Parts of an Expository Essay Introduction

Parts of an Expository Essay ® Introduction ® Body Paragraphs ® Conclusion

No-no’s for Expository Writing ® Do not use the word “reason(s)” in any part of the essay. ® Do not use the word “you”. ® Do not “piggyback” words (repeatedly using the same word throughout the essay).

Introduction Paragraphs ® The first paragraph of an essay is called the introduction. ® The introduction should “funnel” ideas from general/broad to specific/narrow. ® The introduction should be at least three sentences in length. ® The last sentence in the introduction should be the topic (the general issue/item being addressed) and position (the writer’s opinion on the topic) sentence. ® Under no circumstance should there be reasons to support your opinion in the introduction!

Introduction Paragraph Example ® Throughout my life I have met many people that everyone seemed to admire. There was my high school football coach, my college English professor and even my cousin Steve. However, the most well liked person I have ever met is my close friend Pastor Ottis.

Introduction Paragraph Example Throughout my life I have met many people that everyone seemed to admire. There was my high school football coach, my college English professor and even my cousin Steve. Topic/Positi on Sentence However, the most well liked person I have ever met is my close friend Pastor Ottis.

Body Paragraphs ® Body paragraphs are the “meat” of any essay. ® The body paragraphs are where supporting details/reasons belong. ® In timed writing, there should only be two body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs ® Body paragraphs include each of the following four elements: ® Transitions ® Statements ® One time when’s (OTW)/anecdotes ® Thesis tie-in

Body Paragraphs ® Transitions: These words/phrases help writing flow and connect ideas together. ® Use transitions in your body paragraphs (also, however, since, thus, therefore, on the other hand, etc. ) ® Statements: These are the topic sentences of body paragraphs. ® Statements let the reader know what each body paragraph will be explaining. ® Statements must be very specific. The more specific the statement, the easier it is to support.

Body Paragraphs ® One time when’s (OTW)/anecdotes: These are little personal stories told to illustrate a point being made. ® Thesis tie-in: This is a sentence that ties a body paragraph back to the topic and position sentence in the introduction. ® These are the most difficult and most easily forgotten component of a body paragraph. ® Without a thesis tie-in, writing is off task.

Body Paragraph Example ® Pastor Ottis is extremely friendly. I remember the first time that I met him. My wife and I had just moved here from New York and we didn’t have many friends yet. We were standing around in the parking lot after church hoping someone would come and say hi when he approached us. “Hello, ” he belted out as he smiled and introduced himself. He shook hands with my wife Chris and then gave a little hug to each of my children. I remember feeling the weight lift off my shoulders as we finally made a new friend in Florida. I know many other people who have had a similar experience with Pastor Ottis. He is constantly going out of his way to meet new people and welcome them with his friendly smile. It’s no wonder so many people have such high regard for him.

Body Paragraph Example Identify the body paragraph components in this example. ® Furthermore, Pastor Ottis is the most excellent listener I have ever known. One time when I became really discouraged over a misunderstanding at work, Ottis offered to come over to my house and discuss the situation with me. After he arrived he sat on the couch and like a sponge he soaked up every word I said. I recall being impressed with his genuine concern for my dilemma. Instead of rushing me and cutting me off when I was talking, he gave me all the time I needed to articulate the peculiar predicament I had found myself in. When he finally did speak, he encouraged me significantly and the key points that he brought up told me that he had heard every word I said. I have found very few people who will give others that kind of attention when they need it. I think that’s why he is so well liked. ®

Body Paragraph Example ® Pastor Ottis is the most excellent listener I have ever known. One time when I became really discouraged over a misunderstanding at work, Ottis offered to come over to my house and discuss the situation with me. After he arrived, he sat on the couch and like a sponge he soaked up every word I said. I recall being impressed with his genuine concern for my dilemma. Instead of rushing me and cutting me off when I was talking, he gave me all the time I needed to articulate the peculiar predicament I had found myself in. When he finally did speak, he encouraged me significantly and the key points that he brought up told me that he had heard every word I said. I have found very few people who will give others that kind of attention when they need it. I think that’s why he is so well liked.

Conclusion Paragraph ® The conclusion paragraph wraps up the essay briefly. ® The conclusion should quickly sum up the point of view and lightly brush upon the support (reiterating the statements in the body paragraphs). ® The conclusion starts with a closing type (refer to worksheets) and restates the topic and position similar to a thesis tiein. ® An extra sentence or two added after the reiteration of support adds voice

Conclusion Paragraph Example ® It is worth reiterating that Pastor Ottis is an outstanding listener and an unusually friendly person. It’s simple to see why everyone who meets him finds him such an easy person to look up to.

Planning Web Introduction Topic Position Body 1 Body 2 Conclusion

Planning Web Introduction Topic and Position Body 1 First Supporting Reason OTW (Support) Restate topic, position, and supporting reasons Body 2 Second Supporting Reason Conclusion

Planning Web Introduction Well liked person Pastor Ottis Body 1 Extremely Friendly First time meeting at church Listening about work trouble Friendly & best listener Most Liked Pastor Ottis Body 2 Best Listener Conclusion