How to Write an Expository Essay

What is an Expository Essay

An expository essay enables a writer to describe or explain something. It offers a valid and clear explanation of a certain topic or set of ideas and provides a balanced view of the subject matter. Understanding what is expected in a good expository essay is a skill that forms the basis for expository writing, which is important for various professions.

What are the Types of Expository Essays?

The various types of expository essays are:

Compare and contrast essay: When writing a comparison expository essay, the writer examines the differences and similarities of concepts or themes.

Cause and effect essay: This type of expository essay requires a writer to discuss the occurrence of something and provide reasons why it occurred.

Process essay: The expository essay outlines the major steps required to do something.

Problem and solution essay: The expository essay requires a writer to explore a certain issue and discuss efficient solutions that can help address the issue.

Descriptive essay: A writer must describe or explain a topic, which can be an experience, person, place, or event. The writer is required to be more creative.

When are Expository Essays Written?

Students in high school, college, and university can be required by their instructors to write expository essays as assignments, exam questions, or classwork exercises. Sometimes, the instructor will not state that students should write expository essays. However, specific keywords indicate that a student should write an expository essay. For instance, prompts with the word “explain” demonstrates that students should explain the prompt. Other keywords that illustrate that the student should write an expository essay include “explore” and “discuss.” In this case, the instructor requires students to explore or discuss ideas related topic of the prompt.

Pre-writing the Outline of the Essay

Writing an organized expository essay will require the writer to identify relevant learning resources and conduct research on the expository essay topic. The writer should take time to brainstorm and formulate a reliable outline that elaborates on the type of information to be included in each paragraph. The writer needs to write in the third person, so they do not state their opinions.

Writing the Introduction of the Essay

When writing the first paragraph of the essay, the writer should ensure that the introduction paragraph has a topic sentence that states the thesis or the most significant point of the essay. The thesis should be simpler to enable a writer to support it with the body paragraphs.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs enable writers to provide a comprehensive description of their topics. A minimum of three paragraphs are required to write an excellent expository essay. Writers present the details of the topic, concept, or process they are explaining. Importantly, writers should ensure that they introduce each paragraph with a topic sentence. Also, writers should provide a clear transition between the sections.

Writing the Conclusion of the Expository Essay

The conclusion is a summarization of the essay’s topic. It is important to note that the conclusion should not present any new evidence or information but should reinforce the concept that has been made.