Writing an Expository Paragraph

A paragraph is a collection of sentences about one main topic. Generally a paragraph is not less than three sentences and not more than twelve sentences. If the paragraph is less than three sentences, the idea is not being developed enough. If it is more than twelve sentences, it is probably about more than one idea. The word expository comes from the Latin meaning explain. Therefore, an expository paragraph is a paragraph that explains something. The paragraph might explain anything from a personal opinion (a persuasive paragraph) to what a symbol represents in a piece of literature (a literary paragraph) to how to change the oil in a car (a process paragraph). Every paragraph should be written as a block of text that begins with an indent. More than one indent on a page signals the reader that there is more than one paragraph. If you are asked to write one paragraph, you should have only one indent. If you have more than one paragraph on a page when asked to write only one paragraph, only the first paragraph will be graded. In addition to having an indent, every expository paragraph must begin with a topic sentence. The purpose of this sentence is to make it clear to any reader, whether they know what the assignment was, what the paragraph is about and what your purpose is. This sentence must state the topic of the paper, the argument or opinion being offered, and the name of the author and the title of the piece of literature being discussed as appropriate. If the paragraph is about a piece of literature, then the title and author of the work needs to be stated properly. That is, all words that were capitalized by the author must be capitalized; and, titles of short stories, poetry, music, newspaper or magazine articles, and other short works should be enclosed in quotation marks, and titles of novels, plays, and other books should be italicized or underlined. The topic sentence should be followed by the necessary explanation. The paragraph should clearly explain three points and have proof, evidence, or discussion of each point. If you cannot come up with three points, you probably need to answer a different question. If you have more than three points your paragraph will become overly long and you risk boring your reader. You must have proof for each point. Arguments or explanations based on feelings are generally not as convincing as ones based on firm proof. In addition, each new point should be signaled by a transition word like: first, second, third, next, another, in addition, moreover, also, finally or other such words and phrases. These transition words help the reader to follow your argument. Once the three points have been made and proven, the paragraph should be summarized with a concluding sentence. The concluding sentence should begin with a transition word or phrase that is appropriate to summarizing a point, such as: in conclusion, to conclude, thus, therefore, in short, or other appropriate words or phrases. Note that finally is NOT appropriate for a conclusion: finally signals to the reader that one last point is about to be made, not that the argument is finished. The concluding sentence should rephrase all of the important information given in the topic sentence (see paragraph four on this page). Remember that the key to writing a good expository essay is clarity. The reader much clearly and easily be able to understand what you are trying to explain, or else there was no point in writing anything. Choose your wording and your examples wisely and edit carefully.

The Expository Paragraph

Topic Sentence

One sentence Includes the topic, argument, and three points to be made In literary paragraphs include the author and the title

Point #1

2-3 sentences Starts with a transition Makes a point Gives evidence (integrated direct evidence and citations) Connects back to argument/theme

Point #2

2-3 sentences Starts with a transition Makes a point Gives evidence (integrated direct evidence and citations) Connects back to argument/theme

Point #3

2-3 sentences Starts with a transition Makes a point Gives evidence (integrated direct evidence and citations) Connects back to argument/theme

Concluding Sentence

One sentence Starts with a transition or key word Repeats the topic, argument, and three points Repeats author and title

O Canada!: Why Canada is the Best Country in the World

Always title your work appropriately but remember that a title is not a topic sentence.

Canada is the best country is the world for many reasons, including its justice system, its education system, and its respect for human rights. First, Canada has one of the best justice systems in the world. Unlike many other justice systems in the world, Canadas is based on the premise that a person is innocent until proven guilty by a court and that people cannot be held in jail forever waiting for a chance to go to court. Not only is the system reasonable: everyone in Canada has access to a fair trial,

The topic sentence states the topic and the argument.

Transition words should be used to signal each new point.

Make connections between your points. A paragraph is about one topic.

not just people who can afford lawyers or to pay off government officials. Next, Canada is the best country in the world because of its educational system. Like the justice system, everyone in Canada has access to free, public education. Even adults can go to school in Canada free of charge. Last, the fact that it is illegal in Canada to discriminate against someone based on his or her gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual preference makes Canada the greatest country in the world. In many parts of the world these basic human rights are not respected. For example,
The concluding sentence must begin with a transitional word or phrase. It also needs to summarize your argument and restate the topic. Give proof for each point you make.

Keep it short and clear. No more than tentwelve sentences!

in China belonging to certain religious groups is illegal. Therefore, Canada is the best country in the world because it respects peoples human rights, has a fair justice system, and has quality, public education.