Expository Paper Outline: Expository Writing Outline Example
Expository Paper Outline: Expository Writing Outline Example
An expository paper is a genre of writing that requires the writer to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.
It could be an investigation, evaluation, or even argumentation about an idea for clarification.
The following is an expository paper outline:
Expository Writing Outline Example
1.0 Introductory Paragraph
The first paragraph of an expository paper should introduce the reader to the paper’s topic. It should create interest in the paper, outline the writer’s main ideas, and suggest how these ideas will be presented within the body of the paper. The introduction consists of three main elements:
- Hook - The first sentence or sentences in your paper should catch the reader’s attention. It should introduce the topic of the expository paper in an interesting way.
- Building sentences - After the hook, the following sentences should provide background information to give readers some context about the topic. They should build towards the thesis statement.
- Thesis statement - It comes at the end of the introduction. It is the most important sentence in the entire paper because it presents the topic and the writer’s position on that topic. It also indicates the main ideas that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
2.0 Three Or More Body Paragraphs.
The body of your paper should consist of three paragraphs. Each body paragraph explains in detail one of the main ideas expressed in the thesis statement. There are three parts to a body paragraph:
- A Topic Sentence - The first sentence of your body paragraph should express the topic of the paragraph and provide a controlling idea about the topic. All information in the paragraph supports the controlling idea.
- Supporting Sentences - They should explain and develop the topic sentence. They present logical thoughts, evidence, and explanations in support of the controlling idea
- A Concluding Sentence - The paragraph should end with a concluding thought on the paragraph topic. It should also show a transition to the next paragraph.
3.0 Concluding Paragraph
The concluding paragraph should end the paper by reviewing the main ideas from each body paragraph and leave the reader with a final thought.
The conclusion consists of three elements:
- A restated thesis - Restate the thesis in words different from those in the introduction, at the start of the conclusion.
- A summary of main ideas - Summarize the main ideas from each of the body paragraphs as a reminder to the reader.
- A final thought - End the paper by presenting a final thought on the topic. You could do this by stating an opinion, a solution, or a prediction. The final thought should leave a strong impression and encourage the reader to think further about the topic.