Name : ______________________ ( ) Class : _____ Date : _____________

English Language
Writin
Expository Writing (Part 1)
g
Structure of an Expository Writing

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 (Main Stand)
State your arguable position on the topic that you will support with evidence in
your body paragraphs.
Blueprint (Main Points)
List your main points (blueprint) after your thesis statement. This will sign post
your essay, and allow your readers to follow the essay better.

Body Topic Sentence (main Point)

Provide the main idea of the paragraph.
Paragraphs
This comes from the blueprint.
PEEL Supporting Evidence (Evidence/Example)
 Main Point Include specific textual evidence: cited quotes, paraphrases or summary; or
 Evidence, evidence that supports your thesis from other sources: anecdotes, first-person
Example interviews or your own experience.
 Example, Analysis (Explain and Elaborate)
Elaborate Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have provided. Think
 Link about why you chose to include it. How does the piece of evidence support your
thesis?
Transition (Link)
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates how each
idea leads into the next, and at the same time, how this paragraph links back to
your main stand (topic) and support your position.

Conclusion Provide the reader an overview of the main ideas you discussed, but also be sure
to include a reflection:
Highlight the progression of your thought process, offer solutions, next steps or
present new questions that your paper generated.
 Do not restate the thesis
 Do not introduce new points/information
 Provide an evaluation, readdress the topic in light of the evidence provided

Page 1 of 17
Expository Writing Template
Below is a template which you can use. Write sentences for the corresponding elements of your
introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion in the space provided below.

Introduction: Examples
Begin your paper with an opening sentence or “hook” 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.
Include the context: provide the information the reader will
need to understand the topic.
State your thesis, your arguable position on the topic. What side
will you take? What will you prove in your paper? What are you
going to explore?
State your blueprint – your main points supporting your thesis.
Usually, the blueprint has two to three main points.
Body paragraph:
Follow this structure for all your body paragraphs.
P Write a general topic sentence that states the main idea of the
paragraph for your first body paragraph, or for one you are
having difficulty organising.
E Write down the specific textual evidence or evidence from
other sources that you are using to support your thesis.
E Analyse your evidence: tell the reader what is significant or
important about this evidence. How does the piece of evidence
support your thesis? Why did you choose to include it?
L Transition sentence:
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that
demonstrates how each idea leads into the next, and how it
links to your main stand (topic).
Conclusion:
Make connections for the reader in your conclusion. You should
refer back to your thesis, but don’t simply restate it. Use some
of the following questions to guide you:
• Did you propose any solutions? Are there solutions yet to be
discovered?
• What questions still need to be answered?
• What is the larger significance of the topic you chose to
write about?
 What should the reader do or think after reading your
paper?

Page 2 of 17
Name : ______________________ ( ) Class : _____ Date : _____________

English Language
Writin
Expository Writing (Part 2) – Introductory Paragraph
g
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 (Main Stand)
State your arguable position on the topic that you will support with evidence in
your body paragraphs.
Blueprint (Main Points)
List your main points (blueprint) after your thesis statement. This will sign post
your essay, and allow your readers to follow the essay better.

Expository Writing Template

Introduction: Examples
Begin your paper with an opening sentence or “hook” 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.
Include the context: provide the information the reader will
need to understand the topic.
State your thesis, your arguable position on the topic. What side
will you take? What will you prove in your paper? What are you
going to explore?
State your blueprint – your main points supporting your thesis.
Usually, the blueprint has two to three main points.

Page 3 of 17
Identify the 4 parts of the introductory paragraph

1) ‘Teenagers rebel because it gives them a sense of independence.’ Do you agree?

Even as far back as the times of ancient Greece,

adults had been known to lament that young people
had bad manners and were disrespectful to their
elders. It is clear that the rift between adults and
teenagers is a timeless issue rather than the modern
crisis many make it out to be. I feel that it is mainly the
desire for independence that drives teenagers to rebel
against the adults in their lives because they associate
independence with freedom and with being grown up.

2) ‘Animals should never be kept in cages.’ What is your opinion?

‘How would you like it if I put you in a cage?’ is a

question an animal rights activist may ask. This may
seem to put a stop to any further discussion. However,
although it is better if we leave our animal friends alone
as far as possible, there are times when caging them is
necessary, especially when it is for their safety and
welfare, provided we can ensure their proper care.

3) ‘In schools of the future, technology will replace teachers.’ What is your view?

With advancements in technology, and with technology

being used to replace or reduce the workload of certain
jobs, some predict that technology would replace
teachers in schools of the future. In my opinion,
technology can help to assist teachers in their duties,
but would not be able to completely replace teachers in
the near future, as technology lacks the personal touch
and flexibility.

Page 4 of 17
PRACTICE 1 (Brainstorming/Planning)

School learning journeys facilitate better learning than classroom learning. Do you
agree?
Stand Why? Supporting Evidence and Analysis
Agree? Or Disagree? 3 main points why you think so? Information to support your reason(s)
1)

2)

3)

Page 5 of 17
Name : ______________________ ( ) Class : _____ Date : _____________

English Language
Writin
Expository Writing (Part 3) – Body Paragraph
g
Body Topic Sentence (main Point)
Provide the main idea of the paragraph.
Paragraphs
This comes from the blueprint.
PEEL Supporting Evidence (Evidence/Example)
 Main Point Include specific textual evidence: cited quotes, paraphrases or summary; or
 Evidence, evidence that supports your thesis from other sources: anecdotes, first-person
Example interviews or your own experience.
 Example, Analysis (Explain and Elaborate)
Elaborate Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have provided. Think
 Link about why you chose to include it. How does the piece of evidence support your
thesis?
Transition (Link)
Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates how each
idea leads into the next, and at the same time, how this paragraph links back to
your main stand (topic) and support your position.

Blueprint and Topic Sentences

Blueprint  Topic sentence

 The blueprint in your introduction gives you the topic sentences for your body paragraphs
 Each point in the blueprint = 1 topic sentence for a body paragraph

Topic Sentence  Supporting Material/Evidence

 For each topic sentence, provide the relevant evidence to support your main point

Page 6 of 17
1) Giving examples (illustrating)
Give concrete examples (in the supporting sentences) to clarify/explain the main idea in the topic
sentence.

Transitional words that signal examples:

For example such as To illustrate For instance

Take the case of Specifically That is The following

For example

English may not be such an international  Topic Sentence

language after all. It is a myth to think that
you can travel the world over with ease just
because you speak English. For example, Examples:
many European countries do not use English 3 examples were given to support the topic
on their sign boards. Try driving in these sentence that English, contrary to common
countries if you only know English and you belief, may not be such an international
will be bewildered! Of course, you have a language after all.
better chance if you are in a city, but again, (1) Directional signboards
some may not want to converse in English due (2) Nationalistic feelings which cause certain
to nationalistic reasons. Take the case of people to resist the use of English.
Jacques Chirac, the former French President (3) Relatively lower level of education in rural
who walked out of an international business areas.
convention just because a fellow countryman
opened his address in English! Finally, the
language barrier becomes more pronounced if
you are travelling in rural areas and amongst
country folks who are less educated.

2) Explaining Cause and Effect

Cause and effect is one of the technics we can use to explain a topic.

Transitional words that signal examples:

Therefore Hence Thus As a result Consequently

Due to The impact of The influence of The reason for

Page 7 of 17
Practice 1

Exercise is really good for one’s physical and

mental health. First, it is proven that aerobic
exercise is good for the heart, which is very
important to overall health. Second, strength
training is important for maintaining muscle mass
and improving bone density. Both muscle mass
and bone density can decrease as we age, so
improving them through strength training is
important. Finally, all kinds of exercise have been
shown to relieve depression, anxiety, and stress.

Practice 2

It is important to plan your trips carefully. For

example, when you go on a trip, you need to think
about how much money to allot for things like
transportation, food, and hotels. In particular,
hotels and transportation on trips can be
expensive if you don’t book them with plenty of
time in advance. Another thing to plan for is how
much time you want to spend sightseeing and
doing different sorts of activities. Even though you
may want to do everything, you have to
remember that there are only so many hours in
the day! In sum, planning your trip carefully will
allow you to have a more relaxed trip.

Page 8 of 17
Practice
1. Identify the stand and blueprint.
2. From the blueprint, write a suitable topic sentences for your Body Paragraphs.

1) ‘Teenagers rebel because it gives them a sense of independence.’ Do you agree?

Even as far back as the times of ancient 3 Topic Sentences for Body Paragraphs:
Greece, adults had been known to lament 1)
that young people had bad manners and
were disrespectful to their elders. It is clear
that the rift between adults and teenagers is a
timeless issue rather than the modern crisis 2)
many make it out to be. I feel that it is mainly
the desire for independence that drives
teenagers to rebel against the adults in their
3)
lives because they associate independence
with freedom and with being grown up.

2) ‘Animals should never be kept in cages.’ What is your opinion?

‘How would you like it if I put you in a cage?’ 3 Topic Sentences for Body Paragraphs:
is a question an animal rights activist may 1)
ask. This may seem to put a stop to any
further discussion. However, although it is
better if we leave our animal friends alone as
far as possible, there are times when caging 2)
them is necessary, especially when it is for
their safety and welfare, provided we can
ensure their proper care.
3)

Page 9 of 17
Name : ______________________ ( ) Class : _____ Date : _____________

Expository Writing (Part 4) – Rebuttal Writin

Purpose of Rebuttal g
 Present a fair and convincing piece of writing; To let the reader know that you have
considered other perspectives
 Opportunity for you to refute possible/common arguments that dispute your
stand/opinion
 Important to communicate to readers that straddle both sides of the fence, or fence-
sitters

How to use a Rebuttal?

 Ensure your Dominant Stand Stays Strong by Weakening the Opposing Side
 If your Opposing Side carries a very persuasive argument
 You will seem to contradict yourself / be illogical when you move to the other side of the issue.

Structure of a Rebuttal Paragraph

Opponent’s argument State clearly, accurately and fairly, the main points of the argument that you
want to refute.
- Acknowledgement The writer acknowledges that some of the opposition's claims may be
of opposing view valid, but the writer still shows that his own claims are stronger. The
strength of the writer's claims are more convincing than the opposing
viewpoints. A writer might explain the opposition's weakest points,
contrasting them with his argument's strongest points.
Ways writers can begin:
- Admittedly,...
- Certainly,…
- Of course,...
- One cannot deny that…
- At the same time…

Your position Make clear the nature of your disagreement with the argument or position
you are refuting. E.g. evidence is outdated, or argument is filled with
fallacies.
Ways writers can begin:
- Nevertheless,…
- However,…
- On the other hand,…
- But…

Page 10 of 17
Your refutation Explain why you feel that your position is correct. Present and explain each
- Counter the fallacy/argument.
Argument The writer refutes the opposition's claims showing they are incorrect or
inconsequential--not a real problem.

Page 11 of 17
Some ways to Weaken the Opposing Side

1 Distancing  To distant oneself from the opposing point (argument)  Some may argue that the high exposure to
 Expressions to DISTANCE writer from a point: members of the public, many of whom are
o Some may argue/think/say inclined to make unkind comments, leads to
o It is true that… cyber-bullying.
 Underlying Meaning:
o This is what some believe, but not necessarily
me
2 Downplaying the  Downplaying the seriousness of the problem posed
seriousness of the by the Opposing Side
problem posed by  Fortunately, most teenagers quickly learn to limit their
the Opposing Side exposure to such channels or set restrictions on how
accessible their online offerings are to strangers or
unkind peers, so cyber bullying need not be a major
issue.
3 Hedging  Also known as ‘cautious language’, ‘vague language’ • While truth may hurt ourselves or others at
 Aim is to sound tentative times, it is best that we remain truthful as
 Some words/phrases: far as possible.
o sometimes, rarely • It may be true that, at times, telling the truth
o tends to, has a tendency to seems to do more harm than good.
o appears to be • Though we think we can get more done when
o might, may, could, can we divide our attention and multi-task, we are
o has the possibility of not necessarily more efficient.
o in certain situations
o this may indicate that, this may suggest that

Page 12 of 17
4 Limiting to  Limiting the validity of the point to specific situations All of us have at some time or other offended
specific situations only others by telling the truth. We may have ruined
friendships and other relationships simply by
stating facts. Being blunt is certainly guaranteed
to earn us hatred and this is where truth, despite
its exalted status as a moral value, can be
destructive. Thus, we may not want to tell the
truth at those times when telling the truth
does not achieve significant good for anyone,
but only spawns hurt feelings and
disharmony.

5 Ready Solution(s)  Explain how the problem posed by the Opposing Side
to resolve problem can be easily solved, and provide ready solutions
posed by the  Fortunately, most teenagers quickly learn to limit their
Opposing Side exposure to such channels or set restrictions on how
accessible their online offerings are to strangers or
unkind peers, so cyber bullying need not be a major
issue.

Page 13 of 17
Rebuttal Practice
Identify the rebuttal in the introductions, and then create a rebuttal paragraph

Despite advancements in technology and the changing times, watching television

programmes and films is still, without a doubt, highly enjoyed by many all over the world. As
the saying goes, ‘A picture paints a thousand words.’ Hence, watching a film is akin to reading
a book for some. Similar to reading a story, watching television programmes or films allow us
to disengage from matters in our daily lives and revel in a different world. However, do
television and films make us form false impressions of the world? I personally beg to differ. In
my opinion, watching television programmes or films allows us to empathise with real
situations happening in our daily lives, gain knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
(Lim Chin Yee, 4E, 2016)

Opponent’s argument
 Acknowledgement
of opposing view

Your position

Your refutation
 Counter the
Argument

Land space in a city is limited and is often of high value and demand. Should parks, which
normally take up lots of space, be built in cities? Some people feel that parks are a waste of
valuable land space in a city. I, however, beg to differ. In my opinion, building parks in a city is
not a waste of space as parks provide greenery, reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the air,
and provide a place for both citizens and tourists to relax and enjoy nature.
(Hang Jin Guang, 4I, 2017)

Opponent’s argument
 Acknowledgement
of opposing view

Your position

Your refutation
 Counter the
Argument

Page 14 of 17
Body Paragraph Practice – (Topic Sentences & Supporting Evidence)
The following paragraph is the introductory paragraph of an essay. Read the paragraph carefully, and:

1) Identify the Stand (Thesis), Rebuttal and the Blueprint of the essay.
2) Based on the Rebuttal and Blueprint, write the possible topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay.

With advancements in technology, and with technology being used to replace or reduce the workload of certain jobs, some predict that
technology would replace teachers in schools of the future. In my opinion, technology can help to assist teachers in their duties, but would
not be able to completely replace teachers in the near future, as technology lacks the personal touch and flexibility.

Topic Sentences Supporting Evidence

Rebuttal
1)

2)

3)

Page 15 of 17
Name : ______________________ ( ) Class : _____ Date : _____________

Expository Writing (Part 5) – Conclusion Writin

Conclusion g
Provide the reader an overview of the main ideas you discussed, but also be sure
to include a reflection:
Highlight the progression of your thought process, offer solutions, next steps or
present new questions that your paper generated.
 Reiterate your points, but do not copy and paste! Rephrase them.
 Do not restate the thesis
 Do not introduce new points/information
 Provide an evaluation, readdress the topic in light of the evidence provided

Suggested ways to conclude:

1. Share your final thought(s) about the topic:
 Pen your insight that you have gained from examining the issue or experience in your essay.

Demanding perfection from any human being is unrealistic. I know that I, too, can be
both a pain in the neck as well as a source of joy and pride to my family. What is
important is that we accept and love one another for who we are.

2. Recommend solution(s)

As mentioned above, anger may be a good servant in countering injustice, but it is a

bad master when we fail to rein it in. Whatever the situation may be, we need to
exercise self-control, perhaps through anger management strategies and to harness
its force for good and not for evil.

3. Ask a thought-provoking question:

 Make sure the question is thought provoking.
 Do not use the question from the essay topic!

Sharon was lucky to have found a match for kidney transplant, but many other
‘Pretty Slim’ diet pills victims were not so lucky. We may blame the Chinese
manufacturer for gross unethical business practice, but shouldn’t MTVs, apparel
advertisers, slimming centres, fashion magazine editors also share the blame for
conditioning young minds that they should be other-than-themselves to look good?

4. Paint a future scenario

As outlined above, there are numerous green and affordable solutions to solving the
numerous environmental problems we face. What we need are political will, global
consensus and initiative by various civic groups. Would we want to leave a drab and
polluted earth, stripped of its precious natural resources, devastated by climate
Page 16 of 17
change to the yet unborn generations?

Page 17 of 17