Template for Writing an Expository Essay with a Thesis

Introduction: The introduction to the essay is your opportunity:1) to capture the reader’s attention (see strategies below) 2) to give some general information about the subject of the essay 3) to provide the “road map” for your essay—the thesis statement

Strategies for Introductions a quotation that deals with the “big idea” of your paper an short anecdote an interesting fact or statistic a rhetorical question relevant background information an analogy (a comparison) a definition of a term or idea that is important to the essay

Conclusion: An effective conclusion will leave the reader with a feeling of completion as well as a sense of inspiration or thoughtfulness. A conclusion should return to some aspect of the introduction in a “full-circle ending.” One way to accomplish this is to write an inverse of the introduction, turning it upside down. Such a conclusion would follow this pattern:

1) A restatement of the thesis- varying the syntax and diction of the original)2) Bridge sentence(s)- linking the thesis to the concluding sentence 3) Clincher Sentence– using words from the “Hook” to connect the topic to life

Structure of Body Paragraph(s)

Topic sentence (an assertion that supports or develops the thesis statement)Evidence (Introduction to the evidence, quotation or paraphrase, and citation)Commentary (explanation or interpretation linking the quotation to the assertion)Evidence (Introduction to the evidence, quotation or paraphrase, and citation)Commentary (explanation or interpretation linking the quotation to the assertion)Transition sentence: (transition the reader for the next paragraph)