Expository Paragraph

Topic sentence (1 sentence)

Lead into quote/ example 1 (1 sentence)

Quote/ Example 1 (1-2 sentences)

Explanation (2-3 sentences)

Transitional sentence (1 sentence)

Lead into quote/ example 2 (1 sentence)

Example 2 (1-2 sentences)

Explanation (2-3 sentences)

Concluding sentence (1 sentence)

Expository writing is formal writing, therefore must follow these rules:

1. Write in third person. Use he/ she/ they

• Do not use first person: I, me, myself, us, we, our, you, your

2. Do not use contractions (such as don't, couldn't, it's, can’t). 

3. Write in present tense (active voice).

4. Do not use abbreviations, spell the whole word out (Do not use the word  'etc.’)

5. Numbers under 100 (1-99) are spelled out. Dates, Acts/ scenes, MLA are exceptions.

6. Do not use question marks or exclamation marks (no questions/ no emotions)

7. Use formal language. Do not use slang or jargon.  

• Avoid the use of ‘a lot’. Instead, use words and phrases such as ‘many’, 'several', 'a great number', 'a great deal’, and ‘plenty’. 

8. Do not use the word ‘because’ instead use due to the fact, or due to. 

9. Do not use the word ‘proves’ (use demonstrates, illustrates, shows). 

10. Use transitional words (In addition, furthermore). These are used to help readers follow the ideas. 

11. Double check the use of homophones such as 'there' and 'their' and it's and its (spell check will not catch these).

12. Place a comma after signal phrases such as: Furthermore, Also, In addition,

13. Do not begin an expository sentence with 'but' or 'and'. Use ‘however’ in the place of 'but” and ‘also’ in the place of ‘and’  

14. Do not use the words ‘essay’ or ‘quote’ in your essay or paragraph. 

15. Do not use phrases such as:

This essay/paragraph shows …   This means that… Firstly…

This proves that…   This quote shows…         Secondly…

In conclusion…  To conclude…   For example…