The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about—but why does this point matter for your overall argument? If this isn’t already clear from your first sentence, you can explain and expand on its meaning.
Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text.
Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook. Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity. The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s ...
The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence, and each point is directly related to the thesis statement. As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.
