Expository Essay
Crafting Your Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the controlling idea of your essay.
It is your promise to the reader:
This is what I will write about in my essay.
Your thesis statement comes from the writing prompt you are given.
Turn the prompt statement into a question.
Answer the question to create your working thesis statement.
For Example
Write an essay explaining the importance of honesty.
Why is it important to be honest?
It is important to be honest because.....
Write an essay explaining the importance of reading everyday.
Why is it important to read everyday?
It is important to read everyday because.....
Write an essay explaining the importance of getting a good education.
Why is it important to get a good education?
It is important to get a good education because....
Remember: When you see the prompt page, apply the 3-2-1 method
Climb the ladder to the high dive, curl your toes around the board, then dive!
3 is something to read.
2 is something to think about.
1 is something to write about, and it is your prompt.
You grow as a writer by doing more writing
You will learn to create expository essays that are strong and effective by practicing and applying the skills you learn in class--step by step and day by day!