An expository composition is a report that shares your knowledge or ideas about a topic with a reader. A multi-paragraph expository composition must have several paragraphs. Some expository compositions describe a situation. Others explain a sequence of events.
The expository composition that you are about to write will have five paragraphs. It will describe how a historical event took place. The first paragraph will introduce the main idea of your composition. It will explain your understanding of how a historical event, such as how the Civil War began. The second, third and fourth paragraphs will support the main idea. The fifth paragraph will conclude your composition by summarizing the points you have made.
A good expository composition is clearly written and easy to understand. One way to show how your ideas connect to each other is to use transitional words. Transitional words show how one idea connects to another. These words are especially useful when starting a new paragraph. You should use a transitional word at the beginning of each paragraph in your expository composition.
Here is a list of transitional words, grouped according to how you might use them.
To add another example or to add emphasis: also, besides, furthermore, in addition, moreover, again
To show how one event related to another: accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, otherwise, so then, therefore, thus, thereupon
To summarize: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
To compare and contrast: conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast, by the same token
To show a sequence of events: at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion.
ELA Standard 1.2
Before you write an expository composition:
Once you've made an outline for your expository composition, it's time to write a first draft. Use your outline to write one paragraph at a time. Each paragraph should contain a main idea, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
Think about how your paragraphs link together. Use transitional words to show the connections between your paragraphs. You can refer to the list above to find one that fits.
Don't worry about any spelling or grammar mistakes. Since this is a first draft, you don't even need to make sure that your handwriting is neat!
Read the first draft of your expository composition. You might even read it aloud to a friend or teacher. You and your friend or teacher should decide:
Rewrite your expository composition so that it fulfills all of these goals.
You should also edit your work by checking your spelling and punctuation. Look up any words that you are unsure of in the dictionary.
Now copy a final version of your expository composition in your best handwriting or print it from a computer. Read through your final draft twice. The first time, check that your composition reads the way you want it to. The second time, check that there are no spelling or punctuation errors. Be sure to put your name, the date and title on the first page. Now, you can share your expository composition with classmates and your teacher.