Paterson expected to stick to Spitzer's agenda

Ben Amato | Educational consultant

"When public men indulge themselves in abuse, when they deny others a fair trial, when they resort to innuendo and insinuation, to libel, scandal, and suspicion, then our democratic society is outraged, and democracy is baffled."

J. William Fulbright--U.S. Senator

Expository Writing - ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

Politics and scandal are very often connected, for the power that comes with high elected office often intoxicates. The problems that face New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer might lead to his resignation and the elevation of Lieutenant Governor David Paterson. Today's lesson looks at the man who might soon assume the leadership of one of our nation's largest states.

Television Component
The CW 11 News at Ten had a story about David Paterson's political career and personal life. View the video twice and then answer the Multiple Choice questions.

Newspaper Component
Today's Newsday contains the story "Paterson expected to stick to Spitzer's agenda." Using the facts and details it contains, complete the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle.

Language Arts Component
Critical lens
"You find out who your real friends are when you're involved in a scandal."
Elizabeth Taylor, actress

New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer came to power with an agenda of change and a desire to "clean up" New York State politics. His fall from power has shifted the limelight to the "next in line" for his office, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson. Though largely unknown, Paterson has his own credentials of achievement and merit.

Situation
Based upon the details in the article, the video clips and your own feelings about the politics, write an EXPOSITORY ESSAY about the man who might assume the leadership of New York State.

The Nature and Structure of an EXPOSITORY ESSAY
An EXPOSITORY ESSAY is a form of writing in which things are explained and described. The goal of this style is to inform the reader of some event, issue or person. Typical of all formal styles of writing, this essay will follow a set pattern of 3 paragraphs.

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Expository essays begin with the TOPIC, where in short, direct sentences the issue or event is explained. Details about the SETTING and CAST are presented next. These sentences tell WHO the major players are and WHERE the story is being played out. The final sentence of this section is where the writer presents his/her OPINION on the issue. This is a "grabber" that makes the reader want to read the rest of the essay.

BODY PARAGRAPH
This section concerns the details of the issue. Using the information from the article and video clip, the writer should present the facts in a strong, direct manner. It is best to arrange details in an ORDER OF IMPORTANCE. Place the more significant details at the start of the essay and the lesser ones later in the paragraph. The aim of an expository essay is to inform the reader, but the writer should also try to bring the reader to their opinion by using logic and the evidence.

This section may be longer than just one paragraph, depending on how many facts and details are gathered from the article and television news story. Use the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle and the answers to the Multiple-Choice Quiz as a resource so you can make sure all the important facts have been included.

CONCLUSION
The final section of an expository essay should drive home the opinion of the writer. Repeat the TOPIC in a short, clear phrase and then answer a few questions expressing your own thoughts on the situation. Who is David Paterson? What does this man bring to the office of NYS governor? What changes might he suggest and implement? End this section with a prediction, a look ahead at the topic and how it may evolve. How will New York State "change" with Paterson at the helm?