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Expository Essay. The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.
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Expository Essay The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.
The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following: • A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. • It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
OK… So How do I do a Thesis? • The thesis needs to be narrow • Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right. Example of a thesis that is too broad: • Drug use is detrimental to society. Example of a narrow or focused thesis: • Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.
The Body • Body paragraphs that include evidential support: • Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. Each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. • Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal). Factual/ statistical is the best argument.
Ok… How do I write A Good Paragraph? • The four elements of a good paragraph (TTEB) • A good paragraph should contain at least the following four elements: Transition, Topic sentence, specific Evidence and analysis, and a Brief wrap-up sentence (also known as a warrant) – TTEB! • A Transition sentence leading in from a previous paragraph to assure smooth reading. This acts as a hand off from one idea to the next. • A Topic sentence that tells the reader what you will be discussing in the paragraph.
TTEB(Cont.) • Specific Evidence and analysis that supports one of your claims and that provides a deeper level of detail than your topic sentence. • A Brief wrap-up sentence that tells the reader how and why this information supports the paper’s thesis. The brief wrap-up is also known as the warrant. The warrant is important to your argument because it connects your reasoning and support to your thesis, and it shows that the information in the paragraph is related to your thesis and helps defend it.
Finish It Up • A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided • It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay..
Outline • I. Thesis • II. Reason / Evidence 1 • T • T • E • B • III. (TTEB) • IV. (TTEB) • V. Conclusion
Transition / Topic Sentence (TTEB) • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: The first step I will take to getting a better job is to finish school. • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: Next, I will work toward getting a better job by preparing a resume. • Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3: The final step I plan to take to get a better job is to search for jobs. • Notice each sentence starts with a transition.
