"Various Modes of Writing"

Hamburger Paragraph If you can make a delicious hamburger, then you can write an incredible paragraph.

Though the example below is for a paragraph, it can easily be expanded into a lengthy paper. But for now, it is a paragraph.

Topic Sentence:

Edgar Allan Poe is the most influential writer of the 19th Century.

Supporting Sentence 1

Poe invented the modern detective story. (i.e. supporting fact - His detective stories influenced many authors including Sir Author Conan Doyle.)

Supporting Sentence 2

The horror story genre was forever changed by Poe. (i.e. supporting fact - Poe was considered the Master of the Macabre.)

Supporting Sentence 3

As author and poet, Poe was inspired by real events happening around him. (i.e. supporting fact - live burials)

Conclusion Sentence

In conclusion, no other author has yielded greater influence as to transformed literary genres as Edgar Allan Poe. (i.e. restatement of my supporting facts - invented the detective story, transformed the horror story and inspired by real events)

What Is An Expository Essay?

An expository essay is one that explains or informs a reader clearly about a topic in a neutral tone.

What You Need to Include In An Expository Essay

Organization - You need to write a clear and well defined thesis statement in your first paragraph.
Body paragraphs - At the beginning of each paragraph, you need a topic sentence.
Transitional words - Transitional words help organize your paper and make it flow for your reader. Everyone enjoys reading an essay that reads well as each paragraph connects one idea to the next.
Facts or examples - Facts or examples support your topic sentence and thesis statement in the first paragraph. Try to have at least 3 facts or examples for each topic sentence.
Conclusion - A conclusion is a restatement of your thesis statement. (A restatement doesn't mean retyping your thesis statement as your conclusion.)
Creativity - You have creative license in any paper you write. Enjoy the process!

Argumentative Essay: Structure

Like an expository essay, an argumentative essay contains a clear and concise thesis statement, well developed paragraphs with topic sentences, and a great conclusion. However, an argumentative essay requires research into a topic (controversial topic). The topic should be current and debatable for the writer to establish a position on the topic being discussed.

First Paragraph

The first paragraph will embody a brief review of the topic
An explanation of the why the topic is important
Debatable thesis statement

Body Paragraphs

The writer develops their argument in the body paragraphs
Paragraphs contain evidence and facts to support the writer's argument and persuade the reader
Writer uses clear, concise and logical transitional words and phrases

Conclusion

Restate main premise
Include one or two sentences summarizing and supports the argument
Offers a call to action or future possibility statement