Umbrella Expository Paragraph

Thesis Statement

– a general statement (focus) about a subject,

hinting at blueprint (3 ideas) but no points are named;

a key word is used as a discussion point.

Avoid beginning your thesis statement with a prepositional phrase, “There

is…,” or “There are…” 

Umbrella Thesis Statements

Examples: 

Ebenezer Scrooge exhibits behavior that classifies him as a miser in the fantasy A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens’.

 Ebenezer Scrooge experiences many supernatural occurrences in Charles Dickens’ fantasyA Christmas Carol.

First Idea

First Idea Sentence – tells first point with a key word from the

Thesis Statement (uses a transitional word or phrase)

Support of First Idea – at least 3 sentences

 

First Idea with support (Remember the Thesis Statement: Ebenezer Scrooge exhibits behavior that would classify him as a miser.)

One of Scrooge’s miserly behaviors includes his attitude about charity. 

Another First Idea Example

The first supernatural occurrence in A Christmas Carol was the appearance of Marley in Scrooge’s doorknocker

Support to follow…

Second Idea

Second Idea Sentence – tells second point with a key word from

Topic Sentence (begins with a trans. word or phrase)

Support of Second Idea – at least 3 sentences

 

Second Idea Examples

Also, Scrooge behaves miserly when…

 Strangely enough, the next

supernatural event includes… 

Third Idea

Third Idea Sentence – tells third point with a key word from T.S.

(begins with a trans. Word)Support of Third Idea – at least 3 sentences

Third Idea Examples

Finally, the scariest supernatural event happens when…

Last, Scrooge’s treatment of Bob Cratchit shows his miserly ways.

Clincher – analyze, ask why!!

Begin with a transitional word or phrase:Examples: In conclusion…Finally…As a result… Altogether…Consequently…Overall 

Conclusion Example Idea

Miser – what did Scrooge’s behavior do to him – his personality, his life? He was unhappy despite his riches. He lived a meager life because he was too miserly to enjoy his wealth. His money did him no good.

CS: Because of Scrooge’s miserly behavior, he lives an unhappy life unable to enjoy his wealth.

Conclusion Example Idea

Supernatural – how does this change the story? How does this affect the message? It makes it scarier, more urgent than a mere message of charity to one’s fellowman.

CS: In conclusion, Dickens includes these supernatural events to show the urgent need for Scrooge to change his bad habits.