Expository Writing Essential Question: How can I support my thesis statement, so that my essay explains what the prompt is asking?

Using specific examples H.E.L.P.S. When writing an expository essay, you should always use specific examples. H.E.L.P.S. is an acronym that can help you generate examples that you can use in your expository essay.

H- Historical Only use historical examples if you are familiar enough with them to provide details. When using historical examples, don’t just summarize what happened. You must also explain how the event/person supports your thesis.

E- Entertainment Entertainment examples can be movies, comics, video games or television shows. Make sure that when you use entertainment examples, that you provide enough details. If someone has not seen the example you use, it may be difficult for them to understand how your example supports your thesis.

L-Literary Examples Literary examples can also be used to support your thesis. Many of the things we read in class directly correlate to the essay prompts you are given. You can also use literature that you read outside of class as an example to support your thesis.

P-Personal Anecdote Personal anecdotes are great to use as a specific example because you know the most about yourself. If you use a personal anecdote, make sure that you use it to support your thesis and not just as a story about something that you experienced. You must explain how it supports your thesis statement.

S-Sports & Society If you are familiar with sports and current events, you can also use them as examples to support your thesis. Just like any of the other examples, make sure you know enough details to support your thesis statement.