My general outline for an expository essay in anthropology.

Essay Outline

Expository Essay - point + support, logical flow

1. Introduction
   1. Thesis
   2. Points - concise topics of each paragraph
   3. Importance
2. Paragraph - each: mini essay, connected to the theme
   1. Topic - one major point
      1. Definition
      2. Meaning
   2. Discussion - elaboration
      1. Structure - big picture -> details
         1. Source 1 (Citation year)
         2. Source 2 (Citation year)
      2. Function
         1. Source 1 (Citation year)
         2. Source 2 (Citation year)
   3. Example (source 3) - specific to the point
      1. Methodology
         1. Goal
         2. Method
      2. Results (Citation year)
   4. Closing - link to thesis
3. Conclusion - 1/2 to 3/4 of a page
   
   1. Thesis Review
   2. Points summary with Examples mentioned
   3. Significance of the topics.

Notes: Each citation separately for each piece of information, no fusion of knowledge; no unneeded information, only one example; no transition sentences between paragraphs; no use of parenthesis other than for citations, formal but simple sentences, no splitting of paragraphs for one point.