1. How do I write an expository essay?

2. 1. Break apart the prompt. What is the prompt?
The prompt is what we have been told to write about. It’s our topic. It is the question we need to answer. When we finish with our essay, our essay should answer the question the prompt asked.
How do I “break” it apart?

3. Example:
Prompt- Write a paragraph describing three of your favorite hobbies. Be sure to why you enjoy each hobby.
Let‘s break this apart!
Write a paragraph describing three of your favorite hobbies. Be sure to why you enjoy each hobby. 1. 2. 3.

4. Our example:
Prompt:
Your assignment is to write an expository essay that explains the role of advertising in the lives of youth. For your essay, you may use as sources the articles in this unit and at least one additional informational text you have researched.
Break it apart!

5. Your assignment is to write an expository essay that explains the role of advertising in the lives of youth. For your essay, you may use as sources the articles in this unit and at least one additional informational text you have researched.
So what is the role of advertising in the lives of youth? How does advertising effect youth everyday? 1. 2. 3.

6. 2. We need to cite our sources.
What sources does the prompt ask you to use?
Where are the sources found in our book?
How do we cite them in our essay?
According to the article “Facts About Marketing to Children” by The Center for a New American Dream, “the average American child is exposed to an estimated 40,000 television commercials a year”.
Statistically speaking, American kids view over 100 television commercials a day, adding up to about 40,000 in a year (“Facts about Marketing to Children” p.94).
Use evidence from the text!!

7. 3. Introduce your topic. Hook the reader! Do NOT write:
Include a topic sentence/thesis that tells 1. your prompt and 2. what you will be writing about in your body paragraphs.
Hook the reader!
Do NOT write:
- I am going to tell you….
- My paper is going to be about…
I hope you like this essay…
Do not talk to your reader like you know them.
Hook them with an interesting fact, a statistic, a quote, a question, etc.

8. Topic sentence/Thesis
Include a topic sentence/thesis that tells 1. your prompt and 2. what you will be writing about in your body paragraphs.
Example:
Prompt- Write a paragraph describing three of your favorite hobbies. Be sure to why you enjoy each hobby.
Topic sentence- My three favorite hobbies would have to include running, playing the guitar, and hiking with my family.

9. 4. Transition to your body paragraphs.
Use appropriate transition words.
Firstly,
Therefore,
However,
Before,
In conclusion,
Overall,
In summary,
Bridge your readers from one idea or paragraph to the next.

10. 5. Conclude your essay by wrapping everything back around to the topic sentence.
Readers should feel confident that you answered the prompt.
Everything should come full circle.
Restate your topic sentence (i.e. Overall, my three favorite hobbies would include…)