Study Guides and Strategies Web site logo and index link

* index * search * visitor center *

Study Guides index of guides

Writing Expository Essays

It is not enough to makeup
your verse of plain words
 Horace,
Roman 65 - 8 B.C.E.
When writing an 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, and 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 Hollowell, James A. Levernier, A. Franklin Parks, Structuring Paragraphs: A Guide to Effective Writing. 2nd ed. New York: St. Martin's,1986.

Joe's professional and personal webpages

Digg | Facebook | Google Bookmarks
Newsvine | Reddit | StumbleUpon
 

 Website overview: Since 1996 the Study Guides and Strategies web site has been researched, authored, maintained and supported by Joe Landsberger as an international, learner-centric, educational public service. Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt, and distribute individual Study Guides in print format in non-commercial educational settings that benefit learners. Please be aware that the Guides welcome, and are under, continuous review and revision. For that reason, digitization and reproduction of all content on the Internet can only be with permission through a licensed agreement. Linking to the Guides is encouraged!