Expository Paragraphs An Introduction Terms to Know Terms

Expository Paragraphs An Introduction

Terms to Know

Terms to Know l EXPLANATION: Stuff from your head. This is your opinion or comment about the evidence. In a sense, you are answering the question “so what? ” l Synonyms for EXPLANATION are: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, personal response, inference, evaluation, and commentary

Terms to Know l TOPIC SENTENCE (TS): The first sentence of a body paragraph. l This must have a subject and an opinion (explanation) l Your TS is your body paragraph’s argument – everything you write in your body paragraph will work to prove your TS correct

Terms to Know l CONCLUDING SENTENCE (CS): The last sentence of a body paragraph. l DOES NOT restate the topic sentence (TS) l Answers “What is the end result or importance of your paragraph’s topic? ”

Getting Started 1. Topic Sentence (TS) 2. Evidence: start with a transition, such as “For example…” 3. Explanation: “This shows that…” (sentence starter optional) 4. (MORE) Explanation: “This also shows that…”; “This is because…”; “This is important because…” (sentence starters optional)

Finishing Up 5. Evidence: again, start with a transition, such as “Another example is…” 6. Explanation: “This shows that…” (sentence starter optional) 7. (MORE) Explanation: “This also shows that…”; “This is because…”; “This is important because…” (sentence starters optional) 8. Concluding Sentence (CS)

Figure out which is the TS, Evidence, & Explanation In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, the narrator states, “Harry immediately jumped on a broom to get it back” (164). He cannot stand someone who picks on others. Harry is now a hero to those less fortunate.

Describe how George feels about Lennie. l Decide what feelings George has about Lennie. l Find TWO quotes from the story that you think will support your answer (include page number) l For each quote, write 2 -3 sentences explaining why the quote supports your opinion.

Sample Assignment Format l George cares about Lennie, even though Lennie will get them into trouble. l Quote #1: “This is a very powerful quote” (38). This quote proves my topic sentence because it shows that…. l Quote #2: “This is another very powerful quote” (51). This quote supports my opinion because…

Putting your paragraph together l l 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Your paragraph needs to be arranged in the following format. Use any transitional words/phrases as needed. Topic sentence (subject + opinion). For example, evidence (page #). This shows that, explanation. This also shows that, explanation. Another example is, evidence (page #). This shows that, explanation. This also shows that, explanation. Concluding sentence (end result of paragraph).