Opening

• The first sentence of an expository essay introduces the topic to the reader. You may choose to begin with a quotation, a rhetorical question, a statement of fact or a fictional scenario. Choose your opening sentence carefully to display your skill and personal style. Although a generic statement about the topic may work in a pinch, a creative beginning disposes the reader more favorably toward your essay as a whole.
  
  

Context

• Use the middle of your introduction to familiarize the reader with the general topic and provide context for your statements. If your opener was especially creative, you may need to take several sentences to connect it with the topic at hand. Note important facts that motivate your opinions, but do not put forth a wealth of evidence until you are in the body of the essay.
  
  Clarity and brevity are desirable qualities in an expository essay, so avoid unnecessary rambling or summarizing. Provide necessary information quickly and memorably.
  
  

Thesis

• The thesis statement, an essential part of the expository introduction, distills the entire purpose of your essay into one or two sentences. Make a clear statement with a strong thesis while alluding to the evidence or instruction that will back up the words. If your expository essay is in response to a particular prompt, be sure the thesis answers the question directly.
  
  Generally, locate the thesis statement at or near the end of the introduction. However, as you write, you may want to draft your thesis first, to give your writing direction and focus.
  
  

Transition

• A smooth transition between the introduction and the body of the expository essay allows the reader to easily follow the progression of thought. The transition may be a sentence of its own at the end of the introductory paragraph, or it may be included in the thesis statement itself.
  
  Effectively transitioning between thoughts requires the writer to put himself in the reader's shoes. The transition need not make specific reference to the next paragraph's topic, but it must lead into the next thought logically. Have a friend or teacher read through your essay to check if your paragraphs flow smoothly.