你将更详细地解释这两个事件之间的联系。在该段开头加上这一想法,不仅你的听众知道该段所解释的内容,而且还可以了解你的想法。

Following the topic sentence, you must provide some sort of fact that supports your claim. In the example of the World War II essay, maybe you would provide a quote from a historian or from a prominent history teacher or researcher. After your quote or fact, you must always explain what the quote or fact is saying, stressing what you believe is most important about your fact. It is important to remember that your audience may read a quote and decide it is indicating something entirely different than what you think it is explaining. Or, maybe some or your readers think another aspect of your quote is important. If you do not explain the quote and indicate what portion of it is relevant to your clarification, than your reader may become confused or may be unconvinced of your explanation. Consider the possible interpretations for the statement below.
::在主题句之后, 您必须提供某种支持您主张的事实。 在二战论文的例子中, 您也许可以提供来自历史学家或著名历史教师或研究人员的引文。 在引用或事实之后, 您必须总是解释引用或事实中的内容, 突出您认为最重要的内容。 重要的是要记住, 您的读者可以读出一段引文, 决定它表示与您所解释的内容完全不同的东西 。 或者, 也许一些读者或您的读者认为您引用的另一个方面很重要 。 如果您不解释引文, 并指明其中哪些部分与您的解释相关, 而不是读者会变得困惑或无法说服您的解释 。 请考虑下面对声明的可能解释 。

Example:  While the U.S. involvement in World War II was not the major contributor to the ending of the Great Depression, the depression was one of the primary motives for entering the war.
::例如:虽然美国参与第二次世界大战不是大萧条结束的主要原因,但萧条是进入战争的主要动机之一。

Interestingly, this statement seems to be saying two things at once – that the Great Depression helped spark involvement in the war and that World War II did not end the depression alone. On the one hand, the historian seems to say that the two events are not directly linked. However, on the other hand, the historian also indicates that the two events are linked in that the depression caused U.S. involvement in the war. Because of the tension in this quotation, if you used this quote for your World War II essay, you would need to explain that the significant portion of the quote is the assertion that links the events.
::有趣的是,这一声明似乎同时说两件事 — — 大萧条帮助引发了战争,而二战并没有单独结束萧条。 一方面,历史学家似乎说这两个事件没有直接关联。 但另一方面,历史学家也指出这两个事件相关联,因为萧条导致美国卷入战争。 由于引文中的紧张,如果你在二战论文中使用这段引文,你需要解释一下,引文中的重要部分是连接这些事件的论断。

In addition to explaining what this quote is saying, you would also need to indicate why this is important to your explanation. When trying to indicate the significance of a fact, it is essential to try to answer the “so what.” Image you have just finished explaining your quote to someone and they have asked you “so what?” The person does not understand why you have explained this quote, not because you have not explained the quote well but because you have not told him or her why he or she needs to know what the quote means. This, the answer to the “so what,” is the significance of your paper and is essentially your clarification within the body paragraphs. However, it is important to remember that generally a body paragraph will contain more than one quotation or piece of support. Thus, you must repeat the Quotation-Explanation-Significance formula several times within your body paragraph to fully explain the one sub-point indicated in your topic sentence. Below is an example of a properly written body paragraph.
::除了解释这段引文所说的话之外,你还需要指出为什么这对你的解释很重要。在试图指出一个事实的意义时,必须尝试回答“什么 ” 。但是,重要的是要记住,一般而言,一个正文段落将包含不止一个引文或支持部分。因此,你必须在你的正文段落中多次重复“引文-特异性”公式,以充分解释您主题句子中显示的一个子点。下面是正文段落的一个恰当例子。

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph of an expository essay is an author’s last chance to create a good impression. Hence, it is important to restate the thesis statement at the beginning of the paragraph in order to remind the reader of your topic and explanation. Since it is at the end of the paper, the conclusion paragraph also should add a sense of closure and finality to the clarification of the paper. It is important to re-emphasize the main idea without being repetitive or introducing an entirely new idea or subtopic. While you can conclude your conclusion paragraph by suggesting a topic for further research or investigation, do not make this question the focus of the paragraph. Thus, you should briefly and concisely reiterate the strongest clarifications of the paper, reminding the reader of the validity of your thesis or explanation and bringing closure to your paper.
::解释性文章的结论段落是作者创造良好印象的最后一次机会,因此,必须在段落开头重述理论陈述,以便提醒读者注意你的主题和解释;由于结论段落在文件结尾处,还应当为文件的澄清增加一种结束和结束感;必须再次强调主要思想,而不要重复或引入一个全新的想法或分专题;你可以提出进一步研究或调查的专题来结束结论段落,但不要将这一问题作为该段的重点;因此,你应简要和简要地重申该文件最强烈的澄清,提醒读者你的理论或解释的有效性,并结束你的论文。

Concluding Paragraph:
::结束段落:

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• Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
  ::开始是反映论点陈述论点的专题句子。
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• Briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
  ::简要概述该文件的要点。
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• Provide a strong and effective close for the paper.
  ::为该文件提供有力和有效的贴近。

You may feel that the conclusion paragraph is redundant or unnecessary; However, do not forget that this is your last chance to explain the significance of your argument to your audience. Just as your body paragraphs strive to present the significance of each fact or quote you use, your conclusion paragraph should sum up the significance of your argument. Thus, you should consider making a bold statement in your concluding paragraph by evoking a vivid image, suggesting results or consequences related to your argument or ending with a warning. Through using these components, you not only make your conclusion paragraph more exciting, but you also make your essay and your argument, more important.
::你也许觉得结论段落是多余的或不必要的; 但是, 请不要忘记这是你最后一次有机会向听众解释你的论点的意义。 正如你的身体段落努力展示你所使用的每个事实或引用的意义, 你的结论段落应该总结你的论点的意义。 因此, 你应该考虑在结论段落中大胆地发言, 引用一个生动的图像, 提出与你的论点有关的结果或后果, 或者以警告结束。 通过使用这些内容, 你不仅使结论段落更加令人兴奋, 而且你还要使你的论文和论点更加重要。

Review Questions
::审 查 问 问 问 问 题

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1. What are three of the main purposes of an introductory paragraph?
   ::导言段落的三个主要目的是什么?
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2. What should you never do in an introductory paragraph?
   ::在介绍性段落中,你永远不应该做什么?
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3. How should you refute counterpoints?
   ::你应如何反驳反点?
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4. What is the formula for a well-argued body paragraph?
   ::有充分论据的身体段落的公式是什么?
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5. What should you include in a conclusion paragraph? What should never include in a conclusion paragraph?
   ::在结论段落中应列入哪些内容?在结论段落中绝不应列入哪些内容?

Points to Consider
::需要考虑的要点

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1. Write an expository essay about your favorite movie or book, paying special attention to why a certain book or movie is your favorite. Be sure to adequately summarize the movie or book in order to provide a concise and comprehensible explanation. Additionally, be sure to use concrete details and examples to explain why you enjoy the book or movie you are writing about. Simply summarizing the plot will not explain to the reader why the book or movie is entertaining to you.
   ::写一篇关于你最喜欢的电影或书的解说性文章, 特别注意为什么某本书或电影是你最喜欢的。 请务必对电影或书作充分的总结, 以便提供简明易懂的解释。 此外, 请务必使用具体的细节和例子来解释为什么你喜欢你正在写的书或电影。 简单总结剧情不会向读者解释为什么这本书或电影让你高兴。
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2. Write an expository essay about a historical event, indicating at least three factors that contributed to its development. For instance, you could discuss how factors, such as World War I, led to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. A factor could be an event, an individual or a movement that is historically significant. In order to properly show how certain factors caused or contributed to a specific event, you must clarify both the factors and the event itself.
   ::写一篇关于历史事件的解释性文章,指出至少三个有助于其发展的因素。 比如,您可以讨论一下第一次世界大战等因素如何导致妇女权力运动。 一个因素可以是事件、个人或具有历史意义的运动。 为了正确表明某些因素是如何造成或促成具体事件,您必须澄清因素和事件本身。