Expository Writing: Informative Paragraphs
The Spark
Concept
Expository writing explains or informs. A well-structured expository paragraph begins with a topic sentence (the main idea), continues with evidence and explanation, and ends with a concluding statement. Transition words such as furthermore, in addition, as a result and in conclusion help connect ideas smoothly.
Activity
Ask your child to explain one topic they know well — their sport, hobby or a recent history project — as if explaining it to someone who knows nothing about it. Notice how they structure the explanation.
Check
After the worksheet, ask your child to read their paragraph aloud and check: Does the first sentence clearly state the topic? Is each piece of evidence followed by an explanation? Does the last sentence summarise or conclude?
Match the Paragraph Parts
Draw a line to match each paragraph part to its description.
Identify the Topic Sentence
Read each paragraph. Circle the letter of the sentence that is the topic sentence.
A) Koalas sleep up to 22 hours per day. B) The koala's diet of eucalyptus leaves provides very little energy, which explains many of its unusual behaviours. C) They move slowly and stay still for long periods. D) They have a specialised digestive system to process the toxins in the leaves.
A) Every morning, students line up outside. B) Many children arrive early before school begins. C) School routines help students feel safe and ready to learn. D) Teachers greet students at the door.
Sort the Transition Words
Sort each transition word or phrase into the correct category based on its purpose.
Label the Paragraph Structure
Read the model paragraph. Label each sentence with TS (topic sentence), E (evidence), EX (explanation) or CS (concluding statement).
PARAGRAPH: Regular physical activity is essential for the health of primary school students. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that children who exercise at least 60 minutes daily have better concentration and lower rates of anxiety. This matters because learning is harder when students are stressed or unable to focus. Furthermore, active children tend to sleep better, which improves their mood and memory. Overall, building physical activity into the school day benefits both the body and the mind. Write the label (TS, E, EX or CS) for each sentence:
Write Three Topic Sentences
Write a strong topic sentence for each of the following expository paragraph topics. Make each one specific and interesting.
Topic: The importance of water for the human body
Topic: Why rainforests are important to the planet
Topic: How libraries benefit a community
Choose the Best Topic Sentence
Circle the sentence that would make the best topic sentence for an expository paragraph on each topic.
Topic: Coral reefs
Topic: Reading
Topic: Renewable energy
Evidence or Opinion?
Sort each statement into the correct column — Evidence (can be verified) or Opinion (personal view).
Improve the Evidence
Read each weak evidence statement. Rewrite it as a stronger piece of evidence by adding a specific fact, statistic or expert example.
WEAK: 'Many people exercise regularly.' STRONGER:
WEAK: 'Reading is popular among students.' STRONGER:
WEAK: 'The environment is being damaged.' STRONGER:
Match Evidence to Explanation
Draw a line to match each piece of evidence to the explanation that tells the reader why it matters.
Write a Topic Sentence + Evidence + Explanation
Choose one of these topics and write a three-sentence mini-paragraph: Topic sentence → Evidence → Explanation. Topics: Homework, School gardens, Recycling.
My topic: ___ My three-sentence paragraph:
Plan Your Paragraph
Use the information sandwich planner to organise your ideas before writing a full expository paragraph.
Topic sentence (main idea):
Evidence 1 (fact, statistic or example):
Explanation 1 (why does this matter?):
Evidence 2:
Explanation 2:
Concluding statement:
Write Your Expository Paragraph
Use your planner to write a full expository paragraph. Include at least two transition words. Underline each transition word.
My paragraph:
Circle the Better Evidence
In each pair, circle the piece of evidence that is stronger and more specific.
Topic: The health benefits of sleep
Topic: The decline of bee populations
Topic: The benefits of public libraries
Write a Concluding Statement
Read each topic sentence and the evidence provided. Write a strong concluding statement that wraps up the paragraph.
TOPIC SENTENCE: Daily reading has a profound impact on children's academic performance. EVIDENCE: Studies show students who read 20 minutes daily score 50% higher on comprehension tests. EXPLANATION: This shows how small daily habits compound over time. YOUR CONCLUDING STATEMENT:
TOPIC SENTENCE: Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our oceans. EVIDENCE: Over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. EXPLANATION: This plastic harms marine animals and enters the food chain. YOUR CONCLUDING STATEMENT:
Match the Transition Word to Its Purpose
Match each transition word or phrase to the job it does in a sentence.
Self-Edit Your Paragraph
Re-read the paragraph you wrote earlier. Use this checklist to improve it. Then rewrite the improved version below.
CHECKLIST (tick each one): ☐ Topic sentence clearly states the main idea ☐ Each piece of evidence is specific and accurate ☐ Each piece of evidence is followed by an explanation ☐ At least two transition words are used correctly ☐ Concluding statement wraps up the main idea Rewritten paragraph:
Organise the Paragraph
These sentences are from an expository paragraph but they are in the wrong order. Number them 1–5 to show the correct order.
Compare Two Topic Sentences
Read these two topic sentences about the same topic. Answer the questions below.
TOPIC SENTENCE A: Dogs are popular pets. TOPIC SENTENCE B: Dogs provide companionship, improve mental health and give their owners a reason to exercise daily, making them one of the most beneficial pets a family can own. Q1: What specific details does Sentence B include that Sentence A does not?
Q2: Which sentence better prepares the reader for the evidence that will follow? Why?
Q3: Write your own strong topic sentence about a pet, sport or hobby:
Which Sentence Is the Concluding Statement?
Read each paragraph excerpt. Circle the sentence that is the concluding statement.
A) The Southern Ocean is home to 80% of the world's krill. B) Krill support the entire Antarctic food web. C) Without krill, the marine ecosystems of the Southern Ocean would collapse. D) Whales, penguins and seals all depend on krill for survival.
A) Books develop imagination and empathy. B) Research shows avid readers score higher on emotional intelligence tests. C) When we read stories from perspectives different to our own, we practise understanding other people. D) Overall, reading fiction is one of the best tools we have for building a more empathetic society.
Topic Sentence Expansion
Expand each simple sentence into a strong topic sentence by adding specific details.
SIMPLE: Water is important. STRONG TOPIC SENTENCE:
SIMPLE: Bees are useful insects. STRONG TOPIC SENTENCE:
SIMPLE: Libraries are good for communities. STRONG TOPIC SENTENCE:
Match the Text Feature to Its Purpose
Match each expository text feature to its purpose.
Research and Note-Taking
Choose a topic from your current school curriculum. Find two facts or statistics from a reliable source. Write them in the note-taking frame below.
My topic:
Source (book title, website or encyclopaedia):
Fact 1 (in my own words):
Fact 2 (in my own words):
Formal or Informal?
Sort each phrase into the correct column — Formal (suitable for expository writing) or Informal (not suitable).
Write a Full Expository Paragraph From a Note
Use these notes to write a full, well-structured expository paragraph. Add transition words and a concluding statement.
NOTES: • Topic: The importance of bees to agriculture • Fact 1: Bees pollinate approximately one third of all food crops grown globally • Explanation: Without pollination, fruit, vegetables and nuts would not grow • Fact 2: The value of bee pollination to Australian agriculture is estimated at $14.2 billion per year • Explanation: Losing bees would cause food prices to rise dramatically My paragraph:
Identify the Explanation
Read each evidence statement. Circle the sentence that provides the best explanation of why the evidence matters.
EVIDENCE: Studies show children who eat breakfast achieve higher concentration levels throughout the morning. Which sentence best explains why this matters?
EVIDENCE: Australia loses approximately 1.5 million tonnes of food to waste each year. Which sentence best explains why this matters?
Match the Paragraph Weakness to the Fix
Match each paragraph weakness to the revision strategy that would fix it.
Plan a Three-Paragraph Expository Text
Plan a three-paragraph expository text on a topic you are currently studying. Complete the planner below.
My topic:
Paragraph 1 topic sentence:
Paragraph 2 topic sentence:
Paragraph 3 topic sentence (could be a conclusion):
One piece of evidence for each paragraph (list three):
Write a Linking Sentence
Read each paragraph topic and write a linking sentence at the end that signals the topic of the next paragraph.
PARAGRAPH 1 TOPIC: The physical health benefits of regular exercise. LINKING SENTENCE (signals next topic: mental health benefits):
PARAGRAPH 2 TOPIC: How rainforests produce oxygen. LINKING SENTENCE (signals next topic: biodiversity of rainforests):
Organise a Three-Paragraph Text
Sort each sentence into the correct paragraph of a three-paragraph text about why reading is important.
Write Your Three-Paragraph Expository Text
Use your plan from Activity 50 to write a full three-paragraph expository text. Use your transition words, evidence and linking sentences.
My three-paragraph expository text:
Identify the Best Conclusion
Read each pair of conclusion sentences. Circle the one that is more effective for ending an expository paragraph.
Topic: The importance of physical activity for children
Topic: The impact of plastic pollution on marine life
Topic: How animals adapt to their environments
Match the Sentence to the Paragraph Part
Read each sentence. Match it to the paragraph part it represents in an expository paragraph about the water cycle.
Write a Short Expository Text About Science
Write a short expository paragraph (5–7 sentences) explaining a science concept you are currently studying. Use the information sandwich structure.
My science concept:
My paragraph:
Add Technical Vocabulary to a Paragraph
Rewrite this paragraph using more precise, technical vocabulary. Replace the underlined words with more accurate scientific terms.
ORIGINAL: 'The sun heats the water and turns it into air stuff. The air stuff goes up and makes fluffy things in the sky. Then the water falls back down as rain.' MY REWRITE (use: evaporation, water vapour, condensation, precipitation):
Sort by Text Structure
Sort each feature into the correct category based on what it helps the reader do in an expository text.
Design an Expository Subheading System
You are writing a three-section expository text about climate change. Write three subheadings and a one-sentence description of what each section will cover.
Subheading 1:
This section will cover:
Subheading 2:
This section will cover:
Subheading 3:
This section will cover:
Paraphrase the Evidence
Read each direct quote. Rewrite it as a paraphrase — using your own words to express the same information.
DIRECT QUOTE: 'Globally, approximately one million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades.' MY PARAPHRASE:
DIRECT QUOTE: 'Children aged 6–17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.' MY PARAPHRASE:
Full Paragraph: Research-Based Writing
Using research notes you have made or information from a source your parent has helped you find, write a full expository paragraph on any topic from your curriculum. Include a cited source.
My research-based paragraph:
Peer Edit Checklist
Swap your three-paragraph text with a sibling, friend or parent. Use this checklist to provide feedback. Write one specific improvement suggestion.
CHECKLIST: ☐ Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence ☐ Each piece of evidence is specific and accurate ☐ Each piece of evidence is followed by an explanation ☐ Transition words are used accurately ☐ Each paragraph has a concluding statement ☐ The writing uses formal language (no contractions or slang) My improvement suggestion:
Rewrite in Formal Language
Rewrite this paragraph using formal language, removing contractions, slang and personal opinion.
ORIGINAL: 'I reckon that it's really important to look after our oceans. There's heaps of plastic in the water and it's making fish sick. I think people should stop using plastic bags because they're bad for the environment.' MY REWRITE:
Match the Editing Strategy to the Problem
Match each editing strategy to the writing problem it solves.
Put the Writing Process in Order
Number these steps in the expository writing process from 1 (first) to 6 (last).
Write a Self-Reflection on Your Progress
Look back at the expository paragraphs you have written in this worksheet. Answer the reflection questions below.
Q1: What is one thing you have improved in your expository writing since starting this worksheet?
Q2: What is one area you would like to improve further?
Q3: Which activity challenged you the most? Why?
Extension: Write an Expository Introduction
Write an introduction paragraph for a three-paragraph expository text on one of these topics: the importance of the ocean, how animals adapt to their environments, or the benefits of music education. An introduction should hook the reader, introduce the topic and briefly outline what the text will cover.
My introduction paragraph:
Write a Conclusion Paragraph
Write a conclusion paragraph for the three-paragraph text you planned earlier. A conclusion should restate the main point, briefly summarise the key evidence and end with a thoughtful final statement.
My conclusion paragraph:
Develop a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a specific, focused claim about a topic that guides an entire expository text. Write a thesis statement for each topic below.
TOPIC: Climate change THESIS STATEMENT:
TOPIC: The value of reading THESIS STATEMENT:
TOPIC: Ocean pollution THESIS STATEMENT:
Write a Body Paragraph Supporting a Thesis
Use this thesis statement to write one body paragraph with a topic sentence, evidence, explanation and concluding statement. THESIS: Daily reading has a profound and lasting impact on children's academic success.
My body paragraph:
Sort the Essay Components
Sort each component into the correct part of a five-paragraph expository essay.
Write a Full Five-Part Expository Essay Plan
Plan a five-paragraph expository essay on a topic from your curriculum. Complete all five parts of the plan.
Essay topic:
Thesis statement:
Body paragraph 1 topic sentence:
Body paragraph 2 topic sentence:
Body paragraph 3 topic sentence:
Conclusion — restatement of thesis:
Write Your Best Expository Paragraph
Write the best expository paragraph you can — this is your showcase piece. Choose a topic you know well, use strong evidence, careful explanation and polished language. Take your time.
My showcase paragraph:
Respond to a Non-Fiction Article
Read a short non-fiction article with your parent. Write an expository paragraph that explains the main idea of the article and evaluates the quality of the evidence used.
Article title and source:
My response paragraph (include: main idea, key evidence, your evaluation):
Home Activity: Expository Writer in the Wild
This week, look for expository writing in real life. Choose one example and complete the activity.
- 1Find an expository text in a magazine, encyclopedia, science textbook or news website.
- 2Identify the topic sentence and the main evidence in the text.
- 3Circle all the transition words you can find.
- 4Write three sentences explaining what the text is about, what evidence it uses and how well you think it is structured.
- 5Share your findings with a family member and discuss: Is this text well-structured? What would you improve?
Teach It Back
Explain expository writing to someone who has never heard of it — a younger sibling, a grandparent or an imaginary student. Use your own words and include an example.
My explanation (as if teaching someone else):
Fix the Broken Paragraph
This paragraph has several problems — a weak topic sentence, vague evidence and no explanation. Rewrite it as a strong expository paragraph.
ORIGINAL: 'Water is really important. People use water a lot. Without water people would be bad. Lots of animals need water too. Water is good.' MY IMPROVED PARAGRAPH:
Write a Complete Expository Text: Your Choice
Write a complete three-paragraph expository text on any topic from your curriculum. This is your final masterpiece for this worksheet. Use everything you have learned: strong topic sentences, specific evidence, clear explanations, varied transition words and a thoughtful conclusion.
My complete expository text: