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Sample Explanatory Prompt
You’ve had different teachers at different times. What qualities make for the best teachers? Write an essay that explains the qualities that teachers need and tells why they are important. Speak as a student to non-students.
Purpose: To explain
Audience: Non-students
Subject: Qualities the best teachers have
Type: Explanatory essay
Sample Explanatory Response
Three Qualities of Great Teachers
Beginning
The first paragraph introduces the topic and focus. Teachers come in all different shapes and sizes—young and old, funny and stern, people with long hair and people with no hair. These qualities do not make a teacher effective or ineffective. Great teachers care about their students, love their subjects, and connect with families.