Structure of a General Expository Essay
The following maps a commonly used structure for many academic essays. Use this outline to guide you
as you compose your own argument, research or even descriptive essay.
Introduction
Opening Sentence
Start your paper with a general statement about your topic that
catches the reader’s attention, a relevant quotation, question,
anecdote, fascinating fact, definition, analogy, the position
opposing one you will take, or a dilemma that needs a solution.
Context
Provide the information the reader will need to understand the
topic.
Thesis Statement
State your arguable position on the topic that you will support
with evidence in your body paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
Provide the main idea of the paragraph.
Supporting Evidence
Include specific textual evidence: cited quotes, paraphrases or
summary; or evidence that supports your thesis from other
sources: anecdotes, first-person interviews or your own
experience.
Analysis
Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have
provided. Think about why you chose to include it. How does the
piece of evidence support your thesis?
Transition
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates
how each idea leads into the next, and how they work together to
support your position.
Conclusion Provide the reader an overview of the main ideas you discussed,
but also be sure to highlight the progression of your thought
process, offer solutions, next steps or present new questions that
your paper generated. Don’t only restate your thesis but show the
significance of your synthesis of the information.
