Expository Essay Structure An Introduction to the Expository Pillar

Prepare for Cornell Notes Objective: I will learn what an expository essay is and how to structure it using the expository pillar. Essential Question: What is an expository essay, and how do you structure it using the expository pillar?

What Is An Expository Essay? An expository essay is a composition that EXPLAINS a topic to the reader. Organizing your thoughts and ideas when writing an expository essay will help the reader clearly understand the topic being explained.

The Expository Pillar The Expository Pillar is a graphic organizer used to plan/prewrite an expository essay. Using the Expository Pillar will help you format or structure your expository essay so that the reader can clearly understand the information being presented.

Introduction The introduction is the first paragraph of an expository essay, and it must always include a hook and a controlling idea. The hook grabs (or “hooks”) the reader’s attention. The controlling idea tells the reader the topic of the paper WITHOUT directly stating, “I am going to tell you about…” or “I am writing about…”.

Body Paragraphs The second, third and fourth paragraphs are called body paragraphs. Each body paragraph must include a main idea sentence and at least four supporting detail sentences.

Main Idea & Supporting Detail Sentences Each body paragraph begins with a main idea sentence that tells the reader the topic of that particular paragraph. The other four sentences in the body paragraphs are called supporting detail sentences. Supporting detail sentences strengthen the writer’s explanation by providing examples that relate to the topic of the paragraph AND the controlling idea.

Henry Made Some Chocolate Shakes (H.M.S.C.S.) H.M.S.C.S. is a mnemonic device, or a phrase to help you remember things. It is used to help you share examples that will provide your reader with clear and meaningful details that support the main idea sentences of each of your body paragraphs. The experiences you share using H.M.S.C.S. will be your supporting detail sentences!

How Do I Use H.M.S.C.S. H- HISTORICAL EXAMPLES (Hitler/Civil Rights/Revolutionary War, etc.) M-MOVIES AND BOOKS (Name the movie/book, describe the character and situation) S -SPORTS AND POP CULTURE (Famous athlete/team or general supporting example from a specific sport; stars from music, TV, film, etc.) C-CURRENT EVENTS (News, trends, social issues, topics for reality TV shows) S-SOMEONE YOU KNOW (Relative, friend, hypothetical friend, you) The “S” category are personal examples and are the weakest of the options for examples. Only use it if you run out of ideas using the other options.

Conclusion The conclusion is the last paragraph of an expository essay, and it must always restate the controlling idea (from the introduction) and summarize the lesson that the reader should “take away” from the essay. The conclusion should never end with “The End” or “Now I have told you why…”