Writing an Exposition Essay

The purpose of an exposition essay is to explain. We will often write expositions in our daily lives.

A writer may explain by:

  • Giving reasons or causes ( explaining why something occurs)
  • Comparing or contrasting ( ex. “Book vs Movie)
  • Defining ( explaining what something is or means)
  • Providing facts or evidence
  • Showing how to do something

Fact or opinion

A fact is something that is true, that has really happened.

An opinion is formed using our judgement and feelings.

A good opinion is one which is based on facts.

An expository essay is simply an essay that explains something using facts rather than just opinions. It conveys the writer`s knowledge about a topic. Every essay contains the same features:

  1. Introduction
  2. Body paragraphs
  3. Conclusion

The introduction contains a hook and a thesis statement.

The body paragraphs explain the main topics

The conclusion restates the main topics and thesis.

You will be writing a five (5) paragraph expository essay.

It will have the following layout:

Introduction
Hook - a sentence to grab the reader’s attention; to get him\her hooked
Thesis statement – a sentence telling the reader what your essay is about
Three points – these three points become the body paragraphs of your essay
Closing– reminds the reader what your topic is
Body paragraph I
  • Topic sentence – tells reader what the paragraph is about
  • Three examples \reasons supporting your topic sentence
  • Wrap up sentence - sums up your paragraph

Body paragraph II
  • Topic sentence – tells reader what the paragraph is about
  • Three examples \reasons supporting your topic sentence
  • Wrap up sentence - sums up your paragraph

Body paragraph III
  • Topic sentence – tells reader what the paragraph is about
  • Three examples \reasons supporting your topic sentence
  • Wrap up sentence - sums up your paragraph

Conclusion
  • Restate your three points
  • Restate your thesis statement
  • Out hook leave your reader with something to think about

Expository Essay Outline

Introductory Paragraph

Hook:(attention grabbing statement)
______
Thesis Statement: theme\message of your essay
______
Points or pieces of information to support your thesis(briefly)
1.______
2.______
______
3. ______
______

Body Paragraph I

First fact from your thesis\topic sentence ______
______
Example\evidence #1______
______
______
______
Example\evidence #2______
______
Example\evidence #3______
______
Wrap-up (connect back to thesis)
______

Body Paragraph 2

Second fact from your thesis\topic sentence ______
______
______
Example\evidence #1______
______
Example\evidence #2______
______
Example\evidence #3______
______
Wrap-up (connect back to thesis)
______

Body Paragraph 3

Third fact from your thesis\topic sentence ______
______
______
Example\evidence #1______
______
Example\evidence #2______
______
Example\evidence #3______
______
Wrap-up (connect back to thesis)
______

Conclusion

A brief repetition of the three (3) body paragraphs and something to leave the reader thinking about
______

Now you are ready to take the information from your outline and write your essay.

Subject:

Developing countries experience problems that those of us in developed countries aren’t always aware of.

Or

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Explain how small acts of kindness can have an impact on others. Use specific details and examples in your response.

or

Social media has betrayed its purpose

or

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Explain how challenging yourself can improve your life.

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