Structure and Framework
Expository Essays
What is an Expository
Essay?
• The expository essay is written
for the purpose of presenting
information. It explains,
informs, gives direction, or
shows how to do something.
Parts of an Expository
Essay
•Introduction
•Body Paragraphs
•Conclusion
Intro. Paragraph
Body Par. #1
Body Par. #2
Concluding
Paragraph
No-no’s for Expository Writing
Do
not use the word “reason(s)” in
any part of the essay.
Do
not use the word “you” unless the
essay is persuasive.
Do
not “piggyback” words (repeatedly
using the same word throughout the
essay).
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
•Short and sweet.
•Contain only your topic and position.(aka
thesis statement)
Topic: What is being asked in the prompt.
Position: What your take is on the matter.
(your point of view)
•No explanations or “reasons” should be
included.
Listing only two elements in your introduction paragraph
would leave an extremely short “blah” introduction!
Therefore, to add some spice (be on fire!) use the “funnel”
idea to your Introduction paragraph.
Introductory Paragraph
(FUNNEL)
The first stage is
very vague, simply
make a statement
involving the topic.
(Broad, sweeping
statement)
The second level
works on bringing
the reader to the
topic and position
(but not clearly).
The third and/or fourth
level should clearly state
topic and your position.
EXAMPLE: Introduction Paragraph Funnel
PROMPT: Think about whether you would like
being a pet owner, or not? Explain…
Throughout my life I’ve been faced with
many individual choices and experiences.
I’ve also thought long and hard
about the possible decisions I’ll
make in the future.
Where to live, what career
to pursue and where I will
go to college are just a few.
One thing I know for sure
though is that being a pet
owner is not part of my
destiny.
A completed funnel introduction paragraph
Throughout my life I’ve been faced
with many individual choices and
experiences. I’ve also thought long and
hard about the possible decisions I’ll make
in the future. Where to live, what career to
pursue and where I will go to college are
just a few. One thing I know for sure though
is that being a pet owner is not part of my
destiny.
SUMMARY
How to Write an Outstanding Introductory paragraph
1.Never give an explanation or a reason in the
introduction.
2. Always indent.
3. Be sure the paragraph includes at least 3 to 5
sentences, with all sentences beginning with capital
letters and ending with punctuation.
4. Make sure the introductory paragraph contains these
two items:
A.Your topic sentence (refers to the prompt)
B. Your position about what’s being asked in the prompt
Body Paragraphs
• Body paragraphs include each
of the following four elements:
•
•
•
•
Transitions
Statements
One time when’s (OTW)/anecdotes
Thesis tie-in
The first element of the
paragraph:
four
parts to the body
Transitions
(change or passing from a place, activity,
thing, time, etc.)
Transitions make sections of an essay flow.
For the purposes of learning the structure
and foundation of a strong essay, at first
all students will use the same three
transitions (“To begin with,” “Furthermore”
and “Ultimately”).
Statements
The second element of the four parts to
the body paragraph: Statements
 The “statements” are the vital part of the
essay.
 The statement or topic sentence reveals
to the reader what the paragraph is
going to be about.
 The statements are the support for your
position.
This is an example of an effective statement:
To begin with, I don’t ever want to own
pets because they are way too expensive.
This is an example of an ineffective statement:
To begin with, I don’t want to be a pet
owner because they are not for me.
Anecdotes
(One Time When-OTW)
The third element of the four parts to
the body paragraph:
 Anecdotes or “one time when’s” are
personal stories told to illustrate a
point.
 OTWs support the statements.
Anecdotes
One Time When (OTW)
(Example)
To begin, pets can be extremely
messy. I remember one time
when we got a pet kitten and it
shed all over the house and left
balls of hair and shredded
newspapers everywhere. It’s no
wonder I don’t want another pet.
The last element of the four parts to the
body paragraph: Thesis Tie-in
The thesis tie-in is the most difficult
and most easily forgotten
component of the body paragraph.
However, it is essential.
Without the thesis tie-in, the essay
will be off-task. Why? The thesis tiein effectively ties the whole
paragraph back to the main topic.
Thesis Tie-In
(Example)
To begin, pets can be
extremely messy. I remember
one time when we got a pet
kitten and it shed all over the
house and left balls of hair and
shredded newspapers
everywhere. It’s no wonder I don’t
want another pet.
Conclusion Paragraph
• The conclusion paragraph wraps up the essay
briefly.
• The conclusion should quickly sum up the point of
view and lightly brush upon the support
(reiterating the statements in the body paragraphs.
• The conclusion starts with a transition
(ultimately,) and restates the topic and position
similar to a thesis tie-in.
• An extra sentence or two added after the
reiteration of support adds voice (spice it up).
Conclusion Paragraph Example
Ultimately, being a pet owner is
definitely not in my future. Pets can
be extremely messy and expensive
to care for. I do not have what it
takes to be a pet owner.
Planning Web
Introduction
Topic
and
Position
Body 1
First
Supporting
Reason
Anecdote Anecdote
(Support)
Restate
topic,
position,
and
supporting
Body 2
Second
Supporting
Reason
Conclusion
Planning Web
Introduction
Body 1
Pet
Owner
No
Kitten
shed,
Extremely
shred
Messy
newspa
per
Vet bills
Pet owner
No
Messy & $
Body 2
Expensive
to care for
Conclusion