Process for Writing an Expository Essay
Characteristics:
The purpose of an expository essay is to inform, describe or explain.
Expository essays provide facts and are written in the 3rd person.
Step 1: Organize thoughts
Find out how much information you already know about a subject and organize your thoughts.
Write lists, outlines, subject trees, or clusters.
I. Introduction
1. What is depression
2. Thesis – Depression is a complex condition
as evident in its causes/symptoms/treatments
II. Body
1. Causes of depression
2. Symptoms of depression
3. Treatments of depression
III. Conclusion
1. Why is studying depression important
2. Reiterate causes/symptoms/treatments
3. Consequences of depression Basic Outline / Summer Winter
Hot Cold
Beach Skiing
Shorts Jackets
Vacation Work
Fun Sadness
Lists
Step 2: Write the thesis statement (claims)
-The thesis statement is the organizational map that structures the essay. This one sentence statement should be the last sentence of the first paragraph.
Formula for writing a thesis statement:
-Together, the issue and position become the claim.
A claim is an assertion that needs to be supported by evidence.
The supporting reasons provide the means for reinforcing the claim and can be organized as such:
1) categories/topics, 2) time frames/chronological periods, or 3) cause/effect.
Example:
categories: Depression is a complex condition, understanding of which requires an in-depth look at its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
time frames: Depression is a complex condition, the treatment of which has undergone dramatic changes as the medical field progressed from late 19th century into the mid-20th century and finally into the early 21st century.
cause/effect: Depression is a complex condition, which may be caused by any combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
-Use the thesis statement to create the topic sentence of each body paragraph.
Issue and position/stance + reason = topic sentence or claim sentence.
Step 3: Collect Data
Research may require going to a library or searching online. All research should be current (check with your instructor for acceptable time frames). Acceptable sources are reference works, books, and scholarly articles by experts.
When using information from a Web site, evaluate the site for timeliness and reputability. Also, consider the site’s purpose, the reliability of its sponsors, and credibility of the author. Make sure to collect all necessary reference information in order to give credit to the authors.
Refer to our Plagiarism handout for tips on how to avoid plagiarism.
Step 4: Write the introduction.
The introduction is the most general part of the paper. It helps provide a roadmap for further discussion or analysis. This simplified formula offers components for a basic introduction:
Hook: Capture the reader’s attention.
Background info: Identify, define, and/or describe the topic, concept, or literary theme. What will you be talking about?
Relevance: Show the importance of your topic, concept or theme. How does it relate to or impact society?
Thesis: Copy the thesis statement generated in the previous step.
Step 5: Write the body paragraphs
The body of the essay is the most detailed part. Body paragraphs address each claim in a separate fully developed paragraph. Each claim requires at least 3 pieces of evidence from your research. Each piece of data needs a warrant that interprets the data and shows how it supports your claim.
Step 6: Write the conclusion.
Conclusion brings the paper to a close. It should be similar to the introduction, but worded differently. It allows you to reiterate and summarize the main points of the essay. The following components comprise a conclusion:
Relevance: Repeat the importance of your topic.
Review: Reiterate the points you discussed.
Summary: Summarize your conclusions.
Reverse Hook: Leave the reader with a thoughtful last point.