Question

1. expository writing prompt (aligned to expository techniques standards)

expository writing prompt pre - test:
write an explanatory essay that analyzes how black friday has evolved over time and how different sources present information about its growing impact on consumer habits.
in your essay:

• explain the major changes in black friday from its origins to today
• use evidence from all three sources (article, infographic, and video)
• discuss how each source uses different techniques—such as statistics, historical facts, or visual elements—to shape the audience’s understanding
• conclude by explaining why multiple types of sources are useful for understanding modern shopping trends

your writing should:

• use clear expository structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
• include facts, examples, and details
• stay objective and informative
• demonstrate understanding of how authors organize and present information

Explanation:

The prompt requires writing an expository essay analyzing Black Friday’s evolution and source techniques. Key steps include: 1) Outlining origins-to-present changes (e.g., in-store to online shifts); 2) Integrating evidence from article (historical facts), infographic (visual stats), and video (dynamic examples); 3) Explaining each source’s technique (e.g., infographic uses charts for trend clarity); 4) Structuring with intro (thesis on evolution and source utility), body (change analysis + source breakdown), and conclusion (multi-source value for shopping trends).

Answer:

To complete the task, follow this structure:

1. Introduction: State Black Friday’s evolution from post-Thanksgiving in-store sales to multi-day online events, and thesis on how diverse sources enhance understanding.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Explain major changes (origins: 1950s Philadelphia traffic term → 2000s online expansion → 2020s early/hybrid sales).
3. Body Paragraph 2: Analyze sources: Article uses historical facts (e.g., 1980s retail adoption); infographic uses bar graphs for annual sales growth; video uses customer interviews to show behavioral shifts.
4. Body Paragraph 3: Discuss source techniques: Article builds context via narrative; infographic simplifies data visually; video humanizes trends.
5. Conclusion: Summarize that multiple sources (textual, visual, dynamic) provide comprehensive, accessible insights into modern shopping trends.

The essay should be objective, structured, and include specific evidence from all three sources.