How to write an expository essay

How to write an expository essay

Essay structure

An essay is made up of several paragraphs. Several paragraphs must contain in an essay, otherwise it will lose its meaning to a report or something else. Students will freak out if they hear of a five paragraph essay. But nothing is special to it. The first paragraph is the introduction. The body takes three paragraphs. To make great body paragraphs you should present your points thoroughly without any bias. The last paragraph is the conclusion. Let’s begin with the first paragraph

Introduction paragraph

Your introduction paragraph should be spectacular. Write an introduction such that your readers are carried away with it. This first paragraph consists of three things.

• Hook

This is the first sentence in your introduction. It should be far from boring and general.

• Building sentence

This comes after your hook. A building sentence provides a general background on what you are discussing .It serves to help readers get an idea of what your expository essay is about.

• Thesis statement

It is the last sentence in your introduction. It gives the readers what is discussed in the body paragraph. It is a statement that you will use throughout your essay.

Body paragraphs

This is where you explain in details the points you have stated roughly in your thesis statement. It consists of three parts, the topic sentence, supporting sentence and the concluding sentence.

• The topic sentence

This is the first sentence; it provides the main idea to be explained in your paragraph.

• Supporting sentence

Here, provide your evidence to support your topic sentence. Use statistics, logical thoughts and facts to support your point.

• Concluding sentence

Give a conclusion regarding your idea discussed in the paragraph. To make your expository essay flow, use a transition word leading to the next paragraph.

Concluding paragraph

This is the fifth paragraph in your essay. It consists of three elements.

• Restated thesis statement

Remind your readers your thesis statement. But this time rewrite it in a new form unlike in your introduction.

• Summary of main ideas

Give a summary of the points discussed.

• Final thought

This comes as the last sentence. Your final thought might be in form of a question, your personal opinion or an impressive statement that will leaves readers still glued to the essay.

Students should learn how to write a expository essay by following this structure. If possible a sample of this type of essay will help you put your ideas in the correct places.