Before writing an expository essay, which strategy best helps organize information from sources?

• A. Categorizing information as interesting or uninteresting
• B. Summarizing important information from each resource
• C. Completing a story map for each resource
• D. Reviewing mechanics and grammar rules

Answer: (B)

Organizing information from sources for an expository essay means pulling out the main ideas and key evidence so you can build a clear, logical structure. Summarizing important information from each resource helps you capture the essential points in your own words, making it easier to compare sources, identify overlaps, and decide where each piece of evidence fits in your outline. This step supports a strong thesis and well-supported paragraphs because you know exactly what each source says and how it supports your argument.

Categorizing information as interesting or uninteresting biases toward personal reaction and doesn’t establish a solid structure for your essay. A story map works better for fiction because it tracks plot, characters, and events, not factual organization of information from sources. Reviewing mechanics and grammar rules is about polishing language after the content is organized and drafted, so it doesn’t help you arrange or synthesize information from sources.