Expository Essays

Expository Writing

Expository Essay Structure

Definition: Expository Writing

• The purpose of expository writing is to explain a topic in a logical and straightforward manner based on upon real world facts.

Expository Essay Key Points

• at least 4 paragraphs

• Focus on the TOPIC not you.

• Formal writing, watch your tone.

Essay Layout

• Introduction (3-5 sentences)

• Body Paragraph #1 (5-7 sentences)

• Body Paragraph #2 (5-7 sentences)

• Conclusion (3-5 sentences)

Introduction:

I

• This is an introductory paragraph that contains the presentation of the topic and thesis statement.

Introduction (2-4) sentences

• Start with an introduction strategy (Quote, Turnabout, hyperbole)

• The thesis statement should be the LAST sentence of your introduction.

Example Introduction

• Hook

  °The attention-getter

  °Relates your topic to life in general

  Background information/ context

  °In one to two sentences, introduce the author, the name of the text, and a very short summary of the events.

  Thesis

  The roadmap for your essay

Prompt: Write an essay about the effects of technology.

• Introduction Example-  Technology has turned people into screen zombies; however, technology can be a beneficial tool. Technology affects society by providing beneficial tools such as online learning and communication.

  
  

  
  

Multiple Choice

Based on the thesis statement, what will be the focus of the 1st body paragraph?

Technology affects society by providing beneficial tools such as online learning and communication.

• technology's beneficial tools

• online learning

• communication

• technology

What flavor ice cream is the best?

• Hook

  Background information and context

  Thesis

• There are many traditions that are considered truly American. (Hook, it makes your readers think what the traditions are.) While football and apple pie are ranking high on that list, ice cream is another popular American treat. (background information) Even though there are hundreds of ice cream flavors, strawberry is the best flavor of ice cream because it uses real fruit, combines many flavors, and has the most vibrant color. (Thesis)

Body Paragraphs (7-8 sentences)

• Body paragraphs should always start with a topic sentence. The topic of your 1st body paragraph should match with the 1st reason of your THESIS statement.

• After your topic sentence you elaborate.

Body Paragraph #1 and #2

• This is the body of the essay.

• Begin with a topic sentence that supporlts the thesis statement.

• Continue with 3-6 sentences giving details and evidence

• Include text evidence

• Use high level vocabulary

• Use transitions

Multiple Choice

Based on the thesis statement, what will be the focus of the 2nd body paragraph?

Technology affects society by providing beneficial tools such as online learning and communication.

• technology's beneficial tools

• online learning

• communication

• technology

Body Paragraphs Elaboration

• Example

• Anecdote (Personal Story)

• Explain Why

• Literary Devices

Body Paragraph Example

Strawberry ice cream is the best flavor because of its use of real fruit. (Topic Sentence) Chunks of strawberries can often be found in a scoop of strawberry ice cream. This is an expected added health benefit to ice cream consumers, for many other ice cream flavors do not use real fruit. These strawberry chunks can be freeze-dried or fresh. This allows strawberry ice cream to have different variations in consistency, catering to customer's specific likes and dislikes. In addition to the fresh fruit found in strawberry ice cream, the combination of multiple flavors also adds to its appeal.

Multiple Choice

Which topic sentence DOES NOT belong with the thesis below?

The best kind of pet is a cat because they are friendly and low maintenance.

• Also, cats have unique personalities.

• Cats are considered the best type of pet because they are friendly.

• Furthermore, cats are ideal because they are low maintenance.

Conclusion

• This paragraph restates the thesis statement and ties together the major points of the essay

Multiple Choice

Which topic sentence DOES NOT belong with the thesis below?

Schools should start later in the day because it would allow for more sleep and be more convenient for both students and parents.

• To begin, if school started later, it would also get out later.

• Teens would be able to sleep in longer and feel more rested for the start of the day.

• Most importantly, a later start time would be easier for parents and students to plan around.

Conclusion

1. Re-state your thesis using different words.

2. Summarize your main points

3. Concluding sentence 

---What idea do you want to leave your reader with?

Multiple Choice

Which topic sentence DOES NOT belong with the thesis below?

Although there are those who claim otherwise, sports are not overrated because they keep people active and instill valuable life lessons in those that play them.

• To begin with, sports can be an important part of an active lifestyle.

• Next, sports teams help build a sense of community and pride in a school.

• Finally, the learning that occurs on the field is as important as that which occurs in the classroom.

Conclusion Example

• Restate your thesis using different words

  Summarize your main points

  Concluding sentence

Strawberry continues to be most popular flavor for a multitude of reasons. Fresh fruit appeals to the health-conscious consumer, the mixture of flavors adds to the complexity of its flavor profile, and the vibrant pink color is an exciting color for all to see. Strawberry ice cream is and will continue to be a popular American treat for all ages to enjoy. 

Tips and Tricks

• 1. Do not write as if you are speaking. Write using more formal language. 

• 2. Avoid contractions --Example: "won't" --> will not

• 3. Avoid slang: y'all, git, gonna

• 4. Use proper capitalization and punctuation. 

• 5. Usually, you would avoid writing in the first person (I, me we, us), but it depends on the prompt

Multiple Choice

Identify the following:

Participating in sports is like breathing air. Sports can often become a persons escape and help deal with everyday struggles in a positive way.

• example

• anecdote

• explain why

• literary devices

Multiple Choice

Identify the following:

It is necessary to fund sports for school because it is proven to improve a sense of community.

• literary devices

• explain why

• anecdote

• example

Multiple Choice

Identify the following:

I played baseball for my middle school and it helped me keep up with my school work. I loved the sport therefore I knew that I had to to keep my grades up or I would not be allowed to play.

• example

• anecdote

• literary devices

• explain why

Multiple Choice

Identify the following:

Many famous athletes support their communities by donating money or hosting camps for underprivileged children. NFL players from the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys are known to participate in these events.

• anecdote

• explain why

• example

• literary devices

Conclusion

• Restate your 2 subjectS

• Restate your 2 points

• Closing sentence

Closing Sentences Examples

• Sentence about the future- If sports continue to be properly funded performance in schools would increase and give children a better future.

• A lesson learned- Sports provide many lessons that can apply to everyday lives such as the the fact that success requires sacrifice.

• Interesting thought- Some universities make 1 billion dollars in revenue from sports.