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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

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.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

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.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Expository Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them.

What is an expository essay?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

Please note : This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.

• A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:

• an introductory paragraph
• three evidentiary body paragraphs
• a conclusion

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How to Write an Expository Essay

Last Updated: December 13, 2022 References Approved

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 80% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 559,978 times.

Expository essays are often assigned in academic settings. In an expository essay, you need to consider an idea, investigate the idea, then explain the idea. Some expository essays may include an argument, while others are purely informative. [1] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source While it may seem overwhelming, writing an expository essay is easy if you take it one step at a time.

Sample Essay Conclusion

Planning Your Essay

• If you are writing an expository essay for an assignment, read the assignment guidelines. Ask your instructor if anything seems unclear.

• If you are writing your essay for a class assignment, consider what your instructor will expect you to include in your essay.

• Try listing. List all your ideas for your expository essay. Then look over the list you have made and group similar ideas together. Expand those lists by adding more ideas or by using another prewriting activity. [6] X Research source
• Try freewriting. Write nonstop for about 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind and don’t edit yourself. After you finish writing, review what you have written. Highlight or underline the most useful information for your expository essay. Repeat the freewriting exercise using the passages you underlined as a starting point. You can repeat this exercise many times to continue to refine and develop your ideas. [7] X Research source
• Try clustering. Write a brief explanation of the subject of your expository essay on the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then draw three or more lines extending from the circle. Write a corresponding idea at the end of each of these lines. Continue developing your cluster until you have explored as many connections as you can. [8] X Research source
• Try questioning. On a piece of paper, write out “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” Space the questions about two or three lines apart on the paper so that you can write your answers on these lines. Respond to each question in as much detail as you can. [9] X Research source

• Trustworthy internet sources usually include academic institutions like universities or research labs, government websites, and non-profit organizations.

• Identify the author and his or her credentials. Think about what qualifies this person to write about their subject. If the source has no author or the author does not have adequate credentials, then this source may not be trustworthy.
• Check for citations to see if this author has researched the topic well enough. If the author has provided few or no sources, then this source may not be trustworthy.
• Look for bias. Think about whether or not this author has presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic. If the author seems to value a particular argument or slant that is not supported or only thinly supported by fact, then this source may not be trustworthy.
• Consider the publication date to see if this source presents the most up to date information on the subject.
• Cross-check some of the information in the source. If you are still concerned about a source, cross-check some of its information against a trustworthy source.

• Show when you have quoted a source word for word by putting it into quotation marks. Include information about the source such as the author’s name, article title or book title, and page number.
• Write down the publishing information of each source. You will need this information for your "References," "Bibliography," or "Works Cited" pages. Format this page according to your instructor's guidelines.

• Make sure your thesis is arguable. Do not state facts or matters of taste. For example, "George Washington was the first president of the United States," is not a good thesis because it states a fact. Likewise, "Die Hard is a great movie," is not a good thesis because it expresses a matter of taste. [16] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• Make sure your thesis provides enough detail. In other words, avoid just saying that something is "good" or "effective." Instead, say what makes something "good" or "effective. [17] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Introducing Your Essay

• An engaging hook can take many forms. You could start with an anecdote, an informative and attention-grabbing quote, a bold opinion statement, or anything that will make your readers want to continue with your essay.

• If you are writing about a book, provide the name of the work, the author, and a brief summary of the plot.
• If you are writing about a specific day in history, summarize the day's events. Then, explain how it fits into a broader historical scope.
• If you are writing about a person, name the person and provide a brief biography.
• Keep in mind that your context should lead up to your thesis statement. Explain everything your reader needs to know to understand what your topic is about. Then narrow it down until you reach the topic itself.

Expressing Your Main Points

• A five-paragraph essay should include three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should discuss a piece of supporting evidence that supports your thesis.
• Even if your essay is longer than five paragraphs, the same principles still apply. Each paragraph should discuss a piece of supporting evidence.

• "Dogs played an active role in Marine Corps missions in the Pacific."
• "The Doberman Pinscher was the official dog of the US Marine Corps during WWII, but all breeds were eligible to train as war dogs."
• "War dogs were even eligible to receive military awards for their service."

• Most of your evidence should be in the form of cited quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from your research.
• Your evidence could also come from interviews, anecdotes, or personal experience.
• Try to provide at least two to three pieces of evidence to support each of your claims.
• For example, if a paragraph starts with, "War dogs were even eligible to receive military awards for their service," the supporting evidence might be a list of dogs who got awards and the awards they were given.

• You could write, "Even though Dobermans were the most common breed used in WWII, they were not the only breed, and were not the only dogs recognized for their help."

Concluding Your Essay

• Note that the second sentence repeats the information provided in your original thesis. It just says it in a new way while also hinting at the information you included in the body of the essay.

• Explain how the topic affects the reader
• Explain how your narrow topic applies to a broader theme or observation
• Call the reader to action or further exploration on the topic
• Present new questions that your essay introduced

Expert Q&A

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

• If you are unsure about anything as you work on your essay, talk to your instructor or meet with a writing tutor for help. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/expository_essays.html
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/expository-essay/
• ↑ Tristen Bonacci. Licensed English Teacher. Expert Interview. 21 December 2021.
• ↑ http://writing.ku.edu/prewriting-strategies
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-an-excellent-expository-essay.html
• ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summarizing/index.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html

About This Article

Before you write an expository essay, take some time to jot down ideas for your essay. Try the clustering method by writing a brief explanation of your subject in a bubble in the center of your page. Then, draw 3 or more lines extending from the circle and jot down idea bubbles that connect to your main theme. Once you have a plan for your expository essay, write out an outline to organize what you’re going to say. Make sure to begin your outline with an engaging introduction sentence. After the introduction sentence, provide some background information and include your thesis statement, which is your main argument. If you’re writing a 5 paragraph essay, you should include 3 body paragraphs after your introduction then a conclusion paragraph that summarizes your main points. However you organize your essay, make sure to include credible sources for important information, like statistics, so your teacher knows that it’s accurate. To learn how to use transitions in your essay, read more from our Writing co-author. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Quick and Easy Guide on How to Write an Expository Essay

Understanding What Is an Expository Essay

If you clicked on this article, then you must have recently been assigned an expository essay homework. There is also a possibility that you are here because you enjoy exploring different ideas and concepts rather than solely scratching the surface. Well, that explains why you decided to research more about expository essay writing. We won't leave you hanging, so let's delve right into the expository essay definition.

It's only reasonable to first give you a clear explanation of what is an expository essay and what this kind of paper tries to accomplish. Simply put, an expository essay presents information on a topic. It explains something about a situation, person, idea, or occurrence and communicates knowledge about it to the reader. It does not attempt to persuade the reader of a certain point of view or present a convincing case. An expository essay depends on facts rather than personal opinion since it aims to inform the reader about a subject.

Expository writing involves anything from sharing your day to outlining a job assignment. Therefore it wouldn't be unfair to say that it is the most popular type of writing in the world.

Expository Essay Topics

Speaking of the above, there must be plenty of options to write your expository paper on, right? You're correct! But one needs a properly worded title that would make great expository essay topics. That's why our research paper service covered some interesting areas below. You can browse myriads of choices and find one that is just right for your endeavor!

Expository Essay Topics About Education

• School Dress Codes: A Physical And Mental Stress
• The Idea Of Free Higher Education
• The Issue With High School Massacres
• The Importance of College Success
• STEM versus STEAM educational approaches
• How literate people differ from uneducated ones
• The advantages of studying foreign languages.
• What changes should be made to the educational system in your nation?
• Does 'educated' have the same connotation as 'smart'?
• Can someone receive a top-notch education at home?

Expository Essay Topics About Mental Health

• Is it true that music impacts our mental and physical health?
• Are acts of heroism and patriotic acts typical in terms of mental health?
• Is there a need to increase mental health benefits under health insurance?
• Comparatively speaking, does the American mental health system lag behind other nations?
• Effects of mental health law
• The connection between antisocial personality disorder and parenting methods
• Learning-disabled kids can benefit greatly from school programs.
• How social anxiety is influenced by digital communication
• Patients with mental illness receiving physical care
• Issues with mental health and grief therapy

Expository Essay Topics About Society

• Advertisements seen via the lens of social science.
• Prejudices towards African Americans.
• The social implications of feminism.
• Global refugee crisis.
• Constructing a wall to separate Mexico and the US.
• The psychology of implicit racial prejudice and discrimination
• The effects of racism at work on the economy and mind.
• Gender roles in society: shifting perspectives and effects on families.
• Who was responsible for the cost of the War on Terror?
• Is peace education receiving enough attention from society?

Expository Essay Topics About Politics

• The connection between politics and religion
• What are the pros and drawbacks of democracy?
• How powerful are NGOs?
• What are the UN's primary responsibilities?
• What are the disadvantages of not having a state?
• Has the US soured relations with its European allies?
• What does the Human Development Index mean?
• Celebrity Influence in political campaigning
• What objectives does the anti-globalization movement seek to achieve?

How to Write an Expository Essay with an Expository Essay Outline

Outlining is one of the most vital steps for knowing how to write an expository essay. Many believe that creating an outline is a waste of time, but in reality, the more complete your expository essay plan is, the fewer hours you will have to devote to research and writing. An expository essay outline divides each paragraph of the essay into various components. By doing so, you may divide a more complex activity into more manageable components and better understand how various pieces of information will work together. Let's go through each section of the expository essay format prepared by our college admission essay writer .

I. Introduction

So, how to start expository essay on a strong note? Consider opening with a bold claim that is related to your topic. After that, go on to briefly describe your subject's significance. Finally, make a statement about your essay's core thesis or objective.

• Background information
• Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

In your first body paragraph. introduce the first major point that backs up your primary statement. Then, support your claim with instances or facts, and then explain how these examples or evidence link to your thesis and support your core notion. Remember to include a transitional sentence that relates to the following paragraph.

If you follow a five paragraph essay format, then feel free to develop three body paragraphs with the similar order.

• Topic sentence

III. Conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, try restating your thesis statement in a different way to successfully conclude your work. Then put your essay's essential ideas in a brief summary before concluding with a powerful remark that will stay with your readers.

• Restate thesis
• Closing sentence

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How to Write an Expository Essay

Even though you now know a lot about the expository essay format, there are other things to keep in mind as well. In this section, we'll go over the specific steps you should take when figuring out how to write an expository essay.

Brainstorming Ideas

The absolute first thing you should do when given an expository essay assignment is to carefully go over the guidelines. Make sure you completely understand what is required of you. If it is for class, you may be limited to certain topics and word counts, there may be restrictions on the quality of sources you can use, etc. You might write an incredible essay but get a low grade because you missed out on some small restriction or guideline.

Once you know exactly what you are supposed to do, it's time to think about different concepts you would like to explain. Make sure you are aware of the different types of expository essays so that when you brainstorm topics you have a tentative idea of what type of expository essay would be best suited for that topic.

Think about what has been covered in class, what the teacher might expect, and what you find interesting to try and come up with a list of topics. Do a little bit of research on each topic to figure out whether you can easily find reputable sources and to gain a further understanding of the topic. After keeping all these things in mind, you should end up with an expository essay topic that is appropriate, engaging, and high-scoring.

Fill Up an Outline

Once you have zeroed in on a topic it's time to do research. One of the best ways to plan your writing is to use an expository essay outline to organize interesting information. While conducting research focus on the body paragraphs rather than on the introduction or conclusion. Think about three main ways you can explain the topic and put information that fits into those subtopics under the appropriate body paragraphs.

While conducting research and filling out an outline, think about potential thesis statements. Coming up with a thesis statement too early will restrict your research, so it is better to develop a thesis statement as you find out more and more information. That being said, by the end of the planning stage you should have a finalized thesis statement

Planning out your essay beforehand will give direction to your research, cut down on the amount of time you spend on the assignment, improve the overall flow of the final essay, and make the actual writing process much easier.

Write the First Draft

Now is the time to translate your outline into full sentences. It is often useful to leave the writing of the introduction till the end because after writing the body paragraphs you will have a better idea of what to say in an introduction, but make sure that you write down your thesis statement.

Use the information you have found to create a cohesive analysis of the topic in each body paragraph. Make sure that the information you present is on topic and connects to the other facts around it. Think about what the purpose of each body paragraph is and question whether the information you are presenting fits that purpose or not. Make sure to use transition words within the paragraph and use transition sentences between paragraphs to improve overall comprehensibility and flow.

Finalize Your Draft

Go over the first draft of the essay and focus on whether the different paragraphs make sense or not. Don't be afraid to reorganize sections or completely get rid of some pieces of information. As you write your draft, new ways of expressing the information can come to mind that will make the overall essay more powerful.

Make sure that you are not trying to make a persuasive argument and that you are using facts rather than opinions as evidence.

Go over each sentence to make sure that it is clear and that it fits the purpose of the paragraph it is in. Look at the information you have included and make sure that it is useful and enhances understanding of the topic. It is better to have less information than more if the information is distracting or does not add anything to the essay.

Try and read the paper as if it is the first time you are coming across the topic to see if it makes sense or not. Congratulations, you are just one step away from being able to submit an expository essay!

Editing and Proofreading

Go over the final draft of your essay and check for formatting errors, grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, etc and make sure that it complies with all the guidelines of the assignment. Finally, ask a friend or relative to go over the paper to do the last check. If you feel like you still need to make a lot of changes, don't be disheartened, spend the extra time to make the changes or reach out to expository essay writing service .

Expository Essay Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write an expository essay is to look at an expository essay example. Looking at expository essay examples can give you a deeper understanding of what is expected as well as how to write an essay that flows well. Make sure that you use any examples you find as inspiration rather than a place to directly source information or text!

Expository Essay Example

The shift from traditional to current methods in treating diseases has improved the quality of many services, products, and processes. However, many regions worldwide are still applying traditional medicines (Stefanov et al., 2020). Therefore, conventional western medicine and alternative Eastern medicine are two recognized approaches to treating multiple diseases. Researchers have developed the foundational differences between these two approaches that have helped establish the pros and cons of each. Each approach has advantages and drawbacks. There have been debates on which approach is cheaper in terms of time and cost of treatment. Also, there is ongoing concern on which approach is safer than the other.

As of 2019, there were over 3.5 billion social media users globally, and this figure still increases by 9% each year. It is impossible to deny that social media has become an important part of many people’s lives. There are various positive effects linked with the platforms, including better connectivity. However, addiction to social media platforms, the increased comparisons between individuals, and the fear of missing out have increased depression and sadness. Social media addiction has become rampant, which has negatively influenced the lives of many individuals in society. Checking and scrolling through the different social media platforms has become increasingly popular over time, leading to excessive and compulsive use.

FAQs on Expository Essay Writing

If the information was not quite enough for you to create an outstanding paper, our college essay writer has yet to supply you with further details about expository essays. Below you'll find the most frequently asked questions on this matter, so you won't have to spend extra time and effort researching any unanswered questions.

What are the Different Types of Expository Essays?

Since expository writing may take various forms, understanding the different sorts of essays will help you pick a topic and organize the essay's general trajectory and framework.

• Process Essays - In a typical process essay, the introduction presents what you will learn, the body paragraphs offer step-by-step instructions, and the conclusion discusses the significance of what you have taken away.
• Compare and Contrast Essays - The purpose of comparing and contrasting is to present facts and allow readers to reach their own conclusions. This is still an expository essay and not an evaluation of one over the other. A contrast essay may highlight differences, similarities, or both.
• Cause and Effect Essays - Cause and effect essays examine the reasons behind events or speculate on possible effects. They can also draw attention to relevant connections or provide details about a cause or consequence.
• Classification Essays - In classification essays, distinct items in the same category are compared, stressing their differences while pointing up the similarities that place them in the same category. Classification essays may be quite intriguing when attempting to classify something into a category it often does not belong to.
• Definition Essays - Apart from an argumentative essay format , the basic objective is to define a topic by providing information. In contrast to just providing the word's dictionary definition, a definition essay also builds on the term's general notion while thoroughly defining it.

What is the Most Important Part of the Expository Essay Structure?

The core of the outline for expository essay is your thesis. It's what your essay's audience will remember. It is critical to select a thesis statement that is both intriguing and provocative yet accurate and true. It is what makes the structure of expository essay powerful and constructive.

What is the Main Idea in Expository Writing?

Identifying the core concept, or the most crucial message the author wishes to convey, is the fundamental objective for all expository papers. The text's main concepts are frequently introduced early, generally in the introductory paragraph.

Using headings, subheadings, and other emphasis techniques, you may further emphasize key ideas. Main concepts, meanwhile, can also be inferred from the text and not explicitly expressed. Occasionally, you must draw the major concept from the text's specifics, assertions, and justifications.

Now that you know whats an expository essay, you must agree that writing an expository essay is a great method to learn how to effectively communicate information while also pursuing an interest of yours. Therefore, there are many ways in which knowing how to convey ideas and explain things will help you both professionally and individually.

And if you ever feel like you need an extra push towards pursuing your dream academic life, consider us your go-to college life partner. We won't criticize you no matter how many times you need essay writing help . The EssayPro team is loyal, always reliable, and never judgmental! 

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How to Write an Expository Essay: 6 Basic Steps

Essays are a principal component of academic writing. Scholars and students need to write a plethora of essays on a recurring basis as a core requirement of their research or curricula. Depending on the writing purpose, these essays can be persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository. This article expounds on expository essays and suggests some helpful steps to write an expository essay.

Essays are a principal component of academic writing . Scholars and students need to write a plethora of essays on a recurring basis as a core requirement of their research or curricula. Depending on the writing purpose, these essays can be persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository. This article expounds on expository essays and suggests some helpful steps to write an expository essay.

What are expository essays?

Expository essays aim to peruse a subject matter, assess the available factual information regarding that subject matter, and educate the readers on it. As opposed to persuasive/argumentative essays that try to convince the readers of the credibility of the author’s arguments, expository writing is formal and objective with the purpose of presenting information to the readers in a cogitable manner without taking sides.

Let us consider, for example, an essay on the detrimental effects of the Great Depression on the psyche of middle-class Americans. This essay will briefly mention what brought about the Great Depression and explain how the deteriorating economy negatively affected the mental health of the less financially well-off citizens. It will not include the author's opinions on corruption, malpractices, human rights issues, etc., and how the government could have mitigated them in those times. Also, since expository writing is straightforward, writers should avoid using tricky language, allusions, slang, and ilk.

Steps to writing expository essays

Expository essays are some of the most systematic and well-structured essays in academic writing. Hence, one needs to follow all the structural and writing guidelines of expository writing.

1. Conduct extensive research on the topic at hand

The first step to writing an essay is to have sound knowledge of the subject matter. This implies locating trustworthy sources, referring to them constantly, and writing plenty of notes.

Once sufficient information is collected, writers should then move on to creating a rough outline of the essay. Having an essay outline enables one to arrange the available information in a comprehensible manner. However, one should not strive to draft the perfect outline at the outset.

Also, one should not do the writing and research parallelly, as doing so will deteriorate the quality of their essays.

2. Pick a structure for the essay

Essays typically comprise five paragraphs:

Introduction

1st body paragraph

2nd body paragraph

3rd body paragraph

But one does not have to necessarily abide by this essay structure and can consult the teachers or supervisors for the word count and the number of paragraphs.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

A thesis statement is fundamental to any essay as it accentuates the crux of the essay. It is generally subsequent to the introductory paragraph and is one or two sentences long. The ideal way to write a thesis statement is to create a rough draft and revise it as the writing process progresses toward completion. Doing so ensures that the thesis statement is in line with the contents of the essay.

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4. Write an introductory paragraph with a hook

The introductory paragraph carries the onus of ensuring whether the readers will read the whole essay or leave midway. Thus, it is imperative for writers to write a compelling introductory paragraph , complete with a hook statement, that will pique the interest of the readers and tell them that the essay is worth their time.

5. Write the body paragraphs

The body paragraphs are equally important as the introductory as they carry the entire weight of the essay. Therefore, writers should make sure to include only incontestable and properly cited information. Also, since an essay is composed of several paragraphs, one should ensure that the transition from one paragraph to the other is seamless and there are minimal instances of incoherence.

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6. Summarize the expository essays

The final paragraph, i.e., the conclusion or summary, consists of reinstating the thesis statements with some input from the other paragraphs. A good conclusion effectively brings together the essay, ties all loose ends, and does not divulge any new information. As such, writers should not treat it as a mere obligation.

Expository essays are analytical, evidential, formal in tone, and educational. This makes it essential to have strong language skills and a knack for explaining complex concepts with ease. Hence, students and scholars should actively practice their writing skills and follow this guide to master expository writing.

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This article expounds on expository essays and suggests steps to write an effective one. To give you an opportunity to practice proofreading, we have left a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors in the text. See if you can spot them! If you spot the errors correctly, you will be entitled to a 10% discount.

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What is academic writing? In simplest words, academic writing is a style of writing used in the academic field and adopted by academic institutions or scholarly publications. You might encounter academic writing in peer-review journals, books, articles, and you are expected to write your manuscripts, dissertations, essays, or thesis in the academic style. Academics and students use this style to convey complex ideas and theories clearly and precisely to their readers. Therefore, as a student, especially for the ones getting higher education, it is needed for you to learn this way of writing and adopt it.

According to the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), plagiarism is considered “both the theft or misappropriation of intellectual property and the substantial unattributed textual copying of another's work.” Since the consequences of plagiarism can be fatal, this article seeks to discuss 5 practical ways to avoid plagiarism in academic essays.

Researchers develop theories to explain phenomena, build connections, and make educated guesses. Therefore, you illustrate the existing ideas supporting your dissertation or thesis in a theoretical framework, depicting that your work has a solid foundation.

How to Write an Expository Essay That Informs Your Reader

Even if you’ve never officially heard of the term expository essay before, it’s pretty likely you’ve done plenty of expository writing in your lifetime without even knowing it. After all, expository writing is the most popular type of writing done in school.

What that means is that you should feel pretty confident going into an assignment where you’re being asked to write an expository essay—no matter what the topic is. And if you’re really lucky, your teacher will even let you choose your own topic, which makes it that much easier to complete.

Discovering how to write an expository essay is really a matter of learning what an expository essay is, the requirements for completing it, the structure it should take, and the steps you should use in order to complete it.

What is an Expository Essay

Understanding what an expository essay is can be a bit of a challenge because it’s really an umbrella term that includes a lot of different types of writing—all of which are based on providing facts to your reader. In essence, an expository essay is a formal piece of writing where you investigate a topic in detail and communicate information about that topic backed by the evidence you’ve collected.

Keep in mind, you may be asked to write a cause and effect essay, problem and solution essay, compare and contrast essay, definition essay, classification essay, or a process essay, and these are all considered to be expository essays.

As you can see, there’s no right or wrong way to write an expository essay.

So , as long as you pay close attention to which type of essay your teacher is expecting you to write, it will be easier to keep track of what requirements you have for that particular assignment and how to structure your essay in the best way possible.

For example , if your task is to write a cause-and-effect essay, it will look quite different from what you’d be expected to turn in if your assignment was to write a process essay or a problem-and-solution essay.

Requirements for an Expository Essay

No matter which type of expository essay you plan to write, there are specific requirements that apply to all of them.

While it may feel like too much work up front, it’s always a good idea to review any requirements you’ve been given before you begin writing, while you’re in the middle of writing, and after your first draft has already been completed. That way, you can start out with some clear direction, remind yourself what requirements you’ve already met, and catch any requirements you’ve forgotten to include before completing your final draft.

To stay organized during the entire process, use the following checklist as you go:

• I read several expository essay examples
• I understand the topic I’ll be writing about
• I completed an outline prior to writing
• I collected factual evidence to include in my essay
• I am familiar with the basic structure of an expository essay
• I wrote the first draft of my essay
• I used formal language throughout the essay and avoided slang words
• I have undergone a teacher or peer review
• I reviewed the requirements for an expository essay several times while planning and writing
• I have written a rough draft and am ready to submit it to my teacher

To make sure that you’ve met all of your requirements, you can always have a friend double-check this list for you and do the same for them.

Topics for an Expository Essay

Because expository writing encompasses so many different types of essays, it only makes sense that there would also be tons of topics you can choose from. In some cases, your teacher might assign a specific piece of writing and an assigned topic, but it’s just as likely that you may be given some discretion over what you’ll be writing about.

If you fall into the second category, you may start to feel overwhelmed by how many topics for an expository essay are out there. Just try to remember that you don’t have to search for the perfect expository topic to write about. As long as you understand the topic and have some level of interest in it, you can write an effective essay that will earn you a good grade.

Here are some expository essay topics that are pretty common:

• How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Ways we can all take better care of the environment
• The impact sports have had on your life
• What music does to your mood when you listen to it
• Why mental health is so important
• How to relieve school-related stress
• Social media’s influence on teens
• What causes obesity and how to reverse the effects of it
• Discuss which animal makes the best pet
• Ways to earn extra money during summer vacation

The most important part of being assigned or choosing an expository essay topic is making sure that you truly understand it before you begin the planning and writing process. So, read it several times and ask questions so that you don’t waste time or energy writing about something unrelated to the actual topic.

Expository Essay Structure

Even though there are technically six types of expository essays, they all follow the same basic essay structure. And you can tweak this structure as needed based on the requirements you’ve been given and the topic you’ve selected.

To begin, start with the five-paragraph essay structure and move on from there:

• Introduction with thesis statement
• Body paragraph # 1
• Body paragraph # 2
• Body paragraph # 3

Remember, you can always add any number of body paragraphs you need to in order to investigate your topic thoroughly and provide factual evidence to support it. Also, keep in mind that your teacher is probably looking for a specific word count that you will need to aim for.

How to Write an Expository Essay

You’ve read a series of expository writing samples, chosen your topic, reviewed the requirements of your assignment, and studied the basic expository essay structure. So, now the time to start working on your paper is finally here.

The first step in learning how to write an expository essay is to plan it out well in advance. Not only do you want to create an outline, but you also want to gather relevant evidence and ask your teacher for clarification as needed along the way. The more time you put in during the planning process, the easier it will be to write. Don’t skimp on effort here.

Next , begin writing your first draft, following your outline exactly, and weaving the evidence you’ve collected into your body paragraphs where it makes the most sense.

Once your first draft is done, it’s time to have it reviewed multiple times—by yourself and at least one other person. Take the feedback you’ve been given seriously and make your writing even better as you work on your final draft.

Even if you think you’ve made all the updates you need, be sure to go through your checklist again , making sure that all of the requirements have been met, that your essay follows the basic expository essay structure and that your evidence adds to your claim instead of subtracting from it.

Now is also the time to fix any last-minute spelling or grammar mistakes you find. Doing so will help your essay look polished and complete.

Only after you’ve done all of those things is it time to turn it in.

Expository Essay Examples

The absolute best way to improve your own writing skills is to read a lot, especially anything that’s written really well. Doing so will help you start to recognize things that make writing good, like using descriptive vocabulary, building sentences that are clear and concise, offering up plenty of factual evidence, and fixing any grammar or spelling issues that may come up.

Likewise, by taking a look at poor examples of writing, you can strengthen your own abilities because it helps you recognize things that you would rather avoid such as using vocabulary that is overly simple, creating sentence fragments or run-on sentences, having a lack of hard evidence, and including noticeable grammar or spelling mistakes.

So, before you begin writing your own expository essay, it makes sense to look at a few expository essay examples first.

Now that you’re armed with so much helpful information, you’ll be able to write an expository essay like a champ. And in doing so, you’ll be able to communicate a lot of new information to your reader while backing it all up with facts that they can reference later on.

The art of expository writing is learning how to investigate a topic thoroughly and giving evidence to prove that what you’re saying is accurate. So, whether you’re writing a how-to type of essay, discussing the impact of social change, or evaluating how technological advancements have changed people’s lives throughout history, your job is to educate your reader in a clear, focused, and very direct way .

To accomplish this goal, simply use everything you’ve learned about expository writing in this article.

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• Multisyllabic
• Optimistic vs Worried Tone
• Serious vs Humorous Tone
• Stress of a Word
• Suprasegmental
• Surprised Tone
• Tone English Langugage
• Analyzing Informational Texts
• Comparing Texts
• Context Cues
• Creative Writing
• Digital Resources
• Ethical Issues In Data Collection
• Formulate Questions
• Internet Search Engines
• Literary Analysis
• Personal Writing
• Print Resources
• Research Process
• Research and Analysis
• Technical Writing
• Action Verbs
• Adjectival Clause
• Adverbial Clause
• Anthropomorphism
• Appositive Phrase
• Argument from Authority
• Argumentation
• Auditory Description
• Basic Rhetorical Modes
• Begging the Question
• Building Credibility
• Causal Flaw
• Causal Relationships
• Cause and Effect Rhetorical Mode
• Central Idea
• Chronological Description
• Circular Reasoning
• Circumlocution
• Classical Appeals
• Classification
• Close Reading
• Coherence Between Sentences
• Coherence within Paragraphs
• Coherences within Sentences
• Complex Rhetorical Modes
• Compound Complex Sentences
• Concessions
• Concrete Adjectives
• Concrete Nouns
• Consistent Voice
• Counter Argument
• Definition by Negation
• Description
• Description Rhetorical mode
• Direct Discourse
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• False Connections
• False Dichotomy
• False Equivalence
• Faulty Analogy
• Faulty Causality
• Fear Arousing
• Gustatory Description
• Hasty Generalization
• Illustration
• Induction Rhetoric
• Levels of Coherence
• Line of Reasoning
• Missing the Point
• Modifiers that Qualify
• Modifiers that Specify
• Narration Rhetorical Mode
• Non-Sequitur
• Non-Testable Hypothesis
• Objective Description
• Olfactory Description
• Paragraphing
• Parenthetical Element
• Participial Phrase
• Personal Narrative
• Placement of Modifiers
• Post-Hoc Argument
• Process Analysis Rhetorical Mode
• Red Herring
• Reverse Causation
• Rhetorical Fallacy
• Rhetorical Modes
• Rhetorical Question
• Rhetorical Situation
• Scare Tactics
• Sentimental Appeals
• Situational Irony
• Slippery Slope
• Spatial Description
• Straw Man Argument
• Subject Consistency
• Subjective Description
• Tactile Description
• Tense Consistency
• Tone and Word Choice
• Transitions
• Twisting the Language Around
• Unstated Assumption
• Verbal Irony
• Visual Description
• Authorial Intent
• Authors Technique
• Language Choice
• Prompt Audience
• Prompt Purpose
• Rhetorical Strategies
• Understanding Your Audience
• Auditory Imagery
• Gustatory Imagery
• Olfactory Imagery
• Tactile Imagery
• Main Idea and Supporting Detail
• Statistical Evidence
• Communities of Practice
• Cultural Competence
• Gender Politics
• Heteroglossia
• Intercultural Communication
• Methodology
• Research Methodology
• Constituent
• Object Subject Verb
• Subject Verb Object
• Syntactic Structures
• Universal Grammar
• Verb Subject Object
• Author Authority
• Direct Quote
• First Paragraph
• Historical Context
• Intended Audience
• Primary Source
• Second Paragraph
• Secondary Source
• Source Material
• Third Paragraph
• Character Analysis
• Citation Analysis
• Text Structure Analysis
• Vocabulary Assessment

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What do you do if you are in the mood to bake some chocolate chip cookies and the recipe you find online is part of a blog post? Do you faithfully read about so-and-so's wonderful family tradition of making them together every Friday night, or do you skip to what is relevant to you — the recipe? Family traditions are lovely, but sometimes our audience wants an objective view o n a topic. An expository essay discusses information about a subject in a neutral tone. They are structured and outlined like other essays, but expository essays come in their own formats.

Expository Essay Definition

An expository essay "exposes" information about a subject to educate an audience. S ome keywords and phrases that give clues that an assignment is asking for expository writing include:

• "Cause and effect"
• "Explain how"
• "Define and explore"
• "Compare and contrast"

Expository Essay: Characteristics

There are different formats when writing expository essays, but they all share some characteristics:

• Expository essays are logical. Your argument is solid and structured into a clear path for the reader to follow. A vital feature of an effective essay is whether you condense your thesis statement into a coherent outline of the essay topic.
• Expository essays are analytical. If you include sources, they are thoroughly researched and fact-checked. Make sure to cite your sources following the proper guidelines.
• Expository essays are unbiased. The essay is written in an academic tone. It features reliable information and excludes personal opinions.
• Expository essays are explanatory. Do not assume the audience has prior knowledge of the essay subject. Include background information to provide context and define any technical terms.

Expository essays are often used in exams because they help measure the ability to examine evidence and structure a rational argument. You will not always have time to research the assigned topic, so a well-structured thesis statement and an essay that features a balanced view are crucial.

The Importance of Expository Essays

Learning to navigate the structure and different formats of expository essays teaches you:

• The value of understanding a subject and being able to explain it to others.
• How to explain concepts clearly and objectively.
• How to dissect evidence to determine its validity.

Expository Essay Format

In the expository essay assignment, you may be asked to:

• Write a Definition : This is not the same as a dictionary definition. Instead, an expository essay looks into its subject matter in more depth, for example, by exploring the history of an item.
• Explain a Process : When you write a "How To" article, that's an expository essay. It's written in chronological order and describes how something works in steps.
• Compare and Contrast : In this essay format, you discuss how two objects or concepts are alike and different, for example, by looking at the similarities and differences between two short stories from the same genre.
• Cause and Effect : This expository essay requires you to start with an action or idea and examine its ripple effect . For example, examine the impact of slavery on African-American diet and whether there are lingering consequences today.

If something causes a ripple effect, it creates a series of consequences.

Expository Essay Structure

As with other types, the expository essay includes an introduction , body paragraphs , and a conclusion .

Just because expository essays are fact-based does not mean you can't be creative with your beginning. It is still necessary for your writing to reel in your audience. Finish your introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that features your subject and the direction you plan to take the reader.

Body Paragraphs

The subject of your essay determines the paragraph structure of your essay. Each body paragraph features a key point. In a process essay, outline each step in an individual paragraph.

Avoid discussing final thoughts that weren't in the thesis or body paragraphs. An effective expository essay presents an argument at the beginning and uses evidence to follow it to a logical end. Throwing new information at the reader in the conclusion appears disorganized. Restate your thesis in an interesting way and summarize the essay's main points.

Why is it essential to avoid restating your thesis and central ideas in the conclusion of your essay word-for-word?

Expository Essay Outline

Outlines are helpful tools for organizing the ideas you came up with while brainstorming for your essay. The outline is similar to the frame of a house and will follow the structure of the expository essay. Use your outline to structure your thesis statement . For example:

Topic: The Impact of Slavery on the African American Diet and Its Lingering Consequences

I. Introduction

B. Introduction to the topic

II. Body paragraphs (the number of body paragraphs you include will vary)

B. Discussion of the main point in connection with the source

C. Transition to the next point or conclusion

III. Conclusion

A. Potential solution (optional)

B. Summary of the main point

C. Thesis is restated

Expository Essay Example

The following example expository essay is structured into an abbreviated cause-and-effect format. Read through the sample essay below to get a feel of how you should structure your writing.

"In 2018, African Americans were thirty percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites and twice as likely to die from diabetes." 1, 2 Until recently, the response to these statistics suggested that African Americans should eat better and exercise more. Still, a deeper examination of the barriers they face gives rise to a more nuanced approach. Slavery limited the food options available to enslaved Africans, so a cultural diet evolved to include many unhealthy choices that have negatively impacted present-day African Americans' health .

Cuisine is a shared element among people with the same cultural background. Recipes are handed down and modified through generations, becoming essential to the group's history. Enslaved Africans initially developed soul food by adjusting their West African diet to food available while in bondage . 3 They were allowed to cultivate a small garden for themselves to boost their inadequate rations, but "limited cooking supplies. . . forced [them] to create palatable meals from undesirable ingredients." 3 They were not allowed to use utensils that could potentially double as a weapon in revolt, 3 so eating their already starch-heavy, fatty diet with corn cakes became customary. 3 Over time, these dishes evolved into popular soul food staples. Although many of the base ingredients are nutritionally beneficial, they are laden with fat, salt, and sugar when prepared in this fashion. When consumed regularly, they contribute to obesity and increase the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Attempts to change African Americans' diets to promote health have failed because meal options don't consider their cultural traditions. 3 A nonprofit organization, Oldways, may have a better solution.

Oldways created the African Heritage Diet to combine healthy eating with tradition. "The Heritage Pyramid encourages the user to utilize. . . familiar foods in a way that aligns [with their] healthy origins." 3 Enslaved Africans had very little control over their diet and made do with what they were given. The ingredients in African American soul food reflect their struggle to survive, but these culturally-inspired recipes have contributed to their current health crisis . If more healthcare providers were made aware of the Heritage Pyramid, it could increase the likelihood their African American patients would develop better-informed eating habits .

In the introduction, the statistic in the opening sentence attempts to get the reader's attention. The thesis establishes the subject and ties the main points together so the audience knows what to expect from the essay.

What is another technique you can use to start your paper in a way that makes the audience want to keep reading?

The body paragraph discusses the issue in detail, offering a source to support the main point and thesis statement. Notice that you must cite your source whether you quote directly or paraphrase.

Does the discussion complement the thesis? Does the source support the main point?

The conclusion offers closure to the audience by discussing a possible solution to the issue . It connects the main points and summarizes the thesis . Similar to how the introduction draws the reader into your essay, the conclusion is the last thing they read. Therefore, keep it clear and to the point to leave a positive impression.

Expository Essay - Key Takeaways

• The definition of an expository essay is an essay that "exposes" information to educate an audience.
• Expository essays are fact-based and share information with the audience in an objective, academic tone.
• Expository essays regularly show up on exams because they measure students' ability to structure a compelling argument and examine evidence.
• Formats of expository essays include cause and effect, process, definition, or compare and contrast.
• Brainstorming and outlining your expository essay help to organize your thoughts and make writing the thesis statement and essay more manageable.

1 "Heart Disease and African Americans." Black/African Americans . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2022.

2 "Diabetes and African Americans." Black/African Americans . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2022.

3 Vance, Kalah Elantra, "Culture, Food, and Racism: The Effects on African American Health." Honors Theses . 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions about Expository Essay

--> what is the meaning of an expository essay.

An expository essay is logical and fact-based essay. It presents information in an objective manner with an academic tone.

--> How do you write an expository essay?

To write an expository essay use one of the common formats: cause and effect, definition, explaining a process, or compare and contrast to share information.

--> What is the structure of an expository essay?

An expository essay is structured into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

--> What are examples of an expository essay?

Examples of expository essays include: how-to articles, cause and effect articles, compare and contrast articles, and define and explore essays

--> What are the uses of an expository essay?

An expository essay is used to measure a student's ability to examine evidence and compose a rational argument.

Final Expository Essay Quiz

Expository essay quiz - teste dein wissen.

An _____ essay objectively provides information with an academic tone.

Show answer

Show question

A cause and effect expository essay explores the real-life consequences of _____.

An action or idea

A process expository essay describes the way something works _____.

A _____ expository essay examines the similarities and differences between two things.

Compare and contrast

A _____ expository essay explores an object or concept in detail.

How is an outline useful to an expository essay?

An outline is useful to an expository essay because it organizes your thoughts to make the writing process easier.

What is the structure of an expository essay?

An expository essay is structured into an Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement outlines your argument and lists the main points of your essay.

What do you learn while writing expository essays?

All of the above

True or False: Before reading your expository essay, you should assume the audience knows something about your subject.

False. When writing your expository essay, you should assume the audience has no prior knowledge of the subject. Provide background information and explain technical terms.

It creates a series of consequences.

Ripple effect

It's written in chronological order and describes how something works in steps.

Process explanation

It's when an expository essay looks into its subject matter in more depth, for example, by exploring the history of an item.

It's when you discuss how two objects or concepts are alike and different.

It    requires you to start with an action or idea and examine its   ripple effect .

Cause and effect

It finishes your introduction paragraph.

Thesis statement

It's logical and analytical.

Expository essay

It's unbiased and explanatory.

Each features a key point.

A body paragraph

It may contain a solution.

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How to Write An Expository Essay: Prompts, Topics, Example

Students are systematically asked to prepare expository essays. But, what is an expository essay? Although it is one of the most common types of essays, it does not make it that simple. There is a specific structure of expository essay that requires students to apply their critical thinking skills to write an A-level piece. Getting a commendable essay also involves having an organized and consistent writing process. Read on to learn how to write it outstanding with our expository essay writing service with expository essay examples and get an excellent mark.

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay involves:

• Exploring a particular idea or issue.
• Researching the existing evidence.
• Presenting a coherent and to-the-point argument.

To reach the desired result, a writer should define concepts, exemplify the ideas, compare and contrast related phenomena, or provide cause-effect reasoning.  

What differentiates an expository essay from other writing assignments is its goal. The very name of the essay type gives a hint - to 'expose' an idea. Thus, your objective is to inform the audience about a particular concept or view. Your argument must be based on hard facts, simple, and explicit. The tone of the expository essay should be neutral; you shouldn't try to persuade the reader or take sides. Whether you write descriptively or draw a comparison, you need to be unbiased.

Types of Expository Essays

Now that you know expository essay definition, there is one more important aspect to consider: expository essays can be of various types, which influences their structure and content. Therefore, you need to know their differences to write a quality paper. Commonly, there are six main types of expository essays:

Process or “How-To” Essays 

This type of expository essay explains how to get something to work. It guides the reader through the stages of a certain process. Process essays usually include the descriptions of steps and directions for the reader to follow. These can be technical instructions or recipes, for example: 

• “How to Bake a Cake”
• “How to Repair a Bike”

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast expository essays aim at discussing similar and divergent aspects of ideas, concepts, locations, or objects. To present your findings, you can use one of the following techniques: the alternating method, combination method, or block method. The examples of a compare and contrast essay can include the following topics:

• “Democracy vs. Autocracy: Differences and Similarities”
• “Comparison of In-Class Education and Homeschooling”

Cause and Effect Essays

Working on this type of essay, you need to investigate the cause-effect relations of a particular event. This entails identifying and classifying the reasons and discussing the results. The topics that fall within this type are:

• “Causes of Unemployment in Your Country”
• “What are the Reasons for Burnout at Work?”

Problem and Solution Essays

A problem and solution expository essay raises a relevant issue and analyzes it from different points of view. Having presented the problem, you need to develop a possible solution. For example, you can discuss:

• “How Can the Influence of Social Media on Body Image Be Reduced?”
• “How to Encourage Students to Be More Interested in Sports?”

Classification Essays

Classification essays require a particular mastery of critical thinking as you need to categorize objects according to their distinctive features. Thus, these essays discuss the aspects of a certain broad topic in detail. You should explain the reason for sorting items into categories and provide examples. The classification essays include such topics as:

• “Types of Holiday Destinations”
• “The Impact of Social Media on Different Age Groups”

Definition Essays

This type of expository essay focuses on the definition of a term or concept. It entails providing a common dictionary definition in addition to less conventional interpretations. You may add examples, explain the origin of the term, and refute the wrong understanding of the concept under discussion. For instance, you may discuss the following topics:

• “What is Friendship?”
• “What does Being Tolerant Mean?”

Our graduate essay writing service is ready to help you 24/7. Leave us a message and our expository essay writer will help asap.

Expository Essay Structure

You can use several text structures to write an expository essay and present your arguments. The block structure and the chain structure are the two most common types. The block method implies discussing one subject at first, then moving on to another topic in a separate paragraph. For example, such a structure of a problem and solution essay may be illustrated in the following way: 

The chain structure for the same problem and solution essay would look like this:

Thus, the chain structure allows you to discuss each aspect of the problem point by point, which is especially useful for longer papers. However, both of these structures are suitable for the expository essay format. You should choose the method you feel more comfortable with.

Expository Essay Prompts

Students typically encounter many types of expository essay prompts throughout their careers — from primary school to high school to the college/university level. These prompts help students start writing an expository essay, which may be inspirational. However, they have a more focused purpose, too, requiring students to research and explain a specific expository essay topic to meet an educational objective.

For instance, a descriptive essay can be assigned to a student to teach him to describe something such as a place, a person, an experience, an object, or a situation. Likewise, a cause and effect essay prompt may compel a student to discuss the causes and effects of cheating at school, thus reinforcing the idea that he should avoid cheating.

Here is a list of some sample expository essay topics and what they are trying to achieve compiled by our online paper writing service professionals:

• Were the Jews the primary targets of the Nazis during the Second World War?
• This would require the writer to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the Holocaust and then decide, using evidence, whether the statement is correct.
• Is animal testing ethical?
• Here, the student should evaluate the pros and cons of animal testing and then present an argument, using evidence, for or against the practice.
• Is cloning against humanity?
• This prompt requires the writer to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of cloning in general and then explain his position, using facts, on the ethics of human cloning.
• Which female leader do you consider your mentor, and why?
• This prompt requires the student to choose a female leader as a mentor and use facts about that mentor to explain his choice, thus educating the reader about the virtues of his chosen female mentor.
• If time travel were possible, which year would you want to return, and why?
• This prompt requires the writer to explain which past time he would travel to, citing personal and perhaps historical reasons.

Expository Essay Topics

While the overall content of an expository essay will depend largely on the prompt, the student may have some freedom to choose the specific topic or at least the angle; he wants to illuminate in the paper. For instance, he could explain the origin of a particular group of individuals in society; in such a case, the author should make the story as interesting as possible. The writer could explain a cow's digestion process for a process essay. Finally, a descriptive essay could describe a time when the writer experienced depression and what he believes to be the cause.

Lastly, the topic for a problem or solution essay could be how society can reduce or eliminate racism, using facts to expose the history of racism in specific communities.

Here are the topics from our annotated bibliography writing service :

Social Issues Topics

• Explain why there is a significant rise in the rate of teenage pregnancy.
• What are the most important negative consequences of alcohol abuse on college campuses?
• Explain how being 'hungry for money' can affect one's personality.
• Why is there still gender inequality in workplaces across the world?
• Explain how double standards can still be observed in our lives.
• How can dropping out of college affect your future?
• Explain the role of tolerance for the success of the team at work.
• What causes children to start lying?
• Explain the main triggers of teenage suicides.
• Is global warming our fault?

Education Expository Essay Topics

• How can a college degree influence your future career?
• Explain why it is considered a noble profession to teach others.
• Is living in a dorm room an important stage of every person’s life?
• Define the possible consequences of introducing uniforms in schools.
• How can your college experience change your mind and personality?
• Explain how being multilingual can benefit your career and life.
• Should we stop using grades?
• Explain why standardized tests can’t really help assess students’ knowledge.
• How did COVID-19 and lockdown influence the field of education?
• Explain what makes traditional schooling better or more beneficial than online schooling.

Ethical Issues Topics

• Explain your understanding of morality
• Why do parents not tolerate their teen children staying with their boyfriends or girlfriends alone in the room?
• Explain why divorcing is sometimes better.
• Do you believe there is still such a thing as “honor” in the 21st century?
• Explain the consequences of not integrating stricter gun control policies.
• Is racism still an issue in the modern world?
• Explain how a teen boy should act if he finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant.
• What are the consequences of early abortion?
• Express your position on the death penalty.
• What is the “code of ethics” to you?

Health Topics

• Explain how college students can eat healthy without going over the budget.
• What are the negative consequences of eating junk food on a daily basis?
• Explain how music can positively influence one’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Will scientists and the World Health Organization find ways to cure “incurable” diseases?
• Define the effective methods of dealing with ADHD.
• How can college students minimize stress and anxiety?
• Explain the importance of taking regular doctor appointments for staying healthy.
• Is there a connection between poverty and mental health?
• Share effective advice on staying fit at college.
• Why are soda drinks harmful to your health?

Writing An Expository Essay Outline

Traditionally, expository essays include five paragraphs:

Introduction

• Main Body Paragraph 1
• Main Body Paragraph 2
• Main Body Paragraph 3

This is a standard way to approach this type of paper, but you can add alterations if the task requires it. Also you can get professional help with your essay from pay for essay services and make this task easier. Do not neglect to structure your essay as it allows you to organize your thoughts and present clear arguments to the reader. 

As with any other writing, an expository essay should start with an introductory paragraph. Keep it short (3-5 sentences) but informative. In the first sentence, try to interestingly present the problem to the readers. This would be your hook. You should then write general information about the topic, mention why this issue is relevant, and outline the context in which you plan to discuss the problem. This part must be engaging and compelling for the audience to become interested in your piece. Remember that the introduction lays the foundation for further developing your argument. 

You should incorporate a powerful thesis statement in the last sentence of the introduction. A thesis statement reflects the main idea of the expository essay and asserts the author's findings. When making this claim, professionals recommend asking yourself what you are trying to say with your essay. However, you should refrain from expressing your personal opinion. It is better to stay neutral and present only proven facts. Invest some extra time to make this sentence thoughtful and convincing.

The outline of the introduction can be summarized in the following way:

• General information
• Proof of topic relevance
• Context of the topic

Expository Essay Body

The body of the essay should explain your arguments. It must be the most detailed part of the text, so make it specific and do not add any fluff. Make sure that each body paragraph is focused on one particular idea or claim. It would help the reader to stay focused and follow your line of argumentation without effort. Typically, you would need to write three paragraphs. Each of them must have the following outline:

• A topic sentence that correlates with a thesis statement
• Evidence that supports a topic sentence
• Explanation of the evidence
• A concluding sentence that summarizes the main points of the paragraph

A topic sentence should introduce the idea of the whole paragraph. Make it concise and clear. Remember that your topic sentences should be connected to the first paragraph's thesis statement. Use facts, examples, and statistics as evidence to support your claim. 

Make sure you cite the information from outside sources in the style your assignment requires, such as MLA, APA, Harvard referencing, etc. Correctly cited and incorporated evidence will show the audience that the information you present is credible and trustworthy. It is best to have three points or evidence to support each topic sentence. Finally, finish the paragraph with a concluding sentence to summarize the claims you have made.

Make sure that the body paragraphs are logically linked. Incorporate transitions either in the last sentence of the previous body paragraph or in a topic sentence of the following one. Use linking words to make the text cohesive. 

Conclusion Of Expository Essay Outline

The concluding paragraph should summarize the main points of your expository essay. You do not need to add any new information. Start by restating the thesis statement, but do not copy it. Then, summarize the supporting arguments and create a thought-provoking statement or question, making it the last sentence of your paper. 

How to Write An Expository Essay

A successful writing process requires thoughtful preparation and planning. If you don’t have time for that, you can always buy an essay online from our service. But if you do decide to write it yourself, divide your work into five following stages.

Brainstorming

Before you start writing your expository essay, you need to select a topic and brainstorm ideas and possible arguments. If it is your school or college assignment, most probably you already have particular guidelines. Read what your teacher or professor wants you to do and see what ideas you can come up with regarding the topic. Note them down. Make sure that you can fully cover the topic within the required word count limits. For this reason, do not choose the subject matter that is too broad or too narrow. In addition, the topic must be relevant not only to society in general but also to you personally.

Once you’ve done brainstorming, start planning. Use the outline mentioned above. It will help you stay focused on the topic and build your argumentation in an effective way. 

During planning, try to divide the researched information into sections. For example, the outline on the topic “Leadership Styles” can look like this:

• Introduction:
• Definition of a leadership;
• General information about leadership;
• A thesis statement that claims that there are different leadership styles that work well when properly balanced.
• Topic sentence that introduces the first style to be discussed, the democratic leadership, and states its essence;
• Supporting evidence: it provides freedom;
• Supporting evidence: it encourages learning and creativity;
• Supporting evidence: it ensures loyalty;
• Concluding sentence: the democratic leadership style benefits the working process. 
• Topic sentence that introduces the delegative leadership and provides its definition;
• Supporting evidence: it empowers employees;
• Supporting evidence: it allows relying on a team;
• Supporting evidence: it enhances team building;
• Concluding sentence: the delegative leadership style involves employees’ autonomy.
• Topic sentence that introduces the authoritarian leadership and explains it;
• Supporting evidence: it can be applied in combination with other styles;
• Supporting evidence: it has certain limits;
• Supporting evidence: it requires the leader to be strict;
• Concluding sentence: the authoritarian leadership style has its negative sides but can be combined with other leadership styles.
• Summary of the main points;
• Restatement of the thesis.

So here are the tips for 'how to start expository essay?'. After your essay plan is ready, you can start writing the actual essay. It should be easy, as you already have a detailed outline. You need to combine the ideas using linking and transition words between paragraphs and sentences. Make sure you address each point of the plan and distribute the information equally among the sections. It will help you to discuss all the issues. Remember to refer to reputable sources to underpin your claims. 

Proofreading

Once you are done with the writing, you need to proofread and edit your essay to correct any flaws you might come across. If the deadline permits, do it several days or at least hours after the initial drafting. Apart from editing grammar, spelling, and punctuation, you need to ensure that the essay has smooth transitions. It would be better if you read the text aloud as though there is an audience. 

As it is academic writing, refrain from using contractions, informal phrasal verbs, slang, and even first-person pronouns. Instead, make sure that the writing style is formal, and the tone is neutral and objective. 

If the essay is flawless and effectively conveys your main idea, you can take the final step and submit or publish it. It may seem like the scariest stage of the writing process to some students. However, if you have invested enough time and effort into writing your expository essay, your teacher or professor will definitely notice it and give you the mark you deserve. Never be afraid of feedback, even if it is negative because it is an opportunity for you to grow and develop your writing skills. 

Expository Essay Example

Long-term effects of global warming

Over the past century, the average temperature of the surface of our planet has increased by 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit. The changes in surface temperature, sea levels, and local climates all over the world are the first red flags that warn us - “global warming is here!”. But do we really understand all the consequences it may have?

Global warming is a phenomenon that is defined by a gradual rise in temperatures of the planet’s surface, water, atmosphere, and land triggered by human, as well as natural, causes. It has been one of the most discussed topics of the past years. And now, the problem seems to be getting close to the point of no return, with a huge number of long-term effects we can observe soon.

Probably the most obvious effect of global warming is a significant change in temperatures and weather conditions across the world. Indeed, as temperatures rise, the weather in separate regions can get more severe. Scientists assure that a warmer climate can lead to the worsening of many kinds of natural disasters such as heatwaves, storms, droughts, and floods. The warmer the climate is, the more water its atmosphere can collect, retain, and drop. Respectively, over some time, if there will be no changes, we can expect to observe a rising number of billion-dollar-loss and very deathly disasters.

One of the scariest long-term consequences of global warming is desertification. Simply put, desertification is a form of land degradation that causes land areas that have been relatively dry to become even more droughty. In the process, these areas typically lose wildlife, vegetation, and bodies of water. The biggest problem here is that this land degradation can significantly reduce the amount of land available for cultivation. Hence, the fewer arable lands will be left, the less food we will be able to grow. As a result, desertification can turn into a real disaster in the form of global hunger. And it’s only one adverse long-term impact we can get.

Another adverse effect is a consequent growth of the sea level across the globe. In fact, this is one of the effects of global warming that we can already observe. The process started in the middle of the 19th century and is still gaining pace. During the 20th century alone, the global sea level rose by 17 cm, with another 3.2-3.4 mm added annually. The damage it can do is massive. Unless we do something about it, it will only get worse with time. In the long-term perspective, dozens of cities and countries can end up underwater, causing irreparable damage to flora and fauna, mass migration, and, as a result, many political and economic issues.

Knowing all these terrifying long-term consequences of global warming, there is only one question left to answer - “Is there anything we can do about it?”. Luckily, we can still reverse these changes. The core trigger for global warming is a boost of gas emissions into the atmosphere. Hence, one of the first things scientists and environmental activists encourage us to do is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas. This can be possible if we stop burning gasoline and switch to e-vehicles. Another solution is recycling. Recycling can help us minimize waste and, thus, reduce pollution.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that humanity has already done everything possible to slowly destroy the planet we live on. If we don’t reduce the harm we make, there might not be a future for our children. Thus, if we want to survive, we must start making a change now, together!

After successfully finishing this article, you should be able to answer next time your friend asks - 'whats an expository essay?', and teach them all the specifics. As you can see, expository writing is rather straightforward when you are well-prepared. You should know the purpose of your work and choose the right essay type. When you are sure about the expository topics, you can research it and express creativity when selecting appropriate evidence for your claims. With proper planning and adherence to the instructions, you can easily write a successful essay and get a good grade. 

However, the writing process can be intimidating, even if you know it all. In addition, stress and tight deadlines can prevent you from getting the desired result. It is when an essay writer service can help you with any essay topics for college paper assignments.

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