Expository Essay Cheat Sheet
Thesis Statement includes:
1. Echo parts of the prompt.
2. Choose a side: Side One, Side Two, or Both Sides. (Be careful with this option, make sure
you fully explain both sides and both are represented in your thesis. Otherwise, your essay will look weak)
Brainstorming:
1. Draw example wheel. Fill in categories. List examples for categories.
2. Circle the strongest examples.
3. Number them in the order you will address them in your essay.
1 point=2 examples (approximately 12 sentences per body paragraph).
2 points=1 example each (approximately 6 sentences per body paragraph).
Outline-1 point/2 examples
I.
One background sentence
Thesis Statement
II.
Introduce Point in Topic Sentence
A. Detailed Example 1/Evidence 1
1. Explanation that ties back to thesis
B. Detailed Example 2/Evidence 2
1. Explanation that ties back to thesis
III.
Conclusion (Why your thesis matters)
Outline-2 points/1 example each
I.
One background sentence
Thesis Statement
II.
Introduce Point 1 in Topic Sentence
A. Detailed Example/Evidence
1. Explanation that ties back to thesis
III.
Introduce Point 2 in Topic Sentence
A. Detailed Example/Evidence
1. Explanation that ties back to thesis
II.
Conclusion (Why your thesis matters)