Structureofa General Expository Essay

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Structure of a General Expository Essay

The following maps a commonly used structure for many academic essays. Use this outline to guide you
as you compose your own argument, research or even descriptive essay.

Opening Sentence
Start your paper with a general statement about your topic that
catches the reader’s attention, a relevant quotation, question,
anecdote, fascinating fact, definition, analogy, the position
opposing one you will take, or a dilemma that needs a solution.

Introduction Context
Provide the information the reader will need to understand the
topic.

Thesis Statement
State your arguable position on the topic that you will support
with evidence in your body paragraphs.

Topic Sentence
Provide the main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting Evidence
Include specific textual evidence: cited quotes, paraphrases or
summary; or evidence that supports your thesis from other
sources: anecdotes, first-person interviews or your own
experience.

Body Paragraphs Analysis


Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have
provided. Think about why you chose to include it. How does the
piece of evidence support your thesis?

Transition
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates
how each idea leads into the next, and how they work together to
support your position.

Conclusion Provide the reader an overview of the main ideas you discussed,
but also be sure to highlight the progression of your thought
process, offer solutions, next steps or present new questions that
your paper generated. Don’t only restate your thesis but show the
significance of your synthesis of the information.
My Outline Importance of Education
introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion in the space provided below.
Try applying this structure to your own writing: write sentences for the corresponding elements of your

Begin your paper with a opening


sentence or “hook” about your topic Education is a fundamental pillar of personal and societal development.
that catches the reader’s attention. Research shows that individuals with higher education levels earn nearly
Reference the list on the front for ideas. 65% more over their lifetimes compared to those without a degree.

Include context: provide the


information the reader will need to
In an age defined by rapid technological change and global
understand the topic. interconnectedness, the value of education has become more
crucial than ever.

State your thesi


position on the topic. What side will you
Education is essential for fostering personal growth,
take? What will you prove in your enhancing economic opportunities, and promoting social equality.
paper? What are you going to explore?

One Practice Body paragraph:


Write a general topic sentence that
states the main idea of the paragraph for One of the primary benefits of education is its role in personal and
professional development.
you are having difficulty organizing.
Write down the specific textual
evidence or evidence from other A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that higher
education correlates with lower unemployment rates and higher
sources that you are using to support job satisfaction.
your thesis.
Analyze your evidence: tell the reader
This relationship underscores how education equips individuals
what is significant or important about with essential skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in the
this evidence. How does the piece of job market. Moreover, the confidence gained through education can
your first body paragraph, or for one
evidence support your thesis? Why did lead to personal growth, enabling individuals to pursue their
you choose to include it? passions and ambitions.

Don’t forget a transition sentence:


Beyond personal benefits, education also
Connect each paragraph with a sentence plays a significant role in driving economic progress within society.
or two that demonstrates how each idea
leads into the next.
Conclusion:
Make connections for the reader in your
conclusion. You should refer back to
your thesis, but don’t simply restate it.
In summary, education is indispensable for personal development,economic
Use some of the following questions to advancement, and social equity.It equips individuals with essential skills for
guide you: the workforce and promotes higher income levels, while also serving as a
• Did you propose any solutions? Are catalyst for social mobility and community engagement.Investing in
there solutions yet to be discovered? education is not merely an investment in individuals; it is an investment in a
brighter, more equitable future for society as a whole.
• What questions still need to be
answered?
• What is the larger significance of the
topic you chose to write about?
• What should the reader do or think
after reading your paper?

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