Essay Writing Structure

Expository Essay Structure

Expository Essay Writing

• Expository essays EXPLAIN or inform the reader

• When you write expository essays, you are not trying to argue a point.

STAAR writing prompt

Multiple Choice

What is the actual writing prompt from the last slide?

• Write an essay explaining whether a positive attitude is necessary for success.

• Is a positive attitude necessary for success?

Multiple Choice

The introduction started with a good hook to grab our attention.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

What was the first main idea in the controlling idea?

• it determines who they look to for guidance

• how they react to problems they may face

Multiple Choice

The body paragraphs should be in the same order that the main ideas are listed in the controlling idea.

• true

• false

Body paragraphs

• Start with a topic sentence

• Include supporting evidence specifically for the main idea (HELP)

• End with a mini conclusion

• Body paragraphs are like little mini essays

Topic sentences

• Start off or "introduce" your paragraph

• Key words from controlling idea + main idea or its synonym

Multiple Select

Check the boxes for what BOTH of the body paragraphs contained:

• Topic sentence with main idea

• Supporting evidence

• Closing statement

Multiple Choice

What is the conclusion missing?

• rephrased controlling idea

• additional insight for the reader

Now that we have looked at a complete essay structure, we are going to break it down into an outline/web.

• We are essentially working "backwards"