1. Expository Essays

2. Select a topic
Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it manageable within the space of an essay

3. Write a thesis sentence
Be sure the thesis statement(or sentence) expresses a controlling idea that is neither too broad nor too specific to be developed effectively

4. Select a method of development
Examples: The more specific your writing, the more impact it will have. Using examples to develop your paragraph allows the writer to include specific details. Anecdotes, analogies, and metaphors are also effective.

5. Process: A process paragraph is a step-by-step analysis of how to do something. Although monotonous, process paragraphs are the simplest way to explain how to do something.

6. Division and Classification: Most effective for comparing and contrasting, organizing your paragraph using this method will highlight similarities and/or differences.

7. Comparison and Analogy: When explaining difficult concepts, use something with which the reader is likely to be familiar and compare it to the concept in question. For example, Marriage works best (difficult concept) when husband and wife are pulling in the same direction, not unlike two horses pulling a wagon over a bumpy field (easily understood comparison).

8. Cause and Effect: A cause and effect paragraph can be organized in two ways: (1) Identify the effect in the topic sentence and write about its causes; or (2) write about the cause in the topic sentence and write about its effects.

9. Organize the essay
Begin by listing the major divisions which the body paragraphs in your essay will discuss; then fill in the primary supports that each body paragraph of the essay will contain

10. Write topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay
For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that directly relates to the thesis sentence

11. Write the body paragraphs of the essay
Each body paragraph should develop the primary support covered in that paragraph's topic sentence

12. Furnish a paragraph of introduction
An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of the essay, introduce the divisions in the body paragraphs of the essay, and gain the interest of the reader

13. Write a paragraph of conclusion.
Write a paragraph of conclusion
Restate the thesis and divisions of the essay
Bring the essay to an appropriate and effective close
Avoid digressing into new issues
Source: Ida Masters Hollowell, James A. Levernier, A. Franklin Parks, Structuring Paragraphs: A Guide to Effective Writing. 2nd ed. New York: St. Martin's,1986

14. Examples expository example: In Pursuit of Thinness Saving Elephants
If Only They Knew