Writing Expository Paragraphs

• Expository paragraphs are used to inform readers about something and to provide information.

• Expository paragraphs can list facts, give directions/instructions, or explain ideas.

• They can also show and explain comparisons.

What is an expository paragraph?

1. topic sentence2. supporting details (3-5)3. concluding sentence

The 3 Parts of an Expository Paragraph

• The topic sentence states the main idea, or what you are going to write about.

• Since we start with the topic sentence it needs to grab readers’ attention in order to make them want to continue to read. The topic sentence should also give readers an idea of what is to come.

Example:

“People often think all planets are alike, but there areactually three types of planets in the solar system. “

The Topic Sentence

Supporting details explain what was said in the topic sentence.

Supporting details can include: • descriptions• facts• examples

Supporting Details

Example:

“The terrestrial planets are made of rock and metal and are closestto the sun. These include the midsize planets Mercury, Venus,Earth, and Mars. They rotate slowly and don’t have manymoons. Farther from the sun are the planets called gas giants,Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are called gas giantsbecause they are formed from gases such as hydrogen andhelium. Gas giants rotate fast and have many moons. Finally,planetoids are objects made up of rock and ice and are toosmall to be true “planets.” Planetoids sometimes even getpulled into a planet’s gravitational field and become moonsthemselves.”

A concluding sentence summarizes everything mentioned in a paragraph.

A conclusion may repeat, or restate what was written in the topic sentence.

Example:

“Whether they are terrestrials, gas giants, orplanetoids, the planets in the solar system are fascinating.”

Concluding Sentence

Let’s Put it All Together!

People often think all planets are alike, but there areactually three types of planets in the solar system. Theterrestrial planets are made of rock and metal and are closestto the sun. These include the midsize planets Mercury, Venus,Earth, and Mars. They rotate slowly and don’t have manymoons. Farther from the sun are the planets called gas giants,Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are called gas giantsbecause they are formed from gases such as hydrogen andhelium. Gas giants rotate fast and have many moons. Finally,planetoids are objects made up of rock and ice and are toosmall to be true “planets.” Planetoids sometimes even getpulled into a planet’s gravitational field and become moonsthemselves. Whether they are terrestrials, gas giants, orplanetoids, the planets in the solar system are fascinating.

Paragraph Topics: (Choose 1!)

1) We all have someone important in our lives. It might be a teacher, a friend, a favorite artist (singer) or a family member. Think about the important people in your life. Pick one person who is especially important to you. What are they like? What qualities does this person have that you admire? Why are they important to you? Explain who is an important person in your life and why that person is important to you. Give examples.

2) Everyone has a place that is special to them. There may be something special that you like to do at this place. Think about what place is special to you. When do you visit your special place? Where is it? Who do you go to this place with? How often do you visit this place? Explain why you feel this place is special and why it is important to you.

*Start a rough draft on the graphic organizer hand-out and then write a final draft on a piece of loose-leaf. Hand both in to Miss Delorme when you are done!**If you finish early please pull out any other homework to complete or read a book SILENTLY.