Expository Essay Structure Outline
Introduction
1. Begin with a hook. Tell a detailed story that pulls the reader
in. The story should relate to the
thesis of your essay in some way.
2. Tie-in – This is a sentence (or a few
sentences) that provides a link from your hook to the thesis of your essay.
3. Thesis statement – This sentence is
typically the last sentence of the introduction. It responds to the prompt and provides the
main idea of the entire essay. The
thesis statement should NOT include 3 supporting reasons. Sample thesis statement for the prompt “What
is your favorite time of the year?”:
“Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of the
year.”
Body
Paragraph 1
1. Begin with a topic sentence - The topic
sentence provides the direction for the entire paragraph and should include one
reason/example that supports your thesis statement. For example, with the prompt and thesis
statement mentioned above, an appropriate topic sentence for body paragraph one
might be “Undoubtedly, I eat better on Thanksgiving than any other time of the
year.”
2. Extension sentence – This sentence
provides further clarification on the idea presented in the topic
sentence. It allows you to start moving
into the details you will develop in the paragraph.
3. Details – Provide detailed examples
that support the idea you presented in your topic sentence. Personal anecdotes provide excellent details.
4. Closing sentence – This is the last
sentence of the paragraph and should summarize the main idea of the paragraph
or put a finishing thought to it.
Body
Paragraph 2
1. Transition – This should summarize the
main idea from the previous paragraph and lead into the new idea for this
paragraph. Note that this also serves as
the topic sentence for this paragraph with a new supporting reason. Possible transition structures include:
Not
only do I eat like a king on Thanksgiving, but I also get to spend
precious moments with family members I rarely see.
2. The
rest of Body Paragraph 2 follows the same structure as Body Paragraph 1
Body
Paragraph 3
1. Most important supporting detail/reason
should be reserved for this paragraph to end your essay with a bang. Ways to transition to this last idea include:
Above all else,
Thanksgiving is a time I get to show my gratitude for everything I have.
2. T The rest of Body Paragraph 2 follows the same
structure as Body Paragraph 1
Conclusion
1. Restate/summarize your three supporting
reasons/examples from each topic sentence.
Example:
I savor every bite
of the food I eat on Thanksgiving. Also,
I appreciate the opportunity I have to spend quality time with my family and
show gratitude for everything I have.
2. Link back to your story in the hook and
finish it up.
3. Restate your thesis using different
words.
Helpful Links
1) Treaty of Paris (1783)
2) Election of George Washington (1789)
3) Eli Whitney invents the Cotton Gin
4) Gabriel Prosser Slave Revolt (1800)
5) Louisiana Purchase
6) War of 1812
