Review - Introduction to the Expository Essay

Steps to Complete Before Writing the Expository Essay

Write an essay explaining why people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

1.) Construct a thesis statement that directly answers the prompt in a single sentence(last sentence of your introduction).

2.) Create a “hook,” which is the opening sentence you will use to begin your entire essay.

3.) Brainstorm examples that you could use in the body paragraph(you will see how to do this soon).

Student Introduction

Examples

Although it is important to help others when possible, it is also essential to put oneself first in life. After all, we all have one life, and each person’s main concern is his own choices in life.

Strong or WeakWEAK

There is no clear thesis statement. This will lead to a weaker paper.

Why should people put others before themselves? Why should they, who don’t have everything they want but don’t necessarily need in their life, stop for someone less fortunate?

Strong or WeakWEAK

All rhetorical questions; no hook sentence; no thesis statement – VERY weak

Helping another person with a difficult task is a great thing to do. However, most of us are too busy with our lives to take time for others. Even though it is easier to mind our own business, it is honorable and caring when a person goes out of his way to help another person.

Strong or WeakSTRONG

Interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement- we know what to expect from this essay!

Sometimes helping others matters more than one’s personal gain. Although people work to benefit themselves, they should always put others first. People should be more concerned about helping others than themselves because it is the right thing to do.

Strong or WeakSTRONG

Good clear thesis statement; there is a good transition sentence to lead into thesis statement.

YOUR TURN !

Write an essay explaining why people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

1.) Construct a thesis statement that directly answers the prompt in a single sentence(last sentence of your introduction).

2.) Create a “hook,” which is the opening sentence you will use to begin your entire essay.

3.) Write an introduction paragraph using your handout “Expository Introduction and Thesis Statement” as a model.