1. Ways to improve
Expository Essay

2. Outline for essay – The intro
I. Introduction
a. Hook – a truism, a startling fact, a quote, a metaphor
b. Thesis statement (controlling idea) – you must tell the reader what you will discuss on your body paragraphs

3. The body paragraphs (1-2)
II. Body paragraph (paragraph 2 or 3)
a. Topic sentence (what this paragraph will discuss and how it will prove your thesis)
b. Facts, examples, or details to support your topic sentence
c. Analysis of supporting details (how do they prove your thesis? Provide insight about the world or topic.)
d. Concluding sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph.

4. Conclusion – the last paragraph
IV. Conclusion
a. Summarize your essay by restating your thesis and your supporting examples.
b. Provide a lesson about the world related to topic.

5. The outline as a whole I. Introduction III. Body paragraph 2 a. Hook
b. Thesis statement (controlling idea)
II. Body paragraph 1
a. Topic sentence (what this paragraph will discuss and how it will prove your thesis)
c. Analysis of supporting details (how do they prove your thesis? Provide insight.)
b. Facts, examples, or details to support your topic sentence
c. Analysis of supporting details (how do they prove your thesis? Provide insight about the world.)
IV. Conclusion
a. Summarize your essay by restating your thesis and your supporting examples.
d. Concluding sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph.
b. Provide a lesson about the world.

6. You must address the following in your essays:
1. Students should be providing one world connection that they are familiar with AND one text connection that they are familiar with as examples that support their thesis.
2. Students must have a clear, well-developed thesis statement. They must understand the difference between the thesis statement (controlling idea) and topic sentences (the first sentence of their body paragraphs that connects back to the thesis).

7. More things to fix!
3. Emphasize that this is an expository essay in which they are being asked to explain. The prompt(s) on EOC will say “explain.” Students cannot write a narrative (personal or literary). Ideally, they must have 3 to 5 paragraphs including the introduction, body, and conclusion. USE PARAGRAPHS!
4. Do not write or announce in the 1st person point of view. Do not use “I believe” or “In my opinion” or “let me tell you what I think about revenge.” DON’T ANNOUNCE WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO!

8. Even more things to fix!
5. In each body paragraph, students must have a topic sentence that connects back to the thesis. They must provide a clear example that supports their topic sentence and provide insight. Key: They must transition thoughtfully and carefully from one idea to the next as to avoid abrupt or disjointed thought process. Do not use examples that are drastically different (for example: a Disney movie and the Holocaust in one essay). The ideas must relate to each other.
6. Avoid making generalizations like “all movies show revenge” or “revenge exists everywhere around the world.” These distract from the focus of your writing.
7. Keep it formal.
8. Do not have a conversation with the reader