Structure of Expository Writing

Expository Writing

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

Conclusion

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

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?

Conclusion Example

• Re-state 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