What should an introductory expository paragraph include?

Question

Explain the types of sentences in an expository paragraph and what function they have.

Answer 1

An introduction to an expository essay should always have at least a hook and a thesis. The hook is the very first sentence that catches the audience's attention. If it makes you want to read your essay, then someone else will most likely want to. The thesis should be your last sentence and should include your main point and usually 3-4 main pieces of evidence to support your main claim. The sentences between the hook and the thesis should offer a little sneak peek into your essay. Don't give away too much information but provide some understanding of the basis of your essay. In terms of body paragraphs you usually have 4 main sentences: claim, evidence, significance, and elaboration. So you start out with your claim, what that paragraph will be about. The next sentence should be the evidence for that claim (either a direct quote or a reference to something). The significance sentence explains how that quote supports your claim. Don't assume the reader will make the same connection that you do. The last sentence elaborates on that significance and explains how it relates to the main idea of your paper. Obviously that's a very skeletal outline but follow that general format and you should be able to write a good essay every time.

Answer 2

An introductory paragraph should first start with the introduction sentence that will tell what the paragraph is going to be about. Then, there should be at least three detail sentences that support the introduction sentence. Finally, a conclusion sentence should wrap up the paragraph and give a final thought on the subject.