Name _______________________________________________ Date ______________ Per __________
Expository Essay Outline
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Hook/Lead: Use a unique way to get the reader’s attention and introduce the focus of your paper.
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B. Background Information: Briefly summarize the plot, meaning, or focus of the text.
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A. Thesis & Subtopics: The thesis must fully address the question and take a position on the issue. The thesis
must make an arguable statement about the topic. It must also provide organizational categories you will use
in your essay. The subtopics of your paper are the focus of each of the supporting paragraphs. You can list
these separately, using a sentence for each one, or combine them with the thesis. The order in which you list
them is the order in which you’ll discuss them. The following is a simple example of a combined thesis and
subtopics:
In my life, several people, places and things are crucial to my survival, including my family, my home, and
sports.
Thesis: _______________________________________________________________._(transition phrase)
Subtopics: 1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
II. SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH 1
A. Topic Sentence: A transitional word or phrase begins the first sentence of each body paragraph. The topic
sentence articulates the subtopic and how it supports the thesis. (Think of this as a mini-thesis supported and
proven by your evidence)
(transition phrase) ______________________________________________________________________
B. Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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C. Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
Name _______________________________________________ Date ______________ Per __________
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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D. Conclusion: At the end of the paragraph, explain how your subtopic supports your thesis.
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III.
SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH 2
A. Topic Sentence: A transitional word or phrase begins the first sentence of each body paragraph. The topic
sentence articulates the subtopic and how it supports the thesis. (Think of this as a mini-thesis supported and
proven by your evidence)
(transition phrase) ______________________________________________________________________
D. Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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____________ ______________________________________________________________________
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E. Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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Name _______________________________________________ Date ______________ Per __________
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D. Conclusion: At the end of the paragraph, explain how your subtopic supports your thesis.
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IV.
SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH 3
A. Topic Sentence: A transitional word or phrase begins the first sentence of each body paragraph. The topic
sentence articulates the subtopic and how it supports the thesis. (Think of this as a mini-thesis supported and
proven by your evidence)
(transition phrase) ______________________________________________________________________
B. Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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____________ ______________________________________________________________________
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B.Text-based Evidence: Transition to giving verbatim, or paraphrased evidence, be sure to cite your source
with a transition.
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1. Analysis/Elaboration: Beginning the sentence with a verb phrase such as “This illustrates,” or “This
demonstrates” clues in your reader that you’re beginning the analysis and showing the connection to the topic
sentence.
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D. Conclusion: At the end of the paragraph, explain how your subtopic supports your thesis.
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Name _______________________________________________ Date ______________ Per __________
V.
CONCLUSION
A. Restate Thesis: Use a transitional phrase to begin your concluding paragraph. The first sentence restates
your thesis from the introductory paragraph. Avoid using the exact wording you used in your introduction.
(transition phrase) ______________________________________________________________________
B. Review Subtopics/Synthesis of Clincher Sentences: Write one to three sentences that summarize the
three main points from your body paragraphs. An effective way is to use the concluding sentences from your
supporting paragraphs and reword them.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
C. Insightful Extension of Topic/So What? : The final part of your conclusion uses two to three sentences
to state the larger significance of your thesis. For example: How does what you’ve examined in the essay and
the text relate to the larger context of the world we live in? What’s the universal significance or larger lesson
to be learned from the text and your essay?
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D. Echo of Hook (Parallels an idea or style of):
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