the expository essay

THE EXPOSITORY ESSAY

is intended to LEAD the reader into

the topic and clarify what the essay

will specifically deal with. It usually

consists of one paragraph.

The introduction will contain a key sentence that represents

the thread running through the whole essay. This sentence is

called the thesis statement.

INTRODUCTION

is the main part of the essay. Here, you explain your point, always using specific examples to back up your explanation.

THE BODY

is the end of the essay. It is a short paragraph of about three sentences. It often has the same idea as the introduction, only it is a bit more developed and summarizes what has been written in the essay.

THE CONCLUSION

The foundation to an

essay is it’s initial

response to the prompt.

The more thoughtful and

considered your thesis

statement is then the

greater the chance that

your entire essay will

show sophistication,

insight and elegance.

THE PROMPT

•What invention would the world be better off without, and why?

•What confuses you most in life, and why?

•Describe a fictional character. Be sure to point out what you do or do not

like about the character and relate these attributes to yourself.

•Discuss how your travel experiences have affected you as a student and a

citizen of the world.

EXAMPLES OF COLLEGE ADMISSION PROMPTS:

DEVELOP A THESIS FROM THE PROMPT

1. Read the prompt carefully and analyze key words, especially ones that you aren’t sure that you know.

2. Determine what all words really mean.

3. Use a thesaurus to find alternate words.

4. Use the new words to reword the prompt.

A reworded sentence on the prompt.

Your thesis.A summary of the topic and the details/evidence that

will be analyzed.

EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTIONS

WHAT LOOKS BETTER?

WHAT LOOKS BETTER?