Expository Essay Assignment

Written Composition An expository essay investigates an idea. The writer sets forth an argument concerning that idea (articulated in the thesis statement) and explores different angles of the idea, providing and analyzing evidence throughout the body of the essay. Approaches: An expository essay can compare and contrast, analyze cause and effect, . Structure: 1. Begin with an introductory paragraph that (1) grabs your audiences attention, (2) introduces the idea youd like to investigate and conveys its importance, and (3) sets forth your argument in a concise thesis statement. 2. In three or more body paragraphs, explore different angles of your idea. Offer evidence/support/examples for your points and make sure you thoroughly cover one idea per paragraph. Do research if you need to. (Research should then be cited in MLA format.) 3. End with a conclusion that is memorable or poignant. Restate your main argument in a new way. Format: The essay should use MLA format and be typed, double-spaced, size 12, Times New Roman Title: Come up with a title other than Expository Essay. Prewriting: You will complete a typed outline, one early draft for Mrs. Triggs, and another draft for a peer edit. Outline Format: I. II. Introduction: Attention getter, Thesis Body Paragraph 1: First Main Idea a. Supporting Detail b. Supporting Detail c. Supporting Detail (optional) Body Paragraph 2: Second Main Idea a. Supporting Detail b. Supporting Detail c. Supporting Detail (optional) Body Paragraph 3: Third Main Idea a. Supporting Detail b. Supporting Detail c. Supporting Detail (optional) Body Paragraph 4, 5, etc.: Main Idea (optional) Conclusion: Restate thesis in a new way, end with something memorable

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Checklist: While you write I. Introduction ____ introduce the basics of your topic ____ arouse the audiences interest ____ end with your clear, well-worded thesis statement II. Body Paragraph 1 ____ main idea stated in topic sentence ____ transition into first supporting detail ____ evidence for first supporting detail ____ transition into second supporting detail ____ evidence for second supporting detail ____ continue with other supporting details ____ closing sentence relating back to the thesis III. Body Paragraph 2 ____ main idea stated in topic sentence ____ transition into first supporting detail ____ evidence for first supporting detail ____ transition into second supporting detail ____ evidence for second supporting detail ____ continue with other supporting details ____ closing sentence relating back to the thesis IV. Body Paragraph 3 ____ main idea stated in topic sentence ____ transition into first supporting detail ____ evidence for first supporting detail ____ transition into second supporting detail ____ evidence for second supporting detail ____ continue with other supporting details ____ closing sentence relating back to the thesis V. Continue with other body paragraphs VI. Conclusion ____ summarize points, restate thesis in a new way ____ end with something memorable, interesting Transitions: Dont forget transitional words and phrases, used within paragraphs to show relationships between ideas. Every paragraph needs transitional phrases (meanwhile, likewise, secondly, because of this, therefore, in spite of, furthermore, moreover, on the other hand, etc.) Transition Paragraph: You may also include transition paragraphs. These are short paragraphs that announce/explain a significant shift in topic. One might be useful in a compare/contrast expository essay, for example. Headings and Subheadings: You are encouraged to use headings for major topics within your essay or subheadings for minor topics if your essay is long enough to merit them (think back to Rediscovering the Barber Shop).