What Is an Example of an Expository Paragraph?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

Any paragraph that is designed to provide information in a detailed format is an example of an expository paragraph. An expository paragraph has a topic sentence, with supporting sentences that provide further information and a concluding sentence. This paragraph is an example of an expository paragraph because it provides information and has a topic sentence, supporting details and a conclusion.

A topic sentences guides the flow of an expository paragraph. It sets the stage for the rest of the sentences, providing a structure for them. The supporting sentences should be logical and contain details and examples. Transitional words help organize the supporting sentences, with the third-person point of view most commonly used. The concluding sentence sums up the paragraph, rephrasing the main idea of the paragraph.

All well-designed paragraphs have four essential elements. These are unity, order, coherence and completeness. Unity is generally created by the topic sentence. Well-organized supporting sentences provide the order needed. The use of transition words can help create coherence, which means the reader is able to understand the writing. If a paragraph is complete, it contains all the sentences needed to adequately support the main idea. Developing skill in writing paragraphs requires practice putting these elements together.