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Module 5
Introductions
Introductions have two goals: they introduce what your essay is about, and they catch your
reader’s attention.
Introductions also typically include a thesis statement. This thesis statement could be the
first or last line of the paragraph.
Some strategies to consider

Create a contrast that illustrates a problem you see.

Begin with a relevant quotation. Be sure, though, to introduce the quotation.

Provide a relevant anecdote or narrative. A narrative can illustrate many of the
points you are describing in your paper, and it can be very emotional.

Describe a scene that may help illustrate your point to your reader.

Provide background information relevant to your argument.
Some things to avoid

Avoid dictionary definitions (especially for words that your reader likely knows
already). Definitions are useful only if you are using a term that a general audience
might be unfamiliar with.

Don’t overuse “essay language” (in this essay I will argue, my first point will be, etc).

Avoid vague or general statements that don’t say much about your topic. These
statements often begin with phrases like “in today’s society,” or “throughout
history.”
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Conclusions
Your conclusion is essentially your last chance to make an impression on your readers. It is
a place to explore the implications of your argument. Because conclusions are the last thing
your readers see, they are an extremely important, and memorable, part of your paper.
Strategies for effective conclusions

Ask yourself the “so what” question. Why should your reader care about this topic?

Leave your readers with new questions and complicate the matter for them. This
leaves your readers thinking.

Synthesize what you said—synthesis is more than just summary; it is about pulling
what you said together and explaining why it’s important.

If you set a scene or told a story in your introduction, return to it.

Leave the reader with a quotation to think about.

Explain next steps or make a proposal. If your paper has been all about describing a
problem, this is a place to discuss solutions.

Discuss broader implications.
Strategies to avoid

Stay away from phrases like “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing.” They are
very formulaic, and can almost always be removed with no consequence to your
writing.

Do not introduce a new idea or topic that belongs in the body of your essay.

Avoid ending with a rephrased thesis statement and summary of your essay.
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Brainstorming Activity: Mind Map
Purpose
This assignment will help you practise mind mapping and to generating ideas for your
second expository essay.
Instructions
A mind map, sometimes called a thought web, is an excellent way to begin generating ideas
for a piece of writing. The general idea is to begin with your topic at the centre of the page
and see what ideas branch off from there. You add more bubbles and branches as your
thinking about a topic deepens. Don’t leave anything out! Brainstorming is not the time to
worry about whether or not an idea is good enough. It’s just an idea! It’s ok if it’s not fully
formed yet. You might return to your mind map and see an idea that didn’t seem great, but
that is exactly the thing that you should write about.
Using one of the prompts below, begin mapping out ideas for your second expository essay.
Prompts
1. Describe 3 qualities of a good parent.
2. Discuss 3 benefits of exercising regularly.
3. Explain why you are interested in your chosen career.
4. Describe your favourite dessert.
5. Describe why some students don’t complete their homework.
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Example Mind Map Activity
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Essay Outline 2
Using the Mind Map you did during the Mind Map activity (pp.3), use the template below to
outline and plan an expository essay. Try to fill in as much information as you can—the more
you have planned, the easier it will be to draft your essay.
Outline Template
Thesis Statement:
Supporting Point 1:
Examples and explanations:
a.)
b.)
c.)
Supporting Point 2:
Examples and explanations:
a.)
b.)
c.)
Supporting Point 3:
Examples and explanations:
a.)
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b.)
c.)
Concluding Statement:
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Expository Essay 2
Purpose
In this assignment, you will practice writing a thesis statement and proper paragraphs.
Instructions
Take a look at the topics below. Using your Mind Map and outline, write an expository
essay.
Try to ensure that the scope of your essay is not too large or too narrow.
Your essay should have a thesis statement, and your paragraphs should have proper topic
sentences—this is a sentence that maps out what your paragraph will discuss.
Topics
1.) Describe 3 qualities of a good parent.
2.) Discuss 3 benefits of exercising regularly.
3.) Explain why you are interested in your chosen career.
4.) Describe your favourite dessert.
5.) Describe why some students don’t complete their homework.
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