The Introductory Paragraph
Expository Essays
BASIC STRUCTURE
There are 4 components to an
introductory paragraph
1. The opening statement
2. Filler
3. Thesis statement
4. Line of Approach
1. Opening statement
• Grabs the attention of the readers.
• Gives a brief background on the topic.
• The first few lines of the essay familiarize
the readers with the writer’s thoughts.
• The opening serves as a guide to the
subject matter of the essay.
• Introduce your topic in general terms
Filler
• Here is where you expand on your topic
• Provide more specific information about
your topic
• Summarize the text as it pertains to your
topic
• You should make mention of the title of
the text and relevant characters
• Anywhere from 3-5 sentences in length
Thesis Statement
• A simple way of thinking of the thesis statement
(also called a stance) is this: what is your
answer to the question?
• The main idea of the paper-the main purpose of
the paper-the main point that is going to be
proved (What is this paper trying to accomplish?
What is the main point or purpose of this
paper?)
• Always 1 sentence in length-short, clear,
concise—do not get fancy here—simple and
straightforward is always better
Line of Approach
• How are you going to prove your thesis
statement? What arguments or points are
you going to use to prove your thesis
statement is true and valid?
Some things to remember:
• General Guidelines
• Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x
11-inch paper,
• Double-space the text of your paper, and use a legible font like Times
Roman. The font size should be 12 pt.
• Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless
otherwise instructed by your instructor).
• Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides. Indent the first line
of a paragraph one half-inch (five spaces or press tab once) from the left
margin.
• Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-
hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.
(Note: Your instructor may ask that you omit the number on your first
page. Always follow your instructor's guidelines.)
• Use either italics or underlining throughout your essay for the titles of
longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.
• If you have any endnotes, include them on a separate page before your
Works Cited page.