Expository/ Informational Essay

Brainstorm V O M I T

Introductory Paragraph Grabber Thesis Sentence Wrap - up

Grabber Examples Is the opening sentence. Immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Allows just enough mystery (teaser) to capture the reader’s attention. He is bald, he is huge, but he is the best thing that ever happened to Burgettstown Area Elementary Center. Her poison is one of the deadliest on Earth. Her fangs can strike at the speed of light.

Topic Sentence Examples Introduce the topic. An important statement that can be explained or supported with reasons or details. Coach Geotz is the world’s champion basketball coach, hands down. The fer-de-lance is one snake you want to avoid at all costs! I think being a dolphin trainer would be a fantastic profession.

Beginning Wrap - Up Examples Short and to the point. Explain all the important qualities or actions of the topic. Let’s say you are writing about taking care of a potbellied pig. Your topic sentence is … Taking care of a potbellied pig isn’t easy. Your wrap-up could be… I have to bathe, feed, and take him for walks every day.

Detail (Middle) Paragraphs You must have at least 3 detail paragraphs. Don’t go on and on! Your writing becomes boring and doesn’t make sense. Stay on topic. Group things so they go together. Use one idea at a time per paragraph. Use “juicy” details Include “vivid” words to create “mind movies”. Use transitional words or phrases.

Transitional Words The first step… Next… After… When… Now… Once… But in the end… Afterwards… Transitional Words

Conclusion Paragraph Restate Thesis Sentence Ending Wrap-Up Takeaway

Thesis Sentence Examples My trip to Sea World taught me many fascinating facts about animals and reminded me why I am planning to become an animal trainer when I grow up. Tell the reader the most important thought. Restate the introductory paragraph topic sentence.

Ending Wrap-Up Examples Identify key points or clues you want the reader to take away with them. Base it on facts. Be short and to the point. To plan a trip to Disney World, you need to know how to get there, what activities to explore, and where to taste all the best food.

Takeaway Examples Tell the lesson you learned or how your life changed. Tell how you feel about the topic. The next time I’m tempted to sneak out at night, I’ll remember the trouble we got into and jump right back in my bed! The summer my brother and I helped build the barn together proved to us that we are not only brothers, but best friends.

Takeaway Sentence Starters The lesson I learned… I learned a valuable lesson… For the rest of my life… From that day on… I’ll always remember… You can be sure that… The next time… Be careful when… Learn from my example… I realized that … …has changed my life. Now I know… Takeaway Sentence Starters