Purpose of Expository Writing
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Explains
Describes
Illustrates
Defines
Informs
Expository Essay Structure
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Introductory Paragraph
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Body Paragraphs (2 or more)
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Concluding Paragraph
Introductory Paragraph
Attention Grabber / Hook
General
Background Information
about the Central Idea
Specific
Thesis
Introduction: Attention Grabber / Hook
What’s Its Purpose?
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Hooks reader’s attention
1st sentence(s) of intro. paragraph
General/broad concept related to some aspect of
prompt
What it is NOT
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Unrelated to prompt
Not a sentence or question with “you” in it
Not too specific
Not a sentence with title/author in it (literary)
Introduction: Background Information
What’s Its Purpose?
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Provides context for reader (historical)
Provides link between grabber and specifics of
prompt
LITERARY: TAGG statement (title, author, genre,
gist of the story)
What it is NOT
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Not
Not
Not
Not
Not
too specific to prompt yet
analysis
a sentence with subtopics in it
a quote from text
extensive plot summary
Introduction: Central/Controlling Idea
Function/Purpose
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Connected directly to
analysis part of
prompt and
commentary
Provides analysis
writer is asserting/ can
be proven
If about literature,
usually about theme,
purpose, impact on
reader, tone, etc.
Can be combined
with the thesis
What it is NOT
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Not plot detail
Not a basic fact
Not something that
cannot be proven
or already is
proven
Not a quote from
text
Not unrelated to
prompt
Introduction: Thesis
Function/Purpose
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Provides content and organization of paper
Includes subtopics that will be used to prove central
idea (subtopics will be topics of body paragraphs)
Belongs in last sentence of introduction
What it is NOT
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Not a plot detail
Not a basic fact
Not a quote from text
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Support A (Major)
 Evidence (Minor)
 Evidence
 Commentary
Support B
 Evidence
 Evidence
 Commentary
 Concluding Sentence
Your assertion the paragraph
will prove with evidence.
This is your analysis.
Restates / reaffirms your
topic sentence.
Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence
Function/Purpose
States main idea AND
assertion for each body
paragraph
Tied directly to thesis
First sentence of body
paragraph
Should be able to read
T.S. and ask, “How so?”
What it is NOT
Not
a plot detail
Not a basic fact
Not a quote from text
Not a sentence that
cannot be or already is
proven (ie, “Scout is one
of the main characters in
the novel.”) Bad!
Body Paragraph: Support
Function/Purpose
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At least two per
paragraph
Ways in which the
assertion given in topic
sentence can be
proven
Answers, “How so?”
from topic sentence
What it is NOT
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Not too specific
Not a quote
Not analysis
Body Paragraph: Evidence
Function/Purpose
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Specific quotes, concrete
details, anecdotes, etc. to
illustrate each support
2 pieces of evidence for
each support in
HSPE/MSP-style essay
1 quote in literary
analysis minimum for
each support
What it is NOT
 Not a question
 Not analysis
 Not irrelevant
examples or details
Body Paragraph: Commentary
Function/Purpose
Writer’s analysis connecting evidence to the topic
sentence/claim
If about literature, usually about theme, purpose,
impact on reader, tone, etc.
A “This shows that…” statement
What it is NOT
 Not plot summary or detail
 Not restatement of majors/minors/quotes
 Not unrelated to prompt
 No critique of book or advice to the reader
Tips for Commentary
When writing commentary, ask yourself:
Why did I choose this evidence?
Why is it significant to prove my topic/claim?
How does this evidence prove my topic/claim?
What effect does this evidence have on my reader?
Body Paragraph: Concluding Sentence
Function/Purpose
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Provides closure for body paragraphs
Last sentence of body paragraphs
Restates topic sentence
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May be optional in shorter essays
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What it is NOT
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No quote from text
No introduction of new idea
Not exact wording as topic sentence
Topic Statement
Major Topic A
Minor
Minor
Topic 11
Topic
Another Useful
Organizer for an
Expository
Body Paragraph
Minor
Topic 2
Major Topic B
Minor
Topic 1
Comm
Minor
Topic 2
Comm
Concluding
Statement
Concluding Paragraph
Specific
Restate Thesis
Summarize main ideas
General
Conclude with final
thought-provoking, memorable insight
Concluding Paragraph
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Function/Purpose
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Provides closure for
essay
Restatement of thesis/
central idea using
different wording
Brief summary of main
ideas presented in
essay (esp. in longer
essay)
Final thoughtprovoking/ memorable
(relevant) insight
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What it is NOT
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Does not start with
“In conclusion…”
Not word-for-word
restatement of
thesis/ central idea
No new information
introduced
Do not end on a
question
Do not include
“lesson” for your
readers
Things to AVOID in your essay
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First person pronouns (“I,” “me,” etc.)
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Second person pronouns (“you,” “your,” etc.)
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Contractions (“It’s,” “They’re,” etc.)
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Slang