Lesson Plan: Teaching Expository Essay Writing

 


Helping Students Explain, Inform, and Explore with Clarity

Grade Level: 7–10
Duration: 2–3 Class Periods (45–60 minutes each)
Subject: English Language Arts
Focus: Expository Essay Writing


Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Understand the structure and purpose of an expository essay
  • Choose a topic and narrow it to a focused idea
  • Organize ideas logically using appropriate transitions
  • Write a clear thesis and support it with factual information
  • Draft, revise, and edit an expository essay

Materials Needed:

  • Sample expository essays
  • Projector or whiteboard
  • Graphic organizer (intro-body-conclusion)
  • Expository writing checklist
  • Essay rubric

Day 1: Introduction to Expository Writing

Hook:
Ask: “Have you ever taught someone how to cook, play a game, or fix something?” That’s expository writing—explaining or informing.

Mini-Lecture:
Explain that expository writing is used to inform, explain, describe, or define a topic. Emphasize the neutral and factual tone.
Structure Includes:

  1. Introduction (hook + thesis)
  2. Body Paragraphs (facts, examples, explanations)
  3. Conclusion (summary + final thought)

Class Activity:
Identify the purpose and structure of a sample expository essay. Highlight the thesis and supporting details.


Day 2: Planning & Drafting

Step 1: Topic Selection & Brainstorming
Give students prompts such as:

  • Explain how photosynthesis works.
  • Describe the steps in planning a trip.
  • Inform the reader about the benefits of regular exercise.

Students choose a topic and use a graphic organizer to:

  • Write a strong thesis
  • List 2–3 supporting points
  • Add facts, examples, or how-to steps

Step 2: Writing the First Draft
Students write:

  • Introduction with hook and thesis
  • Body paragraphs with clear topic sentences
  • Conclusion that restates thesis and gives closure

Day 3: Editing, Peer Review & Final Draft

Peer Review:
Swap essays. Use a checklist to evaluate:

  • Clarity of explanation
  • Logical organization
  • Factual support
  • Transitions and coherence

Revisions:
Students revise based on peer feedback. Teacher provides mini-conferences as needed.

Optional Activity:
Turn essays into "How-To" posters or infographics for classroom display.


Assessment:

Final essays are assessed using a rubric that measures:

  • Clarity and accuracy of information
  • Organization and structure
  • Use of examples and explanations
  • Grammar and conventions

Conclusion:

Expository writing equips students with the skills to inform and explain clearly—crucial for academic success and real-world communication. This lesson guides them step by step, from brainstorming to final draft.

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