This document provides instructions for writing an expository essay. It explains that an expository essay consists of a specific topic, clear thesis, appropriate organization, and evidence to support the thesis through facts, examples, and quotations. It should not include personal opinions or pronouns. The essay should follow a five-paragraph structure with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Transition words should be used to connect the paragraphs. As an example, students are assigned to write about different forms of government.

1. Expository Writing

2. What is an Expository?
An expository contains the following
elements:
1. Specific topic
2. Clear thesis
3. Organization appropriate to topic
4. Evidence
• Facts
• Examples
• Quotations

3. An Expository is NOT
An expository paper is not a persuasive
paper. It should not have any
personal pronouns present or any
opinions infused.

4. Format
We are going to use a standard five paragraph
format for this essay. If this is not familiar to
you, consider your hand.
Your thumb and pinky are shorter and will represent
your introduction and conclusion which hold less
information. Thus, they are shorter.
Your three fingers in the middle will be the body
paragraphs of your paper. They are longer
fingers and will hold more information in your
essay.
Let’s take a look.

8. Introduction
The introduction will state your topic.
Leave out the personal pronouns.
Don’t say, “I’m going to tell you about
. . .”
Mention what your support will be, but
do not give details at this point.

9. The Body
The body should support the topic with
examples. The examples can include
facts and quotes. The use of facts
and quotes adds power to your
believability.

10. Transition Words
Transition words are verbal indicators
to the reader to signify structure
and flow. You should use them at the
beginning of each paragraph except
your introduction.

11. Transition Words
First
Second
Also
Next
In addition
Additionally
Finally
In conclusion

12. Conclusion
You should restate the focus of the
essay and summarize your main points
again for the reader. Be careful not
to say it exactly the same as you did
in the introduction. Use a thesaurus
and find some friendly synonyms.

13. Assignment
Choose a type of government to explain. Explain who is in
charge, how are decisions are made, how much control do
the people have?
Notice the topic first. Then notice that the question gives
three subsections of the topic. The three subsections are
questions to answer in your supporting paragraphs.
You may use prior knowledge or you may want to research
several types of government that are different from the
United States.
Research papers are often types of expository writing. This is
not a formal research paper, but I am looking for facts.
Therefore, I am not looking for references and
documentation in this essay.

14. Assignment
Email only your expository outline by
Sunday. I will evaluate your outline
and suggest options or changes
before you write your final copy. You
may outline or use the hand format.
You may do it hand written if you
would like and scan it to send to me.

15. Government Links
• http://classroom.jc-schools.net/SS-units/
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4r0VU
• Also consider monarchy, oligarchy,
anarchy, democracy, and republic.
Please view these links with a parent
and discuss them together.