The Expository Essay

The Expository Essay

What is an expository essay?

An expository essay explains, or acquaints the reader with knowledge about the topic. Expository essays use facts, cause and effect relationships, compare and contrast relationships or examples.

What is an expository essay?

Since expository essays are factual, they are written without emotion and usually written in the third person. That means that the use of the pronouns ”I” “ME” or “MY” are not found within the essay.

Expository essays also have a distinct format.

The main idea (thesis statement) must be narrow enough to be supported within the essay.

Each supporting paragraph must have a topic sentence that relates to the thesis and all other sentences must relate directly to it.

Transition words or phrases are important as they help the flow and reinforce the logic.

Expository essays also have a distinct format.

Finally, the conclusion paragraph should originally restate the main idea (thesis) and the main supporting ideas. Finish with the a statement that reinforces your position in a meaningful and memorable way.

Never introduce new material in the conclusion.

Supporting reason or idea 1: (Complete Sentence)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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CONCLUSION: Complete sentences.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Topic sentence or thesis statement (will become basis for introductory paragraph)

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Expository Prompt

Writing Situation: Everyone enjoys receiving a gift.

What is the best gift one can receive? What makes it so special?

Directions for Writing: Now explain in an essay what the gift was and why it was so special. Support your reasons with examples and details


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Topic sentence or thesis statement:The best gift a child can receive is a puppy. The puppy gives the child a companion, provides protection, and teaches responsibility.

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Conclusion: (Complete sentence) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Supporting reason or idea 1: (Complete Sentence)

For a child, the puppy becomes a welcomed companion.

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Provides Comfort when sad __________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

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For a child, the puppy becomes a welcomed companion..

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Comforts when sad Play together__________________________ __________________________

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Topic sentence or thesis statement:The best gift a child can receive is a puppy. The puppy gives the child a companion, provides protection, and teaches responsibility. .

__________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________

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For a child, the puppy becomes a welcomed companion..

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Provides comfort when sad Play togetherSleeps in room

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As the puppy grows up, he becomes a fierce watchdog.

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Comforts when sad Play togetherSleeps in room

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Guards the house when away__________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________


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Being an only child, Mac became a welcomed companion.

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Comforts me when I am sad Play togetherSleeps in my room

Guards the house when awayProtects child from other dogs__________________________ __________________________


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Guards the house when awayProtects child from other dogsWarns of approaching strangers.


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The puppy teaches responsibility.

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Puppies need to be fed and bathed______________________________________________

__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________




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Topic sentence or thesis statement:The best gift a child can receive is a puppy. The puppy gives the child a companion, provides protection, and teaches responsibility. .

Puppies need to be fed and bathed.Puppies need to be walked_______________________

__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________




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Puppies need to be fed and bathedPuppies need walksPuppies need their shots

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Conclusion: (Complete sentence)

A puppy is the most valuable gift a child can ever receive.

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Conclusion: (Complete sentence) A Puppy is the most valuable gift a child can ever receive.

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companion __________________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________



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Conclusion: (Complete sentence) A puppy is the most valuable gift a child can ever receive.

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companion watchdog__________________________ __________________________



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companion watchdog_lesson_in_responsibility_____________________ __________________________



Transition Word:For instance,



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Transition Word:Eventually,


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Transition Word:Truly,





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All in all,






Developing the introductory paragraph.

Use a HOOK to engage the reader:The Hook (PowerPoint Download)

A hook is an interesting beginning- one that grabs the readers attention.


Developing the introductory paragraph.

Here is an example:There’s an old saying: “Dog is man’s

best friend.” This would then imply that a puppy is a child’s best friend. If you are looking for the best gift for a child, look no further than the local pound. A puppy provides friendship, protection, and teaches responsibility. All of these qualities make a puppy the perfect gift.

The concluding paragraph

The concluding paragraph:Restates the main idea or thesisSummarizes the supporting

ideasEnds with a punch!

The concluding paragraph

All in all, chances are that the puppy will be a child’s most memorable gift. He/she becomes “man’s best friend,” he/she is a ferocious watchdog that will help keep the child safe, and through the puppy, the child will learn the true meaning of responsibility. As the saying goes, a puppy is the “gift that keeps on giving.”

Expository Essay Graphic Organizer

Utilize the four square graphic organizer template to develop an expository essay.

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Graphic Organizer

Expository Essay Resources

The Expository EssayExpository Writing PromptsExpository EssayTransition Words

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The Expository Essay