Introduction to Expository Paragraphs

A few definitions before we start… ___________: a group of words with two main parts: a _________and a ________. Subject: the word or group of words that tells ______or ______the sentence is about Predicate: tells what the subject ____or_____ Paragraph: consists of a group of sentences that share a ______topic and work together to_____________or_______________ ______.

Introduction An expository essay presents or explains ______and______. An expository paragraph will present just ______idea with ___________supporting details.

Rules for Writing an Expository Paragraph Begin with a __________sentence The topic sentence states the____________ of a paragraph. Each paragraph will have only ________main idea. The topic sentence _____________includes examples/supporting details. Example: One of the themes of “The Most Dangerous Game” is survival because Rainsford swims to shore, fights Zaroff, and plays the game. The underlined part would be examples of how the theme of survival is shown, so it would not be a part of your topic sentence. The sentence above is more like a _______, not a _______________________.

Practice One of the themes of “The Most Dangerous Game” is survival because Rainsford swims to shore, fights Zaroff, and plays the game. Rewrite the above topic sentence.

How to Write a Topic Sentence When writing an essay, the topic sentence will relate back to one of the ideas presented in your thesis. When writing just a one paragraph response, your topic sentence should address or answer the prompt/question. Practice: Write a topic sentence for each of the following prompts. How does high school differ from middle school? Explain what makes Dakota a great school.

Practice Answers How does high school differ from middle school? Explain what makes Dakota a great school.

Rules for Writing an Expository Paragraph The topic sentence should be followed with a ______________of ______supporting details. Supporting details must be ________/_______________ Example: Topic Sentence: The theme of survival is evident in “The Most Dangerous Game”. Detail #1: First, Rainsford must swim ashore. Explanation #1: He struggles through the rough sea and listens for signs of land so that he doesn’t get lost and drown.

Practice Topic Sentence: Supporting Detail #1: Explain/Analyze/Elaborate : Need to clearly explain to the reader…do not make the reader guess what you mean!

Rules for Writing an Expository Paragraph Write ONLY in_____person: he, she, it, his, her, they, them, their, theirs NO_____________person allowed (I, me, we, you, your, etc.)

Rules for Writing an Expository Paragraph Use _____________words and phrases between examples/support Examples: again, besides, finally, furthermore, in addition, next, lastly, whereas, however, nevertheless, meanwhile, after all, although, etc. ALWAYS _________the first line of the paragraph ALWAYS ___________________ the lines Use ___________________________ font

Example Outline Topic Sentence: Supporting Detail/Example #1: Explain/Analyze/Elaborate #1: Supporting Detail/Example #2: Explain/Analyze/Elaborate #2: Supporting Detail/Example #3: Explain/Analyze/Elaborate #3: Conclusion Sentence: