Writing an Expository Essay

Expository writing Exposition, which means explanation is the most common way we communicate.

Expository Essays Expository Essays explain something. They answer questions like: What is it? How should we define it? How do you do it? How does it work? What is the history of it? What caused it? What are the effects? What is the meaning of it?

An expository essay… Informs readers about a meaningful and interesting subject. Conveys information clearly and completely. Does not argue for or against the subject or make a judgement about its value or worth.

Basic Essay structure Introduction: introduce your topic and purpose for writing. State your thesis. Body: Provide reasons and explanations for your thesis. Conclusion: wrap up your ideas and restate your thesis. Note: If you’ve structured an essay properly, you should be able to read the introduction and conclusion and they should make sense together.

Writing an Introduction A good introduction must have the following: A hook (one to two sentences that grab the reader’s attention) General introduction to topic Thesis (one sentence that states the point of the essay).

Writing hooks A hook is an attention-grabbing sentence or two. Your hook could be: An interesting quote A short anecdote (brief personal story related to topic) An interesting fact Interesting or unusual statement A question A strong statement An exaggeration

Example introductions with hooks (Using a question) Do you own a pet? Lots of people love animals and many people share their homes with a four legged companion. Typically people tend to have cats or dogs for pets and, typically, people tend to classify themselves as either cat or dog people. Some people may feel that cats make the better pet since they are relatively independent animals, but doesn’t that mean that they really don’t need us? Dogs, on the other hand, can play a huge part in our day-to-day routines. Sometimes there are inconveniences but, for the most part, dogs are great pets because they are beneficial to our lives. (Using a quote) Samuel Butler states, "The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too". Although this quote is very true, perhaps the best known saying about dogs is that they are man’s best friend. Why are dogs characterized this way, though? Maybe, as Butler indicates, dogs are perceived as man’s best friend because they never judge us and love us unconditionally. More importantly maybe dogs make great pets because they are beneficial to many areas of our lives. *Note how the thesis flows into the ideas of the paragraph and isn’t just dropped into the paragraph awkwardly. You can always add words or rearrange your thesis in order to achieve this – as long as the main idea of your essay is clear. Thesis statement

Creating your own topics: Read through the following topics and create possible expository essay topics Body artsmoking Popularitydrugs UFC and IFLexams Keep in mind the purpose of an expository essay is to explain, describe or inform. Consider using these words when creating your topics: how? what? why? Example: What is involved in getting a tattoo?

Thesis statements A thesis statement is one sentence that tells what your essay is about The formula for writing a thesis for an expository essay is: Topic + point= thesis Keep in mind that for an expository essay your purpose is to explain, describe, or inform.

Expository Topic suggestions: Describe a world-class athlete. Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years. Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. What is courage? What is a soul-mate? Explain why someone is a leader. Describe the major stresses on a teen’s life Explain why teens take up smoking. Explain why teens might turn to drugs. Explain why students skip school. Explain the importance for teens of having a driver’s license. Explain an important invention. Explain the benefits of a particular career.

Writing Effective Body Paragraphs  Give a specific example that helps explain your thesis in each body paragraph.  Do not make your whole paper sound like an introduction paragraph.  Begin your body paragraphs with a topic sentence.  Each body paragraph develops one clear, specific reason or example for your thesis statement.

Body Paragraph Example During September 11 th, when the terrorists attacked the World Trade buildings, Americans of all races and ages helped each other escape the crumbling buildings. The fireman and police worked overtime and put themselves in danger from the dust and piles of building scraps to help pull the injured out from under the rubble. These men and women gave everyone hope in their heroic, selfless acts. Their actions reveal that it is admirable to put others first.

Another Sample Body Paragraph It is important to care about others because then other people will like you. Everyone wants to have friends. Caring is part of friendship. This student received a bad score because the body paragraph is too vague. What does that mean?

Yet Another Sample Body Paragraph A nurse will spend most of her or his day caring for hurting people. Nurses are one example of people who put others first. Too vague! Develop the idea! Your paragraph must develop the idea of the nurse helping the sick. This is an okay start, but it’s certainly not a paragraph.

The Last Example of a Body Paragraph The Red Cross is an organization that helps people in need. For example, they respond to hurricane or tornado victims with places of shelter, blankets, clothing, and food. The Red Cross people are volunteers that make life bearable in times of emergencies. It is important to help people in tough times; one never knows when he or she will need assistance.

Brainstorming before Writing News/History World Events Books/Movies School/Community

Brainstorming before Writing News/History World Events Books/Movies School/Community Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. Michael Oher – The Blind Side Gabby Douglas Miley Cyrus The Outsiders or The Hunger Games

Expository essays - a Re-cap: o Explains/informs/discusses a topic o Includes a thesis o Contains evidence and reasoning o Provides a conclusion