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Expository Paragraph Frame |
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Research-Based Strategies and Activities
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Start by stating in a topic sentence your subject, your
attitude about the subject, and how many
reasons or details you will be explaining. Example: Skiing is a great activity for three main reasons. |
_____________ is ___________________ for _________ main reasons. | |
Add to your paragraph by writing a sentence that begins with a transition word
like First and then state a reason for your attitude about
your subject. Example: First, skiing is wonderful because people get out into nature. |
First, _____________ is ___________________ because ___________. | ||
Next, give a fact or facts or a detail or details that
explain your first reason. Example: Sliding down a hill with fresh air flying by one's face is exhilarating. Viewing jagged mountain peaks and snow sparkling like diamonds adds to the enjoyment. |
_________________________ is ____________________. _______________________ (active verb) _____________. |
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Use a
transitional word like second, additionally, in addition, or another
and state another reason.
By using active verbs and avoiding the word is, writers make paragraphs more interesting. Example: Second, skiing provides exercise for the whole body. |
Second, ___________________ provides (or another active verb) __________________. | ||
Next, give a fact or facts or a detail or details that explain your
second reason. Example: Dancing across the snow on a pair of skis requires constant movement and excellent balance. |
__________________ requires (or another active verb) ________________. | ||
Use a
transitional word like third, additionally, in addition, or another
and state another reason.
Example: Third, skiing allows people to socialize in a unique way. |
Third, ________________________ allows _________________________. | ||
Next, give a fact or facts or a detail or details that explain your
third reason. Example: Riding up on a chairlift or gondola inspires conversations about nature, adventure, or other topics that people do not think of in other social situations. |
__________________ inspires (or another active verb) ________________. | ||
Add more reasons, if more are required. Continue to use transitional words like Fourth, Fifth, Additionally, In addition, Another, Moreover, Also, Next, or Furthermore. Continue to explain each reason, using as many sentences as are needed. |
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Conclude your paragraph by reminding your reader of your topic,
attitude, and reasons. Signal your
conclusion by using one of the following words or phrases: Clearly,
Obviously, Assuredly, Without doubt, or Certainly. Example: Clearly, skiing is a marvelous recreation because it gets people out into nature, gives them stimulating exercise, and helps them strengthen social bonds. |
Clearly,
_____________ is ___________________ because it _____________________,
_________________________, and _____________________.
Note: Add more blanks if you have more than three reasons. |
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External Links
How to Eliminate "To-Be" Verbs
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Example Paragraph Skiing is a great activity for three main reasons. First, skiing is wonderful because people get out into nature. Sliding down a hill with fresh air flying by one's face is exhilarating. Viewing jagged mountain peaks and snow sparkling like diamonds adds to the enjoyment. Second, skiing provides exercise for the whole body. Dancing across the snow on a pair of skis requires constant movement and excellent balance. Third, skiing allows people to socialize in a unique way. Riding up on a chairlift or gondola inspires conversations about nature, adventure, or other topics that people do not think of in other social situations. Clearly, skiing is a marvelous recreation because it gets people out into nature, gives them stimulating exercise, and helps them strengthen social bonds. |