An expository essay is one of the most iconic types of essays as one has to know how to successfully write such a composition to understand techniques required for more complicated written works, such as research papers. In principle, an expository essay is usually referred to as a particular accomplishment of a simple goal of establishing an idea in a coherent piece of writing. Moreover, a unique development of a thinking process and creation of referral links to specific arguments, connecting them to evidence, is what is usually expected from students who have academic assignments. As such, the three main points of an expository essay are a clear thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a concise conclusion that reinforces a central claim and corresponding ideas. In turn, learning how to successfully complete such a task is important to advance academically as well as evolve as a writer.
General Aspects
An expository essay is mostly assigned in an academic setting and is different from other types of essays. Students are required to consider an idea, examine it, expound on it, and make a conclusive judgment. However, a particular decision made should be concise and clear. In this case, authors must employ the following aspects to have a clear and concise view: definition, example, and a study of a cause and effect principle. As a fact, this genre of essay structure is a life skill because most careers use it. Moreover, expository papers are usually made up of five paragraphs. Hence, like other genres, an introductory section must contain a thesis statement. Nevertheless, other parts offer details that support a central thesis. In turn, students must r
What Is an Expository Essay and Its Purpose
According to its definition, an expository essay is a type and form of academic writing assignment that aims to explain, clarify, or define a specific subject in a clear and straightforward way. Such a composition is characterized by a clear, concise, and logical structure, aiming to present information in an unbiased manner (Curl, 2021). As such, the main purpose of writing an expository essay is to inform and educate any reader by presenting well-organized and logically structured information. To achieve this objective, authors use evidence, examples, and factual data and allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of a particular subject. Moreover, expository essays often follow a standard format that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion (Hampton, 2021). By focusing on clarity and factual accuracy, these papers help readers to understand complex ideas, processes, or concepts, making them a valuable tool in educational settings and informative writing. In terms of pages and words, the length of an expository essay depends on academic levels, topic selections, and assignment requirements, while general writing guidelines are:
High School
- Length: 2-3 pages
- Word Count: 500-750 words
College (Undergraduate)
- Length: 3-5 pages
- Word Count: 750-1,250 words
University (Advanced Undergraduate)
- Length: 5-7 pages
- Word Count: 1,250-1,750 words
Master’s
- Length: 10-16 pages
- Word Count: 2,500-4000 words
Ph.D.
- Length: 16-20+ pages
- Word Count: 4000-5,000+ words
Types
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Descriptive | To provide a detailed description of a person, place, thing, or event, using sensory details. |
| Process | To explain some steps or process involved in doing something, often in a chronological order. |
| Comparison and Contrast | To analyze defined similarities and differences between two or more subjects. |
| Cause and Effect | To examine unique causes of a particular event or situation and its effects or consequences. |
| Problem and Solution | To identify a specific problem and propose one or more solutions, discussing potential outcomes. |
| Definition | To explain an actual meaning of a term or concept, providing detailed information and examples. |
| Classification | To break down a broad topic into categories or groups and explain each one. |
Planning
Planning papers is a crucial part of writing an expository piece. Firstly, students must define a specific purpose of writing. An example of an expository essay can be a paper explaining potential causes and effects of climate change, detailing scientific evidence, and illustrating its impact on global ecosystems (Curl, 2021). In this case, individuals have an apparent reason for writing their compositions and what to do with them once completed. Secondly, in case it is an assignment, writers carefully read provided guidelines and consider a target audience. For example, if an academic paper is a class assignment, students observe instructor’s expectations for an expository composition (Hampton, 2021). In turn, individuals should take into consideration basic expectations and needs of readers before writing. Finally, generating ideas is a positive method for developing papers. To sufficiently achieve this, scholars write down all the thoughts, free write, try clustering, and end up with questioning (Collins et al., 2021). As a result, the five main parts of an expository essay are an introduction paragraph, a thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs, evidence and examples, and a conclusion paragraph.
Assignment Examples
- Exploring the Impact of Global Warming on Polar Wildlife
- How Social Media Has Transformed Modern Communication?
- Exploring the Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change
- Financial Literacy’s Importance for Young Adults
- Health Benefits of Adopting a Plant-Based Diet
- Classical Music’s Influence on Cognitive Development
- Urbanization Processes and Their Effects on Local Ecosystems
- Ensuring Digital Privacy in the Information Age
- Contributions of Women Scientists to Technological Progress
- Psychological Impacts of Prolonged Isolation on Mental Health
Format
Note: Some sections of an expository essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and it depends on what an author wants to write about. As stated before, the different types of expository essays include descriptive, process, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution, definition, and classification papers. Basically, the main idea in expository writing is a central point or argument that a writer intends to explain and support throughout an entire paper (Curl, 2021). In this case, a standard format of an expository essay includes an introduction with a well-formulated thesis statement, several body paragraphs, where each one focuses on a single point and is supported by evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes main points and restates a central claim. Moreover, the most important part of an expository essay structure is a thesis statement, as it clearly defines a main idea and sets a specific direction for an entire paper. In turn, the principal difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay is that the former aims to explain or inform with balanced, factual information, while the latter aims to persuade a reader of a specific viewpoint using evidence and reasoning (Hackett, 2021). Finally, to start an expository essay, people begin with a compelling hook that captures a reader’s attention, followed by some background information and a clear thesis statement.
Steps on How to Write an Expository Essay
To write an expository essay, people clearly state their thesis statements, organize their points logically, support each point with evidence and examples, use transitions for coherence, and conclude by summarizing paper’s main points and reinforcing a central claim.
- Choose a Topic: Select a specific, manageable subject that you can explain in detail.
- Conduct Research: Find important information and use reliable sources to support your expository essay.
- Create a Thesis Statement: Formulate a clear and concise main idea or argument.
- Outline Your Essay: Organize your main points and supporting details in a structured expository format.
- Write an Introduction: Begin with a hook, provide background information, and state your thesis.
- Develop Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should cover a single point, supported by evidence and examples.
- Use Transition Words: Ensure smooth flow between paragraphs with appropriate transitions.
- Write a Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate a central thesis in a new way, and provide a final thought.
- Edit and Revise: Review your expository essay for clarity, coherence, and correctness.
- Proofread: Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors before final submission.
Writing Process
Before putting everything on academic papers and turning it in, one should consider writing a draft. Basically, writing first thoughts is crucial when it comes to a particular establishment of a coherent piece of writing (Hackett, 2021). In the majority of cases, each paper requires various revisions before one can call it a “final draft.” H
- In today’s world, understanding a unique impact of [topic] on human daily lives and future developments is crucial for making informed decisions.
- Throughout history, [topic] has played a significant role in shaping societies, influencing everything from cultural practices to economic policies.
- Many people are unaware of typical complexities involved in [topic], which encompasses many factors and implications that deserve a closer examination.
- As technology advances each day, a particular relevance of [topic] continues to grow, affecting various aspects of modern life in ways people are only beginning to understand.
- Exploring complex intricacies of [topic] reveals a deeper understanding of [related concept], highlighting a real importance of this subject in a contemporary world.
- A particular concept of [topic] has sparked a considerable debate among many experts, with differing perspectives shedding light on a complex nature of this issue.
- Understanding [topic] requires a thorough examination of its key components, historical context, and potential future implications for both individuals and society as a whole.
- An actual importance of [topic] cannot be overstated in a particular context of [relevant field or situation], as it plays an essential role in shaping positive outcomes and driving an overall progress.
- In recent years, [topic] has emerged as a critical issue in [specific context], prompting extensive research and discussion among many scholars and practitioners.
- A comprehensive analysis of [topic] reveals its impact on [related area or group], offering valuable insights into observed challenges and opportunities associated with this subject.
Free Writing
Students must list all the ideas that individuals have thought of and go through them. For example, authors group ideas that are similar together, and, then, they must start free writing (Hampton, 2021). Firstly, students cover anything that comes to mind without editing, for a minimum of ten minutes. Secondly, once through, they review their papers and highlight what is most useful for writing. Apparently, authors may repeat this activity by using highlighted passages as a starting point. In essence, this exercise can be repeated several times to continue developing and refining ideas (Hilvert et al., 2019). Additionally, people may employ clustering techniques for an expository essay. In this case, they write a short explanation about an assigned topic on a paper and circle it. Moreover, students draw lines extending from a defined circle. As such, people should think about a related idea toward an end of each line and develop this cluster until they have satisfactory ideas.
Questioning
Another alternative is to use questioning. On papers, scholars should write out questions, such as What? Who? Why? When? Where? and How? (Curl, 2021). For each question, students must provide as many details as possible. Then, they try to outline what they are willing to write with credible sources. Basically, evaluating sources for credibility purposes before using them is crucial. In this case, people must identify specific authors and their qualifications. Besides, they should confirm if there are citations to ensure authors have well-researched an assigned topic.
Bias
Students should check if there is any bias to establish whether or not authors of sources have given an objective and a well-reasoned account of a subject matter. For example, they must create a tentative thesis in an expository essay (Hampton, 2021). As a fact, effectual thesis statements show a particular focus of a paper and indicate an arguable claim that should be one sentence, and students should ensure it is concise, clear, and well-defined. Moreover, since such a sentence is an author’s main point, people carefully narrow it to explain where a paper heads.
Structure
Introduction
An important aspect of writing an expository essay is how to organize its introduction. To write a good introduction in an expository essay, people begin with an engaging hook, provide some background information on a chosen topic, and end with a clear thesis statement that outlines a paper’s main idea (Curl, 2021). In this case, people start papers with an excellent opening statement, which is direct to a chosen topic. As such, an excellent introduction will easily capture a reader’s attention, identifying critical ideas of papers and acting as a preview. Moreover, students present context to guide readers through their compositions. For instance, they think about what they will need to know to comprehend papers (Hackett, 2021). However, in a book scenario, scholars must provide names of authors, works, and a synopsis. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a particular context needs to lead to a thesis statement.
Main Body
After writing an introduction of an expository essay, scholars express main points in corresponding paragraphs. To achieve this goal, they make body paragraphs in their papers. For example, to write a paragraph in an expository essay, people start with a clear topic sentence that introduces a main idea, provide supporting details and evidence to elaborate on a chosen topic, use examples or explanations for clarity, and conclude with a sentence that reinforces a central point and transitions to a next section (Hampton, 2021). In most cases, a particular number of sections is five, which refers to three body paragraphs. Moreover, evidence in all three paragraphs should support a central thesis. Further on, each body paragraph should have new supporting evidence. For instance, the facts obtained from reliable sources should be in a form of summaries, cited quotes, or paraphrased ideas (Hackett, 2021). Basically, writers must analyze supporting evidence after elaboration. In principle, a main goal is to explain to readers an actual importance of facts and how they relate to a main thesis and transition to a next paragraph. As such, body sections should be connected, and authors must use transition words for this purpose. Finally, some creativity is allowed in this genre of expository writing.
Conclusion
Concluding a whole paper is a last step of expository essay writing. For example, scholars rephrase and restate a thesis statement in a first paragraph of a conclusion (Curl, 2021). However, students should avoid introducing new information. This closing paragraph is a final chance to offer a lasting impression on readers. Furthermore, the next thing to do is to review and summarize main ideas. Basically, authors must revisit the most compelling facts and elaborate on how they support central points (Hackett, 2021). In turn, they need to present a final thought or call to action and make a definitive statement about a discussed topic in a concluding sentence. People can ask a new question or offer a solution to a chosen issue (Roehling et al., 2017). Finally, authors must show how a particular subject influences readers, indicate how it applies to a broader observation or theme, call a target audience to more exploration on a discussed topic, or call to action.
What to Include
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Numerical data that provides factual support and quantifies aspects of a chosen topic. |
| Examples | Specific instances that illustrate and clarify main points being discussed. |
| Definitions | Clear explanations of key terms and concepts relevant to a given topic. |
| Comparisons | Analysis that highlights similarities between different ideas, concepts, or phenomena. |
| Contrasts | Analysis that highlights differences between different ideas, concepts, or phenomena. |
| Historical Context | Background information that places a particular topic within a broader historical framework. |
| Case Studies | In-depth examination of specific instances or scenarios that shed light on a discussed topic. |
| Quotations | Direct quotes from experts, authorities, or primary sources that add credibility and depth. |
| Anecdotes | Short, relevant stories or personal experiences that illustrate a point. |
| Graphs and Charts | Visual representations of data that help to clarify and support the information presented. |
| Descriptions | Detailed observations that help readers to visualize and understand a specific subject. |
| Cause and Effect | Analysis that explains possible reasons something happens and suggested consequences of it. |
| Processes | Step-by-step explanations of how something works or how to do something. |
| Problems and Solutions | Discussion of specific issues related to a particular topic and possible ways to address them. |
| Comparative Analysis | Detailed comparison of different aspects or features of a topic. |
| Analogies | Comparisons that show similarities between two different things to help to explain a concept. |
| Expert Opinions | Insights and interpretations from people with specialized knowledge on a chosen topic. |
| Research Findings | Results from studies or experiments that provide evidence for essay’s points. |
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Thesis Statement: Failing to provide a concise main idea can confuse a reader about an essay’s purpose.
- Insufficient Research: Not gathering enough evidence weakens an overall credibility and depth of an expository paper.
- Poor Organization: Disorganized structure makes it difficult for readers to follow a main argument or explanation.
- Overuse of Personal Opinions: Including too many personal views can undermine an objective nature of an expository essay.
- Vague or Broad Topic: Choosing a topic that is too general can lead to overgeneralization rather than in-depth analysis.
- Weak Transitions: Lack of smooth transitions between paragraphs can disrupt an overall flow and coherence of an essay.
- Ignoring an Audience: Failing to consider a target audience’s knowledge level can result in either over-explaining or under-explaining a chosen topic.
- Lack of Supporting Evidence: Making claims without adequate evidence or examples weakens a central argument.
- Grammar and Spelling Errors: Frequent grammatical and spelling mistakes can distract readers and undermine an expository essay’s professionalism.
- Weak Conclusion: A weak or missing conclusion fails to effectively summarize main points and reinforce a main thesis.
Summing Up
While writing an expository essay, students are required to consider an idea, examine it, expound on it, and make a conclusive judgment. Basically, a particular decision made should be concise and clear. According to its writing format, expository essays usually include five paragraphs. Then, an introductory section must contain a thesis statement, while other parts offer details that support a central claim due to essay structure standards. To have a compelling expository paper, one should plan a specific theme, introduce a chosen topic, express main points in detail, and finally conclude a paper in a manner that leaves a reader with an excellent impression.
References
Collins, A. A., Ciullo, S., Graham, S., Sigafoos, L. L., Guerra, S., David, M., & Judd, L. (2021). Writing expository essays from social studies texts: A self-regulated strategy development study. Reading and Writing, 34(7), 1623–1651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-021-10157-2
Curl, M. J. (2021). Expository writing. Alpha Editions.
Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays. Red Globe Press.
Hampton, A. R. (2021). Student success essay writing skills: 9 expository essay rhetorical modes. Lulu.
Hilvert, E., Davidson, D., & Scott, C. M. (2019). An in-depth analysis of expository writing in children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(8), 3412–3425. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04057-2
Roehling, J. V., Hebert, M., Nelson, J. R., & Bohaty, J. J. (2017). Text structure strategies for improving expository reading comprehension. The Reading Teacher, 71(1), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1590