Writing

Expository Writing

When writing an expository essay, follow these eight basic steps:

• Select a topic:
  Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it manageable within the space of an essay
• Write a thesis sentence:
  Be sure the thesis statement (or sentence) expresses a controlling idea that is neither too broad nor too specific to be developed effectively
• Select a method of development:
  Check through all the methods before you finally settle on the one which will best serve your thesis:

definition	example
compare and contrast	cause and effect
classification	process analysis

• Organize the essay:
  Begin by listing the major divisions which the body paragraphs in your essay will discuss; then fill in the primary supports that each body paragraph of the essay will contain
• Write topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay:
  For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that directly relates to the thesis sentence
• Write the body paragraphs of the essay:
  Each body paragraph should develop the primary support covered in that paragraph's topic sentence
• Furnish a paragraph of introduction:
  An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of the essay, introduce the divisions in the body paragraphs of the essay, gain the interest of the reader
• Write a paragraph of conclusion:
• Restate the thesis and divisions of the essay
• Bring the essay to an appropriate and effective close
• Avoid digressing into new issues

Source: Ida Masters Hallowell, James A. Levernier, A. Franklin Parks, Structuring Paragraphs: A Guide to Effective Writing. 2nd ed. New York: St. Martin's,1986