Expository Essay instructions character analysis
Expository show or explain information, wisdom or skill, to the reader. It is intended to provide
information to the reader in order that the reader might be more knowledgeable about the subject or process
being discussed.
Length requirement: 1 ½ pages single spaced hand written.
Introductory paragraph.
The essay cannot start off immediately explaining the process or attributes being shared. It must have at
least a 4 sentence introductory paragraph. The first two or three sentences should address the subject in
general terms and avoid being specific about what the paper will be about. The next sentence or two
should discuss the specific topic the writer will talk about and act as a thesis statement. The final sentence
should provide a road map for the reader to follow, letting the reader know what they can specifically
expect to be reading about.
Body paragraphs: At least 3. If length is short add another body paragraph.
The body paragraphs should consist of specific topic sentences taken directly from the mapping sentence in
the introduction (the last sentence of the introduction). The following sentences will provide additional
specific information about how the attribute or information named in the topic sentence works to explain
what the reader needs to know.
Conclusion:
The conclusions first sentence should sum up the specific topic sentences used in each body paragraph. It
should then restate most of the information contained in the introductory paragraph utilizing a couple
sentences. The final sentence should be a statement regarding the importance of the topic and the
information that was provided about it.
Example:
Prompt: Explain what you consider the three most important characteristics of a good friend, parent,
teacher or leader.
Example of Introductory paragraph:
1st three sentences (general)
We all have people in our lives that we look up to. All of us have parents or grandparents. Most of
us want to be a good parent one day.
Next sentence specific to my situation.
My father is one of the best persons I have in my life.
Next sentence specific to what I just stated and works as the thesis statement of the essay.
His influence in my life has made a positive impact in how I deal with people and problems that come up.
Last sentence: mapping sentence.
The most important characteristics my father shows in dealing with life are honesty, compassion and a
sense of humor.
Intro put all together
We all have people in our lives that we look up to. All of us have parents or grandparents. Most
of us want to be a good parent one day. My father is one of the best persons I have in my life. His influence
in my life has made a positive impact in how I deal with people and problems that come up. The most
important characteristics my father shows in dealing with life are honesty, compassion and a sense of
humor.
Example of a body paragraph.
1st sentence topic sentence
My father’s honest allows me to trust him.
Next 2-3 sentences share the value of the characteristic
If I couldn’t trust my father I know how difficult it would make my life. My dad expects me to be honest
with him as well as with my friends. He is honest with me when we talk or have problems. I also know that
he is honest when he deals with other people.
Next sentence or two gives an example of the characteristic in real life.
Once in a store, my dad was given to much change after buying something for the house. Instead of
pocketing the money, he told the checker and gave the money back.
Final sentence or two explains how the example from real life fits the characteristic and the topic sentence.
I have never seen him lie to our friends, or neighbors. People know they can trust my dad. I am glad I can
count on my father to tell the truth.
Put all together.
My father’s honest allows me to trust him. If I couldn’t trust my father I know how difficult it would make
my life. My dad expects me to be honest with him as well as with my friends. He is honest with me when
we talk or have problems. I also know that he is honest when he deals with other people. Once in a store,
my dad was given to much change after buying something for the house. Instead of pocketing the money,
he told the checker and gave the money back. I have never seen him lie to our friends, or neighbors. People
know they can trust my dad. I am glad I can count on my father to tell the truth.
If you choose to explain a characteristic without using a personal example, you can follow the same format
but eliminate the personal references. Your example from real life would be a hypothetical situation you
would expect that person to handle properly.