what are some ways an explanatory essay can be organized

How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

Have you ever been tasked with explaining a complex topic to someone without prior knowledge? It can be challenging to break down complex ideas into simple terms that are easy to understand. That's where explanatory writing comes in! An explanatory essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept clearly and concisely. These essays are often used in academic settings but can also be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

For example, if you were asked to explain how a car engine works, you would need to provide a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. Or, if you were asked to explain the process of photosynthesis, you would need to explain how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

When wondering - 'what is an explanatory essay?', remember that the goal of an explanatory paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the topic at hand. Unlike an opinion essay , this type of paper does not argue for or against a particular viewpoint but rather presents information neutrally and objectively. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand the topic and be able to explain it to others in their own words.

Also, there is no set number of paragraphs in an explanatory essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the topic. However, when wondering - 'how many paragraphs in an explanatory essay?', know that a typical example of explanatory writing will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, some essays may have more or fewer body paragraphs, depending on the topic and the writer's preference. Ultimately, an explanatory essay format aims to provide a clear and thorough explanation of the topic, using as many paragraphs as necessary.

30 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics 

Now that we have defined what is explanatory essay, the next step is choosing a good explanatory topic. A well-chosen topic is interesting and relevant to your audience while also being something you are knowledgeable about and can provide valuable insights on. By selecting a topic that is too broad or too narrow, you run the risk of either overwhelming your audience with too much information or failing to provide enough substance to fully explain the topic. Additionally, choosing a topic that is too controversial or biased can lead to difficulty in presenting information objectively and neutrally. By choosing a good explanatory topic, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed, engaging, and effective in communicating your ideas to your audience.

Here are 30 creative explanatory essay topics by our admission essay service to consider:

• The Impact of Social Media on Modern Communication
• Exploring the Rise of Renewable Energy Sources Worldwide
• The Role of Genetics in Personalizing Medicine
• How Blockchain Technology is Transforming Finance
• The Influence of Globalization on Local Cultures
• The Science Behind the Human Body’s Circadian Rhythms
• Understanding the Causes and Effects of Global Warming
• The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Its Future
• The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation
• The Mechanisms of Dreaming: What Happens While We Sleep?
• The History and Cultural Significance of Coffee
• How Does the Stock Market Work? An Introductory Guide
• The Importance of Bees in Ecosystem Maintenance
• Exploring the Various Forms of Government Around the World
• The Process of DNA Replication and Its Importance
• How Personal Finance Trends Are Shaping the Future of Banking
• The Effects of Music on Human Emotion and Brain Function
• Understanding Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• The Role of Antioxidants in Human Health
• The History of the Internet and Its Impact on Communication
• How 3D Printing is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
• The Significance of Water Conservation in the 21st Century
• The Psychological Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
• The Importance of Vaccinations in Public Health
• How Autonomous Vehicles Will Change the Future of Transportation
• Exploring the Concept of Minimalism and Its Benefits
• The Role of Robotics in Healthcare
• The Economic Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries
• How Urban Farming is Helping to Solve Food Security Issues
• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Workplace Dynamics

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. However, by following a few simple steps, you can effectively kick-start your writing process and produce a clear and concise essay. Here are some tips and examples from our term paper writing services on how to start an explanatory essay:

• Choose an engaging topic : Your topic should be interesting, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. For example, if you're writing about climate change, you might focus on a specific aspect of the issue, such as the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
• Conduct research : Gather as much information as possible on your topic. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, you might research the psychological and physical benefits of the practice.
• Develop an outline : Creating an outline will help you logically organize your explanatory essay structure. For example, you might organize your essay on the benefits of mindfulness meditation by discussing its effects on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
• Provide clear explanations: When writing an explanatory article, it's important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you're explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
• Use evidence to support your claims : Use evidence from reputable sources to support your claims and arguments. This will help to build credibility and persuade your readers. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of exercise, you might cite studies that demonstrate its positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

By following these tips and examples, you can effectively start your expository essays and produce a well-structured, informative, and engaging piece of writing.

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Explanatory Essay Outline

As mentioned above, it's important to create an explanatory essay outline to effectively organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas logically and systematically, ensuring that you cover all the key points related to your topic. It also helps you identify gaps in your research or argument and allows you to easily revise and edit your essay. In this way, an outline can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Here are some tips from our ' do my homework ' service to create a good explanatory essay introduction that effectively engages your readers and sets the stage for the entire essay:

• Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. For example, you might start your essay on the benefits of exercise with a statistic on how many Americans suffer from obesity.
• Provide context: Give your readers some background information on the topic you'll be discussing. This helps to set the stage and ensures that your readers understand the importance of the topic. For example, you might explain the rise of obesity rates in the United States over the past few decades.
• State your thesis: A good explanatory thesis example should be clear, concise, and focused. It should state the main argument or point of your essay. For example, you might state, ' Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.'
• Preview your main points: Give your readers an idea of what to expect in the body of your essay by previewing your main points. For example, you might explain that you'll be discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health, physical health, and longevity.
• Keep it concise: Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail or providing too much background information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction to one or two paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

By following the following tips, you can create well-organized, evidence-based explanation essay body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement.

• Use credible sources: When providing evidence to support your arguments, use credible sources such as peer-reviewed academic journals or reputable news outlets. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Organize your paragraphs logically: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Organize your paragraphs logically so that each one builds on the previous one. For example, if you're writing about the causes of climate change, you might organize your paragraphs to focus on human activity, natural causes, and the effects of climate change.
• Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to help your readers follow the flow of your ideas. For example, you might use phrases such as 'in addition,' 'furthermore,' or 'on the other hand' to indicate a shift in your argument.
• Provide analysis: Don't just present evidence; provide analysis and interpretation of the evidence. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of early childhood education, you might analyze the long-term effects on academic achievement and future earnings.
• Summarize your main points: End each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point or argument you've made. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and keep your essay organized. For example, you might end a paragraph on the benefits of exercise by stating, 'Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making it a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.'

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Here are some unique tips on how to write an explanatory essay conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

• Offer a solution or recommendation: Instead of summarizing your main points, offer suggestions based on the information you've presented. This can help to make your essay more impactful and leave a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, you might recommend using more eco-friendly products or investing in renewable energy sources.
• Emphasize the importance of your topic: Use your concluding statement to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it's relevant to your readers. This can help to inspire action or change. For example, suppose you're writing about the benefits of volunteering. In that case, you might emphasize how volunteering helps others and has personal benefits such as improved mental health and a sense of purpose.
• End with a powerful quote or statement: End your explanatory essay conclusion with a powerful quote or statement that reinforces your main point or leaves a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the importance of education, you might end your essay with a quote from Nelson Mandela, such as, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

Explanatory Essay Example

Here is an example of an explanatory essay:

Explanatory Essay Example:

Importance of Basketball

Final Thoughts

Now you understand whats an explanatory essay. However, if you're still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an explanatory essay, don't worry. Our team of experienced writers is here to provide you with top-notch academic assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to explain what is an appendix in your definition essay or rewrite essay in five paragraphs, we've got you covered! With our professional help, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-written, and meets all the academic requirements.

And if you'd rather have a professional craft flawless explanatory essay examples, know that our friendly team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic pursuits. So why not take the stress out of writing and let us help you achieve the academic success you deserve? Contact us today with your ' write paper for me ' request, and we will support you every step of the way.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Get the ultimate guide on writing an expository essay – step-by-step tips and examples.

Are you grappling with the challenge of composing a compelling expository essay? Look no further, as this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tools and techniques to effectively convey your ideas and captivate your readers. By employing powerful writing strategies and supplementing your work with concrete examples and real-life anecdotes, you will unlock the true potential of your explanatory essay.

Begin your writing journey by harnessing the power of clarity and conciseness. Structuring your essay with a logical flow will allow your readers to effortlessly follow your thought process and grasp your central ideas. Employing strong transitions between paragraphs and employing cohesive language will ensure a seamless reading experience. Additionally, honing your analytical skills and supporting your claims with factual evidence will lend credibility to your work while fostering a deep understanding of the topic.

Furthermore, incorporating vivid examples and engaging anecdotes will breathe life into your expository essay, making your content relatable and memorable. By utilizing descriptive language and the art of storytelling, you will create a lasting impact in the minds of your readers. Whether it is a personal experience, a historical event, or a scientific study, weaving in these narratives will amplify the effectiveness and persuasiveness of your essay, leaving a lasting imprint on your audience.

Mastering the Art of Crafting a Compelling Expository Composition: Pointers and Illustrations

An in-depth exploration of the fundamentals behind composing an impactful expository essay can serve as an invaluable tool in your academic and professional endeavors. By harnessing the power of language, analysis, and evidence, you can construct a persuasive and enlightening piece of writing that will captivate your readers. Let us embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of crafting an exquisite expository essay.

1. Avoid monotony: Deliver your ideas in a fresh, stimulating manner to enthrall your audience. Strive to maintain a captivating narrative flow by skillfully employing synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and metaphors. This will invigorate your writing and make it truly memorable.

2. Be concise yet comprehensive: Accomplish the delicate balance of being succinct without sacrificing the clarity and depth of your exposition. Remember to select your words wisely, presenting each idea concisely while ensuring it is thorough and complete.

3. Provide evidence: Back up your statements with solid evidence and well-researched examples. Citing credible sources, such as reputable studies, expert opinions, and statistical data, will add credibility and weight to your arguments, making them more persuasive and powerful.

4. Organize your thoughts: Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring that each idea flows seamlessly into the next. Utilize transitional words and phrases to guide your readers through the different sections of your essay, enabling them to follow your line of reasoning effortlessly.

5. Cater to your audience: Tailor your language, tone, and examples to suit the preferences and background of your intended audience. Use relatable and engaging references to convey your message effectively and establish a connection with your readers.

6. Emphasize clarity: Clarity is key when it comes to expository writing. Avoid excessive jargon, convoluted sentences, and ambiguous expressions. Instead, strive for lucidity and precision, ensuring that your readers can easily grasp the main points of your essay.

7. Show don’t tell: Instead of merely stating information, aim to vividly illustrate your ideas through anecdotes, case studies, and real-life examples. This will make your essay more relatable and memorable, enabling your readers to form a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

8. Revise and refine: Do not underestimate the importance of the revision process. Review your essay meticulously, focusing on grammar, clarity, and coherence. Eliminate redundancies, enhance sentence structure, and refine your vocabulary to elevate the quality and impact of your writing.

By equipping yourself with these essential guidelines and examples, you are well-prepared to embark on your expository essay writing journey. Remember, mastering the art of crafting a compelling expository composition requires practice and perseverance. Let your ideas flow, embrace creativity, and allow your words to inspire, educate, and leave an indelible mark in the minds of your readers.

The Significance of an Expository Article

When it pertains to written compositions, the significance of an expository article cannot be underestimated. This type of writing piece serves a crucial purpose in communicating information, presenting facts, and explaining ideas in a clear and concise manner. By utilizing objective analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and logical arguments, an expository essay provides readers with a deeper understanding of a subject matter.

Unlike other forms of writing, an expository essay focuses on informing rather than persuading or entertaining. It acts as a reliable source of knowledge, offering readers an opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain new insights. Whether used in academic, professional, or personal settings, the expository essay serves as a valuable tool for conveying information accurately and objectively.

Furthermore, an expository essay aids in building critical thinking and analytical skills. Through the process of researching and organizing information, the writer develops the ability to evaluate sources, discern facts from opinions, and present arguments based on logical reasoning. This type of writing encourages readers to question assumptions, analyze evidence, and draw their own conclusions.

Moreover, mastering the art of composing an expository essay equips individuals with essential communication skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. By learning how to present complex ideas in a clear and coherent manner, one becomes an effective communicator across different fields and disciplines. Whether it be writing research papers, reports, or even delivering presentations, the skills acquired from writing an expository essay are invaluable in expressing ideas persuasively and engaging an audience.

In conclusion, the importance of an expository essay lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive and objective understanding of a subject matter. By offering factual information, logical arguments, and clear explanations, this type of writing contributes to the development of critical thinking skills and effective communication. Whether in academic, professional, or personal settings, the expository essay plays a vital role in disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience

In order to create a compelling and impactful expository essay, it is important to have a clear understanding of the purpose and audience of your writing.

The purpose of an expository essay is to explain or inform the reader about a specific topic or idea. Unlike other types of essays, the main goal is to provide a balanced analysis and present factual information in a clear and concise manner. The purpose may vary depending on the specific assignment or context, but it is important to always keep the purpose in mind when writing an expository essay.

Equally important is knowing your audience. Understanding who will be reading your essay will help you tailor your writing style, tone, and level of complexity to effectively communicate your ideas. Consider the background knowledge, interests, and beliefs of your audience to ensure that your essay is accessible and engaging.

• Start by identifying the demographic characteristics of your audience, such as age, education level, and background.
• Consider their prior knowledge on the topic. Are they familiar with the subject matter, or do you need to provide additional context?
• Think about their potential biases or preconceived notions. Are there any potential challenges or objections you need to address?

By understanding the purpose and audience of your expository essay, you can craft a well-written and relevant piece that effectively communicates your ideas and engages your readers.

Choosing the Right Topic and Gathering Information

One of the crucial steps in writing an outstanding expository essay is selecting a compelling topic and gathering relevant information. The topic should be interesting, relevant, and align with the purpose of your essay. It’s important to choose a topic that you are passionate about and have a good understanding of, as it will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and easier.

Start by brainstorming different ideas and concepts that you find intriguing. Consider your personal experiences, hobbies, or areas of expertise that you would like to explore further. You can also look for inspiration from current events, popular trends, or societal issues that grab your attention. Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow it down to the one that has enough depth and scope for exploration.

Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to gather information to support your thesis statement and provide evidence for your claims. Start by conducting thorough research using various sources such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and interviews with experts in the field. Take notes and keep track of the sources you use for referencing purposes.

By choosing the right topic and gathering relevant information, you lay the foundation for a well-researched and compelling expository essay. Take the time to explore different ideas, conduct thorough research, and organize your findings effectively. Remember, a well-chosen topic and solid information will make your essay engaging and informative for your readers.

Structuring Your Expository Essay

When it comes to composing an expository essay, the way you structure your piece is crucial. Organizing your thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical manner will not only make your writing more coherent and easy to follow, but it will also help you effectively convey your message to the readers.

One effective way to structure your expository essay is to use the traditional five-paragraph format. This format consists of an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. Each paragraph serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall development of your essay.

The introduction paragraph is where you grab the attention of your readers and provide them with a brief overview of what your essay will be about. It should include a strong thesis statement that clearly states your main argument or point of view.

The body paragraphs are where you present your evidence, provide supporting details, and analyze your topic. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea or aspect of your topic. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, and then provide examples, facts, or explanations to support your argument.

In the conclusion paragraph, you should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in this section. Instead, focus on leaving a lasting impression on your readers and reinforcing the main ideas discussed throughout your essay.

Remember to use appropriate transition words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas. Examples of transitional phrases include “firstly,” “in addition, “finally,” and “on the other hand,” among others.

By following a well-structured approach, you can effectively organize your expository essay and make it engaging and informative for your readers. Take the time to plan your essay, identify your main points, and arrange them in a logical order. With a clear structure, your expository essay will be a powerful piece of writing that effectively conveys your ideas.

Enhancing Clarity and Coherence

Creating a clear and coherent expository essay requires skillful use of language and organization. By carefully selecting words and arranging ideas logically, you can ensure that your essay is easy to understand and follow.

Word Choice: One of the most effective ways to enhance clarity is through thoughtful word choice. Consider using precise and specific language to convey your ideas. Instead of using general terms, opt for more descriptive words that accurately depict the information you are presenting.

Logical Organization: Coherence in your essay can be achieved through proper organization. Present your ideas in a logical progression, ensuring that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next. Use transitional words and phrases to connect your thoughts and guide the reader through your essay.

Consistent Structure: To enhance clarity and coherence, maintain a consistent structure throughout your essay. Use a clear introduction to outline your main points and a strong conclusion to summarize your findings. Each body paragraph should focus on a single topic and provide sufficient evidence and examples to support your claims.

Effective Transitions: Transitions are essential in ensuring a cohesive flow between ideas and paragraphs. Use transitional words and phrases such as “however,” “in addition,” and “furthermore” to link your ideas and create a smooth transition between different sections of your essay.

Eliminating Ambiguity: To enhance clarity, it is crucial to eliminate any ambiguity or confusion from your writing. Be precise in your language and avoid using vague terms or jargon. Make sure your ideas are clearly articulated and leave no room for misinterpretation.

Proofreading: Finally, closely edit and proofread your essay for clarity and coherence. Look for any unclear sentences or confusing phrases and revise them for greater clarity. Ensure that your ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner, leaving no room for confusion.

By enhancing clarity and coherence in your expository essay, you can effectively communicate your ideas and engage your readers. Thoughtful word choice, logical organization, consistent structure, effective transitions, and careful proofreading all play important roles in creating a clear and coherent essay that will leave a lasting impact.

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7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

Writing explanatory essays is hard, even for experienced scholars.

In this post, I want to try to tackle the major challenges students face when writing this type of essay, using examples of successful essays. These challenges include:

• Struggling to come up with the right idea . (solution:  brainstorming techniques )
• Difficulty in organizing the essay. (solution: working on the outline of the essay)
• Not having enough evidence or sources to back up points. (solution: doing proper research )
• Failing to come up with a conclusion. (solution: following our guide to conclusions )
• Not having enough knowledge of the topic. (solution: summarizing key articles on the topic)
• Having trouble finding the right words. (solution: writing with Wordtune )
• Not having enough time to finish the essay. (solution: working on student time management )
• Not being able to present arguments effectively. (solution: learning essay persuasion techniques )

As you can see, for every issue there is the relevant solution, but it takes time to implement it. Another way of tackling this essay is to see other people's essay examples and getting inspiration from them.

Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool > Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool >

What Is an Explanatory Essay?

If you google “explanatory essay”, you’ll find a bunch of sites saying that an explanatory essay is the same as an expository essay, or that it’s totally different, or not even mentioning that expository essays exist. Who’s right?

Answer: Whoever your professor agrees with.

No, seriously. Your professor decides the parameters of your assignment. So if your professor defines an explanatory essay as one that describes a perspective or analyzes the efficacy of, for example, a local housing policy—that’s the definition you should work from.

But if your professor distinguishes between explanatory essays (which simply explain what something is and how it works or was developed) and expository essays (which expose the reality of a person, place, thing, or idea through investigation and evaluation), you should distinguish between them as well.

For the purposes of this piece, we’re going to use explanatory and expository interchangeably. The dividing line that some draw between these essay types is unnecessarily technical. What’s important is that both:

• Use an objective perspective
• Let the facts speak for themselves

As long as your essay does the same (and includes analysis if required by your professor), you should be in good shape.

Example of explanatory essay

We wrote a whole article on generating essay topic ideas , but here is a good example that can help you get an idea for your own essay:

Why is having a dog as a pet such a wonderful experience?

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are beloved companions that bring joy and happiness into the lives of their owners. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have evolved to become the perfect pet for humans. In this essay, I will explain why having a dog as a pet is a wonderful experience.

One of the primary benefits of having a dog as a pet is the companionship they offer. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human interaction. They are loyal and loving creatures that are always there for their owners. Dogs can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression, and provide comfort and support during difficult times.

Another benefit of having a dog as a pet is the health benefits they offer. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Dogs require daily exercise, which encourages their owners to be more active and can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, having a dog can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Dogs are also great for families with children. They can help teach children about responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Children can learn to care for and nurture their pets, which can be beneficial for their emotional development. Dogs are also great playmates for children and can provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Training and caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience. Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as fetching, obedience, and even therapy work. The process of training a dog can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog and can be a fulfilling experience. Additionally, caring for a dog requires daily attention and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner.

In conclusion, having a dog as a pet can be a wonderful experience. Dogs offer companionship, health benefits, and can be great for families with children. Caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but the rewards far outweigh the effort required.

Example of an explanatory paragraph, generated with AI:

A few subtypes of explanatory essays:

Description or definition essay example

‍ Perhaps the most basic, this subtype does the deceptively simple work of, well, describing or defining a concept, place, person, etc.

Example: How Suspension Bridges Work

This essay explains: The way suspension bridges are constructed and how their design enables them to carry such immense weight.

Cause-and-effect essay example

This type of essay hones in on a particular phenomenon to show what caused it (i.e., where it came from) and how it influences other things.

Example: How Federally Funded Highways Transformed the United States

This essay explains: The history of federally funded highways in the U.S., when federal programs to fund highway construction started, why politicians and others thought highways were important, and what the effect has been on the landscapes, communities, economies, and ecosystems of the country.

Compare-and-contrast essay example

Take two or more things, gather the facts about them, and then write about their similarities and differences.

Example: Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

This essay explains: The various features of hybrid and electric cars, and shows how they are either different or similar in terms of: cost, energy consumption, size, drive time, ease of use, and so on.

‍ How-to essay example

Walk your reader step-by-step through a procedure so they can do it for themselves. (We’re doing this later!)

Example: How to Prepare for an Intercontinental Bike Trip

This essay explains: How to get ready for a bike trip between nations and continents. Readers learn how to research their route, find out what travel documents they need, choose the right gear, and determine how much training they should do before leaving.

Problem and solution essay example

Explain a problem (along with its causes and effects) and then describe one or more potential solutions to that problem. This subtype could also be combined with compare-and-contrast to determine the most effective solution.

Example: How Bike Infrastructure Could Solve American Obesity

This essay explains: How American reliance on motorized vehicles promotes a sedentary lifestyle that drives obesity, whereas building bike lanes and trails could encourage Americans to be more active and improve their health one pedal at a time.

‍ Chronology essay example

Explain the history or backstory of a person, place, thing, or idea in chronological order.

Example: The Evolution of the Bicycle

This essay explains: The initial invention of the bicycle and how its shape, frame, and size changed over the years.

What type of explanatory essay are you writing? Hopefully, this list helped you hone in. Now, let’s start the writing process.

5 Steps to Write Your Essay

Whether you’re writing an explanatory/expository essay or a persuasive essay, the process of researching and writing is pretty much the same. Both genres require research, organization, and thought . But with expository essays, the thought focuses on making sure you understand your topic inside-out and determining the best way to explain it, while with persuasive essays, you’re focused on crafting a convincing argument.

Follow these steps to turn that blank page into a final manuscript:

1. Choose topic and angle. 

Do you have free rein to write about the topic of your choice? Make the most of it.

In college, my public speaking professor let us choose all of our own speech topics. A classmate gave an explanatory presentation on how to survive the zombie apocalypse . She brought props and had the class totally enchanted. Our professor encouraged creativity, so I’m sure she earned a winning grade—and had fun in the process.

You can’t use props or sound in a written essay, but you can still work some creative magic. That magic starts with choosing your topic and angle.

To choose well, first make sure you understand the assignment: 

• What exactly has your professor asked you to write? Which of the subtypes should your piece be?
• Are there any parameters for what type of topic you can write about?
• What kind of class is this? An English composition class will offer more freedom than, say, a history class focused on the French Revolution.

If you’re allowed to write about anything, brainstorm a list of topics you’re curious about. Then think of smaller topics within that area.

Example: Transportation

• Electric cars
• The highway system
• Engineering

Any of these topics you could easily write volumes about, so next, narrow down to your specific angle. One way I like to come up with angles is to think of how two or three different topics intersect.

Example 1: electric cars + the highway system 

Angle: How Much Will It Cost to Update Federal Highways with Charging Stations for Electric Cars

Notice that this angle includes a third element: cost

Example 2: bicycles + bridges

Angle: The Safest Bridges for Bicycles Have One Thing in Common: No Cars

Third element: safety

Example 3: electric cars + buses

Angle: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Third element: environment

Your turn: Make a list of topics you’re interested in. Then, identify some intersecting topics. Based on your assignment parameters, develop an angle that narrows your focus to an intersection that interests you.

Not sure what angle to go with? Do some broad research on your topics and then return to this step.

2. Research, research, research.

Explanatory essays require solid research. These essays exist to lay out the facts for the reader so they can clearly understand the topic. Your opinion—what you think about electric cars or suspension bridges or transportation infrastructure—doesn’t matter. And it doesn’t belong here.

Where you should start your research depends on how much knowledge you already have.

If you’re writing about suspension bridges and you already know the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are suspension bridges, you probably don’t need to start with the encyclopedic entry for “suspension bridges”. But if you don’t know the basic facts about your topic, encyclopedias are a great place to start.

Thanks to the advances of technology—and this marvelous thing called the internet—you don’t have to go to a research library to gain that ground-level knowledge of your topic. But you do still need to make sure you’re drawing from credible sources.

For encyclopedias, try these to start:

• Encyclopedia.com

Dictionaries can be helpful too:

• Merriam-Webster
• Dictionary.com

Once you know your topics’ basic facts, focus on researching those topics in the context of your angle . It may help to make a list of questions you’re trying to answer so you can keep your research focused.

Example: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

• Are most buses gas-powered or electric?
• What’s the average emissions of greenhouse gas from gas-powered buses?
• How much energy do electric cars use? What’s the lifespan of their batteries? Are they just using electricity that was produced in a polluting way somewhere else? What about electric buses?
• How many people can ride a bus? How many people typically are transported by one car? 
• What would be the average energy consumption per person in an electric car versus a bus?

Once you know the questions you need to answer, look for sources that address those questions. For an academic essay, you’ll probably want to stick with academic sources : peer-reviewed studies and research papers published by academic journals. But official government databases can also be useful. And news stories from reputable publications can provide some direction as well (check with your professor to see whether or not you can use news publications as sources for your essay). Your educational institution likely provides access to all of these kinds of sources through the university library.

Your turn: Think through your angle and make a list of questions your piece needs to answer. Next, start searching academic databases for the information you need. Take notes as you research, and be sure to save any links, titles, author names, page numbers, and publication information you’ll need to properly cite your sources.

3. Outline your essay.

Call me crazy, but I actually think this is the fun part. I hated writing outlines when I was in school, but since making my living as a professional writer, they’ve become the #1 way I beat writer’s block.

First: Throw out the idea that your outline should be a series of bullet points neatly organized into sections and subsections. Your outline only needs to make sense to you , so play around to find an approach that works with your brain. The idea here is simply to make a map you’ll follow when you sit down to write.

Here’s what I do:

• Identify the specific hook I’m going to use to start things off.
• List the different examples and details I need to include.
• Use the main focus or idea of my piece to order everything in a natural, logical way.

A lot of times, my outline becomes a combination of bullet points and sentences or paragraphs I write as I’m sketching out the piece. I’m basically just thinking the piece through, from beginning to end. Instead of getting stuck while I’m writing, I work through the tough spots in the outlining stage.

This is what my outline looked like for this piece:

Okay, that’s kind of long, so I cut it off early—but you get the point. 

A lot of times, my outline starts as bare-bones bullets. As I work on it, ideas pop up that I stick in where they make sense. But when I write, those elements might move around ( notice how the examples of transportation essays got bumped up to the section on subtypes of essays ).

Your outline is just a guide. It’s not an architect’s blueprint that needs to be followed to the exact millimeter. There’s room for things to change. 

But an outline keeps you on-track when you’re writing . If you find yourself stuck (or lost) in the writing step, reference your map. You might need to backtrack, move what you’ve written around, or adjust your route. 

Your turn: Take a few minutes and sketch out your essay. Where does it start? What points does it hit? Are there any ways you see the different points connecting that should inform how you order them? As you think it through, scribble out any lines or paragraphs that come to you and stick them in the outline where they make the most sense. Even if you don’t use these exact words later, they’ll help prevent that deer-in-the-headlights stare that hits when you see a blank page.

Time to put everything together! 

With your outline and research ready, start your intro and set up your piece. Your opening should briefly introduce your readers to the topic(s) you’re writing about and the questions you’re going to answer—but don’t give everything away. You want to stir up readers’ curiosity and give them a reason to keep reading.

Depending on the length of your essay, your intro may be one to three paragraphs long (longer pieces get longer intros). But it should be concise and to the point, and smoothly transition into the body of your essay.

The body is the meat and potatoes of your piece. Answer those questions, flesh out your explanation, and give readers a thorough understanding of your topic. Show off your research! Include those bizarre and fascinating facts you learned along the way. Use a tasteful metaphor or compelling anecdote to explain some of the more difficult aspects of your topic. 

As you write, be sure to follow a consistent logic throughout your piece: 

• If you’re detailing a history or an event, use chronological order: start at the beginning and write about the events in the order that they happened.
• Are you explaining how a machine or other invention works? Start with where the movement starts—the pedals of a bicycle, the wind turning the turbines—or with the feature doing the most significant work (e.g., the wires of the suspension bridge). 
• Other logics include: size (small to large, large to small), significance (greatest to least), or space (left to right, right to left, outside to center, center to outside).

You don’t need to label everything you write about as the “next biggest” or “least significant”, but sticking to a logic helps your readers orient themselves—and helps you determine which paragraph or subtopic should go where. This way, your thoughts clearly flow from one paragraph to the next. 

‍ Quick note: If you can’t name the logic that’s guiding your piece, don’t worry. As long as your paragraphs naturally follow each other and all questions raised in the intro are answered by the end, your essay probably follows a logic just fine. But if you feel like your piece bounces around willy-nilly, play with a couple different logics and see if one smoothly orders your sentences and paragraphs.

Your turn: Get writing! If you’re stuck on the intro, try writing a working title for your piece to focus your attention. Then, follow your outline to work all the way from the beginning to a conclusion that sums everything up.

If you can, let your piece sit for at least a day. Then, for the editing process , open up that document and read through with these questions in mind:

• Does the essay fulfill the assignment? Review the assignment description from your professor. Does your essay tick all the boxes? If not, what’s missing? Can you weave that element into what you’ve already written? Revise as necessary.
• Are the sentences and paragraphs ordered in a way that makes logical sense? If your essay feels clunky in places, you might have switched logics (as explained above) or you might need to insert some more explanation that clearly ties the sentences or paragraphs together. Make sure your essay doesn’t just list facts, but also shows how they relate to each other.
• Does the hook catch your eye? The beginning of your piece should grab your reader’s attention. Check out our advice for prize-winning hooks here .
• Does the conclusion effectively sum things up? Instead of repeating everything your essay says, your conclusion should briefly distill the main takeaway or core idea for your reader. It should show that you’ve fulfilled the promise made in your intro, without being unnecessarily repetitive or redundant.
• Have you cited all your sources? Make sure to cross this off before hitting “submit.” Follow the citation style specified by your professor.
• Is spelling and grammar clean and correct? You are writing, after all, and these things matter. A bonus tip to help you catch those sneaky typos: Read your piece backwards. You might be surprised what you spot.

Did We Explain That Well Enough?

This blog was basically a long, non-academic explanatory essay, so hopefully, you’ve learned something new and are feeling less overwhelmed about your essay on medieval literature, transportation infrastructure, Persian history—or whatever you’re writing about.

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Authority Writing Guide

What is an explanatory essay.

Explanatory essays have many purposes, but the primary explanatory essay definition is to explain an unknown subject.

In an explanatory essay, the writer presents information, facts, and evidence to support a thesis statement, which is a clear and concise statement that expresses the main idea or purpose of the essay. The essay may analyze, compare and contrast, define, or provide a cause-and-effect analysis of a particular topic.

Explanatory essays are common in academic settings, including high school and college courses. They can be assigned as a standalone writing assignment or as part of a larger research project. In addition, explanatory essays can be found in various forms of media, such as news articles, instructional manuals, and technical reports.

Overall, the goal of an explanatory essay is to educate readers on a particular topic, providing them with a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

The author’s role in an expository essay is much like in any other academic paper: to take a position on a particular topic and use evidence to support and defend that position. The difference between this type of essay and more personal writing is that the author does not share personal opinions or experiences in an expository essay.

How to start an explanatory essay

Begin an explanatory essay with a sentence that defines the topic. Next, write a sentence that includes background information about the subject. Write another sentence with the main idea of the essay. Following that, provide reasons why the reader should care about the topic. To complete your essay, write a conclusion sentence that briefly describes the points you have made in the body of your essay.

Explanatory essay format

The main idea behind an essay of this type is to provide a detailed description of an object, event, person, etc., in the most objective way possible. The main difference between explanatory essays and other types of writing lies in the fact that explanatory essays do not aim at proving or disproving anything or relating any sort of personal experience. Instead, you should focus on building your explanatory paper around a central idea that you present to your readers.

The main point is to show the readers a new perspective on something they already know or at least have some background information about. However, you need to do your research, analyze it, and then put it all together in an exciting way so that your readers don’t get bored. When writing an essay of this type, keep in mind that you need to stick to a particular format provided below and avoid any direct accusations, attacks on other authors, and judgments.

On the other hand, If you come across a specific problem that you cannot solve on your own, get help from qualified writers with degrees in relevant fields. These writers will make sure that your paper is original and written according to the highest standards.

Explanatory essay outline

An explanatory essay is a short piece of writing that explains and describes something. This type of content usually concerns a physical object, building, or event, although it can also include abstract concepts. An explanatory essay aims to explain things in a logical, cohesive manner. Lucid writing is essential when creating an explanation so that readers understand the subject matter thoroughly. Although it might seem relatively simple, the explanatory essay structure is much more complex than it looks.

An adequately structured explanatory essay includes a specific outline to guide you through the first draft process. If you follow this outline carefully and answer all of the questions it asks, you’ll ensure that your essay will be logically organized and easy to understand. Essays require a thesis statement so that your article has an overall purpose and readers know what to expect from the content that follows.

After your thesis statement, you should formulate at least three supporting points which directly relate to this statement. Your supporting arguments must include as much evidence as possible to help prove your thesis statement. At the end of your essay, create a conclusion that makes a final point about your subject and restates your thesis statement.

Explanatory essay topics

An explanatory essay is an essential type of essay that requires you to put your knowledge into context and explain how your ideas connect to other sources. If you wish to present your expertise clearly and concisely, you will be able to write an explanatory essay based on your experience and expand your knowledge.

Explanatory writing is used to inform the audience about something or analyze a particular situation. If you want to make a difference in the world, you will have a lot of opportunities to do so through different types of essays, such as explanatory essays. Explanatory essay topics are usually chosen from various subjects such as geography, literature, history, psychology, science, languages, and other fields of study. If you have selected one of these topics and you are looking for a sample essay, you will be able to find it in different places.

Average level topics

• My ideal home
• My dream project
• An admirable person
• Defining responsibility
• Unique celebrations
• Advanced Level Topics
• Moral dilemmas
• Talking about the generation
• Analyzing modern career options
• Talking about long-term relationships

Psychology explanatory essay topics

• The impact of social media on mental health
• The psychology of addiction
• The role of sleep in cognitive functioning
• The influence of childhood experiences on adult relationships
• Cognitive development in aging

Marketing explanatory essay topics

• The impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior
• The psychology of brand loyalty
• The role of social media in modern marketing strategies
• Green marketing
• The evolution of E-commerce

Sociology explanatory essay topics

• The impact of social media on social movements
• Gender inequality in the workplace
• The influence of cultural diversity on team dynamics
• The social effects of urbanization
• The impact of education on social mobility

Computer science explanatory essay topics

• AI in healthcare
• The impact of cybersecurity threats on modern businesses
• The role of Big Data in personalized marketing
• The future of human-computer interaction
• The ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making

Explanatory essay example

Check an explanatory essay example written by one of writers of our essay writing service .

How Can a Person Remain Optimistic Amidst Negativity and Hardships?

Negativity and hardships cause anxiety and unrest, negatively affecting a person’s decision-making ability. One may think it is easy to remain optimistic when things go sideways, which is not valid. According to Bradberry (2016), the actual barrier to being positive when challenged is that our brains are conditioned to look for and focus on a threat. A person must focus on achievements to motivate them to stay positive that they will overcome the hardship. Staying optimistic requires a person to focus on the positive side rather than the negative crucial for finding the motivation to overcome difficulties.

Positive thoughts are crucial in refocusing one’s brain to be attentive. When faced with hardships and dominated by negative thoughts, one must find a positive thing to shift their attention to (Bradberry, 2016). An optimistic view acts like a reset button needed to refocus our thoughts and energy towards being optimistic. A person can use a previous success as a positive element to refocus their attention. It may not be easy but refocusing on positive thoughts helps people remain optimistic. Without seeing the positive side of the problem, one is likely to fail because of giving up.

Also, gratitude helps eliminate pessimistic thoughts when faced with hardships. Contemplating what we are grateful for at work reduces stress hormone cortisol by 23% to improve our moods and attitude (Bradberry, 2016). When faced with a hardship about a project, being grateful for having it in the first place improves a person’s spirit motivating them to work on it. It helps settle their nerves by reducing any panic or stress-related incidence by elevating their positive mood. Thus, being thankful for small achievements help a person remain optimistic.

Spending time with the positive and the right company is crucial in helping a person remain optimistic through hardships. The people one interacts and associates with when facing difficulties is responsible for cultivating positive attitudes to aid them to cope with the problems. Negativity and positivity have been established to be contagious, and an optimistic company can help improve a person’s self-esteem needed to attain the set goals to overcome the challenge (Santos-Longhurst, 2019).

Spending time with an opposing company will discourage one from achieving the set goals. The person is likely to become distressed, especially if the hardship threatens their livelihood, making company a critical component to consider if one wants to remain optimistic at times of trouble. Thus, spending time with positive people is an effective way of remaining positive even at times of hardships because they motivate us to stay focused and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, opening oneself to humor and related fun activities helps a person relax and remain optimistic that they will find a solution to the hardship and, in the process, overcome negativity. Psychologists propose that laughter lowers stress, anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring conditions by elevating one’s mood and improving coping abilities (Santos-Longhurst, 2019). When faced with a challenge, our reaction will determine whether we will cope or will be overwhelmed and lose control of the situation. One way of remaining in power is to ensure that we do not panic during hardship, and humor can help us stay relaxed. It does not matter who is the source of relaxation at times of adversity; the aim is to ensure that the negative thoughts do not cloud the already established positivity. To summarize, our brains are wired to identify threats making it crucial for people to refocus their thoughts and actions to positive outcomes to stay happy. The objective is to engage in activities that promote positive reviews to suppress the negative ones at times of hardship.

Bradberry, T. (2016, Aug 23). Three powerful ways to stay positive. Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/08/23/2/3-powerful-ways-to-stay-positive/

Explanatory essay FAQ

 – what is an explanatory essay sample.

An explanatory essay example is a sample essay structure on any topic that people can read to understand how to write a descriptive essay. Illustrative essays are effective because they discuss a specific topic and give background information while also explaining the subject in different ways so that the reader understands the information.

 – What is explanatory writing?

Explanatory writing explains something in detail. Sometimes this type of essay is also called expository writing. It includes all the skills you need to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic under consideration. There are four major parts to an explanatory essay: explanatory essay introduction, body, conclusion, and title.

 – What is an explanatory essay?

An explanatory essay is a free-writing assignment in which you explain something in such detail that your reader or listener gets a complete understanding. In an explanatory essay, you should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. The entire purpose of the essay is to get readers to understand something better.

Explanatory essay writing assistance from EssayShark

A lot of our incoming customers are people who underestimated how tricky a good essay is and are now looking for help. They come from all over the world, from different fields, ages, and all education levels.

Only after you’re done with your first essay will you be able to build up your skills and get better at it every time you try. Our essay help service comes with a wide range of topics to choose from. It is a great idea to choose something you are interested in and something that you know well. This way, writing your essay will be much easier, and you will have fun while doing it.

To give the highest quality of the work, our  humanities essay writer ,  or other authors check each essay they write over several times. Also, they constantly improve their skills and knowledge to provide even better essays for all of their clients. If you are looking for something specific – for example, medical language essay help or a superstition essay – then our company can provide you with that. If you need help writing an essay, then put your doubts aside – it’s time to act and we are always ready to help. Request write my essay assistance right now.

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6 thoughts on “ How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Authority Writing Guide ”

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Master apa: write a flawless essay for your next essay using these tips, how to write impactful case study assignment structure, format & examples, a comprehensive step-by-step guide to writing expository essay.

An essay is a form of English literature. It’s a long-form writing assignment through which the content writer conveys their argument, perspective, or analysis on a particular topic. 

Table of Contents

Essays are commonly used in academic settings but are also found in other forms, such as blogs, newspaper articles, etc. There are different types of essays, such as Expository essays, persuasive (or argumentative) essays, Descriptive essays, and Narrative essays. 

It is crucial to choose the right kind of essay that is most relevant to the selected topic and effectively convey the message to the readers. Whether for academic evaluation or broader communication, understanding the nuances of essay writing is essential.

The four main types of essays are:

Narrative essays:.

• Purpose: To tell a story or recall an event.
• Characteristics: It includes characters, a plot, and a setting to engage the reader. The author often uses descriptive language to create a true-to-life experience.

Descriptive Essays:

• Purpose: To paint a picture or realistically describe a person, place, object, or experience.
• Characteristics: Focuses on sensory details and imagery to evoke a strong impression. The goal is to make the reader feel like they are experiencing the described subject.

Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essays:

• Purpose: To persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action.
• Characteristics: Presents a clear argument or stance on an issue, supported by evidence and reasoning. It often includes a counterargument and a strong conclusion reinforcing the prominent position.

Expository Essays:

• Purpose: To inform, explain, or describe a concept, idea, or process.
• Characteristics: Presents factual information, often with a thesis statement or central idea. It is structured logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Each type of essay serves a different purpose and requires distinct approaches in terms of structure, tone, and content. Understanding the characteristics of each type helps the writer effectively convey their message and engage their audience.

This is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to writing Expository Essays, and we’ll dive deeper into this topic further.

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a helpful guide that provides clear and straightforward information without personal opinions. It is like explaining the rules of a game to a friend. The key objective of an expository essay is to share facts, present ideas, and ensure clarity for the audience. It operates as a teaching tool, helping readers understand without unnecessary confusion.

Some Main Features of an Expository Essay Are –

• Straightforward Information: Content states the facts, maintaining simplicity without personal feelings or opinions.
• Clear Structure: The essay is cautiously organized, showcasing a step-by-step guide with a distinct beginning, middle, and end – just like a story.
• Examples and Evidence: In an expository essay, examples or evidence are provided to facilitate a better understanding of the subject.
• No Surprises: Unlike a mystery novel, an expository essay avoids surprises. As a guide, the content writer ensures everything is clearly laid out for the reader.

What Is the Purpose of Expository Writing?

Unlike some other types of essays, expository essay writing primarily focuses on providing factual information and presenting a balanced, objective analysis of a subject.

The purpose of an Expository Essay is to –

• Convey Information:  
• Clarity: The expository essay aims to present information in a way that is easily understandable to the reader. It avoids confusion by providing straightforward explanations.
• Objectivity: The content writer stays neutral and objective, avoiding personal biases or opinions. The goal is to offer an unbiased view of the subject matter.
• Explain Ideas or Concepts:
• Simplifying Complex Concepts: Expository essays often deal with topics that may be complex or unfamiliar to the reader. The content writer breaks down these concepts into simpler parts, making it easier for the audience to understand.  
• Step-by-Step Guidance: In cases where a process or procedure is involved, the writer provides step-by-step guidance, ensuring the reader understands each stage.
• Clarify Relationships and Connections:
• Cause and Effect Relationships: Expository essays may explore cause-and-effect relationships, elucidating why certain events occur and their consequences.
• Comparison and Contrast: Some expository essays compare and contrast different aspects of a subject, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Educate the Audience:
• Promote Understanding: The ultimate goal is to ensure that the reader understands the topic comprehensively. This involves going beyond surface-level information and getting into the depth of the subject matter.
• Enhance Knowledge: Expository essays expand the reader’s knowledge of a specific subject. This can be exceptionally advantageous in academic settings.
• Meeting Academic and Professional Standards:
• Academic: In an academic context, expository writing is often used to explain the topics to students by researching, analysing, and presenting information coherently.
• Professional Communication: In professional settings, the ability to convey information clearly and objectively is crucial. Expository writing skills are valuable in fields where effective communication is required.

In summary, an expository essay is a versatile form of writing that serves to inform and enlighten. 

Although expository essays are a versatile form of writing, it is important to understand when to write an expository essay.

When to write an expository essay?

As discussed above, the purpose of an expository essay is to inform, explain, or describe a concept, idea, or process. Thus, an expository essay is a good choice for the said goal. Here are some everyday situations in which writing an expository essay would be an appropriate choice:

• Academic Assignments: Expository essays are frequently assigned in educational settings. Teachers often use this type of essay to see a student’s understanding of a particular subject or to teach them how to research and present information effectively. They are common in subjects such as English, history, science, social studies, or any discipline that requires a clear explanation or analysis of a topic.  
• Educational publication: Any form of educational content, such as textbooks, online courses, and educational websites, should choose expository essays as the form of writing.  
• Research papers: In academic and scientific fields, expository writing is commonly used to write research papers, explaining the research methodology and clarifying complex topics in a simpler manner.  
• Reports and manuals: Expository writing is highly suitable when writing a report and a step-by-step guide for some process topic.  
• Informative blog posts: Bloggers often use expository writing to create informative and educational content for their audience. This style helps engage readers by presenting information in a straightforward manner.  
• Testimonials and reviews: Testimonials or writing reviews state the facts, and the indent is clear, i.e., to explain a precise viewpoint to the readers and intended party. This is nothing but expository writing.  
• Instructional or How-to Writing: While writing step-by-step instructions or guides on how to perform a task, solve a problem, or achieve a specific outcome, an expository essay is an appropriate format. This type of writing is commonly used in manuals, guidebooks, tutorials, or any instructional material.  
• Journalism or News Writing: Expository writing is prevalent in journalism, where the goal is to inform readers about current events, news stories, or investigative reports. Journalists strive to present objective information, provide background details, and explain complex issues clearly to their audience.  
• Professional or Technical Writing: In various professional fields, such as business, healthcare, engineering, or law, expository writing is utilized to convey information to colleagues, clients, or the general public. This includes writing reports, memos, manuals, research papers, or any form of communication requiring clear and factual information presentation.

Types of Expository Essays

Expository essays are generally classified into 5 major types. Each type has different characteristics while holding the base purpose of an expository essay.

5 Types of Expository Essays –

• Classification Essays

A classification essay is a type of expository essay that aims to organize and categorize information into distinct groups or categories based on specific criteria. The primary purpose of a classification essay is to provide clarity and understanding by breaking down a more extensive subject into smaller, more manageable parts.

Key Features of a Classification Essay:

• Categorization: The essay categorizes a broad subject into specific groups or classes. Each category should have clear boundaries and be distinct from the others.
• Criteria for Classification: The classification is based on specific criteria or characteristics that define each category. These criteria are essential for organizing the information logically.
• Organization: The essay follows a structured organization, typically with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing different categories, and a conclusion summarizing the key points.

Example – Classification Essay:

2. Definition Essays

A definition essay is a type of expository essay that explains the meaning of a term, concept, or idea by providing a clear and detailed definition. Definition essays offer a comprehensive understanding of the chosen term or concept, often exploring its history, origins, and various interpretations. Unlike other types of essays, a definition essay goes beyond a simple dictionary definition, diving into the complexities and slight variations associated with the topic.

Key Features of a Definition Essay:

• Extended Definition: The essay provides an extended or expanded definition of the chosen term, offering more than a basic dictionary definition.
• Clarity and Precision: Definitions are presented with clarity and precision, ensuring that the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the term.
• Thesis Statement: The thesis statement clearly presents the term to be defined and the characteristics that will be explored in the essay.
• Multiple Perspectives: The essay may explore different perspectives or interpretations of the term, acknowledging variations in meaning.

Example – Definition Essay: “Success Redefined”

3. Process Essays

A process essay is a type of expository essay that includes a step-by-step guide to complete a particular task. The primary purpose of a process essay is to provide readers with a clear and detailed understanding of how to perform a particular activity or complete the process. This type of essay emphasizes the chronological order of steps and aims to guide the reader in a systematic manner.

Key Features of a Process Essay:

• Sequential Presentation: The steps or stages of the process are in a logical and chronological order. Each step depends on the previous one.
• Clarity and Detail: The essay provides clear and detailed explanations for each step, ensuring the reader can follow the process accurately and seamlessly.
• Transitions: Effective use of transitions between steps helps maintain a smooth flow in the essay and ensures that the reader can easily progress from one stage to the next.
• Objective Tone: Like other expository essays, a process essay maintains an objective and informative tone. It focuses on the task at hand without any interference of personal opinions or emotions.

Example – Process Essay: “Crafting the Perfect Sandwich”

• Compare-and-Contrast Essays:

A compare-and-contrast essay is a type of expository essay that examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. The primary purpose of this essay is to analyze and showcase the relationships and distinctions between the chosen subjects. Whether comparing two ideas, events, individuals, or works of literature, a compare-and-contrast essay seeks to highlight both the shared elements and unique qualities of each subject.

Key Features of a Compare-and-Contrast Essay:

• Clear Thesis Statement: The thesis statement clearly identifies the subjects to be compared and contrasted, as well as the specific points of comparison.
• Point-by-Point or Block Structure: The essay can follow either a point-by-point structure, where each paragraph alternates between subjects, or a block structure, where all the information about one subject is presented before moving to the next.
• Objective Analysis: The analysis is objective and focuses on presenting facts and observations. The content writer should avoid Personal opinions or biases.
• Balance of Similarities and Differences: The essay maintains a balance between highlighting similarities and differences. It does not focus solely on one aspect over the other.

Example – Compare-and-Contrast Essay: “City Living vs. Country Living”

• Cause-and-Effect Essays: Unravelling the Threads of Time

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of expository essay that explores the relationship between events or situations where one action leads to a specific result or outcome. The primary purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to analyze and explain the causal links between various phenomena, illustrating how one-factor influences or contributes to another.

Key Features of a Cause-and-Effect Essay:

• Clear Thesis Statement: The thesis statement clearly outlines the cause-and-effect relationship to be explored in the essay.
• Objective Analysis: The analysis is objective and focuses on presenting the cause-and-effect relationship based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• Structured Organization: The essay is typically organized with a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs discussing causes and effects, and a conclusion.
• Balance of Causes and Effects: The essay maintains a balance between discussing the causes and effects, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the relationship.

Example – Cause-and-Effect Essay: “Impact of Technology on Social Interactions”

All the above are the five main types of expository essays, amongst which a content writer has to choose while approaching the expository essay.

How to approach an Expository Essay?

Let’s simplify the process of making an expository essay outline with these essential steps:

• Pick Your Topic:

Begin by choosing a specific topic for your expository essay. Make sure it’s clear and not too broad, so you can explain it effectively within your essay.

• Get Information:

Do some research and gather relevant information, facts, and evidence about your chosen topic. This will help support the points you make in your essay.

• Create a Main Idea:

Come up with a short and clear main idea, known as a thesis statement. This statement should capture the core of what you’ll be explaining in your essay.

• Organize Your Thoughts:

Arrange your ideas and supporting points in a logical order. Group similar ideas together, and think about the best sequence to present them, ensuring a smooth flow in your essay.

By following these simple steps, you can build a well-structured expository essay outline that makes your writing process transparent and effective.

How to Create an Expository Essay Layout?

Creating a clear and effective layout for your expository essay is like constructing a roadmap before embarking on a journey. An expository essay typically comprises three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building an organized expository essay structure:

• Introduction:
• Hook: Start with a captivating fact, question, quote, or anecdote.
• Background Information: Provide brief context related to the topic.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point of your essay.
• Example Introduction:

o Hook: “Did you know that a single tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year?”

o Background Information: “In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the role of trees in carbon sequestration is often underestimated.”

o Thesis Statement: “This essay explores the vital role of trees in mitigating climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.”

• Body Paragraphs (x3):
• Paragraph 1: Introduce the first main point, explain it, and provide supporting evidence.
• Paragraph 2: Present the second main point, explain, and support it.
• Paragraph 3: Introduce the third main point, explain, and provide supporting evidence.
• Example Body Paragraph (Topic: Importance of Tree Canopy):

o Topic Sentence: “The expansive canopy of trees plays a pivotal role in reducing temperatures and creating microenvironments.”

o Explanation: “Through the process of transpiration, trees release water vapor, leading to a cooling effect in their surroundings.”

o Supporting evidence: “Research conducted in urban areas with extensive tree cover has shown a noticeable reduction in ambient temperatures.”

• Conclusion:
• Summary: Recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Restate Thesis: Express the main point in a fresh way.
• Closing Thoughts: Leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea or call to action.
• Example Conclusion:

o Summary: “In conclusion, the significance of trees in mitigating climate change extends beyond their aesthetic appeal, emphasizing their role as environmental superheroes.”

o Restate Thesis: “As stewards of this planet, it is our collective responsibility to recognize and protect these silent guardians of our climate.”

o Closing Thoughts: “In planting and preserving trees, we not only contribute to a healthier environment but also invest in a sustainable future for generations to come.”

By following this structure, your expository essay becomes a well-organized narrative, guiding readers through a logical progression of ideas.

How to Write an Expository Essay?

Now that the groundwork is laid let’s navigate the process of actually writing the expository essay. Here’s a detailed guide through each stage:

• Prewriting:
• Research Thoroughly: Dive into reputable sources to gather comprehensive information on your chosen topic.
• Identify Key Points: Determine the main ideas you want to convey and the evidence that supports them.
• Organize Thoughts: Utilize brainstorming techniques to outline the flow of your essay.
• Example Prewriting (Topic: Impact of Social Media):

• Start with a Strong Thesis: Clearly articulate the main point in your introduction. Develop Each Body Paragraph: Ensure a clear topic sentence, followed by an explanation and supporting details.
• Logical Flow: Organize paragraphs in a coherent manner, each contributing to the overall thesis.
• Example Drafting (Continuing Social Media Essay):

• Review for Clarity: Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall thesis.
• Modify for Smooth Transitions: Check for logical transitions between paragraphs.
• Refine Sentences: Clarify language for better readability.
• Example Revising (Continuing Social Media Essay):
• Correct Errors: Address grammar, punctuation, and spelling issues.
• Consistency: Check for consistent style, tone, and tense throughout the essay.
• Paragraph Structure: Verify that each paragraph has a clear structure with a topic sentence and supporting details.
• Example Editing (Continuing Social Media Essay):
• Proofreading:
• Read Aloud: Catch any lingering errors by reading the essay aloud.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Confirm that the essay aligns with assignment requirements.
• Final Polishing: Make any necessary adjustments to enhance overall coherence.
• Example Proofreading (Continuing Social Media Essay):

Following these steps transforms an expository essay from a concept to a polished piece of informative writing.

In conclusion, navigating the landscape of an expository essay involves artful storytelling, structural planning, and meticulous execution. From the intriguing start to the final proofread, each step contributes to the overall success of your essay. Remember, simplicity in language enhances accessibility, making your essay a journey that readers are eager to undertake. Happy writing!

How to start an Expository essay?

The beginning of any content has to be catchy in order to get the audience’s attention. Embarking on the journey of an expository essay is like inviting readers to explore uncharted territories. The start is crucial—it’s the first impression that can either captivate or lose your audience.

Here are effective ways to initiate an expository essay:

• Captivating Introduction: The introduction of your expository essay serves as the gateway to the entire piece. Consider beginning with a compelling fact or statistic related to your topic to captivate your audience from the outset. This fact should be intriguing and relevant, setting the stage for the informative journey ahead.

Example: If your essay delves into the wonders of space exploration, consider a captivating fact: “In the vastness of space, there are more possible iterations of a game of chess than there are atoms in the observable universe.”

2. Intriguing Question: An engaging question can stimulate the curiosity of readers and prompt them to think about the topic actively. The question you pose should be thought-provoking and directly related to the subject matter of your essay.

Example: For an essay on artificial intelligence, start with a question: “Have you ever wondered if machines could one day surpass human intelligence? The world of artificial intelligence holds some surprising answers.”

3. Relevant Quote: Quotes can be powerful tools for conveying the essence of your essay’s theme. Choosing a quote that resonates with your topic adds depth and perspective to your introduction.

Example: If exploring the impact of literature on society, incorporate a quote: “As Victor Hugo once said, ‘A writer is a world trapped in a person.'”

4. Relevant Anecdote: Anecdotes, whether personal or historical, can humanize your essay and provide a relatable entry point for readers.

Example: In an essay about overcoming challenges, share a personal or historical anecdote: “In the face of adversity, Helen Keller’s journey stands as a testament to the human spirit.”

5. Thesis Statement: The thesis statement is the backbone of your expository essay, providing a concise summary of the main point or argument. It should be clear, specific, and directly related to the focus of your essay.

Example: For an essay on climate change, present a clear thesis: “Climate change poses a pressing threat, and understanding its causes and effects is crucial for shaping a sustainable future.”

Starting an expository essay with one of these engaging approaches sets the tone for an informative yet captivating read.

There is no argument that the start of an expository essay should be very thoughtful. Still, there are some more things to be very careful about while writing an expository essay.

Things to avoid while writing an Expository essay.

Writing a compelling expository essay requires careful consideration of both – what to include and what to avoid.

After a comprehensive explanation of how to write an expository essay and what to keep in mind while writing an expository essay, now lets understand some things to avoid while writing an expository essay.

Pointers to avoid while crafting your expository essay:

• Personal Opinions:

Avoid injecting personal opinions or biases into the essay.

Why: Expository essays are objective and should focus on presenting facts and evidence rather than personal viewpoints.

• First or Second Person Pronouns:

Avoid Using first-person pronouns (I, me, we) or second-person pronouns (you).

Why: Expository writing should maintain a formal tone and focus on the subject matter, not the writer or the reader.

• Emotional Language:

Avoid Using overly emotional or subjective language.

Why: Expository essays aim to inform objectively; emotional language can cloud the clarity of the information presented.

• Lack of Evidence:

Avoid Making statements without supporting evidence.

Why: An expository essay should be grounded in facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to enhance credibility.

Avoid Vague or unclear statements.

Why: Clarity is key in expository writing. Ensure that ideas are presented in a straightforward and easily understandable manner.

• Overly Complex Language:

Avoid Using unnecessarily complex vocabulary.

Why: Simple, clear language enhances reader comprehension. Avoid jargon or complex terminology unless essential to the topic.

• Inadequate Transitions:

Avoid Abrupt transitions between paragraphs or ideas.

Why: Smooth transitions help guide the reader through the essay, providing a logical flow between different sections.

• Overgeneralization:

Avoid Making broad statements without proper qualifications.

Why: Overgeneralization can weaken the credibility of your essay. Be specific and provide concrete examples to support your points.

• Ignoring the Audience:

Avoid Neglecting to consider the knowledge level of your audience.

Why: Tailor your explanations to the intended audience, ensuring that your essay is accessible and relevant to them.

• Incomplete Research:

Avoid Relying on incomplete or unreliable sources.

Why: Thorough research is essential for providing accurate and credible information. Cross-check facts and use reputable sources.

• Ignoring Counterarguments:

Avoid Failing to address opposing viewpoints.

Why: Acknowledging counterarguments demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and adds depth to your essay.

Avoid Including unnecessary words or repeating ideas.

Why: Concise writing improves clarity. Trim unnecessary words to maintain a focused and efficient essay.

• Failure to Revise and Edit:

Avoid Submitting the first draft without revising and editing.

Why: Revising ensures that your essay is polished, coherent, and free from grammatical errors.

• Plagiarism:

Avoid Copying and pasting content without proper attribution.

Why: Plagiarism undermines the integrity of your work. Always give credit to original sources.

• Last-Minute Rush:

Avoid Procrastinating and writing the essay at the last minute.

Why: Planning and time management contribute to a well-thought-out and polished expository essay.

Content Writers should be careful of these pitfalls. This will enhance the quality and effectiveness of an expository essay, ensuring it serves its purpose of informing and enlightening the audience.

Expository Essay Topics

Selecting a compelling topic is crucial for a successful expository essay. Here’s a diverse list of expository essay topics across various categories to inspire your writing:

Science and Technology:

•   The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Everyday Life.
•   Exploring Renewable Energy Sources: Pros and Cons.
•   The Evolution of Space Exploration: Challenges and Achievements.
•   The Role of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture.
•   The Influence of Technology on Human Relationships.

Health and Wellness:

•   Understanding the Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health.
•   The Impact of Junk Food on Physical Well-being.
•   Exploring Alternative Medicine: Myths and Facts.
•   The Importance of Regular Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle.
•   The Rise of Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma.

Social Issues:

•   The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers’ Self-Esteem.
•   Exploring the Roots of Gender Inequality in the Workplace.
•   The Impact of Climate Change on Global Communities.
•   The Role of Education in Reducing Poverty.
•   Analyzing the Phenomenon of Fake News in the Digital Age.

Historical Perspectives:

•   The Causes and Consequences of World War I.
•   Examining Ancient Civilizations: Contributions and Declines.
•   The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society.
•   The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Struggles and Triumphs.
•   The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement.

Literature and Arts:

•   Analyzing Symbolism in Classic Literature.
•   The Evolution of Film: From Silent to Technicolor.
•   The Influence of Art Movements on Contemporary Design.
•   The Power of Storytelling in Folklore and Mythology.
•   The Impact of Music on Mood and Emotions.

Education and Learning:

•   The Pros and Cons of Online Learning.
•   The Importance of Teaching Critical Thinking in Schools.
•   Exploring Different Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic.
•   The Role of Technology in Modern Classrooms.
•   The Benefits of Multilingual Education.

Environmental Issues:

•   The Consequences of Deforestation on Biodiversity.
•   Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
•   The Role of Individuals in Combating Climate Change.
•   The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems.
•   The Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy as a Sustainable Option.

Travel and Exploration:

•   The Cultural Significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
•   Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Exploration and Conservation.
•   The Wonders of Underwater Caves: A Hidden World.
•   Exploring Ancient Ruins: Preserving History Through Tourism.
•   The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth and Perspectives.

Social Media and Communication:

•   The Influence of Social Media on Political Movements.
•   Cyberbullying in the Digital Age: Causes and Solutions.
•   The Role of Social Media in Shaping Popular Culture.
•   The Impact of Influencers on Consumer Behavior.
•   Privacy Concerns in the Era of Information Sharing.

Hobbies and Leisure Activities:

•   The Art of Photography: Telling Stories Through Images.
•   Exploring Different Styles of Cooking Around the World.
•   The Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health.
•   The History and Evolution of Board Games.
•   The Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Skills.

Personal Development:

•   The Importance of Goal Setting for Personal Success.
•   Overcoming Adversity: Stories of Resilience.
•   Developing Effective Communication Skills in the Workplace.
•   The Psychology of Decision-Making: Influences and Strategies.
•   The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership.

Global Issues:

•   Human Trafficking: Causes, Effects, and Solutions.
•   The Refugee Crisis: Understanding the Challenges.
•   The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures.
•   The Rise of Populism in Contemporary Politics.
•   The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Peace.

Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and allows for in-depth exploration. Remember to focus on providing clear information and supporting evidence in your expository essay.

Expository Essay Examples

Some examples of expository essays are –

•   Newspapers
•   Magazine articles
•   Instruction manuals
•   Encyclopedias
•   School textbooks, etc.

Examples –

• Western Medicine vs. Alternative Eastern Medicines-Expository Essay
• Social media and mental health

Tips for Writing the Expository Essay

An effective expository essay requires careful planning, organization, and adherence to key principles. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your expository writing skills:

• Understand Your Audience:

Consider who will be reading the essay. Tailor the language and examples to match the knowledge level and interests of the intended audience.

• Choose a Clear and Concise Thesis:

Clearly state the main point or argument of the essay in the thesis statement. This should guide the reader on what to expect in the essay.

• Research Thoroughly:

Conduct comprehensive research on the chosen topic. Use reputable sources to gather accurate information and data that support the thesis.

• Plan Your Structure:

Create an outline before starting to write. A typical expository essay structure includes an introduction, three body paragraphs (each with a separate point of evidence), and a conclusion.

• Craft a Compelling Introduction:

Begin with a hook to grab the reader’s attention—this could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an intriguing question. Provide background information and present the thesis statement clearly.

• Focus Each Paragraph on a Single Point:

Each body paragraph should cover a specific aspect related to the thesis. Present the main point, support it with evidence, and ensure a smooth transition to the next paragraph.

• Provide Evidence and Examples:

Back up the points with credible evidence, examples, or statistics. This not only strengthens the argument but also adds depth and authenticity to the essay.

• Maintain Objectivity:

Remember that expository essays are objective, not subjective. Avoid inserting personal opinions or emotions into the narrative.

• Use Clear and Concise Language:

Write in a straightforward and easily understandable manner. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language unless it is crucial to the topic.

• Create Smooth Transitions:

Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. Use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through your essay seamlessly.

• Conclude Effectively:

Summarize the main points discussed in your essay, restate the thesis in a fresh way, and leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea or a call to action.

• Revise and Edit:

Review the essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical errors, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Revise sentences to enhance overall readability.

• Consider Peer Feedback:

If possible, seek feedback from peers or instructors. Fresh perspectives highlight areas that may need improvement.

• Avoid Plagiarism:

Always provide proper citations for any information, ideas, or quotes taken from other sources. Plagiarism undermines the credibility of your work.

• Proofread Aloud:

Read the essay aloud to identify awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, or grammatical errors. This can help catch mistakes that may be overlooked during silent proofreading.

• Follow Assignment Guidelines:

Pay close attention to the specific guidelines provided by the instructor. Ensure that the essay meets the required format, length, and other criteria.

By incorporating these tips into the expository writing process, a content writer can enhance the clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of the expository essay.

Remember that practice and continuous refinement are essential for improving expository writing skills over time.

 You can visit our website to learn more about our essay writing services .

Q. How many types of expository writing are there?

A . There are five main types of expository essays –

• Classification essay
• Definition essay
• Process essay
• Compare and contrast essay
• Cause and effect essay

Q. What are the 4 characteristics of expository writing?

A. 4 main characteristics of expository writing are as follows-

• Straight forward message
• Clear structure
• Includes examples and evidence
• No surprises in the content

Q. What are some effective ways to initiate an expository essay?

A. Here are five effective ways to initiate an expository essay.

• Captivating introduction
• Intriguing question’
• Relevant quote
• Relevant anecdote
• Thesis statement

Use any one of this or a combination of this for a good impact in the beginning.

Q. What is the first important step in writing an expository essay?

A. The first step in writing an expository essay is to start with an introduction. This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce the topic, and provide a thesis statement summarising what will be the content about.

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How to Write an Expository Essay

4-minute read

• 29th March 2020

An expository essay explains something. This means investigating an idea, looking at evidence, coming to a conclusion, and explaining your thinking. But how do you write a strong expository essay? Our top tips include:

• Read the essay prompt carefully and using it to guide your research.
• Come up with a thesis statement (i.e., a position that you’ll explain).
• Plan the structure of your essay before you start writing.
• Once you have a first draft, revise and proofread to make sure it is perfect.

For more advice on how this works, check out the guide below.

1. Read Your Essay Prompt

Most expository essay prompts will ask you to do one of the following:

• Define and explain a concept or theory.
• Compare and contrast two ideas.
• Examine a problem and propose a solution.
• Describe a cause and effect relationship.
• Explain a step-by-step process.
• Analyze a broad subject and classify examples into groups.

When you’ve been set an expository assignment, then, check the prompt or question carefully. You can use the phrasing to guide your research. You may also need to select a topic to write about. If so, try to think of something:

• You already know at least something about.
• You find interesting enough to research.
• That fits with the instructions in the essay prompt (e.g., if you’ve been asked to contrast two things, you’ll need a topic that allows for a comparison).
• That is narrow enough to discuss in one essay.

Start by brainstorming topics, then narrow it down to one or two ideas.

2. Come Up with a Thesis Statement

Once you have a topic, you’ll need to do some research and develop a thesis statement. This is the proposition or position that you’ll explain in your essay.

Your thesis statement should be something you can back up with evidence and facts, as well as something that answers the question in your essay prompt. Keep in mind, too, that an expository essay should present a balanced account of the facts available, not personal opinions. For instance, we’ve come up with thesis statements for a few example essay prompts:

When you’ve selected a thesis, make sure you’ve got evidence to back it up! This may mean doing a little more research before you start writing.

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3. Structuring an Expository Essay

The exact length and content of your essay will depend on the topic and prompt. However, most expository essays follow a similar basic structure:

• Introduction – A paragraph where you introduce the essay topic and your thesis statement (i.e., the issue or idea you will explain in the essay).
• Main Body – A series of short paragraphs in which you explain your thesis statement, providing evidence and arguments to support each point.
• Conclusion – A final paragraph where you restate your thesis and how your evidence supports this. Try not to introduce any new information here (if it’s important, it should go in the main body).
• References – If required, include a bibliography of sources you’ve used.

Before you start writing, then, create an essay outline with the structure above in mind and plan what each paragraph will say.

4. Editing and Proofreading

When you have a first draft, take a break and re-read it. Now comes the redrafting ! This is where you go back over your essay and look for areas to improve. Do you provide enough evidence? Is your argument clear? Even a few tweaks may increase your mark, so make sure to redraft at least once!

Finally, make sure to have your essay proofread before you submit it for marking. This will ensure your writing is error free and easy to read, giving you an even better chance of getting the grades you deserve.

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Paper Types / How to Write an Expository Essay

How to Write an Expository Essay

Every student has to write an expository essay at least once in their educational career. These are actually fairly simple essays to write, but they do require some serious research skills. Like most academic essays, the expository essay requires formal writing with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Guide Overview

• Focus on the thesis
• Listen to the assignment
• Explain, don’t argue
• Revise and edit, revise and edit
• Choosing the right topic

Tips for Writing a Kick-Butt Essay

Want to really impress your professor? Here are a few ways you can turn an ordinary essay into something that will blow their socks off.

Focus on the Thesis

Your thesis is the central point of the entire essay, so if it’s amazing, you’re off to a great start. Begin with this and make sure you decide on something that is impressive to kick off the essay.

Listen to the Assignment

Your professor may give you hints on what they’re looking for. If you just write down the basics of the assignment, you could miss out on some key points. For example, your professor may hint at a preferred topic or give tips that could result in a higher score. Write it all down and then analyze what is wanted before you write.

Long before you actually put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to write the essay, you need to complete the pre-writing phase. This is where you do research and outline your essay. You’ll be amazed at how much better your writing is when you have these basic elements in place first. If you need help with these basic elements consider using an Expository Essay Template.

Explain, Don’t Argue

If you’re not careful, an expository essay can turn into a persuasive or argumentative essay. Focus on explaining the topic, rather than convincing people of something about it.

Revise and Edit, Revise and Edit

Going over the essay once to edit and polish isn’t really enough. If you’re tight on time, such as when writing an essay for an exam, just once will do. However, if you have time, it’s a good idea to edit immediately, then let the essay sit overnight or even longer. When you come back, you won’t be as close to the writing and can look at it more objectively.

Choosing the Right Topic

Topics for an expository essay vary widely, but ideally, you should select something you’re interested in writing about. Topics can answer a question such as “How can we prevent bullying in school?” or they can describe something like a historical building in your area. Other interesting topics to inspire you include:

• How does technology affect our relationships?
• How to treat a burn
• What are the must-haves for a freshman in college?
• How to handle anxiety attacks naturally
• How to train your dog to stop barking on command
• Research the history of a monument in your area
• Why roller skating is a great exercise

As you can see, there’s no limit to the types of topics you can choose for your essay and it really comes down to what the professor assigns you and what you enjoy writing about. How narrow your topic is will also depend on how much you plan to write. An entire history of the Civil War won’t fit into two page, for example, so you’ll need to narrow it down to a specific battle or element of the Civil War.

Writing an expository essay can actually be a fun experience if you approach it the right way. When you enjoy the topic and are interested in it, your essay will show that and will stand out from those written out of boredom.

Finally, if you’re ever facing writer’s block for your college paper, consider WriteWell Essay Templates to help you get started.

EasyBib Writing Resources

Writing a paper.

• Academic Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• College Admissions Essay
• Expository Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Research Paper
• Thesis Statement
• Writing a Conclusion
• Writing an Introduction
• Writing an Outline
• Writing a Summary

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The Art of Explanation: How to write an explanatory essay

Table of contents.

Welcome to our guide on how to write an explanatory essay! An explanatory essay is a type of writing that is used to explain a specific topic or concept. It is a useful tool for providing readers with a better understanding of a subject, whether it be a historical event, scientific principle, or even a personal experience. The ability to explain complex ideas clearly is an essential skill in today’s society, as it allows us to share our knowledge and understanding with others.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of writing an explanatory essay, let’s take a moment to talk about why it’s important. In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with information from all different sources. It can be hard to sift through it all and make sense of what’s important. An explanatory essay is a way to help make sense of the information by breaking it down into smaller parts and providing a clear and accurate explanation of the topic.

Now that we understand the importance of explanatory essays, let’s talk about the steps involved in writing one. The process can be broken down into several manageable steps, including researching, planning, writing, and revising. By following these steps, you’ll be able to write a clear and effective explanatory essay that informs and educates your readers.

Enhance your writing skills with this informative piece, which is just one part of our comprehensive guide, “ Master the Art of Writing “.

In a hurry? Get a quick overview of the steps in our 2-minute summary

In this guide, we’ll take you through each of these steps in detail. We’ll talk about how to conduct thorough research, how to plan and organize your essay, and how to write an engaging and attention-grabbing introduction. We’ll also cover how to clearly and effectively explain complex ideas, how to write a strong conclusion, and how to revise and edit your explanatory essay to make it the best it can be.

So, grab a notebook and a pen and let’s get to the first step: researching. Conducting thorough research on your topic is essential for writing a clear and accurate explanatory essay. It allows you to identify key information and sources that will be used to support your main idea. When researching, it’s a good idea to use a variety of sources, including books, articles, and online resources. Make sure to take notes and organize your research so that you can easily access the information you need when writing your essay.

Next, we’ll move on to the planning stage. This includes outlining the main idea and key points of your essay, as well as organizing the information you have gathered. Creating an outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay , helping you to stay on track and ensure that your essay is logically structured.

With your research and planning complete, it’s time to start writing the introduction. The introduction is the first impression that readers will have of your essay, so it’s important to make it engaging and attention-grabbing. This can be done by using an interesting fact or statistic, asking a question, or providing a personal anecdote. The introduction should also establish the main idea and purpose of the essay.

The next step is writing the body of your essay. This is where you’ll provide a clear and detailed explanation of your topic or concept. It’s important to use evidence and examples to support the main idea, and to organize your information in a logical and easy-to-understand way. Use headings and subheadings to make the essay easy to follow and make sure to keep the tone friendly and engaging.

The conclusion of your essay is where you’ll summarize the main idea and key points of your essay. It’s also an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the reader. This can be done by providing a call to action, asking a thought-provoking question, or making a prediction. The conclusion should end the essay on a strong note and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Finally, it’s time to revise and edit your essay. This is an essential step in the writing process and will help you to identify and fix any mistakes, and to polish your essay to make it the best it can be. Read through your essay several times, checking for grammar and punctuation errors, and making sure that the information is presented in a clear and logical way.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you’ll be able to write a clear and effective explanatory essay that informs and educates your readers. Remember, the ability to explain complex ideas clearly is an important skill and writing explanatory essays is a great way to practice and improve this skill. So, don’t be afraid to take on a challenging topic, and don’t be discouraged if your first draft isn’t perfect. Keep practicing and you’ll be writing great explanatory essays in no time!

Identify key information using research matrix

What is an explanatory essay.

An explanatory essay is a type of writing that explains or clarifies a certain topic . This is distinct from other forms of writing such as persuasive, narrative, and expository essays. While these other types of essays often revolve around making a certain argument, an explanatory essay is meant to explain a topic to readers in a concise and straightforward manner.

At its core, an explanatory essay is all about breaking down complex topics into more manageable and digestible chunks. Rather than trying to persuade readers to agree with a certain point, the goal of this form of writing is to impart knowledge on the specified topic. It typically follows the fundamental structure of an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.

The body of the essay is where the majority of the information is conveyed. Here, the writer must organize their thoughts and ideas into clear, concise points that can be easily understood by the reader. Additionally, the writer should use simple language to ensure that their points are easily followed by all audiences.

Explanatory essays differ from other forms of writing in that they do not require the author to take a specific stance on the subject. Rather, they are meant to simply provide information and educate the reader on the topic at hand. By presenting facts and data in an easily digestible format, the writer can help the audience gain a better understanding of the subject.

How to Choose a Topic

When it comes to writing an explanatory essay , the most important decision you will make is choosing your topic. Selecting the right topic can be crucial to the success of your essay as it should challenge you while also providing value to the reader. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect topic.

Consider Your Audience

Take some time to think about who your readers will be and what they might be expecting from your essay. This will help narrow down the subject matter and allow you to focus on topics that your audience will find interesting and informative.

Ask Yourself Questions

Before you settle on a topic, consider the type of questions you can ask related to it. If the questions you come up with don’t have clear answers or invite further exploration, then it likely isn’t the right topic for you. Aim to select a topic that offers plenty of food for thought.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Once you have a few topics in mind, take some time to research each one and consider the amount of available materials. If there isn’t enough material to draw upon it might not be the best choice. Additionally, make sure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. Aim to strike a balance between the two.

Pick the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is an important part of writing an explanatory essay . Spend some time considering your audience, asking yourself questions related to potential topics and doing research to narrow down your list of choices. Once you’ve done all this, you should have the perfect topic to write about.

Researching the Topic

Conducting research for an explanatory essay is a key step in the writing process. Research helps you to accurately and effectively support your argument, providing evidence and authority to back up your claims. To research effectively, follow these steps:

• Decide on your topic. Be sure that it’s specific and can be explored in depth.
• Gather resources. Use both online and offline sources such as books, articles, and interviews. Utilize reliable sources such as government websites and published materials.
• Organize your research. Utilize a spreadsheet or other visual tool to keep track of all the relevant information for your essay. This will help you better understand the material and quickly locate the information you need.
• Take notes. As you are researching and gathering information, take notes on the significant points of the material. It is important to stay organized and focused on the most important points so that you don’t get distracted while writing your essay.
• Cross-check sources. Be sure to double check your sources and make sure that the information you are citing is accurate. Don’t forget to cite any sources you use in the essay.

Research is an important step when writing an explanatory essay. By researching your topic ahead of time, you can ensure that you have enough information to accurately and effectively support your argument. Taking the time to properly research and organize your material will go a long way in helping you write a successful essay.

Other Topics to Read:

• How to Write an Executive Summary for an Essay
• How to Write an Essay on a Book
• How to Write Interesting Essays
• Argumentative Essay Introduction
• How to Write a Good Hook for an Argumentative Essay
• Strong Transition Words for Essays
• How to Write a Reaction Paper About an Article
• How to Ask Questions in an Essay
• How to Create Essay Title
• How to Analyze a Short Story

Constructing an Outline

Constructing an outline for an explanatory essay is an important step to ensure that the essay is organized and structured. An outline provides a starting point and framework for writing, while allowing you to keep track of the main points and arguments you wish to make in the essay. It also helps you set the tone of the essay and focus on the topic.

Writing an outline can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. To begin, think about the overall structure of the essay and the topics or ideas you would like to include in each section. From there, start to break those topics down into smaller points. Once you have outlined the main points you want to make, create an introduction, body and conclusion structure.

The introduction should present the main topic of the essay and why it is important. The main body should contain the evidence and arguments that support the main topic. Finally, the conclusion should summarize all the points made in the essay and provide a memorable takeaway for the reader.

An outline is also a great way to make sure you are keeping your sentences and paragraphs focused and on track. Thinking through the sequencing of the essay in advance will help you avoid any potential confusion or disjointedness in the finished product.

After creating the outline, you can use it as a guide for writing the essay. This step-by-step approach will help you stay organized and focused while generating ideas and composing the essay.

Overall, constructing an outline before writing an explanatory essay is a valuable tool that will help you create a well-structured and effective essay. Not only will it help you stay organized and focused while writing, but it will also give your readers a clear and organized essay to read.

Writing an Explanatory Essay

Writing an explanatory essay can be a demanding task. It requires the writer to present and explain a particular topic in a clear and organized way in order to effectively communicate their ideas to their readers. To ensure success, there are certain best practices to keep in mind while drafting your essay.

Using Clear Language

The language you use should be direct and easy to understand. Avoid unnecessarily complex words or phrases that may confuse the reader. It is also important to use language consistently throughout your essay; if you introduce a particular term make sure that same term is used each time you refer back to it. This is especially true when referencing sources as they often use their own specific terminology.

Organizing Your Ideas

Organizing your ideas helps to ensure that the essay flows logically and makes for easier reading. To start, map out the main points of your essay with an outline. This can be done using bullet points or diagrams that organize your thoughts into categories. Doing this also helps you to identify any areas of your argument that might need more development or explanation.

Developing Strong Arguments

Your arguments should be supported by facts, evidence and other sources. Make sure to provide context and explain the reasoning behind your claims. If possible, include counterarguments and explain why they are incorrect or incomplete. This will help to strengthen your overall argument.

It is also important to reference any sources you used in your research. Not only does this build credibility, it also prevents any allegations of plagiarism. When quoting or paraphrasing someone else’s work, make sure to cite them properly and include the source in your bibliography.

Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading your essay is an essential step before submitting it. It is important to review your work for any errors in grammar, punctuation or spelling that may have been overlooked. Re-read your essay to make sure that it is clear, consistent and persuasive. Editing is also useful for shaping the structure of your essay and developing stronger arguments.

By following these tips and best practices, you will be better equipped to write an effective explanatory essay. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect and don’t forget to take frequent breaks as writing can be an exhausting task. With enough dedication and hard work, you can craft a well-structured and highly convincing essay.

The introduction of an explanatory essay is essential for capturing your reader’s attention and introducing them to the topic. Crafting a strong and effective introduction is the key to setting the foundation for the rest of the essay.

When writing your introduction, it is important to remember that your primary goal is to capture your reader’s attention and introduce them to the topic. You can do this by creating an engaging and creative opening sentence or phrase. This could be a thought-provoking statement, a rhetorical question, or an interesting fact.

After your opening statement, you will want to provide your readers with a brief overview of what you will be discussing in your essay. You can do this by including a few sentences that cover the main points of your argument. Make sure that you provide enough information so that your readers can get a good understanding of your overall argument but not so much that they become overwhelmed and lose interest.

Finally, you will want to end your introduction with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is essentially a sentence that summarizes your main argument and outlines the key points you will discuss in your essay. Your thesis statement should clearly state your position and provide your reader with a sense of focus and direction as they read the rest of your essay.

By taking the time to craft an effective introduction, you can ensure that your readers stay engaged in the content of your essay and understand the main points of your argument.

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Creating a strong body.

Once you have finished drafting your essay’s introduction and have an outline that you are satisfied with, it’s time to move onto the body paragraphs. The body of your essay is where you’re able to provide evidence, detail and further explain the points you make in your introduction. It’s important to structure each body paragraph in a logical and organized way to ensure they are strong and effective while supporting the main points of the argument.

Key Points To Consider:

• Structure each paragraph logically and clearly around one specific idea.
• Provide supporting facts, examples and quotes to back up your main point.
• Ensure you include a transition phrase at the start of each paragraph.
• Link the paragraphs appropriately using  strong transitional words .
• Analyze and evaluate evidence to provide effective support for your argument.
• Maintain focus on the topic throughout the body paragraphs.

The first step in creating strong body paragraphs is to structure them properly. Each paragraph should cover one specific main idea or point and be made up of a single sentence. You should then elaborate on this point by providing evidence, facts and quotes to back up your claim. This will help to make your argument more convincing and compelling.

It is also important to ensure that you use appropriate transition phrases at the beginning of each paragraph to make sure they are connected effectively. This can be done through the use of connecting words and phrases such as ‘nevertheless’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘in addition to’, ‘as a result’ etc.

Throughout the body of your essay, you should analyze and evaluate the evidence you are providing to ensure it is effective. This involves discussing any counterarguments or opposing viewpoints and refuting these accordingly. By doing this, you show that your argument is well-rounded and demonstrate that you have thought about the issue thoroughly.

Finally, you should maintain focus throughout your body paragraphs. Making sure you stick to the main points of your argument and don’t drift off track is key to keeping the reader engaged. If you find yourself going off-topic, simply return to the main point and refocus on it.

Creating strong body paragraphs that support the main points of your  argument is essential to writing an effective explanatory essay . With the right structure, evidence and analysis, you will be able to provide compelling arguments to your readers and ensure your essay has the desired impact.

Developing a Memorable Conclusion

Once you have written the body of your essay, it’s time to craft a memorable conclusion. This is often the most challenging part for many writers. It’s important that your conclusion not only summarizes the main points of your argument and leaves a lasting impact on the reader, but also ties together all the strands of your essay. Here are some tips for writing an effective conclusion:

• Restate the main points of your essay in a concise way. This can be done in one or two sentences.
• Reflect on the significance of your argument. Why is this topic worth discussing? What can the reader take away from your essay?
• Provide a thought-provoking statement or question. This can be used to stimulate the reader to think of potential solutions or implications.
• Avoid introducing new information. Your conclusion should only include information that has already been discussed in the essay.
• Connect the conclusion back to the introduction. This can help bring the essay full circle and create a sense of closure.

A well-crafted conclusion should leave the reader with something to think about and make them remember your essay. If you put in the effort to write a compelling conclusion that ties the entire  essay  together, you will be sure to make a lasting impression.

Editing the Essay

The editing phase of  writing an explanatory essay is essential for achieving a successful  final product. Editing allows writers to ensure that their essays are effective and make sense to the reader. It also provides writers with the opportunity to improve the flow and quality of their work.

When it comes to editing your essay, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Check your essay for any spelling or grammar errors, and make sure all your facts are accurate.
• Make sure the essay has a strong introduction and conclusion that appropriately connect to each other.
• Be sure to eliminate any unnecessary language or passages that distract from the main point.
• Look for ways to make the essay more engaging and readable, such as using active voice, varying sentence structure, and including vivid narrative details.
• Read over the essay several times, paying attention to areas where more explanation or evidence may be needed.
• Have a friend or fellow student read over the essay, and ask them to provide feedback.

By making the most of the editing phase, you can create an explanatory essay that accurately expresses your message and impresses your readers. While this task may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that editing is an essential part of the writing process.

Staying Motivated and Pivoting When Challenges Arise

Writing an explanatory essay is a rewarding and challenging project. Although it can seem daunting, setting yourself up for success from the beginning will make the journey much easier. Here are some strategies for successfully completing your essay:

• Set goals and break your essay down into manageable chunks:  Instead of overwhelming yourself with the entire essay, break the project down into smaller tasks such as research, outlining and drafting. Setting specific, achievable goals will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
• Reach out for help:  Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Ask friends, family or teachers for assistance if things start to feel overwhelming. Having a second set of eyes review your work can also be beneficial for catching mistakes.
• Find ways to stay inspired:  If you find that you are getting burned out, take a break from your essay and do something else that inspires you. Take a walk, watch a movie or read a book to give yourself time to recharge.
• Be flexible:  When challenges arise, be open to shifting gears and exploring different approaches. As you write, you may realize that your original plan was not the best course of action. Be prepared to pivot if a roadblock appears.

These strategies can help you stay motivated, focused and inspired while writing your essay. With the right amount of effort and the right attitude, you can  create a successful explanatory essay .

Conclusion: Summarizing Our Guide to Writing an Explanatory Essay

Writing an explanatory  essay is a great way to build your knowledge , strengthen your writing skills and present your point of view in a clear and concise manner. This guide has covered the essential steps of the process, from choosing a topic, researching the material and constructing an outline all the way to crafting a memorable conclusion.

We have discussed the importance of properly researching your topic and understanding the main points you want to make before structuring your essay. We also touched on the best practices for drafting, editing and proofreading your work for accuracy and clarity. Finally, we offered strategies for staying motivated throughout and finding balance in the creative process.

We hope that this  guide has made the task of writing an explanatory essay  much easier by providing all the information you need in one place. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the tips and techniques provided, you will be well on your way to successfully completing your next essay assignment.

• Last Edit 27 APR 2023

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

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How To Write An Expository Essay (7 Best Tips)

In this article you’ll find information on:, what is an expository essay.

According to the dictionary, expository means “serving to expound or set forth”. When the word first appeared in England in the 15th century, it meant a commentary on a particular subject. A few words in the same category are “informative, instructive, didactic, and descriptive” . As you can already imagine, an expository essay is a piece of writing where you talk at length about an important idea, present evidence, and build an argument about that idea in a clear, impartial, and easily understandable way.

Characteristics of an expository essay:

It explains or informs the reader about:, a few sample topics:, expository essays – 7 most frequently asked questions, 1. how should you format your essay.

An expository essay usually consists of five paragraphs:

Introduction (1 paragraph)

What’s the purpose of this part?

The body of the essay (3 paragraphs)

Conclusion (1 paragraph), here’s a quick graph that will show you which structure to use:.

I also wrote a whole article about how to structure your essay.

2. Can you start your essay with a question?

It’s possible, but not recommendable. Starting your essay with a question looks too informal (especially if it’s a rhetorical one). It’s much better to get straight to the point and address the issue which you’ll discuss in your essay.

3. How long should your essay be?

4. how is an expository essay different from a persuasive, argumentative, or analytical one.

In the expository essay, you talk at length about a specific subject. The main purpose is to provide as much relevant information as possible objectively. An Argumentative (or persuasive) essay is different because as the name suggests, its purpose is to change the mind of the reader and persuade them to change their mind and start taking different types of action. An analytical essay, on the other hand, is about analyzing, critiquing, and interpreting a specific event, painting, poem, song, or work of art. It’s narrower in scope than the expository one.

5. Can your essay be written from the first person’s point of view?

Not really. Expository work is a bit more serious so you should avoid saying “I” or “you”. Your job is to be an objective judge, presenting well-constructed evidence in support of your thesis. Use the third person’s perspective when providing information (he, she, it, they).

6. What kind of tone and style should you use?

7. how can i find sources to cite in my essays, before including a source, be sure about:, 5 different types of expository essays:.

There are five main sub-categories of expository essays. Before starting to write your assignment, make sure you know which one are you going to focus on (if not sure, consult your teacher or professor).

Process Essay

Cause and effect essay.

This style of writing is about interrelated occurrences that depend on each other. One (cause) has a direct (or non-direct) effect on the other. The goal is to describe this causal relationship in detail and determine the extent of the correlation. This essay type is scientific.

Compare and Contrast Essay

As the name suggests, this essay is about comparing two (or more) different things, people, events, or works of art. The aim is to highlight similarities and discuss differences.

Classification Essay

This essay is about breaking down a specific subject into smaller categories or groups. The goal is to move from general to specific.

Definition Essay

When do you need to write an expository essay, expository essays – topics and examples, below you’ll find ten samples of topics you can use to write your essay:.

1. How political systems affect levels of entrepreneurship around the world. 2. Why “selfie” is so popular and what does it say about modern culture? 3. How physical exercise can help to cure depression. 4. What are the biochemical reasons for addictive behavior in humans? 5. How to face the problem of police brutality. 6. How does learning foreign languages affect cognitive development in children? 7. The most prevalent diseases across the centuries. 8. The future of the institution of marriage. 9. The most significant movies of the XX century. 10. How the Mediterranean diet is healthier than a traditional USA diet.

Here are some examples of expository essays written by famous authors:

Also, I’ve created a lengthy list of examples of famous essays. And here are some more examples of successful essays written by college-bound students.

Best tips for writing an expository essay:

1. start with your thesis.

Focus on facts and be an unbiased judge. Remember that once you have your thesis in place, it will determine the scope of your essay.

How to craft a thesis:

Here are a few examples of solid thesis statements (note how objective, narrow, and neutral they are):.

For more information on the topic of a thesis, please read this article.

2. Compile good notes and resources

Your resources may consist of:, 3. organize an outline for your essay.

You already know that your essay needs to be formatted in a certain way and that it needs to be five paragraphs long. But you also need to organize your ideas logically.

That’s where the outline comes in .

4. write your first draft.

Now it’s time to fill out your outline with great language, high style, and lots of supporting evidence. Write according to the format and specifications described above (and perhaps, provided by your teacher). Don’t focus on grammar, spelling, or punctuation yet. Just get your ideas down on paper or screen. The editing part comes later.

5. Revise and polish your draft

6. finish strong with a conclusion and restate your thesis.

After you state your thesis, give a brief introduction, and present your ideas in the body paragraphs, it’s time to sum everything up. The job of the concluding paragraph is to reaffirm your thesis originally (so you don’t repeat yourself) and finish the essay to make a strong impression on the reader. Maybe you won’t be able to leave your audience with jaws open like at the end of an epic movie, but ideally, that’s what you should strive for. How did you enjoy this article? Are you feeling more prepared to craft your magnum-opus piece of writing? Next up, you may want to explore a guide with the keys to academic success .

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

• Publication date: April 26, 2024

How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

Have you ever been tasked with explaining a complex topic to someone without prior knowledge? It can be challenging to break down complex ideas into simple terms that are easy to understand. That’s where explanatory writing comes in! An explanatory essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept clearly and concisely. These essays are often used in academic settings but can also be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

For example, if you were asked to explain how a car engine works, you would need to provide a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. Or, if you were asked to explain the process of photosynthesis, you would need to explain how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

When wondering – ‘what is an explanatory essay?’, remember that the goal of an explanatory paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the topic at hand. Unlike an  opinion essay , this type of paper does not argue for or against a particular viewpoint but rather presents information neutrally and objectively. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand the topic and be able to explain it to others in their own words.

Also, there is no set number of paragraphs in an explanatory essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the topic. However, when wondering – ‘how many paragraphs in an explanatory essay?’, know that a typical example of explanatory writing will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, some essays may have more or fewer body paragraphs, depending on the topic and the writer’s preference. Ultimately, an explanatory essay format aims to provide a clear and thorough explanation of the topic, using as many paragraphs as necessary.

20 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics

Now that we have defined what is explanatory essay, the next step is choosing a good explanatory topic. A well-chosen topic is interesting and relevant to your audience while also being something you are knowledgeable about and can provide valuable insights on. By selecting a topic that is too broad or too narrow, you run the risk of either overwhelming your audience with too much information or failing to provide enough substance to fully explain the topic. Additionally, choosing a topic that is too controversial or biased can lead to difficulty in presenting information objectively and neutrally. By choosing a good explanatory topic, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed, engaging, and effective in communicating your ideas to your audience.

Here are 20 creative explanatory essay topics by our  admission essay service  to consider:

• How does the human brain process emotions?
• The benefits and drawbacks of remote work.
• The science behind climate change and its effects.
• The history and evolution of hip-hop music.
• The impact of social media on mental health.
• The benefits of learning a second language.
• The process of how a computer operates.
• The causes and effects of bullying in schools.
• The impact of technology on modern education.
• The reasons for the decline of bee populations and their importance to the ecosystem.
• The effects of caffeine on the human body.
• The process of how vaccines work to prevent disease.
• The impact of video games on youth behavior and development.
• The reasons for the gender pay gap and how to close it.
• The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources.
• The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
• The causes and effects of income inequality in society.
• The process of how a book is published.
• The impact of social media on political discourse.
• The benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy.

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. However, by following a few simple steps, you can effectively kick-start your writing process and produce a clear and concise essay. Here are some tips and examples from our  term paper writing services  on how to start an explanatory essay:

• Choose an engaging topic : Your topic should be interesting, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. For example, if you’re writing about climate change, you might focus on a specific aspect of the issue, such as the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
• Conduct research : Gather as much information as possible on your topic. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, you might research the psychological and physical benefits of the practice.
• Develop an outline : Creating an outline will help you logically organize your explanatory essay structure. For example, you might organize your essay on the benefits of mindfulness meditation by discussing its effects on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
• Provide clear explanations:  When writing an explanatory article, it’s important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you’re explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
• Use evidence to support your claims : Use evidence from reputable sources to support your claims and arguments. This will help to build credibility and persuade your readers. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you might cite studies that demonstrate its positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

By following these tips and examples, you can effectively start your expository essays and produce a well-structured, informative, and engaging piece of writing.

Explanatory Essay Outline

As mentioned above, it’s important to create an explanatory essay outline to effectively organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas logically and systematically, ensuring that you cover all the key points related to your topic. It also helps you identify gaps in your research or argument and allows you to easily revise and edit your essay. In this way, an outline can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Here are some tips from our ‘ do my homework ‘ service to create a good explanatory essay introduction that effectively engages your readers and sets the stage for the entire essay:

• Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. For example, you might start your essay on the benefits of exercise with a statistic on how many Americans suffer from obesity.
• Provide context: Give your readers some background information on the topic you’ll be discussing. This helps to set the stage and ensures that your readers understand the importance of the topic. For example, you might explain the rise of obesity rates in the United States over the past few decades.
• State your thesis: A good explanatory thesis example should be clear, concise, and focused. It should state the main argument or point of your essay. For example, you might state, ‘ Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.’
• Preview your main points: Give your readers an idea of what to expect in the body of your essay by previewing your main points. For example, you might explain that you’ll be discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health, physical health, and longevity.
• Keep it concise: Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail or providing too much background information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction to one or two paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

By following the following tips, you can create well-organized, evidence-based explanation essay body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement.

• Use credible sources: When providing evidence to support your arguments, use credible sources such as peer-reviewed academic journals or reputable news outlets. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Organize your paragraphs logically: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Organize your paragraphs logically so that each one builds on the previous one. For example, if you’re writing about the causes of climate change, you might organize your paragraphs to focus on human activity, natural causes, and the effects of climate change.
• Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to help your readers follow the flow of your ideas. For example, you might use phrases such as ‘in addition,’ ‘furthermore,’ or ‘on the other hand’ to indicate a shift in your argument.
• Provide analysis: Don’t just present evidence; provide analysis and interpretation of the evidence. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of early childhood education, you might analyze the long-term effects on academic achievement and future earnings.
• Summarize your main points: End each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point or argument you’ve made. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and keep your essay organized. For example, you might end a paragraph on the benefits of exercise by stating, ‘Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making it a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.’

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Here are some unique tips on how to write an explanatory essay conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

• Offer a solution or recommendation: Instead of summarizing your main points, offer suggestions based on the information you’ve presented. This can help to make your essay more impactful and leave a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you’re writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, you might recommend using more eco-friendly products or investing in renewable energy sources.
• Emphasize the importance of your topic: Use your concluding statement to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it’s relevant to your readers. This can help to inspire action or change. For example, suppose you’re writing about the benefits of volunteering. In that case, you might emphasize how volunteering helps others and has personal benefits such as improved mental health and a sense of purpose.
• End with a powerful quote or statement: End your explanatory essay conclusion with a powerful quote or statement that reinforces your main point or leaves a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you’re writing about the importance of education, you might end your essay with a quote from Nelson Mandela, such as, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

Explanatory Essay Example

Here is an example of an explanatory essay:

Final Thoughts

Now you understand whats an explanatory essay. However, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an explanatory essay, don’t worry. Our team of experienced writers is here to provide you with top-notch academic assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to explain  what is an appendix  in your definition essay or  rewrite essay  in five paragraphs, we’ve got you covered! With our professional help, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-written, and meets all the academic requirements.

And if you’d rather have a professional craft flawless explanatory essay examples, know that our friendly team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic pursuits. So why not take the stress out of writing and let us help you achieve the academic success you deserve? Contact us today with your ‘ write paper for me ‘ request, and we will support you every step of the way.

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Home > Blog > How To Write an Expository Essay

How To Write an Expository Essay

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Updated: August 13, 2024
• Student Guide for Writing

There are many different types of essays that students need to write, and one of them is an expository essay. In this kind of essay, you must present factual information clearly and logically, making it easier for your audience to understand the topic.

Want to learn how to write an expository essay that will impress? This guide will teach you all the tricks and tips to help you write an expository essay through detailed step-by-step instructions. Let’s get started!

An Introduction to Expository Essays

Expository essays provide a structured way to present information, ensuring that readers can grasp complex ideas through a logical and organized format. They essentially focus on explaining a particular subject.

This type of essay is most common in educational settings, where it serves as a tool to assess students’ understanding of a topic. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their ability to communicate that understanding clearly.

For professionals, the ability to write clear and concise expository essays can enhance their communication and essay-writing skills that may be required for their job role. They can make it easier to convey technical information or explain processes in a straightforward manner.

According to a paper published in the Journal of Technology and Science Education regarding students’ thoughts about their essay-writing skills, 50% of students claimed to have a fair ability when composing essays. Hence, it is important to understand how to write a good essay if you want to enhance your ability past fair.

What Is an Expository Essay?

Expository essays explain a topic or concept using facts and evidence, hence the expository essay definition is not too complex to grasp. Unlike persuasive or argumentative essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. Instead, they provide a balanced and comprehensive explanation of the subject.

An expository essay is all about clarity and detail. Complex topics are broken down and hence become more accessible to the reader. Expository essays are used in academic settings to test students’ understanding of a subject and their ability to convey information clearly.

Now that you know what is an expository essay, we can look at the various forms these essays come in, each serving a unique purpose. Here are some of the more common types of expository essays:

• Definition essays: A definition essay defines a specific term or concept. They go beyond dictionary definitions, providing a deeper understanding by exploring the term’s significance and context.
• Classification essays: These essays categorize subjects into different groups or types. Each category is explained with its distinct characteristics and how it fits within the broader subject.
• Process essays: Also known as “how-to” essays, provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete a particular task or process. A process essay is practical and straightforward and aims to guide the reader through a series of actions to achieve a specific outcome.
• Compare-and-contrast essays : These types of essays take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between different subjects. A compare-and-contrast essay will help readers understand the subjects in relation to each other and highlight key points of comparison and contrast.
• Cause and effect essays: When writing this kind of essay you thoroughly explore the connections between events or phenomena. They explain how one event leads to another and detail the causes and effects in a logical sequence.

By focusing on factual information and logical structure, expository essays enable writers to present a thorough analysis of their subject. This approach helps readers gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the topic being discussed.

The Purpose of Expository Writing

While expository writing may be used to entertain or persuade a reader, it mainly serves to provide information. A well-crafted expository essay demonstrates the writer’s expertise on the topic and explains the subject in detail.

The main objective of expository writing is to convey information concisely. As previously discussed, expository essays can serve a valuable purpose for both academics and professionals. Here are some key purposes of expository writing:

• Informing: Expository essays provide readers with essential information about a topic. This could include scientific processes or technical procedures. The goal is to enhance the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the subject.
• Explaining: Expository writing breaks down complex ideas into simpler, more manageable components. By explaining how things work or why certain events occur, these essays make difficult concepts more accessible to the reader.
• Clarifying: Sometimes, topics can be misunderstood or misrepresented. Expository essays aim to clarify such topics by presenting accurate facts and logical explanations. This helps dispel misconceptions and provides a clear, unbiased perspective.
• Describing: Expository essays can also describe a particular process or phenomenon in detail. This includes outlining the steps involved and their significance.
• Analyzing: Expository writing often involves analyzing information to uncover deeper insights. Such as examining data and exploring relationships between variables.

By focusing on these purposes, expository essays can help readers gain a thorough and accurate understanding of the topic at hand.

If you are describing a technical process, the goal is to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the subject. In this case, you must also ensure your essay has a good writing flow . By the end of the essay, the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the subject should be significantly better.

6 Essential Steps to Follow When Writing an Expository Essay

A clear understanding of expository essay structure helps organize your writing, ensuring a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. These are the steps you should consider when compiling an expository essay.

Step 1: Choose an Appropriate Topic

Select a topic that is both interesting and manageable. Ensure it is specific enough to cover in detail but broad enough to provide ample information.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

Gather reliable sources to support your essay. Use academic journals and books to find factual information. Take notes, organize your research, and reference them.

Step 3: Create an Expository Essay Outline

An outline will help you structure your essay logically. It typically includes three parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step 4: Write the Introduction

The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should end with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main points of the essay.

Step 5: Develop Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a single point related to the thesis statement. Begin with a topic sentence, provide supporting evidence, and explain how it relates to the thesis. Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.

Step 6: Write the Conclusion

The point of the conclusion is to offer a summary of the main points presented in the essay. A good conclusion should also provide a final thought or call to action for the reader.

To help you get a better idea of how to craft different parts for these types of essays, we have included some expository essay examples below.

How To Write an Introduction for an Expository Essay

Imagine you’re writing an expository essay on the impact of social media on mental health. Your introductory paragraph should look like this:

“Social media has become an integral part of modern life, influencing how we communicate, share information, and perceive the world. While having its benefits, such as connecting people and providing a platform for self-expression, it also has significant effects on mental health. This essay will explore all impacts of social media on mental health and examine how it affects self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.”

The above is a good expository essay example if you want to write an introduction to engage your readers.

How To Write a Body Paragraph for an Expository Essay

Each body paragraph when you write expository essays should provide a detailed examination of one aspect of the topic. For example, if your essay is about social media’s impact on mental health, you might have paragraphs on:

• Self-esteem: Discuss how social media influences self-esteem, both positively and negatively.
• Anxiety: Explore the connection between social media usage and anxiety levels.
• Depression: Analyze how social media can contribute to depression and offer potential solutions.

For example:

“One of the most significant impacts of social media on mental health is its effect on self-esteem. Studies have shown that frequent use of social media platforms can lead to increased feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. This is often due to the tendency to compare oneself to others, who may present an idealized version of their lives online. However, social media can also boost self-esteem by providing a platform for positive feedback and support from peers.”

How To Write a Conclusion for an Expository Essay

The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

Below is an example of how to write a conclusion for an expository essay that will engage the reader:

“In conclusion, social media has a profound impact on mental health, affecting self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. While it provides opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also has some significant risks. By understanding these effects and promoting healthy social media habits, we can mitigate its negative impact and harness its benefits.”

How To Write a Thesis for an Expository Essay

A thesis statement for an expository essay will be placed near the end of your intro. It is one of the most challenging aspects of an expository essay, and that is why we included a separate section in our article for it.

When using thesis statements, you should be able to explain your topic thoroughly and concisely to provide an answer to your research question. At this point, your communication skills and the ability to describe complex concepts in an articulate way should be pretty good.

Below we include a step-by-step process on how to write a thesis for an expository essay:

• Select your topic.
• Think about an interesting question to engage your readers.
• Answer the question based on what you have discovered in your essay but ensure to make it sound interesting to entice your reader to check out the rest of your essay.

Remember to be concise when writing thesis statements for expository essays. You don’t need to overexplain as this may tire the reader and put them off from reading your essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an expository essay.

The main purpose of an expository essay is to explain or describe a particular topic using factual information. It aims to inform the reader without expressing personal opinions.

How do I choose a topic for my expository essay?

Choose a topic that interests you and has sufficient information available. Ensure it is specific enough to cover in detail but broad enough to provide ample content.

What is a thesis statement in an expository essay?

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main points of your essay. It should be clear and specific, outlining the essay’s purpose and the points you will cover.

What types of evidence should I use in my expository essay?

Use factual evidence from reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Avoid using personal opinions or anecdotal evidence.

Enhance Your Essays With Smodin

Writing an expository essay is a valuable skill that can benefit students and professionals alike. By focusing on clear and logical presentation of factual information, expository essays allow writers to convey complex topics in an accessible and comprehensible manner.

Expository essays serve a range of purposes, from informing and explaining to clarifying and analyzing. Regardless of the specific focus, the overarching goal remains the same: to enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject.

Ready to impress your readers with your expository essay? Enhance your writing skills and create a compelling essay with Smodin’s AI writing tool. Join Smodin now and take your essay writing to the next level.

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Expository Essays: Overview

What is exposition writing.

Exposition can be either oral or written. It is used to explain, interpret, inform, or describe. An expository writer must assume that the audience has no prior knowledge regarding the topic being discussed. So the topic must be written in a clear manner explaining how things work (you can however, leave out  common knowledge –you probably are not writing for first graders). Exposition reaches beyond the obvious. Its underlying purpose in explaining, interpreting, informing, or describing is to reveal aspects of substance. Exposition does not simply provide a definition of the term “fake news”; it explores the inherent danger in using a terms that grossly oversimplifies the true nature of news. In an essay one would explore how the term “fake news” should but often does not refer to unreliable news sources, rumor mills, and blogs or social media sites that purposely spread unsourced stories to fulfill a political or personal agenda. One might also write that “fake news” is a term applied to news that is sourced but that someone simply choices to openly discredit.

As most academic terms, exposition can acquire various definitions depending on the context in which a writer is using the word. The HarperCollins Collins English Dictionary defines exposition in seven different disciplinary contexts.

• Within the Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing discipline exposition is defined as: a systematic, usually written statement about, commentary on, or explanation of a specific subject
• The act of expounding of setting forth information or a viewpoint
• (Business / Commerce) of a large public exhibition, especially of industrial products or arts and crafts
• The act of exposing or the state of being exposed
• (Performing Arts / Theatre) the part of a play, novel, etc., in which the theme and main characters are introduced.
• (Music / Classical Music) Music the first statement of the subjects or themes of a movement in sonata form or a fugue
• (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church) RC Church the exhibiting of the consecrated Eucharistic Host or a relic for public veneration (Harper Collins Dictionary)

TYPES OF EXPOSITION

• Description  – The author explains a particular topic by showing characteristics, features, and examples.
• Comparison  – The author shows how two or more topics are alike.
• Contrast  – The author shows how two or more topics are different.
• Cause and Effect  – The author demonstrates the cause while showing the effects of the cause.
• Problem and Solution  – The author explains a problem, then explores possible solutions.
• Analytical  – The author evaluates a topic or argument revealing its strengths and weaknesses.
• Classification  – The author sorts things into useful categories, makes sure all the categories follow a single organizing principle, and gives examples that fit into each category.
• Sequence  – The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.

FIND A TOPIC, READ, DISCUSS, AND RESEARCH

First you must find a specific aspect of a topic that would interest you. This means you will and must read about the topic. You will have to research the topic extensively so that you can explain it—what exposition is all about. Research your topic extensively if necessary. You will probably have to spend quite a bit of time, but remember that the researching can be exciting. The general initial researching may even provide some valuable information that you want to explain. Researching is like exercising: at first it hurts, but with time you become stronger and it’s easier to flex your researching muscles. After you have decided upon a topic, you can create a thesis.

When you read, read critically and actively as was discussed in the previous chapter. Question the author’s points, consider conflicting viewpoints and support evidence. Analysis and exposition is built upon disagreement. Don’t avoid it; explore it with an open mind.

Like reading and writing, writing and talking work in unison. Teachers often observe classes that actively read and then discuss what they have read are often much stronger writers. Moreover, some students find that discussion is an important step in articulating their ideas and galvanizing their viewpoints on a topic.

An expositional paper is most easily written when you have a “tight” thesis. This means that the focus of your topic is extremely specific. When your thesis is concise, you can write at length because you know exactly what you should be writing about. But when you have a sloppy, vague thesis, you can become lost and your writing reflects this. This goes back to choosing a topic focus that deals with something specific, and not overly general. A thesis makes a claim regarding your focus and is supported by details and facts. It is written in one or two complete sentences. An example of a thesis would be: “Gardening can be a rewarding hobby because of the creativity involved, the variety of plants, and the many uses of plants.”

Create a Sketchy Outline

After you write your thesis, create a sketchy outline so that you have a game plan for your paper. Your outline should have information that you want to include for each part of your thesis. For our thesis example, we could find lots of information that could support the different parts of gardening. Notice the word  could –just because we have the information doesn’t mean we must use it in the paper. This is a rough outline after all.

Start Writing

Too often we don’t begin writing because we are stuck—don’t be, just start writing. You can begin anywhere. Start writing where you feel the most comfortable. When you have your outline, as sketchy as it may be, it reminds you of ideas that you want to include in your paper. Remember though that readers are interested in what YOU have to say—they don’t want to read regurgitated quotes and opinions of others, so make sure that your point is being heard.

STRUCTURE OF AN ANALYTICAL/EXPOSITORY ESSAY

The structure of an expository piece consists of first an introduction that contains the most crucial element—the thesis—the main point you wish to convey. After the introduction is the body, in which you clarify the different aspects of the thesis in great detail. The final piece, the conclusion, restates and rephrases (using different words) the thesis and ties up any “loose ends”.

Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any successful expository essay. A thesis statement controls the subject matter of the essay and states something significant to the reader. It is the one statement that summarizes the main point of the essay and states why the essay is important and worth reading. An essay that lacks a strong thesis will have broad scope and lack focus.

The following are qualities of a well-crafted thesis statement:

• A thesis statement should identify a specific purpose for the essay.
• A thesis statement should assert something about the essay, and it should be something with which others can reasonably disagree.
• A thesis statement should be clear and easily identifiable by a reader.
• A thesis statement generally comes toward the end of the introduction and is usually the final sentence.
• A well-focused thesis statement, key to organizing an essay, contains two elements: a clear subject and a clear perspective on the topic.
• o Vague – Ecological disasters are a major concern today.
• o Precise – Pollution of underground water supplies threatens cities on the American West Coast.

A thesis should have the following characteristics:

• *It should be simple or complex,  BUT  never compound.
• *It should be stated positively.
• *It should be restricted, precise, and unified.
• *It should not contain figurative language.

INTRODUCTION

The very first part of your introduction should have an attention-grabbing device (a hook) to engage your readers. Hooks can be statistics, facts, questions, or unusual details. Don’t make general statements such as “it is clear that…” because you are trying to explain something that perhaps your reader doesn’t know, so it would not be clear to them. Instead be informative. The introduction will also contain your thesis. Good topic referring to Rhetoric. One can check it at the essays writing companies and already written essays accomplished by writing service writers.

Be creative in your introduction: use an anecdote, a provocative statement, a surprising or insightful quote, or even a shocking statistic. Bring the audience up to speed on the broader aspects of the subject on which you are basing your essay.

Consider starting with a criticism. For example, in Malcolm Gladwell’s book  Outliers , people view his research as a key to unlocking human potential, but that’s an overstatement. One might consider challenging the more common and popular interpretations of the book as being a “self-help” book.

Consider starting with praise. The book  Outliers  is the first widely read and very honest discussion of the commonly held belief that success in America is only a matter of hard work. The reader is confronted with the reality that even in America, privilege provides opportunities poverty cannot. Such an introduction establishes a viewpoint while introducing an important element of the book.

Now that you have your specific thesis, along with your sketchy outline, you must support your thesis claim by using concrete evidence and examples. You should exfoliate your thesis. Remember that expositional writing assumes that your readers have no prior knowledge regarding your topic, so you must explain things very clearly. Parallelism can be very important in your paper. It can give the readers a feeling of structure and importance. Pick a method of organization and stick with it.

In our example, we would explain in detail how much creativity is involved in gardening. We could write about the style of impressive European or Oriental gardens. Next, we would show how there are a variety of plants. We could write about plants found in different climates. Finally, we would explain the many uses of plants. We could write about floral bouquets and vegetables.

Because exposition’s purpose is to inform, you will want to establish common ground with your readers. You should write objectively, which will fulfill the purpose of explaining things.

Topic Sentence:

It may help to use a topic sentence to focus each paragraph and to keep the writer and the reader on point. This is a statement of the point you’ll make usually in the introductory paragraph.

Support should always come from the articles you found in your research, your author research, and through passages from the text. BE SPECIFIC when you refer to any text.  Paraphrase with detail, and use direct quotes when necessary. This is very, very important.

Developing Paragraphs:

To develop paragraphs, consider one of the following forms of support for your point of view:

• Use examples and illustrations (exemplification)
• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
• Examine testimony or authoritative statements and published passages (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
• Use an anecdote or story (narrative)
• Define terms in the paragraph. These terms should be important to the topic under discussion.
• Compare and contrast (describe and explain the characteristics of two objects or ideas to draw attention to similarities and differences)
• Evaluate causes and reasons for the occurrences of an issue or condition in the world. What do you or others believe causes anything from car accidents or racism or juvenile diabetes.
• Examine effects and consequences of a particular action or state of being
• Analyze the topic, supporting texts or common beliefs about some aspect of your topic. For examples, tackle a stereotype or a common belief about the topic.

In each paragraph, explain what you believe the support means. Many of you were already doing this in your paragraphs.

A conclusion wraps up your paper by recalling your main points, but do not use the identical words that you used in your introduction. Conclusions and introductions are like frames, they should tie your whole paper together. You should explain your main points briefly and freshly. Don’t be sloppy–this is the last impression you are making.

Some combination of the following is always helpful:

• Refer back to your thesis.
• Tell us what you ultimately think about the topic under discussion.
• Tell us what readers can and should take from this discussion in terms of how we view the world, our families, specific populations, etc. Consider addressing these questions: What would you like us to learn from your discussion on the book? What points should we remember? What particular insights on the subject were most important?
• How can you make your reader remember this essay?

Sources Used to Create this Chapter

The majority of the content for this section has been adapted from the following OER Material:

• Let’s Get Writing by Elizabeth Browning et. al., which was published under a CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
• English Composition by Ann Inoshita et. al., which was published under a CC-BY 4.0 license.
• Expression and Inquiry    by Sally Pierce and Melissa Lucken, which was published under a CC-BY 4.0 license.

Starting the Journey: An Intro to College Writing Copyright © by Leonard Owens III; Tim Bishop; and Scott Ortolano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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7 Different Ways to Organize an Essay

Tolstoy once said that happy families are all alike but unhappy families are unhappy in different ways. Essays are a little different. Bad essays tend to all be very much the same, but good essays often shine in different ways. As students work through the essay writing process, they often encounter challenges in determining how to develop and organize their essays. In this article, we’ll take a look at seven ways to organize an essay so you can be armed with a tool kit that will help you vary your essay structure and keep your audience engaged no matter what you need to write.

Chronological Order

The most obvious and most frequently used organizational strategy is chronological order, which provides details about the topic in the order that they happened, from beginning to end. It’s most frequently used in expository writing when you are providing a narrative about events. In a chronological essay, you will guide the reader from one topic to the next with the use of transition words that are based in temporal relationships, such as “next,” “then,” “afterward,” etc. Chronological essays are among the most effective formats because they are clear and direct, but they tend to work better for descriptions than for analysis.

Logical Order

The toulmin model.

One of the most popular ways to build an argument is the use of the Toulmin Model. In this organizational style, you provide the claim that you are going to demonstrate or prove and then support that claim with grounds and warrants explaining why it is true, and qualifiers indicating exceptions and uncertainties, before examining counterarguments and rebutting them. A variety of the Toulmin model, called the Rogerian Response, provides concessions to the other side in order to emphasize common ground.

The Five-Paragraph Model

The essay format most students learn in high school is the five-paragraph model. In this organizational framework, you present a three-part thesis explaining what you will demonstrate or prove with three reasons why it is true and then support it with three paragraphs each providing evidence for one part of the thesis, followed by a conclusion summarizing the main idea.

Climactic Order

Climactic order organized information to build toward an effective climax. In this type of organizational structure, the most important, shocking, or convincing information is held for the end of the essay in order to lead the reader to a dramatic reveal. This type of organizational structure contains some dangers for writers, however, since it means that your paper will open with weaker, less important information and may not hook the reader. When done right, however, it can create a powerful argument that will push the audience toward an ever-more-convincing conclusion, as long as you can hook them from the start.

Random Order

Spatial order.

Choosing which essay format to use can be difficult, and the writing process can be notoriously difficult for students who don’t have the skills and experience to effectively produce varied essays. If an assignment leaves you saying, “I wish someone would write my essay for me online!”, it might be worth considering whether you need to pay someone from an online service to write papers for you. When you get help from experts, you can discover the most effective ways to develop papers, organize them, and support them.

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How to Write an Expository Essay

Sam Benezra

The expository essay is a genre of nonfiction writing in which a writer aims to explain a topic or concept. In this genre of essay writing, the writer is not required to put forward an original argument, but rather aims to educate the reader on a topic. This contrasts with the argumentative and persuasive essay genres, in which the writer takes a clear stance on a controversial topic, with the goal of swaying the reader toward agreeing with their position. An expository essay may cover a controversial topic, but in this genre, the writer will not take a hard stance on the topic, but rather provide a holistic overview of it. 

Expository writing aims to be objective and thorough in its analysis. The term “expository” means to explain, describe, or define. In effect, the author should try to present a balanced perspective on the topic at hand. Expository essays most often appear in textbooks, in encyclopedias, in journalistic articles, and in scientific or technical writing. 

In academic settings, expository essays are often assigned in high school or university courses to assess students’ understanding of a given topic. An expository essay prompt will typically ask the writer to “explain,” “define,” or “explore,” a given subject.

In this article, we’ll discuss the style, substance, and structure of expository essays.

Style of Expository Writing

In an expository essay, the writer aims to present information as impartially as possible. As a rule, expository essays generally avoid the use of subjective phrasing and vocabulary. They are centered around the presentation of facts and provide less analysis than other forms of writing. 

In an argumentative or persuasive essay, writers will typically present facts in conjunction with an analysis. In this context, facts are used as evidence in support of a specific claim or argument, with the intention of leading the reader to a specific conclusion.

In expository writing, facts stand on their own. Any analysis is used toward the purpose of clarifying or explaining the factual information that is presented, not for the purpose of persuading the reader. Expository essays on controversial topics should therefore be dialectical in the sense that they give equal voice to all perspectives on the issue. 

Because expository essays strive for this objective tone, they are virtually always written in the third person. The third person enables the writer to remove their subjectivity from the writing as much as possible. In other forms of writing, the writer’s voice may play an important role. In expository writing, the writer should aim to remove their voice as much as possible from the writing, allowing the information presented in the essay to speak for itself.

Process of Writing an Expository Essay

Choose a topic.

The process of writing an essay always begins with choosing a topic to write about. Expository essays generally seek to explain a phenomenon, event, idea, or object. There are a variety of sub-genres of expository writing, including but not limited to:

• Definitional Article: Provides a detailed description of a phenomenon, event, idea or object (for example, an encyclopedia article)
• Journalistic Article: Provides a detailed explanation of a current event or situation (for example, a newspaper article)
• The How-To Article: Describes a process in a series of steps (for example, a recipe)
• The Comparative Essay: Compares and contrasts two or more subjects in an impartial and informative manner
• Analysis of an Issue: Describes an issue and various positions on or solutions for the issue, backed by evidence and data

In all of these sub-genres, the primary purpose of the essay — to inform and educate the reader about the subject of the essay — remains constant. 

The research phase is the most important, and often the lengthiest stage in the development of an expository essay. During the research phase, the writer aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of their topic by consulting a variety of sources. 

The research process may vary depending on the topic and the type of article. For example, a reporter covering a local crime for a newspaper will likely gather information through interviews of eyewitnesses and the police. They may also include background information about crime in the area by analyzing police records and public databases that provide crime statistics.

In contrast, a graduate student writing an essay on the American economy during World War II would research their topic by reading several books that provide various perspectives on the topic and by analyzing primary sources in research libraries. 

A food blogger writing a recipe for peanut butter cookies would consult and experiment with various other recipes in order to develop the best process for making a peanut butter cookie.

In all cases, writers use the research process to develop expertise on the topic of their writing, so that they can then educate their readers.

Organize Information

After completing the research phase, you can start to compile and organize the information you’ve gathered during their research. During this transitional phase, you should start by thinking about how you can present your topic most clearly and logically.

The way information is presented to the reader can vary depending on the writer’s approach. Using our previous example of an essay on the American economy during World War II, the writer may see it fit to present their information chronologically — that is, organized sequentially by time. This approach enables the writer to emphasize changes in the economy at different stages of the war. 

Alternatively, the writer could organize their research by categories. In this example, they might organize their paper by different industries in World War II and discuss the features of each industry during this time period in depth.

Both approaches are equally valid, but they provide different perspectives on the topic of the essay. It is important to think broadly about how you want to present your topic and more specifically about key points of emphasis as you organize your research.

Build Outline

After organizing your research in a logical order, you can start to build an outline . A complete outline should contain a draft of your thesis, topic sentences for each body paragraph or section, and evidence organized under each major claim you make throughout the essay. By the time you finish your outline, you should have completely finished gathering and organizing your evidence.

With a complete outline in hand, you can start to write your essay in earnest. With a complete and thorough outline, the essay-writing process should mostly consist of connecting evidence and fleshing out sections of your paper with transitions. It is important that your paper has a natural and logical flow and reads clearly.

Revise/Edit

Once a full draft has been completed, you can start the revision and editing process. In the revision phase, the writer aims to improve the essay by making changes to organization, structure, and word choice. In an expository essay, you should revise with clarity in mind. Often this may mean simplifying sentence structure or word choice or rearranging the structure to flow more logically. Editing refers to the basic process of proofreading the essay and fixing grammatical and spelling errors. Essays will often go through multiple stages of revision and editing before being finalized. 

Structure of an Expository Essay

Like other genres of essay writing, expository essays are typically composed of an introduction that includes a thesis statement, body paragraphs featuring supporting details, and a conclusion . Some sub-genres of expository writing may feature variances on this structure. A “How-To” article, for example, may feature a bulleted list of steps in the body rather than traditional supporting paragraphs. However, most expository essays are written in a traditional essay format.

Introduction

The introduction of an expository essay should provide the reader with a general overview of the information that will be presented throughout the essay. The introduction of an expository essay will typically include three key features: a hook or topic sentence, exposition , and a thesis statement .

The hook is the first one or two sentences of an essay. In an expository essay, the hook serves to clearly present the topic of the essay. In some forms of essay writing, there is an emphasis on catching the reader’s interest early on in the essay, hence the phrase “hook”. In persuasive essay writing, for example, the use of an attention-grabbing quote or narrative component early on in an essay can serve to draw the reader into the writer’s perspective, thereby manipulating the reader. In an expository essay, this kind of dramatic flourish is generally unnecessary, and even distracting. Instead, the writer should attempt to introduce the reader as objectively as possible. 

After the hook, the writer elaborates on their topic in the exposition , forming the middle of the introduction. In this section, the writer introduces key concepts and characters, which will be analyzed further in the body of the essay. 

The thesis statement is typically contained in the last couple sentences of the introduction. In an expository essay, the thesis statement serves to state points of emphasis about the topic of the essay. In this genre of essay writing, the thesis statement does not need to be an arguable claim as it would in an argumentative or persuasive essay. Rather, the thesis statement should serve to bring the reader’s attention to key aspects of the topic that you want to highlight.

The body of an expository essay is composed of separate body paragraphs that individually bring attention to an aspect of the topic. Each of the body paragraphs should present details that support the thesis. Typically, body paragraphs of an expository essay will include the following features: a topic sentence , evidence , and a transition to the next body paragraph.

In the topic sentence of a body paragraph, the writer will always make a general statement that ties back to the thesis or reinforces the thesis statement. Depending on how long the essay is and how it is organized, multiple body paragraphs may discuss the same sub-topic or theme, but they should always serve to introduce an idea or some information that relates to the thesis. Each body paragraph should put forward new information that is necessary to understand the paper’s thesis.

After the topic sentence, the bulk of each body paragraph will be devoted to presenting evidence or information that supports the statement made in the paragraph’s topic sentence. 

At the end of each body paragraph, the writer should write a brief transition to the next paragraph, allowing the essay to flow smoothly from one section to the next. The transition should be no longer than a sentence or two.

In the conclusion of an expository essay, the writer should reframe the thesis in light of the information presented throughout the essay. The conclusion should never present any new significant information or evidence. Rather, the writer should use the conclusion to tie together the information presented throughout the essay and to open up a discussion to broader implications.

In Conclusion

In an expository essay, the writer’s main purpose is to inform and educate their audience. In format and structure, expository essays typically resemble other genres of nonfiction essays. However, unlike similar genres like the argumentative or persuasive essay, the expository essay doesn’t aim to advance a position or argument, but rather to present information in as balanced and impartial a manner as possible.

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What is an Expository Essay and How to Write It

You’ve been asked to write an expository essay on a particular topic. You know that an essay is generally a written composition that is usually limited in length and reflects the author’s perspective. However, the “expository” part is a little less clear. Keep reading, and you’ll get enough information to understand what an expository essay is and how to create an effective expository essay that meets the assignment requirements.

Table of Contents

What is an expository essay, what is the purpose of expository writing, when should you write an expository essay, 5 types of expository essays, how to structure an expository essay.

• How to write an expository essay with Paperpal 

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions about expository essays.

The expository essay is the appropriate type of essay to write if you need to inform your audience. If your intent is to critically compare, argue, or persuade, you will want to consider a different essay format. To explain it in more detail:

• An expository essay is a type of academic writing that aims to present a balanced and objective analysis of a specific topic.
• Expository essays often employ various techniques to enhance clarity and understanding. These techniques may include definition, comparison and contrast, cause and effect analysis, problem and solution exploration, or descriptive explanations. The writer should also ensure that the essay maintains a neutral and objective tone, avoiding personal biases or emotional language.
• In an expository essay, the writer typically starts with an introduction that presents the topic and provides an overview of what will be discussed in the essay. The body paragraphs then delve into the details, presenting evidence, examples, and relevant information to support the main points. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or subtopic, and the information should be organized logically and coherently.
• Expository essays are commonly assigned in academic settings as they encourage critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
• The ability to write an expository essay is an essential skill for students and professionals. It promotes critical thinking, objectivity, and clear and concise communication.

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The primary goal of expository writing is to explain or clarify a concept, process, or phenomenon using evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. Unlike persuasive or argumentative essays, the purpose of an expository essay is not to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or opinion, but rather to provide clear and concise information.

The main objectives of expository writing are:

• Informing: Expository writing aims to educate and provide readers with new or valuable information. It seeks to convey facts, details, concepts, or ideas about a topic in a straightforward and concise manner.
• Explaining: Expository writing helps readers grasp complex subjects by breaking them down into simpler terms. It aims to clarify abstract concepts, processes, or phenomena, making them more accessible and understandable.
• Instructing: Expository writing provides step-by-step instructions or guidelines on how to perform a task, accomplish a goal, or understand a process. It offers a clear sequence of actions or explanations to ensure readers can follow and replicate the instructions.
• Presenting an analysis: Expository writing often involves analyzing and evaluating information, data, or evidence related to a particular subject. It may include comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, examining cause-and-effect relationships, or offering an objective evaluation of a situation.

Overall, the purpose of expository writing is to provide readers with accurate, unbiased, and well-organized information about a specific topic. It aims to enhance understanding, broaden knowledge, and facilitate learning by presenting information in a clear, coherent, and logical manner.

An expository essay is a good choice when the goal is to inform, explain, describe, or instruct. You may be assigned an expository essay as part of an in-class exam or coursework assignment. Here are some common situations in which writing an expository essay would be appropriate:

• Academic Assignments: Expository essays are frequently assigned in educational settings. Teachers often use this type of essay to assess students’ understanding of a particular subject or to teach them how to research and present information effectively. They are common in subjects such as English, history, science, social studies, or any discipline that requires a clear explanation or analysis of a topic.
• Instructional or How-to Writing: When you want to provide step-by-step instructions or guidance on how to perform a task, solve a problem, or achieve a specific outcome, an expository essay can be an appropriate format. This type of writing is commonly used in manuals, guidebooks, tutorials, or any instructional material.
• Journalism or News Writing: Expository writing is prevalent in journalism, where the goal is to inform readers about current events, news stories, or investigative reports. Journalists strive to present objective information, provide background details, and explain complex issues clearly to their audience.
• Professional or Technical Writing: In various professional fields, such as business, healthcare, engineering, or law, expository writing is utilized to convey information to colleagues, clients, or the general public. This includes writing reports, memos, manuals, research papers, or any form of communication that requires clear and factual presentation of information.

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Expository essays can serve different purposes and present information in various ways. Here are five common types of expository essays:

• Descriptive essay: This type of expository essay focuses on describing a person, place, object, event, or any subject in detail. It aims to create a vivid and sensory-rich portrayal of the topic, using language that appeals to the reader’s senses and emotions.
• Process essay: Also known as a “how-to” essay, a process essay explains a sequence of steps or procedures to accomplish a task or achieve a particular outcome. It provides clear instructions and guidance, breaking down complex processes into manageable and easy-to-follow stages.
• Compare-and-contrast essay: This type of expository essay explores the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It involves examining various aspects, characteristics, or elements of the subjects and highlighting their similarities, differences, or both.
• Cause-and-effect essay: A cause-and-effect essay explores the reasons (causes) behind an event, situation, or phenomenon, as well as the consequences (effects) that result from it. It aims to analyze and explain the relationship between causes and effects, demonstrating how one factor leads to another.
• Problem-and-solution essay: In this type of expository essay, a specific problem or issue is identified and analyzed, followed by the presentation of potential solutions or strategies to address it. The essay outlines the problem, examines its causes and effects, and proposes practical solutions or recommendations.

It’s important to note that these are not the only types of expository essays, and there can be variations or combinations of these types. Additionally, within each type, the specific approach and structure can vary depending on the requirements of the assignment or the writer’s purpose.

Structuring an expository essay involves organizing your thoughts, ideas, and information in a clear and logical manner. Here is a commonly used structure for an expository essay:

• Begin with an attention-grabbing hook to engage the reader.
• Provide some background information on the topic to set the context.
• Present a clear and concise thesis statement that states the main idea or purpose of the essay.
• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph.
• Support your topic sentence with evidence, facts, examples, or expert opinions that relate to the main point.
• Provide detailed explanations, analysis, or descriptions to clarify and develop your ideas.
• Use transitional words and phrases to ensure smooth flow and coherence between paragraphs and ideas.
• Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or subtopic related to the main idea.
• Restate the thesis statement but rephrase it in a way that reinforces the main idea.
• Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Avoid introducing new information or ideas in the conclusion.
• End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

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How to write an expository essay with Paperpal  

Writing an expository essay involves a systematic approach to presenting information in a clear and objective manner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an expository essay with Paperpal:

• Understand the purpose and requirements: Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the essay and any specific guidelines or requirements. Then, determine the topic or subject of your expository essay and gather relevant information and resources.
• Conduct research and gather information: Conduct thorough research on your topic to gather factual information, examples, evidence, or expert opinions. Leverage Paperpal’s Research feature to get factual insights with citations from 250M+ verified research articles. 
• Plan and outline: Develop a clear and coherent outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. You can just enter your topic and a few lines and Paperpal will create a detailed outline . Use this to develop the main points or subtopics to be covered or add your own ideas to create a logical structure that flows well. 
• Write the introduction: Be sure to include a clear and concise thesis statement that states the main idea or purpose of your expository essay.
• Write the body paragraphs: Write one paragraph for each main idea, using transitions to ensure a smooth flow throughout. Feeling stuck at a certain point? Use Paperpal Write to keep writing and maintain that flow.  
• Write the conclusion: Restate your thesis statement and summarize the evidence.
• Revise and edit: Review your expository essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow, and check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors with Paperpal Edit . If you wish to rewrite certain text to make it academically coherent, use Paperpal Rewrite . Remember to always maintain an objective tone and focus on presenting information rather than expressing personal opinions. 

As you can see, effective expository essays vary widely based on their topic and ultimate purpose. However, they have several important characteristics in common. When you’re writing an expository essay, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use clear, concise, and formal language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terms.
• The thesis statement needs to be clear, concise, and appropriately focused.
• Provide sufficient evidence and examples to support your claims and make your writing more credible.
• Consider the logical flow of your ideas and make sure they are presented in a coherent manner.
• Use appropriate transitions to connect your sentences, paragraphs, and ideas.
• Remember that the specific structure of your expository essay may vary depending on the requirements of your assignment or the complexity of your topic. Adapt the structure as needed while ensuring that your essay is organized and focused on conveying information effectively.

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You should consider writing an expository essay when you need to explain, inform, or describe a particular topic or subject to your readers. Expository essays are usually assigned in academic settings, but they can also be used in other contexts, such as writing articles or blog posts. For example, an expository essay would be appropriate for purposes such as explaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, describing the process of a scientific experiment, or discussing the impact of technology on society.

Expository essay: The main purpose of an expository essay is to explain, describe, or inform the reader about a particular topic or subject. It should be written in a neutral manner, focusing on presenting facts, explaining concepts, and offering a clear understanding of the topic. Argumentative essay: The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to present a well-structured argument or position on a specific issue. The writer takes a clear stance on a topic and provides strong arguments, counterarguments, and evidence to support their position. The language used may be more passionate and persuasive to convince the reader.

The length of an expository essay can vary depending on the specific requirements or guidelines provided by your instructor or the purpose of your writing. Expository essays can range from a few hundred words for shorter essays to several thousand words for more in-depth or research-based essays. The number of body paragraphs typically range from three to five, but it can vary based on the complexity of the topic and the amount of information you need to convey.

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• How to Write an Expository Essay: Examples and 25 Topic Ideas

Effective Tips on How to Write a Successful Expository Essay

If you are going to write an expository essay, be prepared to spend much time hitting books. Creating an effective essay of this type may seem to be a more difficult task compared to other essays. The main idea here is to explain some situation or describe how a certain process works.

From its name, you may guess that you should have a clear picture of a certain thing in order to provide your reader with a clear and concise explanation. It is impossible to talk about the topic you either don’t know anything about or are not interested in. That’s why you should do a great pre-writing job looking for the attractive topic, which you would like to present to your target audience. Before choosing a topic, read our blog on how to title an essay . Feel depressed because you don’t have time to cope with all assignments? Hurry up to fill out an essay order form at the site and forget about worries! Buy essays online cheap and get an A+ efforlessly.

Writing an essay isn’t as easy as ABC, especially, if you can’t do without making a research instead of developing a work based on your own experience. You can include information based on your personal life findings, but it shouldn’t be the only source.

The key to success in the process of essay writing is a proper organization of work and an understanding why you are going to do this task. You may face a range of questions, which will be answered here. It is possible to write an A-grade expository essay only by following the guidelines and step-by-step instructions.

What Is an Expository Essay?

If it is the first time when you hear the name “an expository essay”, you may wonder: “What is an expository essay and how it should be written?” First of all, it is necessary to understand what it is all about. To explain what is an expository essay in simple words, you should memorize one easy formula: information plus analysis.

Imagine that your friend has asked you about something and you need to give him as many details as possible analyzing how something works. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

After you have answered the most important question “What is an expository essay?” you should start searching for the relevant information. Be careful using materials taken from the internet since not all sources are reliable and for this paper type credible sources are of utmost important. Find the trustworthy information for the essay topic you are going to work on.

Look at the expository essay samples, which one can easily find on the Internet nowadays. Before you get started, not only read the essay type definition but have an illustrative example, which will be helpful while writing an essay.

Top-Rated Expository Essay Examples

Look at the expository essay examples to have a clear picture of the writing style and requirements.

An expository essay sample on the topic “The effective methods to feel happy.”

An expository essay example on the topic” How to react to the teenager’s wish to date?”

These two expository essay examples may be helpful while creating your own essay.

Expository Essay Definition An expository essay is an essay that requires to examine a specific topic and give arguments. It involves a presentation of the main thought in a clear manner using the contrast and comparison and including the relevant examples and explanations of certain phenomena.

Unique Expository Essay Topics

There are a lot of expository essay topics to choose from. Haven’t been assigned a definite topic yet and need to make a choice on your own? Then you should focus on your reader. Brainstorm ideas and choose the topic which is able to attract your audience. Avoid general topics and be specific. Narrow your research sphere, making it clear and concise.

Here you will find expository essay topics, which will help you come up with the most suitable one, depending on your educational establishment requirements.

Expository Essay Topics 8th Grade

• Explain how you like spending free time and why.
• Whom would you like to look after and why?
• Give instructions how to ride a bicycle.
• How to memorize new English words?
• How do you feel when you get bad grades?

Great Expository Essay Topics

• How to lead a healthy lifestyle on a tight budget?
• How to stop bullying in high educational establishments? (Read an essay about bullying .)
• What is the impact of new information technologies on people’s relations?
• How do computer games influence kids?
• How not to be materialistic?

Good Expository Essay Topics

• How to manage your time and not be late?
• Which strong points do you have?
• Which effect does Internet have on modern communication?
• How not to become shopping addicted person if you have money?
• What is the reason for the high percentage of divorces?

Expository Essay Topics for High School Students

• Who is your favorite film superhero and why?
• Do people need to stay independent?
• How do you understand “ love ”?
• Explain what is friendship for you?
• What is the secret of successful people?

Topics for Expository Essays for College

Find the best college essay topics:

• How to minimize the negative influence of media on people’s lives?
• Where to invest money in and why?
• Which writer is your favorite one and why? (Consult: famous American writers  blog.)
• How to become a leader?
• How does music influence people’s life?

How to Write an Expository Essay

Are you ready with the topic? Then the next step will be to learn more about the expository essay structure. Those who have already written essays know how to write an expository essay as the structure is somewhat similar to the one other papers have.

It should be well-organized and sound logical. As any other essay, there is an introductory part, a body consisting of not less than 4-5 paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Each one has its own features, which you can check out here.

Expository Essay Outline

When writing an expository essay, remember that a key to success is a logical plan. Before you write your essay from scratch, you should work on an outline.

• Start with an introduction, which should be short but informative;
• Proceed with five-paragraph main body, containing analysis and all findings;
• Make a conclusion, which should summarize but not include any new facts.

Expository Essay Introduction

An introduction is the most important part of your piece of writing. If you don’t succeed in making it eye-catchy, your reader is unlikely to continue reading your essay.

It is very important to pay special attention to the opening sentence. Take into account these three main prompts.

• Provide an interesting dilemma or ask a disputable question;
• Introduce all necessary pieces of information to help a reader understand the intention of your writing;
• Write an effective expository essay thesis statement.

How to Write an Expository Essay Thesis?

• Present facts to your reader;
• Help them understand the main idea;
• Explain which aim you have set writing this essay.

Expository Essay Main Body

When you proceed to the main body, make sure you know how to write properly:

• Write the key idea for each paragraph;
• Provide your paragraphs with enough supporting sentences;
• Explain why you are sure that the provided facts play a significant role.

Expository Essay Conclusion

If you have already come to the end of the essay, you should ensure you know how to write a conclusion for expository essay.

• Give an overview;
• Brainstorm possible problem solutions;
• Prove the necessity of your research.

Most Effective Advice from Expert

An expository essay is a genre of writing that will expose your writing skills and talent if written properly. First of all, you should get the meaning of the expository essay definition and choose the topic you know well or at least find it interesting to learn more about. If a person feels enthusiastic about something, they will be ready to spend much time making a research and will achieve success.

Remember that the main accent is on the author's personality, which means you are the most important figure in your essay. Your reader will see all details through the prism of your ideology. 

That's why be attentive to details and develop your creative thinking as the top-quality work should contain a solid point of view supported by facts and unquestionable truth. 

Imagine that your pieces of information are just pieces of a puzzle that you have to collect. Find the appropriate place for each one so that it sounds logical. Find out how to write an informative essay , it may come in handy. And don’t try to copy other writers as only essays having their own voice are worth A-grades. Pay attention to your language as it should be eerror-free.

Imagine that your essay is a precious stone and make all of its faces shine using an easily readable and original language. 

Be wise and get started only if you are inspired to create a masterpiece. Read our blog on how to get writing inspiration .

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• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay

Published by Boni on October 26, 2022 October 26, 2022

What is an Explanatory Essay?

An explanatory essay is a type of writing where the author offers their point of view or perspective about a certain issue, subject, occurrence, or circumstance. It’s important to note that explanatory essays are also expository essays, which means their purpose is to “ show the reader why [the topic] happened in this way. “

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The purpose of an explanation essay is not to systematically explain the topic, like a history essay, but to show the reader why something occurred and answer their questions as to why certain things happened.

An explanation essay is a personal take on a specific wave in contemporary society. The author may accept the given topic of interest or begin by questioning it and then offer an overview of the subject’s meaning and importance.

This article will teach you how to write an explanatory essay about a topic you are interested in.

Types of Explanatory Essay s

The kind of expository essay you want to write depends on your goal as a writer. There are many types of explanatory essays to choose from in this case. They include:

1. Cause and effect

You must explain both the causes of an event and its effects in cause-and-effect expository writing. This kind of essay focuses on the results or impacts of a certain event. They could be favorable or unfavorable.

The cause-and-effect essay also makes the reader aware of the relationship between the two topics. The major objective is to show the cause-and-effect link between the two notions and to offer supporting evidence. Although based on assumptions, the results in the body paragraphs must be true and accurate. If the author makes unsupported assertions, they will be accused of being biased.

2. Comparison and contrast

In this writing, the author compares or contrasts two ideas or events to show how one is superior to the other. The creations of an explanatory essay usually involve a comparison between two things that are strikingly similar in some ways but vastly different in others. This contrasts the two things and clarifies how much better one thing is than another.

The main objective of the comparison and contrast essay is to emphasize the differences between things that are alike. The author will use specific evidence and examples to support his claims in this piece.

The primary purpose of the comparison and contrast essay is not to prove a point or explain an argument but to talk about how two ideas or events differ. 

3. Problem and solution

In this essay, the author takes an issue or problem along with its corresponding solution and explains them in detail. The resulting piece suggests to the audience a way to address the given problem and seeks to offer a solution for it.

The main objective of a problem and solution essay is to show how a given problem can be resolved. The author presents their perspective on not just one but several ways to solve a certain dilemma. Throughout their explanation, they provide specific evidence and examples contrary to their position on how best to handle the matter at hand.

In this expository essay, the author outlines the underlying process or steps needed to achieve a certain result. For example, they might explain how they can complete proposed tasks more efficiently.

Their main objective is to make their readers understand how a task should be completed. The author also offers specific evidence and examples for readers to understand how a certain task would be better performed correctly. The procedure of the subject can also include the benefits or disadvantages of each step taken during the process.

5. Classification

In this essay, the author classifies their subject into one particular category. This classification can be based on the topic of the essay or the work performed by a certain person or group. The main objective of a classification expository essay is not to classify things into different categories but to classify them based on their type or usage.

This essay typically looks at the same subject under different categories. It seeks to explain the difference between one classification and another. For example, a college professor might explain that their subject’s type of material is used in different ways as opposed to other types of material.

6. Definition

In this writing, the author defines the subject by explaining its meaning. The author should be able to precisely define the definition topic of interest and provide a valid reason for the audience to accept their definition.

The author’s main objective here is to show how their subject can be clearly defined based on certain characteristics. This writing does not have a simple answer or solution, but it’s designed to provide a clear reply to those who seek or seek to understand the topic better. It explains the significance of certain things and why they are important

Explanatory Essay Format or Outline

The length of the topic and the information you are attempting to convey will influence the outline of an explanatory essay. However, depending on the explanatory essay pattern, the average essay tends to be one or two pages long, making the total essay five paragraphs long.

The explanatory thesis and the topic of debate will be introduced to the reader in the introduction. The following paragraphs will support the thesis statement with details, reasoning, data, etc. Last but not least, the conclusion should provide a broad ending statement while summarizing the primary ideas of your essay. The outline of your expository essay should be sth like this:

Introduction

• A hook; a thing that draws the eye
• Background data that presents all sides of the debate
• State your thesis

Should have Three paragraphs

• Use a topic sentence to indicate the initial point being made
• Use your sources to support this topical statement
• Explain the supporting facts and relate them to your claim
• In each paragraph’s conclusion, restate your thesis and discuss its significance
• The next paragraph should flow naturally from the conclusion
• Restate the thesis
• Include a summary of each of your essay’s arguments and topic sentences
• Add a conclusion to the essay and leave the reader with your overall opinion

A proper outline will be crucial in constructing and organizing your ideas in a systematic manner and thoughtful flow. If you have an outline but stuck on how to go about your essay or you need an essay with an outline but you are stranded on how to go about it, you can seek help from an English assignment helper from Gudwriter who will provide a quality essay along with an outline.

Tips on How to Write an Explanatory Essay

The point of an explanatory essay is to analyze the issue at hand. You must figure out what your audience wants and needs to learn about the topic.

These are some helpful hints on how to write an expository essay:

1. Choose a topic that interests you

The first thing you should do before writing an explanatory essay is to choose a topic that interests you. Concentrating on your writing and finishing it if you find the work interesting or important is easier. There are many explanatory topics to choose from depending on your level of education and the subjects you have covered in class.

After choosing a topic, examine it carefully. Consider your audience and determine if they have prior knowledge of the topic. Decide how long you think it will take to produce a well-researched paper on the subject. 

2. Look for relevant sources

The second step is to ask where you will get the necessary information. You should research the topic to find out what you need. In general, finding credible and reliable sources is important. To gather enough information for your essay, revise your writing plan and set a deadline for your project. Assemble a list of resources you will use to get help, such as books and websites, and choose the ones you think are appropriate for your subject.

3. Come up with an outline                                 

The outline will show how your paper will be organized into separate paragraphs with two or more sentences. 

Examine your notes and other sources used in writing your outline. It must include the most important facts and details related to the topic. You can write new details or modify parts of the outline. The outcome should be a complete, organized list of everything you want to cover in your essay.

4. Review material and start writing

You should now put all your notes into writing. The essay must be written in a way that captures the attention of your readers and helps them understand what you’re trying to say. 

Review the material, checking for errors and ensuring your writing flows smoothly from one topic to another. You can also discuss your essay with others outside your class to ensure it has no problems.

Using proper grammar, spelling, and vocabulary for each of the sentences in your paper is an important part of writing an expository essay.

5. Make use of transitional and linking words

Transitions help your readers understand that one idea or fact is related to another. Connecting ideas to each other will determine if your essay is coherent and useful.

You can choose from several words or phrases when coming up with transitions. Some examples include, however, therefore, and as a result. Additionally, you should use synonyms for the same word, like subsequently or additionally.

A linking word can be a word such as “also” or “next,” which will bring both ideas together and explain why the topic is important and what the current topic is about. 

6. Revise Your Essay

Proofreading is the last step for you to do. You should check for your essays’ spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Making sure your writing is free from errors will make reading your essay more interesting. Make use of a summarizer tool and a paraphrasing tool to accurately edit your paper.

Remember that informative essays are one of the students’ most common assignments in school. It’s important to know how you can write an effective expository essay that answers all relevant questions about your topic and provides relevant suggestions for future use.

Now that you know how to write an explanatory essay, you can start planning the structure of your paper. As you are writing, keep track of the main ideas in your notes or outline so that you can use them when writing your conclusion paragraphs and thesis statement.

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