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Exposition is a type of discourse that is used
to explain, describe or inform the reader or listener about a particular
factual topic. The writer cannot assume that the reader or listener has
prior knowledge or understanding of the topic that is being discussed. |
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Expository writing is marked by a formal
organizational approach that is often called the traditional academic essay
or the “Three-Point Essay.” |
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This refers to the three main body paragraphs of
your essay. |
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Each body paragraph has a major point used to
prove the assertion or “controlling idea” of your thesis. |
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(Some longer essays may have four main body
paragraphs, but that is not necessary.) |
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This structure is always the same in any
expository essay that you write. |
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You develop this structure before sitting down
and writing your actual essay—this is your outline! |
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In outlining, you generally use Roman numerals
for each of your outline points. |
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I. Introduction and Thesis Statement |
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II. First Topic Sentence and Body Paragraph |
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III. Second Topic Sentence and Body Paragraph |
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IV. Third Topic Sentence and Body Paragraph |
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V. Conclusion |
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Expresses a “controlling idea” or assertion that
guides the development of the essay and will be proven by supporting points
and detail. |
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Asserts your position clearly. This is something
you have to prove and is not just a statement of fact. |
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A statement of fact: The scientific name for the
dog family is “canine.” |
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An assertion/controlling idea: The dog’s
evolution and development has been closely interlinked with humans for at
least 14,000 years. |
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A statement of fact: Teddy Roosevelt was the
youngest President ever to occupy the White House. |
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An assertion/controlling idea: Teddy Roosevelt
is remarkable for rising above a sickly childhood and a tragic personal
life. |
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Is not too broad or general, which would make it
difficult to tackle in the space of one essay. |
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Is defined and narrow enough to be manageable
within the space of an essay. |
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Focuses your thoughts on the workable main idea. |
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Carries more weight if it is written in the
third person, rather than the first person. |
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Does not deal with the procedure of writing. |
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A “procedure-oriented” thesis: I am going to
write about Teddy Roosevelt, who was a strong person and remarkable
President. |
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You don’t have to tell the reader you are
writing! Just do it! |
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Presents one of your main supporting points that
directly relates to and proves your thesis. |
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Does not incorporate a detailed, supporting fact
or example. (For instance, a date, statistics, or an expert's name or
quote.) |
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Good Topic Sentence. Teddy Roosevelt, a
long-time proponent of the strenuous life,
was, in fact, born a rather sickly child. |
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Bad Topic Sentence: Teddy Roosevelt was born on
Oct. 27, 1858. |
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Proves the main supporting point presented in
your topic sentence, which directly relates to and proves your thesis. |
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Is consistently related to the controlling idea
in your topic sentence. |
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Provides detailed, supporting facts and example.
(For instance, a date, statistics, or an expert's name or quote.) |
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Develops each point logically and coherently. |
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Restates the thesis and the main supporting
ideas using similar, but not identical phrasing. |
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Reinforces your position in a meaningful and
memorable way. |
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Never introduces new material! |
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Notes