The Standard Expository Essay Template
Outline-Diagram
Topic:I. (1st Paragraph) Brief, specific, includes main idea or argument in two parts – attention grabber and the topic or point of the essay. What your essay is about.
A. Attention grabber:( startling info, anecdote, dialogue or summary info)
1.
2.use words from prompt
3.mention author “title of story”
B. Topic or point of the essay
4.Thesis—statement about character change in the particular work
5.Thematic statement
II. First Main Idea: (2nd paragraph) Topic and explanation.
Character at start of story—a sentence that makes a claim
*Facts to support this & their source:
Evidence from start of story—quotes events
Connect evidence to thematic statement
III. Second Main Idea: (3rd paragraph) Topic and explanation.
The character starts to change—claim motive or cite examples
*Facts to support this & their source:
Evidence from story—quotes events
Connect to thematic idea
IV. Third Main Idea: (4th paragraph) Topic and explanation.
The character ends up differently—make a claim about this difference
*Facts to support this & their source:
Evidence from the story—how is the character shown to be different? Thoughts, narrator description other characters’ observations
Connect these changes to the thematic idea
V. Conclusion: (Last paragraph) - restate main idea in a new way and summarize points.
A. Topic Sentence:Thesis or Main Idea:
1. Claim about character change
B. Sum Up Points-Review, your feelings or anecdote or quote. Strong sentences. Have an opinion.
2.
3.
4.
5.How does this story impact the reader? Universal message/truth
Power Writing Phrase Template for Powerful Essays
* Remember to use transitional words to start your “2s”.
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“The only impeccable writers are those who never wrote.” William Hazlitt
B. Vondracek & S. Pittman – 05/01/02