Although its name might sound a bit extravagant, it’s quite possible that you’ve already drafted such a paper without being aware of it. To explain what an expository essay is, we’ll start with the definition of expository. Seeing as the word means to give an explanation of something, an expository essay is a paper which attempts to explain and examine a specific subject. In addition to that, it also attempts to demonstrate a hypothesis using conclusive proof. Contrary to what people think, offering an explanation is not exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it’s pretty difficult to draft a compelling essay which supports your hypothesis.
A simple manner of comprehending the meaning of an expository essay is by regarding it as a discussion. When getting ready for a discussion, your target should be to support your point of view and refute those of your opponents. A good idea would be to go through your study notes while considering these ideas. When you write, you should think about your reader’s questions. A great expository essay offers a complete explanation to the reader.
The Primary Types of Expository Essays
Here are the five most widespread varieties of expository essays:
- Descriptive: Descriptive essays are papers which involve describing something, like an individual, a location or an event. The uniqueness of these essays comes from the fact that you benefit from a great deal of liberty when it comes to the content. Your main goal is to provide captivating or astonishing information which can catch the reader’s attention.
- Process: In this type of paper, the writer needs to instruct the reader on how to perform a certain procedure, such as how to write an essay or how to construct a vehicle.
- Comparison: These essays have the purpose of providing analytical examinations of two different topics. The writer must detect and describe the resemblances and/or disparities of these topics.
- Cause and Effect: This variety of essay presents the reason for which and/or the way in which something happens, as well as the outcomes of the event.
- Problem/Solution: Also referred to as the universal standard prompt assignment, this essay analyses an issue and seeks solutions. The structure includes a short introduction to the issue and an extensive list of solutions.
The Gradual Steps of the Process
Here are the essential steps in writing an expository essay:
- Think of your readers
- Choose a subject
- Conduct an in-depth study on your topic
- Devise a structure
- Arrange the structure appropriately
- Come up with an engaging introduction
- Create logical body paragraphs
- Craft a confident conclusion
- Revise your work and verify facts
Examples of Expository Essays
- Descriptive
Describe a situation in which you felt sad and what led to it. Describe a difficult experience you had and how you succeeded in overcoming it.
- Process
Create a step-by-step tutorial and explain the procedure of designing a customized device. Devise a tutorial for fixing a widespread social issue, such as waste management.
- Comparison
Make a comparison and highlight the differences between Windows and Apple. Which company is superior in which field? Establish which company sells items that are more accessible. Make a comparison between the life standards in Canada and Cuba.
- Cause and Effect:
Identify the causes and effects of the phenomenon of procrastination. Mention some reliable solutions to enhancing time performance. Explain the causes and effects of cheating in academic assignments. What can be done to make students renounce these actions?
- Problem/Solution:
What can our society do to diminish and hopefully eradicate discrimination? What can we do to stimulate students to become more interested in school?
The Outline of an Expository Essay
Even if you have never written an expository essay before, you’ll see that it’s quite similar to other types of papers. To put it simply, you are to present your knowledgeable opinion on a specific subject. This is particularly true when it comes to brief essays you’ll be asked to write in exams, which are meant to test your knowledge. Still, a very useful idea would be to devise a visual outline that will act as a plan of your paper.
- Think of your readers: This is a very significant phase of the process, which must be dealt with before you start to write. Consider the expectations and necessities of your audience! In case you were given specific instructions on your essay, you must follow them by the book and write appropriately. Don’t omit any piece of information your teacher might be interested in.
- Choose a subject: This part can be pretty problematic, seeing as a subject ought to be narrow enough (so that you could make precise and meaningful assertions) while also being extensive enough (to allow an adequate study span). In other words, your topic should have equilibrium. Moreover, it goes without saying that you should choose a subject you’re passionate about!
- Conduct a study on your chosen subject: It’s time to make use of your investigative skills! Before you start working on the content, think about your hypothesis and collect data which is relevant to you essay. Unless you provide enough evidence, an assertion is meaningless. Apart from allowing you to support your arguments, information should originate from well-respected and credible sources. Last but not least, research should be pertinent to your chosen topic.
- Devise a structure: Although you may be inclined to approach many topics when push comes to shove, you mustn’t write about things that are beside the point. To be able to deliver a concise and straightforward expository essay, you need to devise a structure which fits your ideas, arguments, and data.
- Structure format: In general, when you write an expository essay you should use the 5-paragraph style, which includes the following sections: Introduction, Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2, Body Paragraph 3 and Conclusion.
- Come up with an engaging introduction: Always keep in mind that an expository essay must not be opinionated! This means that you should never talk about your individual viewpoints in the introduction. The best way to present your subject would be to quote pertinent news pieces or make reference to historical occurrences. If you talk about an important event, breakthrough or research in your introduction, you’ll gain extra points in your fact-based analysis.
- Create a persuasive but succinct body comprising at least one or two arguments and a counterargument (facultative): You should talk about each argument in a separate paragraph. Furthermore, to convince the audience that your arguments are valid, you need to include relevant data, such as events or numbers. The majority of students approach the arguments and proof section of a paper in a pretty straightforward way. However, if you want to be original, a good idea would be to present a point which contradicts your hypothesis and then prove it false. This way, your reader will know that you’ve approached your subject from numerous perspectives!
- Display confidence in your conclusion: When looking at your conclusion, the reader should find answers to the questions you raised in the introduction. Additionally, your conclusion should reiterate the arguments you’ve displayed. A good conclusion should reflect the last couple of paragraphs. However, avoid any repetitions! You must come up with a direct synthesis which exerts influence on the reader.
- Revise your work and verify facts: After you finish writing the paper, you should take some time to reread it at least one or two times. A common mistake here is getting too enthusiastic about including new data and ending up with a chaotic essay which doesn’t make any sense. To avoid this, don’t hesitate to remove information where needed. Afterward, reverify all the facts and numbers you quoted. Unless you pay attention to these aspects, your paper may be contradictory.
The Topic is Pivotal to the Quality of the Essay
Unless you select a subject that is adequate for an expository essay, your paper may not be successful. Some topics are simply not appealing or thought-provoking enough to be rigorously analyzed in an essay. So, be careful about the questions you ask. Only choose one which has been subject to plenty of research and can truly catch the reader’s attention!
- Popular Subjects: If you know of a trending topic which would be worthy of a profound debate, why not enlighten your readers on it with a well-researched expository essay? For instance: Societal and Historical Transformations
Comparing the past and present events helps to present a relevant argument, especially if your subject that has been thoroughly analyzed before.
- A subject you’re passionate about: Supporting a hypothesis is much easier when the topic is something that interests you. If a certain subject is close to your heart and you want other people to find out about it, write an expository essay, and you may have a shot at influencing their perspective!
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