Expository papers are written to explain, inform, or teach, the reader. Watch the presentation.
An expository essay will have 3 sections:
introduction - thesis (main idea): tells what the overall essay is about
body (1-3 paragraphs) - topic sentences that connect to the thesis and contain developed ideas
conclusion - summarize or explain an overall importance
How to Write an Expository Paper
Introduction - Paragraph 1
• Catchy intro - shocking, command, onomatopoeia, turnabout, funnel, quotation, etc...
• Thesis - central idea
• Topics - briefly mentions supporting ideas (reasons) that will be explained in more detail in the body.
Body - Paragraphs 2-4
• Longest section of the essay -
one paragraph to support each topic (reason) stated in the introduction.
• Contains fully developed paragraphs - Each paragraph includes a topic sentence, 4 - 5 supporting detail sentences, and a SPLASH.
*May use real life examples, definitions, comparisons/contrasts, or a combination.
• Transition words and phrases - help move reader from one idea to the next (Ex: Initially, In addition, Last but not least, etc.)
Conclusion - Paragraph 5
• Brings closure to the essay - wraps it up, uses a transition
• Briefly restates the topics (without repeating
the exact words in the introduction)
• May end with strong statement or an appeal to the
emotions - explains the overall importance of the thesis
Add "Splashes" to give the paper more detail.
anecdotes - 1-2 sentence personal stories
facts - names, dates, research, etc...
examples - tell what happened to someone else
how - "I did this by..."
why - "This was funny because..."
caution - warn the reader. "Be careful when..."
With Splashes
1. My role model - Grandma
Fact - born in 1917, died in 2012
2. Reason why - We spent so much time together.
How - She became my role model because we were together so much. It's difficult to spend lots of time with someone without acting like them.
Anecdote - I would try to spend the night with her almost every Friday.
3. Reason why - She always helped when I needed it.
Anecdote - One summer I had trouble paying for college and she gave me the money.
4. Reason why - She was well liked.
How - People who are well liked must have good habits that we can learn from. If you adapt these habits, then you will most likely be well liked, too.
Example - For example, even my friends wanted to go to her house. They liked her better than their own grandmothers.
What Expository Looks Like
READ the following statement:
We all have role models in our lives. Sometimes we choose to be like one of our role models. Other times we do something on the spur of the moment because we are subconsciously influenced by our role model.
THINK of people in your life that you admire.
WRITE an essay about one of your role models. Explain why you chose this person to be a role model in your life.
You are supposed to write about a role model and list reasons why they are your role model.
The keyword "explain" means you should write an informative paper instead of writing a story.
Explain means to tell about the reasons WHY this person is your role model.
Your purpose in writing is to tell the reader what you know, not just entertain them with a story.
1. My role model - Grandma
2. Reason why - We spent so much time together.
3. Reason why - She always helped when I needed it.
4. Reason why - She was well liked.
5. Restate reasons 2, 3, and 4. Strong feeling - She made me who I am today.
Our class expository planner to plan and organize ideas.
Here is a great model of an expository paper.
Here is an online organizer to help you map out your paper.
Example paper - Shadow Fort
Example paper - Pollution Effects
Example paper - Mae Jemison biography