Structure and Framework Expository Essays

What is an Expository Essay?

• The expository essay is written for the purpose of presenting information. It explains, informs, gives direction, or shows how to do something.

Parts of an Expository Essay

•Introduction

•Body Paragraphs

•Conclusion

Intro. Paragraph

Body Par. #1

Body Par. #2

Concluding Paragraph

No-no’s for Expository WritingDo not use the word “reason(s)” in any part of the essay.

Do not use the word “you” unless the essay is persuasive.

Do not “piggyback” words (repeatedly using the same word throughout the essay).

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:

•Short and sweet.•Contain only your topic and position.(aka thesis statement) Topic: What is being asked in the prompt. Position: What your take is on the matter. (your point of view)•No explanations or “reasons” should be included.

Listing only two elements in your introduction paragraphwould leave an extremely short “blah” introduction!

Therefore, to add some spice (be on fire!) use the “funnel”idea to your Introduction paragraph.

Introductory Paragraph

(FUNNEL)

The first stage is very vague, simply make a statement involving the topic.

(Broad, sweeping statement)

The second level works on bringing the reader to the topic and position (but not clearly).

The third and/or fourth level should clearly state topic and your position.

EXAMPLE: Introduction Paragraph Funnel

PROMPT: Think about whether you would like being a pet owner, or not? Explain…

Throughout my life I’ve been faced with many individual choices and experiences.

I’ve also thought long and hard about the possible decisions I’ll make in the future.

Where to live, what career to pursue and where I will go to college are just a few.

One thing I know for sure though is that being a pet owner is not part of my destiny.

A completed funnel introduction paragraph

Throughout my life I’ve been faced with many individual choices and experiences. I’ve also thought long and hard about the possible decisions I’ll make in the future. Where to live, what career to pursue and where I will go to college are just a few. One thing I know for sure though is that being a pet owner is not part of my destiny.

SUMMARY

How to Write an Outstanding Introductory paragraph  1.Never give an explanation or a reason in the introduction.

2. Always indent.

3. Be sure the paragraph includes at least 3 to 5 sentences, with all sentences beginning with capital letters and ending with punctuation.

4. Make sure the introductory paragraph contains these two items: 

A.Your topic sentence (refers to the prompt)B. Your position about what’s being asked in the prompt

Body Paragraphs

• Body paragraphs include each of the following four elements:• Transitions• Statements• One time when’s (OTW)/anecdotes• Thesis tie-in

The first element of the four parts to the body

paragraph: Transitions Transitions (change or passing from a place, activity, (change or passing from a place, activity,

thing, time, etc.)thing, time, etc.)

TransitionsTransitions make sections of an essay flow.

For the purposes of learning the structure and foundation of a strong essay, at first all students will use the same three transitionstransitions (“To begin with,” “Furthermore” and “Ultimately”).

StatementsStatements

The second element of the four parts to the body paragraph: StatementsStatements

The “statements” areThe “statements” are the the vital partvital part of the of the essay. essay.

The statement or topic sentence The statement or topic sentence revealsreveals to to the reader the reader what the paragraphwhat the paragraph is is going to be going to be about.about.

The statements are the The statements are the support support forfor your your positionposition. .

This is an example of an effective statement:

To begin withTo begin with, I don’t ever want to own pets because they are way too expensive.

This is an example of an ineffective statement:

To begin withTo begin with,, I don’t want to be a pet owner because they are not for me.

Anecdotes(One Time When-OTW)

The third element of the four parts to the body paragraph:

Anecdotes or “one time when’s” are personal stories told to illustrate a point.

OTWs support the statements.

AnecdotesOne Time When (OTW)

(Example)To begin, pets can be extremely

messy. I remember one time when we got a pet kitten and it shed all over the house and left balls of hair and shredded newspapers everywhere. It’s no wonder I don’t want another pet.

The last element of the four parts to the body paragraph: Thesis Tie-in

The thesis tie-in is the most difficult and most easily forgotten component of the body paragraph. However, it is essential.

Without the thesis tie-in, the essay will be off-task. Why? The thesis tie-in effectively ties the whole paragraph back to the main topic.

Thesis Tie-In

(Example)To begin, pets can be extremely

messy. I remember one time when we got a pet kitten and it shed all over the house and left balls of hair and shredded newspapers everywhere. It’s no wonder I don’t want another pet.

• The conclusion paragraph wraps up the essay briefly.

• The conclusion should quickly sum up the point of view and lightly brush upon the support (reiterating the statements in the body paragraphs.

• The conclusion starts with a transition (ultimately,) and restates the topic and position similar to a thesis tie-in.

• An extra sentence or two added after the reiteration of support adds voice (spice it up).

Conclusion Paragraph

Ultimately, being a pet owner is definitely not in my future. Pets can be extremely messy and expensive to care for. I do not have what it takes to be a pet owner.

Conclusion Paragraph Example

Planning Web

Body 1

Topic and Position

Introduction

Body 2

Conclusion

First Supporting

Reason

Second Supporting

Reason

(Support)

Anecdote Anecdote

Restate topic,

position, and

supporting reasons

Planning Web

Body 1

Pet OwnerNo

Introduction

Body 2

Conclusion

Extremely Messy

Expensive to care for

Kitten shed, shred newspaper

Pet ownerNo

Messy & $

Vet bills