expository essay example for middle school

5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

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An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

• A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
• B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
• C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
• D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
• A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
• B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
• C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
• D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

• Clarity and Conciseness
• Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
• Objective Tone
• Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
• Objective thesis statement (see below)
• Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

• Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
• Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
• Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
• Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
• Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
• Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

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by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.  

28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in  Pedagogy

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

• Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
• Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
• Write an essay describing a rainy night.
• Write an essay describing your first pet.
• Write an essay describing your first memory.
• It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
• Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
• Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
• You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
• Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
• Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
• Tell how you wash your hair.
• Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

• Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
• Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
• Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
• Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
• Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
• Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

• Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
• Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
• Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
• Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
• Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

• Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
• Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
• Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
• Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

About the author 

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

• Pingback: Writing in the Middle School-Thoughts and Ideas | Teachers Pondering

the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

Comments are closed.

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25 Expository essay topics for Middle School by Category

Expository Essays explain a particular topic in a detailed, logical and straightforward manner. These types of essays are completely informative. They do not include any references or any opinion of the writer. The tone of an expository essay is kept neutral. Hence, while writing an expository essay you will be expected to illustrate, define, explain or clarify the topic in a way that the readers can easily understand it completely. You may provide arguments, conduct an investigation or evaluate things in order to provide a clear explanation to your readers.

Essay writing is an art. It is an essential skill to have which is why you’re going to require essay topics for Grade 7 , 8, 9, and 10. You may have to do a lot of creative writing in middle school . Writing is a must-have school and these activities in school prepare you for it.

Types of Expository Essays

• Descriptive Essay – describes a place, thing or an experience
• Problem-Solution Essay – presents a problem and its solution
• Cause-Effect Essay – finds the cause of something and its impact
• Comparison Essay – compares and contrasts two things
• Process Essay – explains a process

How to Choose a Topic for your Expository Essay?

The most difficult and important aspect of essay writing is choosing the ‘right topic’. Many times students choose a difficult topic for which they need to conduct a lot of research which however makes essay writing difficult. Here are 4 quick tips on picking up the right topic –

• Understand the purpose of writing the essay
• Brainstorm some ideas and hence make an informed choice
• Always conduct background research on the topic that you choose to understand its scope
• Start with an outline first! Do not start writing straight away.

Expository Essay Samples

To help you get a better idea of what an expository essay is, consider the samples given below –

Topic: How Students can spend Their Leisure Time

Students have got a lot to handle! From attending classes to completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities, the small amount of leisure time that remains for them should be utilized in the best way possible. Students must choose their activities wisely as the way they spend their leisure time can reflect upon their physical and mental well-being.

Sports and Exercises

With most activities being sedentary nowadays, students should find some time to indulge in any kind of sports activity or a workout routine of their choice. Studies have shown that continuous sitting can lead to adverse effects on the health of students. Hence exercise and sports are good choices for students.

Developing Hobbies

Gardening, reading, writing, drawing, painting, or even cooking, there are numerous hobbies to choose from. Students should find some time for pursuing their hobbies, exploring new ones and enhancing their skills as a part of their leisure activity. No one knows when your hobby becomes your passion and hence gives a pathway to your success!

Time to Relax!

It is essential for us to learn to quiet our minds in this busy world. Hence students should develop a habit to relax and practice mindfulness every day. They can pick up any activity for this like meditation, yoga, listening to music, or even sitting with their family and friends. It is crucial for students to stay calm and find time, particularly for them for their mental and spiritual well-being.

These activities can help students take control of their lives. Picking up an activity that does not involve intellect, that is unlike school activities, can help students find a balance in their life. They can relax, play, grow and discover their true potential only through proper utilization of their leisure time.

Expository Essay Topics

Got a gist of how to write an expository essay? Let us have a look at some easy yet interesting expository essays that you can use –

Descriptive Essay

1. Describe your School 2. Describe your Pet 3. How Diversity can affect a Classroom? 4. Why do we Celebrate Christmas? 5. When you saw Snow for the first time

Problem-Solution Essay

1. Many students do not watch the news. How can this be a matter of concern for them? Are there any solutions to this issue? 2. Animal Abuse and Its Solutions 3. Global Warming and Its Solutions 4. What is Deforestation? Why is it a serious issue? How can this issue be solved? 5. How can we make our Community a Better Place?

Cause-Effect Essay

1. How air Pollution is affecting our Health? 2. Bullying in Schools – Causes and Effects 3. Peer Pressure and its Effects 4. Effects of Using Social Media 5. How Poverty affects urban and rural areas

Comparison Essay

1. Compare your two favourite sportspersons 2. Compare your current house to your dream home 3. Compare your two favourite TV shows 4. Watches – then and now! 5. Compare a place you visited recently with your city

Process Essay

1. How to Make Friends 2. How to Study 3. How to Take Care of your Dog 4. How to Fix a Table Fan 5. How to Write a Diary Entry

Got some inspiration to start with your own essay? So why delay? Start wiring your essay today itself. We hope that these topics would have given you a fair idea of what topic you can choose for your expository essay. Happy Writing!

If you need help in writing essays or in the preparation for NAPLAN , you can find online English tutors  and  online Math tutors  on CrunchGrade .

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Examples of Expository Essays in Middle School

SAT Essay Score: Does It Affect Your SAT score, How Many Points is it ...

Middle school students write expository essays to demonstrate their knowledge in their core classes. For this essay, they conduct research, formulate an argument related to the topic and support their analysis with evidence. Prompts for these essays range from literary and historical analysis to making comparisons in science or explaining an equation in math.

Language Arts Essay

The expository essay in a language arts classroom often revolves around a literary analysis. For a literary analysis, language arts teachers ask questions related to characterization, conflict, theme or literary elements. For instance, an essay prompt asks whether a character is flat or round. Middle schoolers answer the question in a thesis statement in the introduction, which also includes the specifics of the story. They spend one to three paragraphs supporting their answer with support from the text. In the conclusion they restate their thesis, summarize the evidence and generalize the importance of their topic. This format is fairly consistent across content areas, with some distinctions.

Science Essay

Students usually conduct more research or base their essay on comparisons in the science classroom. For instance, middle schoolers may see the following prompt: "Compare four organelles of a eukaryotic cell to four parts of something organized such as a factory or computer." For this essay, they write a statement of purpose, or sentence declaring their comparison, in the introduction as well as definitions of relevant terms. Since the prompt specifies four organelles, they include four body paragraphs, each drawing comparisons between the organelle and counterpart in the chosen example. The conclusion includes the student's analysis of how similarly the organelles function as related to the comparison.

Social Studies Essay

Social Studies offers many opportunities for expository essays. Teachers testing for enduring understanding may ask the following: "Identify the Compromise of 1850 and analyze how it contributed to the sectional crisis." For this essay, the introduction includes brief background information and the statement of purpose describing the analysis. Middle schoolers then spend a paragraph identifying the Compromise of 1850 in detail and one to two paragraphs explaining its contribution to the sectional crisis. The conclusion summarizes the points and explains the significance of the issue to the wider topic of the Civil War.

Middle schoolers are sometimes asked to write expository essays in math classes. They solve an equation, explaining in a process essay how they reach their solution. An example prompt is, "If 1 percent of your bill for lunch is 18 cents, and you want to leave a 15 percent tip, how much money should you leave? Explain how to reach the answer and why the method works." The purpose of this essay is to clarify the process of solving a math equation. In a math essay like this one, the introduction consists of the student's restatement of the problem in their own words as well as one sentence that states the solution. One body paragraph explains how the student arrived at the answer; another body paragraph explains the rationale for using that method. The conclusion consists of the problem's significance to mathematics or the world in general. For more complicated equations, students may use graphs or diagrams in the explanation of the solution.

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Nadia Archuleta has a B.A. in English writing. She spent five years working abroad and has traveled extensively. She has worked as an English as a Foreign/Second Language teacher for 12 years.

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• How to write an expository essay

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 .

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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.

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

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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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Expository Essay Guide

Expository Essay Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

5+ Expository Essay Examples to Help you Get Started

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Want to write an expository essay that will elevate your grades? Don't know what to do and what to avoid?

It can be hard to know where to start when you're writing an expository essay. Do you begin with the facts or with your own opinion? How do you structure your argument? 

Let us guide you with expository essay examples!

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What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a form of writing which examines and investigates a certain idea or concept in order to present evidence that supports the ideas.

It is used to evaluate the analytical skills of students in both middle school and high school.

Writing an expository essay often requires one to thoroughly research the topic, and use primary and secondary sources. Such writings are designed to explain facts, ideas, and concepts in an objective and informative manner. 

This form of writing relies on presenting hard evidence in the form of statistical data, charts, graphs, and other visual presentations to support the information. By utilizing these methods of presentation, it becomes easier to explain the facts clearly.

Here is a complete guide that will help you learn more about writing an expository essay .

The expository essay examples will demonstrate how to write an expository essay without missing anything. These examples will help you in understanding the basics and once you are through them, you will be ready to write your essay in no time.

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How to Write an Expository Essay Outline?

An expository essay outline is just like any other essay and because you have been writing essays since your school years, you will have no difficulties. However, the difficult part is to know the type of information that will go into each section.

We have divided and explained the entire process that is essential to write an expository essay successfully.

The Prewriting Phase

For an effective essay, you need to plan the entire essay before writing. Many students try to do the essay without planning and end up nowhere. Instead of just getting into the paper writing process, brainstorm and think about how you can present the ideas in a structured manner.

Make points of what you will add in each section.

Preparing the First Draft

After brainstorming and noting down every main detail and theme, prepare the first draft of the essay. Add what points you will add in each section. An expository essay structure has the following sections:

• Introduction: An introduction is the first section of an essay. It is a brief mention of the main points and themes of the essay. It includes the background of the main topic and some information about it. However, everything is added briefly.
• Thesis Statement: A well-defined but brief thesis statement will elevate your essay and inform the readers about the main theme of your essay. However, the thesis statement should be brief and should not present the whole theme of the essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Generally, these are three in number and present three main ideas. These paragraphs of the essay examine, analyze and present the main ideas along with the supporting evidence. Each sentence must begin with a topic sentence and expound on the main idea of that paragraph.
• Conclusion: It is the last encounter between you and the readers and this is why it must be strong and memorable. Restate your thesis statement and the overall essence of the essay. You can do it by mentioning the main points briefly or by just presenting the answer to the main essay question.

Final Revision

Revision is the most important part of the writing process. In this phase, you can revise, modify and restructure your essay and rectify it according to the guidelines and main essay question. Some of the things to consider while revising your essay are:

• Have you answered the main question properly and completely?
• Does your essay meet all the guidelines of the instructor?
• Have you added all the main ideas in the essay?
• Is there a proper transition between the sentences and paragraphs?
• Are all the paragraphs consistent and well-structured?

Answering these questions is a must and therefore, you should never miss this part.

Proofreading

After you are done, proofread the entire essay before submitting it. It may seem daunting and dull but, just like revision, proofreading is also important. Proofread the essay thoroughly and see if everything is in line. At this stage, you can still make the changes.

We hope that these tips will act as a writing guide for you and will help you in writing an excellent expository essay.

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What are the Other Types of Expository Essays?

This type of essay is further divided into the following types of expository writing. These are explained below

Descriptive Essay: This essay requires describing a place, person, or event in detail. It includes great sensory details and is written to persuade the reader to see the writer’s viewpoint.

Definition Essay: A definition essay describes a certain phrase or term in detail. The topics can be concrete or abstract in nature and include the explanation of both literal and contextual meanings of the chosen word.

Compare and Contrast: These essays explain two or more things by comparing and contrasting them. They highlight the main points and describe the chosen objects by elaborating their various elements and qualities.

Classification Essay: The writer breaks down the main essay topic and divides it into several classes and categories and explains them one by one.

Process Essay: The writer breaks down a process and explains it in detail. This could be a manufacturing process, a recipe, and even a writing process. It explains the how-to process and how to do it in detail.

Cause and Effect Essay: This essay describes the reasons behind a phenomenon or happening. It explains why something happens and what are the causes behind them. In short, a cause and effect essay explains the relationship between a certain event and its reasons.

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Expository Essays

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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

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

WHAT IS AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY?

An Expository essay ‘exposes’ information to the reader to describe or explain a particular topic logically and concisely.

The purpose of expository writing is to educate or inform the reader first and foremost.

Though the term is sometimes used to include persuasive writing , which exposes us to new ways of thinking, a true expository text does not allow the writer’s personal opinion to intrude into the text and should not be confused.

Expository Writing follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting information and examples, and a conclusion summarising key points and reinforcing the thesis. Common expository essays include process, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and informative essays.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY STRUCTURE

TEXT ORGANIZATION Organize your thoughts before writing.

CLARITY Use clear and concise wording. There is no room for banter.

THESIS STATEMENT State position in direct terms.

TOPIC SENTENCE Open each paragraph with a topic sentence.

SUPPORTING DETAIL Support the topic sentence with further explanation and evidence.

LINK End each body paragraph by linking to the next.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY TYPES

PROCESS Tell your audience how to achieve something, such as how to bake a cake.

CAUSE & EFFECT Explore relationships between subjects, such as climate change and its impact.

PROBLEM & SOLUTION Explain how to solve a problem, such as improving physical fitness.

COMPARE & CONTRAST Compare and contrast two or more items, such as life in China life vs life in the United States or Australia.

DEFINITION Provides a detailed definition of a word or phrase, such as self-confidence.

CLASSIFICATION Organizes things into categories or groups, such as types of music.

STRUCTURE & FEATURES OF EXPOSITORY WRITING

While there are many types of expository essays, the basic underlying structure is the same. The Hamburger or 5-Paragraph Essay structure is an excellent scaffold for students to build their articles. Let’s explore the expository essay outline.

INTRODUCTION:

This is the top bun of the burger, and here the student introduces the exposition topic. This usually consists of a general statement on the subject, providing an essay overview. It may also preview each significant section, indicating what aspects of the subject will be covered in the text. These sections will likely relate to the headings and subheadings identified at the planning stage.

If the introduction is the top bun of the burger, then each body paragraph is a beef patty. Self-contained in some regards, each patty forms an integral part of the whole.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS

Each body paragraph deals with one idea or piece of information. More complex topics may be grouped under a common heading, and the number of paragraphs will depend on the complexity of the topic. For example, an expository text on wolves may include a series of paragraphs under headings such as habitat, breeding habits, what they eat, etc.

Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence indicating to the reader what the paragraph is about. The following sentences should further illuminate this main idea through discussion and/or explanation. Encourage students to use evidence and examples here, whether statistical or anecdotal. Remind students to keep things factual – this is not an editorial piece for a newspaper!

Expository writing is usually not the place for flowery flourishes of figurative imagery! Students should be encouraged to select a straightforward language that is easy for the reader to understand. After all, the aim here is to inform and explain, and this is best achieved with explicit language.

As we’ve seen, several variations of the expository essay exist, but the following are the most common features students must include.

The title should be functional. It should instantly inform the reader what they will learn about in the text. This is not the place for opaque poetry!

A table of contents in long essays will help the reader locate helpful information quickly. Usually, the page numbers found here will be linked to headings and subheadings to be found in the text.

HEADINGS / SUBHEADINGS:

These assist the reader in finding information by summarizing the content in their wording.

Usually listed alphabetically, the glossary defines unusual or topic-specific vocabulary and is sometimes accompanied by pictures, illustrations etc.

The index lets the reader identify where to find specific information in longer texts. An index is much more detailed than a table of contents.

VISUAL FORMS OF INFORMATION

Expository essays sometimes support the text with visuals, such as:

• Pictures / Illustrations / Photographs:

These can be used to present a central idea or concept within the text and are often accompanied by a caption explaining what the image shows. Photographs can offer a broad overview or a close-up of essential details.

Diagrams are a great way to convey complex information quickly. They should be labelled clearly to ensure the reader knows what they are looking at.

• Charts and Graphs:

These are extremely useful for showing data and statistics in an easy-to-read manner. They should be labelled clearly and correspond to the information in the nearby text.

Maps may be used to explain where something is or was located. 

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Types of expository essay

There are many different types of expository texts (e.g. encyclopaedias, travel guides, information reports , etc.), but there are also various expository essays, with the most common being.

• Process Essays
• Cause and Effect Essays
• Problem and Solution Essays
• Compare and Contrast Essays
• Definition Essays
• Classification Essays

We will examine each of these in greater detail in the remainder of this article, as they have slight nuances and differences that make them unique. The graphic below explains the general structure for all text types from the expository writing family.

THE PROCESS ESSAY

This how-to essay often takes the form of a set of instructions. Also known as a procedural text , the process essay has very specific features that guide the reader on how to do or make something.

To learn more about this type of writing, check out our information-packed article here .

Features of a process essay

Some of the main features of the process essay include:

• ‘How to’ title
• Numbered or bullet points
• Time connectives
• Imperatives (bossy words)
• List of resources

Example Expository Process Essay:

The cause and effect essay.

The purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to explore the causal relationships between things. Essays like this often bring the focus back to a single cause. These essays frequently have a historical focus.

The text should focus on facts rather than assumptions as an expository essay. However, cause-and-effect essays sometimes explore hypothetical situations too.

There are two main ways to structure a cause-and-effect essay.

The Block Structure presents all the causes first. The writer then focuses on the effects of these causes in the second half of the essay.

The Chain Structure presents each cause and then immediately follows with the effects it created.

Example Expository Cause and Effect Essay:

The problem and solution essay.

In this type of essay, the writer first identifies a problem and then explores the topic from various angles to ultimately propose a solution. It is similar to the cause-and-effect essay.

While the problem and solution essay can use the block and chain structures as outlined above – substitute cause with problem and effect with a solution – it will also usually work through the following elements:

• Identifies a problem
• Contains a clear thesis statement
• Each paragraph has a topic sentence
• Supports with facts, examples, evidence
• The conclusion summarizes the main points

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Example Expository Problem and Solution Essay:

The compare and contrast essay.

In this type of essay, students evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more things, ideas, people, etc. Usually, the subjects will belong to the same category.

The compare-and-contrast expository essay can be organized in several different ways. Three of these are outlined below.

In the three structures outlined, it is assumed that two subjects are being compared and contrasted. Of course, the precise number of paragraphs required in the text will depend on the number of points the student wishes to make and the number of subjects being compared and contrasted.

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DEFINITION ESSAYS

This type of essay provides a detailed description and definition of a word or phrase. It can be a concrete term, such as car or glass, or a more abstract concept, such as love or fear .

A definition essay comprehensively explains a term’s purpose and meaning. It will frequently contain some or all of the following elements:

• A definition of the term
• An analysis of its meaning
• The etymology of the term
• A comparison to related terms
• Examples to illustrate the meaning
• A summary of the main points

Example Expository Definition Essay:

CLASSIFICATION ESSAYS

Like definition essays, a classification essay sorts or organizes things into various groups or categories and explains each group or category in detail.

Classification essays focus on:

• Sorting things into functional categories
• Ensuring each category follows a common organizing principle
• Provides examples that illustrate each category.

Example Expository Classification Essay:

One of the best ways to understand the different features of expository essays is to see them in action. The sample essay below is a definition essay but shares many features with other expository essays.

EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPTS

Examples of Expository Essay Titles

 Expository essay prompts are usually pretty easy to spot.

 They typically contain keywords that ask the student to explain something, such as “define,” “outline,” “describe,” or, most directly of all, “explain.”

 This article will examine the purpose of an expository essay and its structure. It will also examine the primary language and stylistic features of this vital text type.

 After this, we’ll explore five distinct tips for helping your students get the most out of writing their expository essays.

Expository Essays vs Argumentative Essays

 Expository essays are often confused with their close cousin, the argumentative essay. Still, it’s easy to help students distinguish between the two by quickly examining their similarities and differences.

 In an expository essay, students will attempt to write about a thing or a concept neutrally and objectively, unlike an argumentative essay where the writer’s opinions permeate the text throughout. Simple as it sounds, this may take some doing for some students as it requires the writer to refine their personal voice almost out of existence!

 Luckily, choosing the correct viewpoint from which to write the essay can go a long way to helping students achieve the desired objectivity. Generally, students should write their expository essays from the third-person perspective.

Contrastingly, argumentative essays are subjective in nature and will usually be written from the first-person perspective as a result.

 In an expository essay, the text’s prime focus is the topic rather than the writer’s feelings on that topic. For the writer, disassociating their personal feelings on a topic is much easier when they’re a step removed from the narration by using the third-person POV rather than the first-person POV.

Expository Essay Tips

Follow these top tips from the experts to craft an amazing expository essay.

 Tip #1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Surprising as it may seem, not all expository essays are created equal.

 In fact, there are several different types of expository essays, and our students must learn to recognize each and choose the correct one for their specific needs when producing their own expository essays.

 To do this, students will need to know the 5 types of expository essays:

• The Cause and Effect Essay : This type of essay requires that the writer explain why something happened and what occurred due to that event and subsequent events. It explores the relationship between people, ideas, events, or things and other people, ideas, events, or things.
• The Compare and Contrast Essay: In a compare and contrast essay, the writer examines the similarities and differences between two subjects or ideas throughout the body of the piece and usually brings things together in an analysis at the end .
• The Descriptive Essay: This is a very straightforward expository essay with a detailed description or explanation of a topic. The topic may be an event, place, person, object, or experience. This essay’s direct style is balanced with the freedom of the writer can inject some of their creativity into the description.
• The Problem and Solution Essay : In this expository essay, the student will work to find valid solutions to a specific problem or problem.
• The Process Essay : Also called a how-to essay, this essay type is similar to instruction writing, except in essay form. It provides a step-by-step procedure breakdown to teach the reader how to do something.

 When choosing a specific topic to write about, students should consider several factors:

 ●      Do they know the topic well enough to explain the ins and outs of the subject to an unfamiliar audience?

 ●      Do they have enough interest in this topic to sustain thorough research and writing about it?

 ●      Is enough relevant information and credible sources available to fuel the student’s writing on this topic?

Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly

Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

A common problem for students while researching is that sometimes they don’t have a clear understanding of the objective of their research. They lack a clear focus on their efforts.

Research is not mindlessly scanning documents and scrawling occasional notes. As with any part of the writing process, it begins with determining clear objectives.

Often, students will start the research process with a broad focus, and as they continue researching, they will naturally narrow their focus as they learn more about the topic.

Take the time to help students understand that writing isn’t only about expressing what we think; it’s also about discovering what we think.

When researching, students should direct their efforts to the following:

• Gather Supporting Evidence : The research process is not only for uncovering the points to be made within the essay but also the evidence to support those points. The aim here is to provide an objective description or analysis of the topic; therefore, the student will need to gather relevant supporting evidence, such as facts and statistics, to bolster their writing. Usually, each paragraph will open with a topic sentence, and subsequent sentences in the paragraph will focus on providing a factual, statistical, and logical analysis of the paragraph’s main point.
• Cite Sources : It’s an essential academic skill to be able to cite sources accurately. There are several accepted methods of doing this, and you must choose a citation style appropriate to your student’s age, abilities, and context. However, whatever style you choose, students should get used to citing any sources they use in their essays, either in the form of embedded quotations, endnotes, or bibliography – or all three!
• Use Credible Sources: The Internet has profoundly impacted knowledge sharing as the Gutenberg Press did almost 600 years ago. It has provided unparalleled access to the sum total of human knowledge as never before, with each student having a dizzying number of sources available at their fingertips. However, we must ensure our students understand that not all sources are created equal. Encourage students to seek credible sources in their research and filter out the more dubious sources. Some questions students can ask themselves to help determine a source’s credibility include:

●      Have I searched thoroughly enough to find the most relevant sources for my topic?

●      Has this source been published recently? Is it still relevant?

●      Has the source been peer-reviewed? Have other sources confirmed this source?

●      What is the publication’s reputation?

●      Is the author an expert in their field?

●      Is the source fact-based or opinion-based?

Tip #3: Sketch an Outline

Every kid knows you can’t find the pirate treasure without a map, which is true of essay writing. Using their knowledge of the essay’s structure, students start whipping their research notes into shape by creating an outline for their essay.

The 5-paragraph essay or ‘Hamburger’ essay provides a perfect template for this.

Students start by mapping out an appealing introduction built around the main idea of their essay. Then, from their mound of research, they’ll extract their most vital ideas to assign to the various body paragraphs of their text.

Finally, they’ll sketch out their conclusion, summarize their essay’s main points, and, where appropriate, make their final statement on the topic.

Tip #4: Write a Draft

Title chosen? Check! Topic researched? Check! Outline sketched? Check!

Well, then, it’s time for the student to begin writing in earnest by completing the first draft of their essay.

They’ll already have a clear idea of the shape their essay will take from their research and outlining processes, but ensure your students allow themselves some leeway to adapt as the writing process throws up new ideas and problems.

That said, students will find it helpful to refer back to their thesis statement and outline to help ensure they stay on track as they work their way through the writing process towards their conclusions.

As students work through their drafts, encourage them to use transition words and phrases to help them move smoothly through the different sections of their essays.

Sometimes, students work directly from an outline as if on a checklist. This can sometimes be seen as the finished essay resembling Frankenstein. That is an incongruous series of disparate body parts crudely stitched together.

Learning to use transitions effectively will help students create an essay that is all of a whole, with all the joins and seams sanded and smoothed from view.

Tip #5: Edit with a Fresh Pair of Eyes

Once the draft is complete, students enter the final crucial editing stage.

But, not so hasty! Students must pencil in some time to let their drafts ‘rest’. If the editing process occurs immediately after the student finishes writing their draft, they’ll likely overlook much.

Editing is best done when students have time to gain a fresh perspective on their work. Ideally, this means leaving the essay overnight or over a few nights. However, practically, this isn’t always possible. Usually, though, it will be possible for students to put aside their writing for a few hours.

With the perspective that only time gives, when returning to their work, students can identify areas for improvement that they may have missed. Some important areas for students to look at in the editing process include:

• Bias : Students need to remember the purpose of this essay is to present a balanced and objective description of the topic. They need to ensure they haven’t let their own personal bias slip through during the writing process – an all too easy thing to do!
• Clarity : Clarity is as much a function of structure as language. Students must ensure their paragraphs are well organized and express their ideas clearly. Where necessary, some restructuring and rewriting may be required.
• Proofread: With stylistic and structural matters taken care of, it’s now time for the student to shift their focus onto matters of spelling , vocabulary choice, grammar, and punctuation. This final proofread represents the last run-through of the editing process. It’s the students’ final chance to catch mistakes and errors that may bias the assessor (aka You! ) against the effectiveness of the piece of writing. Where the text has been word-processed, the student can enlist inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers to help. Still, they should also take the time to go through each line word by word. Automatic checkers are a helpful tool, but they are a long way from infallible, and the final judgement on a text should employ the writer’s own judgement.

Expository essays are relatively straightforward pieces of writing. By following the guidelines mentioned above and practising them regularly, students can learn to produce well-written expository essays quickly and competently.

Explaining and describing events and processes objectively and clearly is a useful skill that students can add to their repertoire. Although it may seem challenging at first, with practice, it will become natural.

To write a good expository essay, students need a good understanding of its basic features and a firm grasp of the hamburger essay structure. As with any writing genre, prewriting is essential, particularly for expository writing.

Since expository writing is designed primarily to inform the reader, sound research and note-taking are essential for students to produce a well-written text. Developing these critical skills is an excellent opportunity for students through expository writing, which will be helpful to them as they continue their education.

Redrafting and editing are also crucial for producing a well-written expository essay. Students should double-check facts and statistics, and the language should be edited tightly for concision.

And, while grading their efforts, we might even learn a thing or two ourselves!

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Expository Essays: A Complete Guide

You write a lot of essays, and while they might share some broad characteristics such as their structure, they can be quite different from each other. Some essays are meant to convince the reader that the position you’re arguing is the correct position, while others explore the differences and similarities between literary works. Beyond these, you might also be assigned to write essays that explain subjects, events, and concepts to the reader, sometimes walking them through processes. These essays are known as expository essays. 

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What is an expository essay?

An expository essay is an essay that communicates factual information. Broadly, this type of writing is known as expository writing . Expository essays rely on different structures to communicate their positions, like compare and contrast, process essays, and analyzing cause and effect. 

Expository writing is one of the four main types of writing . The others are persuasive, narrative , and descriptive writing. 

Knowing how to write an expository essay, along with knowing how to write other types of essays , is an essential skill for any student to master. Expository writing isn’t the place to be cute, clever, or edgy; it’s the kind of writing where you position facts and observations to let them speak for themselves in the most effective way possible. It’s the kind of writing you do when you’re analyzing information you’ve been assigned to study, thinking critically about concepts covered in class, and explaining the processes and reasons behind the conclusions you’ve reached. 

The purpose of expository writing

Expository writing has a clear purpose: to educate the reader. While it may also entertain or persuade the reader, these are secondary benefits and not the author’s goal. Well-crafted expository writing demonstrates the author’s expertise on the subject and in many cases demonstrates how they learned about their subject.

For example, you might be assigned to write an essay about the mock trial your class held. In this essay, you would introduce the assignment and the case your class worked on through the trial. Then in the following body paragraphs , you would describe each stage in the mock trial process (discovery, opening statements, cross-examination, closing statements, jury deliberation, and verdict) and how your class completed each of these stages. In the final paragraph, you would state the verdict your class reached and the judge’s ruling. 

Your essay about the mock trial doesn’t argue that the ruling was right or wrong. It merely explains the process your class used to work through the trial process and learn how real court cases move through the court system. In other words, your essay would present facts and process rather than opinion and commentary.

5 types of expository essays

As we mentioned above, expository essays come in many forms. These include the following:

1 Classification essays

In a classification essay, you write about various subjects within one category, discussing each subject’s unique characteristics alongside the characteristics that connect it with others in its category. For example, you might write a classification essay about different kinds of herding dogs. Your essay would start with a thesis statement about how herding breeds are different from other categories of dogs, then in each paragraph, discuss specific herding breeds (corgi, collie, heeler, etc.). 

2 Definition essays

A definition essay defines its subject by presenting clear facts about it. Your definition essay might challenge commonly repeated myths about a historical event by presenting firsthand accounts of the event from primary sources and discussing relevant social, political, and economic trends that impacted the event and influenced perceptions of it. 

3 Process essays

A process essay walks the reader through the steps involved in completing a task. A recipe has a lot in common with a process essay. A process essay’s opening paragraph explains the process that will be covered and the end result of following the directions. Each body paragraph is a step in the process, then the conclusion explains what the reader should have achieved by completing each step. 

4 Compare-and-contrast essays

In a compare-and-contrast essay , you support your thesis statement by examining the differences and similarities between the sources cited. For example, you might write an essay comparing and contrasting the dress code at your school with the dress codes at two neighboring schools. Your body paragraphs might examine the differences in which articles of clothing are and aren’t allowed as well as the overall preciseness of each dress code’s language and the amount of “gray area” present in each policy. 

5 Cause-and-effect essays

As the name implies, a cause-and-effect essay gets into how specific events and/or actions caused others to occur. They sometimes trace chains of events to explore why we find ourselves facing certain circumstances today. An example of a cause-and-effect essay might be one tracking how shifting market trends over the past few decades impacted the industries in your region, creating the current local economy. 

How to structure an expository essay

Expository essays follow the same general structure you use with every essay assignment : an introduction, body paragraphs that support and expand upon the points you made in your introduction, then a conclusion that reiterates those points and underscores your thesis. 

Unless your instructor requires your essay to hit a certain word count, there’s no specific length your essay needs to be. Similarly, it doesn’t need to have a specific number of paragraphs—but it does need to express your points thoroughly and accurately. To achieve this, your essay should follow this format, give or take the quantity of body paragraphs for the number of supporting points you make: 

Introduction

In the introduction, you present your essay topic and your thesis statement, ideally hooking your reader with intriguing facts. You also introduce your supporting evidence and all necessary context to help your reader understand your thesis. 

Body paragraph

Each supporting point you make needs its own body paragraph. Although the five-paragraph essay is typically considered the “standard” essay length, you might need a six-paragraph or longer essay to thoroughly communicate your thesis statement. 

Use transition words and sentences to transition between body paragraphs. Transition words and sentences are the phrases that express the relationship between two paragraphs, signaling to the reader why you’re making a specific point and how that point fits into your overall work. 

In your last body paragraph, you’ll need to transition to your conclusion. That doesn’t mean you should start summarizing here—give your final body paragraph as much insight and detail as you gave your previous body paragraphs. 

In your conclusion , you restate your thesis statement and summarize the points you made in your body paragraphs. It should neatly tie up any loose ends and answer any lingering questions the reader may have. 

How do you write an expository essay?

Before you write your next expository essay, familiarize yourself with the conventions and rules for essay writing . These general guidelines will help you structure your essay and determine the most effective way to present your information. But because you’re writing an expository essay, it’s also important that you understand and incorporate all the characteristics that separate expository essays from other kinds of writing. Keep the following rules for expository writing in mind:

• Despite the taboo, insects make an excellent food source and could stem humanity’s looming food shortage, based on both their protein output and the sustainability of farming them.
• The backlash to rock ’n’ roll music in the ’50s by religious groups and traditionalists actually boosted the genre’s popularity instead of diminishing it as intended.
• Your tone should be objective and academic . While narrative and descriptive essays can take on artistic, impassioned, and familiar tones, expository essays stick to conventional language and a neutral tone.
• Stick to the facts. An expository essay is not the place to express your opinion—or even present the facts in a way meant to change or shape the reader’s opinion. 
• Always be completely sure of the facts you’re presenting. That means thoroughly vetting your sources, cross-checking them with other reputable sources, and properly citing every fact you put forth as the truth.

Start writing your expository essay the same way you would start the writing process for any other project: by brainstorming. If you weren’t assigned a topic, you’ll need to determine an appropriate topic on your own—brainstorming is where you’ll determine that topic. It’s also where you’ll determine your thesis statement, the most important component of your expository essay . Don’t move forward with outlining your essay until you have a thesis statement. 

Once you have a clear thesis statement, it’s time to outline your essay. With an expository essay, it’s especially important that you present accurate facts in a logical way. It can be very helpful to note your sources for each paragraph in your outline. 

With a completed outline, it’s time to start writing. Follow the standard writing process through this first draft, editing, and your revision. Once you’re finished, make sure you proofread your essay carefully—not only for grammar and spelling mistakes, but to double-check that you’ve properly cited every source and formatted your essay according to your assigned style guide.  

You write the essay, Grammarly gives it extra polish

In an expository essay, it’s especially important that your writing is mistake-free. Having spelling and grammatical mistakes in your writing undermines your credibility as a writer, so even if your ideas and insights are solid, readers won’t get as much out of your work as they would if it had no mistakes.

That’s why proofreading is so important . . . and why Grammarly is so helpful. Before you submit your essay, use Grammarly to catch any mistakes or unclear sentences that might have sneaked past you while you were proofreading your work. It can also ensure that the tone you’re using is the tone you want to be using—and that it’s consistent through your whole essay. 

JournalBuddies.com

Journal Buddies Jill | July 8, 2024 November 17, 2021 | Prompts by Grade , Writing by Grade Level

33 Excellent Expository Writing Prompts

Hooray! Our list of expository writing prompts was created with younger writers in mind, but these ideas are actually very useful good for writers of many ages and stages of life.

You see…

The basics are a fantastic starting point regardless of the writer’s age. So take a look now and enjoy!

A Few Words on Expository Writing

This form of writing is a method of writing in which the author describes, informs, or explains a topic to the reader.

Learning how to write an expository paper (or essay) is one of the most important skills that students can develop from an early age. Of course, it is also a skill one may develop or refine at any age or stage in school or life.

Expository writing is a lifelong skill that will serve students not only throughout the rest of their school years but also throughout their entire lives.

Great Topic Choices for Your English Classes

Again, our list of expository prompts while created with younger students in mind is also appropriate for writers of all ages.

Some of the ideas to write about are listed below ask your students and writers to explain a concept (such as why it’s so important to eat healthy foods).

Other expository topic ideas allow them to practice their expository writing skills by explaining why they hold a particular viewpoint or belief (such as why a person they find heroic should be admired by others).

As students and their classmates go through these descriptive prompts, they’ll improve their descriptive writing skills and will gain a better understanding of what it means to explain or teach something to another person.

33 Expository Writing Prompts for Everyone

Use this fantastic list of prompts with your writers today!

• Think of your most valued possession. Explain why it is so important to you.
• Explain why it is so important for kids to attend school.
• Think about a time when you did something that you didn’t want to do. Explain why you did it anyway.
• Think of a person whom you consider to be a hero. Explain why other people should admire this person.
• Explain three ways that people can do nice things for one another.
• Explain what you would do if a friend got mad at you for something that you didn’t do.
• Think about a famous person whom you would like to meet and explain why you would want to meet them.
• Choose an important tool that can be found in our classroom. Explain how it has made an impact on teachers and students.
• Think about a time when you couldn’t stop laughing and explain what happened.
• Explain why it is important to eat healthy foods.
• Explain why you shouldn’t have too many sweets or snacks.
• Think of something your parents always tell you and explain why it is or isn’t true.
• Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest child in your family? Explain what you like or dislike about your position.
• Think about what you want to be when you grow up and explain why you think that would be the best job.

• Choose your favorite holiday and explain why people celebrate it.
• Think about one of your best friends and explain why you like them.
• Explain what it means to be a good person.
• Explain what you would do if you were at a store and couldn’t find your grownup.
• Choose a type of transportation (car, bike, plane, etc.) and explain why it is beneficial for people who use it.
• Explain what you like most about living in our city.
• Think of one of your family’s traditions. Explain why it matters to your family and how you perform the tradition.
• Explain why it is important for students to learn how to do math.
• Think of something that you know how to do well and explain how to do it as if you were teaching someone who didn’t know.
• Explain why it is important for students to follow our classroom rules.
• Explain what you would do if you saw someone being bullied.
• Choose a food that you love and explain what you like about it.
• Think of your favorite TV show and explain why you like it better than other programs.
• Explain what you like most about summer vacation.
• Choose your favorite book and explain what elements made it a good book.
• Think about how you feel when someone notices something you’ve done well. Explain what kinds of feelings you get.
• Choose one of your favorite activities and explain what you like most about it.
• Explain why it is important to help people who are less fortunate than us.

Bonus List of Simple Ideas Expository Essays or Compositions

Write about your:

• Favorite movie 
• Favorite toy
• Favorite music
• Favorite animal or
• A particular animal

and explain in detail what you like most about it. 

We hope your writers enjoyed this bonus list of things to write about for youngsters.

Maybe they’ll even share them with a good friend who isn’t in their English or writing class. Now, wouldn’t that be a hoot!

A Few Final Thoughts

These all-new expository writing prompts are full of interesting topics and ideas that writers will be excited to describe.

Use these ideas with your students and kids. By doing so, you’ll help your students learn the valuable skill of narrative writing, composition, and expository writing skill development.

Now is the perfect time for your young students to pick a good topic they enjoy and practice this form of writing. Doing so will help them refine their writing skills and help give them a boost when they have to write more elaborate essays later on in life (such as I in middle school, high school, college and beyond).

Links & Resources

• 30 Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade
• Explanatory Writing: 22 Writing Prompt Ideas for Students
• Opinion Writing Topics for 2nd Grade
• What is Expository Writing?

Well, that’s all for today.

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed these Expository Writing Prompts, please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

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How To Write an Excellent Expository Essay: Expert Tips and Examples

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Some days, life can feel like an endless series of explanations. You explain to your family why your job has been such a bummer lately. You explain to your landlord that you’re not actually a millionaire and thus deserve a rent decrease. While you might be tired of all that explaining, it does give you the foundation of a good expository essay. With a little refining and helpful tips, you’ll learn how to write an expository essay that will amaze and astound.

1. Understand Exposition and What Makes It Special

Okay, there’s admittedly a little more to an expository essay than just explaining. The operative word in expository essay is exposition , which, yes, does refer to explanation, but it’s a more comprehensive and critical explanation about a specific idea, theory, or topic .

Exposition is about exposing information or ideas that may lie deeper within a subject through research and critical analysis .

Differences Between Expository, Narrative, and Descriptive Essays

At first glance, an expository essay seems synonymous with a narrative essay and a descriptive essay . And it’s true that your expository essay will probably have some elements of narrative (explaining through storytelling) and description (providing details about a subject).

In practical terms: A description will give you details about a cheeseburger. A narrative will tell you a story about that cheeseburger. An exposition might tell you about the history of the cheeseburger and how it has affected American culture.

Exposition vs. Argument

The really tricky part is differentiating between exposition and argument. There’s certainly some overlap between expository essays and argumentative essays, and some people suggest it comes down to being objective or subjective. That’s a little tricky considering expository essay theses can make claims that seem opinionated but aren’t — it’s more about presenting facts and findings than picking a side.

Exposition can involve agreeing or disagreeing with something, but it’s typically based more on emotion and textual evidence, like “This poem effectively considers a theme, and here’s how and why.” An argument is about taking a real stance on a debatable topic and uses hard stats, empirical data, and quantitative research, which might look more like “Spoons are the superior utensil, and here are some stats and a survey to support that.”

2. Determine the Type of Expository Essay You’re Writing

Expository essay  is more of an umbrella term for other essay types. The general structure and purpose of the essay may not change, but knowing the type of expository essay you’re writing is always a good idea.

The main types include:

• Analytical essays
• Compare and contrast essays
• Cause and effect essays

Dissertations and theses are also technically expository essays, though in a much longer and more in-depth form.

3. Start With What Interests You About the Topic

As with any essay, the hardest part is getting started. Essays in general have a reputation for being heady, buttoned-up, and overly academic pieces of writing, which can be intimidating for anyone. Expository essays can be particularly difficult because they have to contain a thesis that is opinionated, critical, and otherwise well-thought out.

Instead of getting bogged down under all that, start from a place of curiosity. What interests you about the topic? Is it a single line from the text? Is it a specific bit of historical context? Is it some random interview with a filmmaker? Figuring out what interests you helps to bring all the headiness of an essay to your own level.

Answering those questions can help you get started on your expository essay and build a thesis, which you can then modify and adjust as you get deeper into your essay writing.

4. Use That Interest To Structure Your Essay

Expository essays tend to be the most standard when it comes to their structure. The best news: If you’ve written a typical five-paragraph essay for class, you already know what an expository essay outline will look like (an intro, some body paragraphs, and a conclusion).

Sounds a little basic, but that reliability and consistency is part of the draw with these types of essays. The uniqueness is in the subject itself and what you bring to the essay.

If you’re writing an expository essay about a poem, for example, your outline might look like:

• An introductory hook that brings the reader in
• Some background context that you think the reader might want to know
• Your thesis: “This poem effectively represents certain themes through its line structures and word choice.”
• A deep dive into a significant line in the poem
• A look at the word choice, rhyming, and rhythm structure of that line
• An explanation of how that effectively addresses themes
• A look at another line or section that somehow connects to the line discussed in the previous paragraph
• A look at word choice and rhythm within that line or section
• Discussion of the poem as a whole
• A deeper look at the themes you’re discussing
• A callback to the first line you mentioned
• Restating the thesis statement
• A broader discussion of the themes or the poem within a larger historical context

5. Use Figurative Language

Yes, you should be analytical and use clear, concise language so that your reader understands what you’re trying to explain or claim in your thesis statement. You also don’t want to be too academic or dry. Otherwise, your readers won’t get past the first sentence.

Essays are an art form unto themselves. Even if you’re not telling an outright narrative, figurative language can play a really important role in your expository essay by building flow, supporting your thesis, and just making your writing feel a bit more human. Metaphors , similes , and all of those good literary devices can be great tools in your expository essay, so don’t ignore them.

6. Stick With Third-Person POV

Personal narrative essays are very much about your personal experiences and thus rely on a first-person perspective or creative use of second- or third-person.

By contrast, expository essays more often get grouped into “academic writing,” which generally requires a third-person point of view . That doesn’t mean avoiding your own thoughts and opinions. In fact, your essay should always feel like you’re speaking your mind. You just have to get creative with how to state that opinion without saying I or me .

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Blog / How to Write an Expository Essay (With an Outline)

How to Write an Expository Essay (With an Outline)

August 18, 2023

Explanations are an important part of learning new information and skills. Without someone or something to explain things, people would keep making a lot of easily avoidable mistakes. Providing clear and effective explanations is a vital skill in most career paths. That is why expository essays are a common assignment across all levels of education.

Like any writing process, crafting an effective expository essay can be daunting. What makes an expository essay different from other styles of writing? What is a good expository essay topic? Am I technically reading an expository essay right now?

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Read on to learn all about expository essays and boost your writing skills!

What Is an Expository Essay?

There are a lot of different types of essays, so let’s start by defining the term expository. Basically, an expository essay is an essay that is intended to explain or describe something. They use facts and data to describe or analyze a given topic or idea.

For a helpful reminder, think of the words expose or exposition when it comes to these essays. If you’re interested in journalism, you can also think of it as an exposé.

This style is slightly similar to that of argumentative essays , but is different when it comes to intent. Unlike an argumentative essay, expository essays aren’t meant to support a position, but rather just state facts. While the essays are structured similarly, the use of opinion sets an argumentative essay apart from an expository essay.

Types of Expository Essays

Expository writing is used heavily in specific career paths, and is seen broadly across most fields. Any text that is written with the purpose of educating or informing an audience falls under this type of writing. Below are four common styles of expository essays you might see in your assignments.

• Cause and Effect Essays – Like the name implies, these essays describe a chain of events and their consequences. Example: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.
• Compare and Contrast Essays – Another straightforward title. These essays take two ideas and analyze them for similarities and differences. Example: Capitalism vs Communism.
• Descriptive Essays – These essays broadly describe or define a specific subject or idea. Essentially it is just information about a topic. Example: Giant Squids and Their Constant Fight Against Whales.
• How-To Essays – Also called process essays. These are step-by-step descriptions of a process or system. Example: Baking the Perfect Fruit Cake.

How to Start an Expository Essay

Starting an expository essay is much like starting any essay. First, you should decide on a topic if one hasn’t been assigned. Research the topic until you feel like you understand it well enough to write about it. Then, make a plan for how you will go about writing the essay.

An easy way to begin structuring your essay is by following the five-paragraph essay format. This looks like an Introduction paragraph, three Body paragraphs, and a Conclusion paragraph.

Essay Outline

Before any essay writing begins, it’s good to have a plan. Prewriting exercises are a great way to get an early idea of what your essay will become. Think about your audience, narrow down your topics, and determine your purpose in writing. You should also use an outline to build the frame for your essay.

Here is an example of what an expository essay outline might look like.

I. Introduction Paragraph

• Hook sentence
• Subtopic Sentence 1
• Subtopic Sentence 2
• Subtopic Sentence 3
• Thesis statement

II. Subtopic Paragraph 1

• Supporting statement

III. Subtopic Paragraph 2

IV. Subtopic Paragraph 3

V. Conclusion Paragraph

• Restate thesis
• Concluding statement

Introduction

The introduction paragraph should begin with a statement that grabs the reader’s attention. This is known as the hook sentence. The next couple of sentences should lay out the topics that you will discuss in the body of your essay. Finally, the introduction should include a sentence that states the core idea of the entire essay; this is your thesis statement .

The body of your essay is where your research comes in handy. Each body paragraph should discuss one topic that relates to your thesis statement. Then, the rest of the paragraph supports those topics with evidence from your research. Don’t forget to cite your sources!

Your conclusion is where you tie all of your information together. It should begin by restating your thesis. The next sentences should review your subtopics found in the body paragraphs. The last sentence should describe a conclusion you want the audience to have reached through reading your essay.

Review and Edit

Once you have written the first draft of your essay, go through it again. Look for spelling or grammatical errors, but also check to see if the essay makes sense throughout. If you feel comfortable, you might want to give it to a peer to proofread. You are allowed to write as many drafts as you need to in order to feel confident in your writing.

Expository Essay Topics

Oftentimes, an expository essay assignment has no specific topic attached to it. In that instance, there is an extra layer of preparation before you can begin writing your essay. You need to figure out what you want to write about.

First, you should consider what is appropriate for your level and field of study. For example, expository essay topics for middle school and high school are vastly different from essay topics for college. Similarly, you wouldn’t want to tackle a doctoral thesis in your first semester of undergrad. Focus on topics that fit closely with the class and the assignment.

Like any open-ended writing assignment, your best chance of enjoying the process is to pick a topic that interests you. You’ll be spending lots of time researching and writing about this, so pick something that isn’t boring to you. If the course is within your major, there should be a lot of potential for interesting topics. If it’s not, you might discover something new with which you are fascinated.

Examples of Expository Essays

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Expository Essay

Expository essay generator.

An expository essay is a quintessential part of academic writing that delves into explaining or clarifying a topic in a comprehensive manner. This type of essay requires the writer to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. Discovering exemplary essay examples can greatly enhance understanding and mastery of this style. Here, we provide a complete guide with examples to empower students and educators in crafting effective expository essays

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In school, it is an unavoidable truth that you will be asked to write something about a topic which sometimes you are so eager to finish. There are also times when you feel like you do not want to write anything at all. Well, that is just normal. We all go through those times.One of the things that we do in school is essay writing . As we all know, it is never an easy job to write especially college essays . However, having the right disposition and enthusiasm makes it all so easy. By the time you start to write, all those ideas keep coming and you wouldn’t realize you’re already done.

What is an expository essay?

An expository essay is a genre of writing that investigates an idea, evaluates evidence, expounds on the idea, and sets forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This type of essay requires the writer to define a topic, use examples, statistics, and facts to explain it to the reader. Expository essays are factual and devoid of the writer’s opinions, focusing instead on delivering straightforward information and analysis on a subject. Their primary purpose is to educate or explain, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic to the reader.

Structure of an Expository Essay

It typically consists of five paragraphs, but the length can vary depending on the depth of the topic. Here’s a breakdown of the traditional structure:

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Introduction:

Hook: Begin with a compelling opening to grab the reader’s attention, which could be a question, fact, statistic, or anecdote. Background Information: Provide a brief background to introduce the topic and context. Thesis Statement: Present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main point or argument of the essay.

Body Paragraphs:

Usually, there are three body paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or evidence supporting the thesis. Topic Sentence: Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Evidence and Examples: Provide supporting evidence, examples, facts, or statistics to back up the point made in the topic sentence. Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your thesis and the significance of the evidence. This is where you interpret the facts and show how they contribute to your overall argument. Transition: Use transition sentences or words at the end of each paragraph to smoothly move to the next point or paragraph.

Conclusion:

Restate Thesis: Summarize the essay by restating the thesis statement in a new way, reflecting the evidence and insights provided. Summarize Main Points: Briefly recap the main points made in the body paragraphs without introducing new information. Closing Thought: End with a strong closing statement that reinforces the importance of the topic or provides a call to action or thought-provoking statement to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The primary purpose of expository writing is to explain, inform, or describe. It aims to present a balanced and objective explanation of a topic, process, or concept, based on facts without the writer’s personal opinions influencing the content.

• Educate Readers: It provides readers with a thorough understanding of a subject through clear, concise, and informative content.
• Clarify Complex Ideas: By breaking down complicated subjects into more manageable parts, it helps readers grasp difficult concepts or processes.
• Enhance Critical Thinking: Encourages readers to think critically about the subject matter as they process the information presented.
• Improve Research Skills: Involves researching and presenting facts, which cultivates research and analytical skills in both the writer and the reader.
• Present Objective Analysis: Offers an unbiased perspective, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the presented facts.

How Do You Write an Expository Essay

Writing an expository essay involves a clear, focused approach that communicates information to the reader in a concise and effective manner. Follow these steps to write a compelling expository essay:

Choose a Topic: Select a topic that is interesting, manageable, and relevant to your assignment’s requirements. It should be broad enough to write about but narrow enough to cover comprehensively in your essay. Conduct Research: Gather information from credible sources to thoroughly understand your topic. Note down important facts, statistics, and examples that will help you explain your topic clearly. Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a clear thesis statement that outlines the main point or argument of your essay. This statement will guide the direction of your essay and inform the reader about your focus.  Outline Your Essay: Organize your thoughts and research into an outline. Structure your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you maintain a logical flow when writing. Write the First Draft: Using your outline as a guide, write the first draft of your essay. Focus on getting your ideas down; you can refine and edit your work in subsequent drafts. Revise and Edit: Review your essay for clarity and coherence. Ensure each paragraph effectively supports your thesis and that your argument flows logically.Check for grammatical errors, punctuation, and spelling. Ensure that your language is clear, concise, and free of jargon. Cite Your Sources: Properly cite all the sources you used to gather information. This will add credibility to your essay and prevent plagiarism. Finalize Your Essay: Make any necessary revisions based on your review and feedback from others, if available.Ensure your essay meets the assignment criteria and is polished and professional.

Expository Essay Samples

• Essay on Internet
• Essay on Cyber Crime
• Essay on Road Safety
• Essay on National Disaster
•   Essay on Floods
• Essay on Education Rules
• Essay on Politics
• Essay on World War 1
• Essay on Cold war
• Essay on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Expository Essay Examples

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Types of Expository Essays

Expository essays are a fundamental aspect of expository writing , encompassing various forms that cater to different academic requirements and personal expressions. Each type serves a unique purpose and requires a specific approach to effectively convey information and ideas.

• Definition Essay This type of essay explores the meaning of a concept or term. It goes beyond the basic dictionary definition, providing deeper insights and personal interpretations. Ideal for exploring abstract concepts, a Definition Essay encourages critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Classification Essay In a Classification Essay, objects or ideas are sorted into categories. This form of essay is particularly useful for organizing complex information into more digestible sections, making it easier for the reader to understand and analyze the topic.
• Process Essay Also known as a “How-To” essay, the Process Essay outlines the steps required to complete a task or procedure. It is sequential and detailed, ensuring the reader can follow along and understand each stage of the process.
• Comparison and Contrast Essay This essay type examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It’s a powerful tool for analysis, helping students develop critical thinking by evaluating various aspects of the subjects being compared.
• Cause and Effect Essay The Cause and Effect Essay delves into the reasons behind a specific event or situation (the cause) and its outcomes (the effect). It’s essential in academic settings for developing a student’s ability to establish logical connections and reason systematically.
• Problem and Solution Essay This essay identifies a problem and proposes one or more solutions. It not only encourages critical thinking but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills as students explore viable solutions to real-world issues.

Each of these types of expository essays serves as a tool for students and educators to explore and convey complex ideas and information. From high school essays to more advanced academic essays, the ability to effectively write various types of expository essays is a valuable skill in educational development. Whether it’s a personal essay reflecting on individual experiences or a concept essay explaining abstract ideas, mastering these forms equips students with the capability to communicate effectively and think critically

• Tips to Write an Expository Essay
• Choose a Topic That Interests You
• Conduct Thorough Research
• Create a Detailed Outline
• Craft a Strong Thesis Statement
• Use Clear and Concise Language
• Incorporate Evidence and Examples
• Analyze the Evidence
• Follow a Logical Structure
• Write in the Third Person
• Keep Your Writing Objective
• Revise for Clarity and Cohesion
• Edit for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
• Seek Feedback from Peers or Teachers
• Practice Writing Regularly

Guidelines to Write Expository Essay

Some people find expository writing harder than descriptive writing . Probably because it is at times difficult to present an idea and expand it so the readers can get a grasp of it. Here are a few guidelines you can use.

• Do an intensive research. Oftentimes, the problem with expository writers is that they don’t have enough points to present for the idea. Do your research.
• Widen your vocabulary. It is easier to write when you have the right words to use. You don’t have to browse your dictionary from time to time.
• Design a method. Be a little creative. There may be some methods that people use to write but it is still better if you have one for your own.

Benefits of Expository Essay

Essay writing provides a lot of benefits to students in the academe. Not only it gives them credits from their teachers, it also boosts their confidence in expressing their ideas.

Expository essays provide a better understanding of a certain topic. We cannot avoid that at times, there are things that are presented vaguely making us question what it really means. Expository essay conclusion explains it logically so we can grasp the its true meaning.

Another benefit is expository essays present a fair and balanced analysis of the idea. It eliminates writer’s opinions and emotions just like in a persuasive writing .

When Should You Write an Expository Essay?

• In Academic Assignments: Expository essays are commonly assigned in academic settings to assess students’ understanding and ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• For Standardized Tests: Many standardized tests include expository writing sections that require candidates to organize and express their thoughts on a given topic.
• When Explaining Processes: Whenever there’s a need to describe how something works or the steps in a process, an expository essay format is ideal for providing clear instructions.
• To Clarify Concepts: Use an expository essay to break down difficult concepts or ideas into understandable parts for educational purposes or to inform a general audience.
• In Professional Settings: Professionals might write expository essays in the form of reports, manuals, or proposals to convey information or explain procedures within a company.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Define an expository essay and its main objective

Outline the structure of a standard expository essay.

Describe the process of selecting a topic for an expository essay.

Explain the importance of research in expository essay writing.

Analyze the role of the thesis statement in expository essays

Discuss the differences between expository and narrative essays

Examine techniques for developing paragraphs in expository essays

Explain how to effectively conclude an expository essay

Describe methods for maintaining objectivity in expository writing

Analyze the impact of audience on expository essay content

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Are you a student struggling to understand the intricacies of expository essay writing? 

Do you find yourself in need of clear guidance and practical examples to master this essential skill? Look no further! 

In this guide, we'll look into 10+ expository essay examples, providing you with the knowledge you need to start writing. From understanding the fundamentals to dissecting real examples, we've got you covered. 

Let's get started on this journey!

• 1. What is Expository Essay Writing?
• 2. Expository Essay Examples 
• 3. How to Write an Expository Essay - Example

What is Expository Essay Writing?

An expository essay is a form of academic writing that aims to inform, explain, or describe a particular topic to the reader. 

The primary purpose of an expository essay is to provide a clear presentation of facts, ideas, or concepts, often without the writer's personal bias or opinion. The expository essay is a genre of essay that is similar to a descriptive essay .

There are several types of expository writing , including:

• Definition essay
• Classification essay
• Process analysis essay
• Cause and effect essay
• Problem solution essay  
• Compare and contrast essay  

Newspaper articles, journals, and essays that define and explain a particular topic demonstrate expository essay writing.

Read the examples and learn to write a good expository essay for your school or college assignment.

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Expository Essay Examples 

While writing an expository essay, you might face difficulties in formatting and logically connecting your information. Below we have presented some amazing examples to help you understand how to write and organize an expository essay.

Expository Essay Outline Examples

Whenever you write an expository essay, the first thing you should do is craft an outline. The expository essay outline gives shape to your essay and keeps you organized. 

Here are some good expository essay outline examples that you can follow to outline your essay.

Expository Essay Outline Example

Expository Essay Outline Template Sample

Expository Essay Format Example

While writing an essay, you need to follow a proper format to present your information in a logical sequence. 

The typical 5 paragraph essay consists of 1 introduction, 3 body, and 1 conclusion paragraph. 

Below we have given expository essay format examples in both APA and MLA format to help you understand the formatting. Check out: 

Expository Essay Examples APA Format

Expository Essay Examples MLA Format

Short Expository Essay Examples

As we have discussed above, expository essay writing requires you to describe and explain a particular subject in detail. Achieving this level of detail can be quite challenging when working with a limited word count. 

To illustrate how to effectively convey information within limited words, we have provided a short expository essay example.

Short Expository Essay Example

Expository Essay Examples for Middle School

Here are some informative expository essay examples for middle school students to help you grasp the basics of expository essay writing.

Expository Essay Example For Middle School

Expository Essay Example Grade 7

Expository Essay Examples 5th Grade

Expository Essay Examples 4th Grade

Expository Essay Examples for High School

Here are some helpful expository essay examples PDFs for high school students. Check out:

Expository Essay Examples For High School

Expository Essay Examples for College

Looking for a college-level expository essay example? Check out the pdf below:

Expository Essay Examples For College

Expository Essay Examples for University 

Here are some good sample expository essay pdf examples for university students. 

Expository Essay Example About Life

Expository Essay Examples About Covid 19

Informative Expository Essay Example

How to Write an Expository Essay - Example

While writing an expository essay, you need to follow a proper structure. So that you can easily present your information and evidence in a logical sequence.

Here is a step-by-step process of how to write an expository essay:

Step 1. Choose an Appropriate Topic

• Brainstorm different ideas to select a compelling expository essay topic. Check out our expository essay topics blog for inspiring ideas.
• Ensure it has the potential to turn into an informative essay by being able to explain and inform effectively.

Step 2. Craft an Engaging Introduction

• Begin with a captivating hook statement to grab the reader's attention.
• Provide a brief background on the chosen topic to clarify its relevance.
• Formulate an informative thesis statement that encapsulates the core idea of your essay.

Step 3. Develop the Body Paragraphs

• Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence , representing the main idea of that particular paragraph.
• Support the topic sentence with credible evidence, facts, or examples that bolster your thesis statement.
• Ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs for a logical flow of ideas.

Step 4. Conclude Effectively

• Start the essay conclusion paragraph by reasserting your thesis statement.
• Summarize the key points and main arguments presented in the essay.
• Encourage the reader with a call to action, prompting them to contemplate or engage further with the topic.

Step 5. Proofread and Edit 

• Proofread your essay for grammatical and spelling mistakes and check if the information is presented in a proper sequence. 
• Write multiple drafts and edit as needed to ensure your essay is free of errors.

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In conclusion, these expository essay examples offer a valuable resource for students. They serve as effective learning tools, providing insight into the art of expository writing. By studying these examples, students can improve their writing skills, and gain a deeper understanding of essay structure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are 3 examples of expository.

The three main examples of expository are; 

• Scientific reports 
• Magazine articles 
• Academic essays 

What are the 4 characteristics of expository text?

The main characteristics of expository text are; 

• Informative 
• Clarity 
• Unbiased 
• Impersonal 
• Organization of the text 

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

To write an expository essay, you must first decide how to structure your work. An expository essay generally contains an introduction, followed by three body paragraphs and a conclusion. 

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Expository Essays Examples

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that aims to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, and expound on the idea. It involves presenting an argument, analyzing a topic, and providing evidence to support the argument. This type of essay is important because it helps students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to clearly and logically express their ideas. When selecting expository essay topics, it's crucial to choose subjects that are relevant, engaging, and thought-provoking. By exploring a wide range of expository essay topics, students can enhance their understanding of various subjects and develop their writing skills.

Importance of Writing Expository Essays

Expository essays are significant for academic and personal exploration because they require students to conduct research, analyze information, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. These essays help students develop strong writing and analytical skills, which are essential for success in both academic and professional settings. When brainstorming expository essay ideas or topics, students should consider subjects that they are passionate about, topics that are relevant to their academic studies or personal interests, and issues that spark curiosity and debate. By exploring a variety of expository essay topics and ideas, students can engage in meaningful research and writing that enhances their learning experience.

Choosing a Good Topic for Expository Essays

When brainstorming expository essay topics or expository writing topics, explore subjects that align with your interests, offer ample research opportunities, and cater to your intended audience. This ensures that your essay will be engaging, well-supported, and tailored to meet its objectives.

• Choose a topic that interests you and that you are passionate about.
• Select a topic that has enough credible sources and evidence to support your argument.
• Consider the audience and purpose of your essay when choosing a topic.

Social Issues

• The debate over gun control in the United States.
• The effects of social media on mental health.
• The importance of education in reducing poverty.

Personal Development

• The benefits of meditation for mental well-being.
• The impact of travel on personal growth and perspective.
• The role of self-reflection in self-improvement.

Expository essays provide an opportunity for students to explore and critically engage with various topics. By choosing meaningful and engaging topics, students can develop their writing and analytical skills while also contributing to academic and personal growth.

Expository essay writing is a unique form of academic expression, prioritizing factual analysis over persuasion. Unlike persuasive or argumentative essays, it focuses solely on presenting information objectively. Through methods like comparison, definition, and cause-and-effect analysis, it elucidates complex topics with clarity. The essence of an expository essay lies in its aim to inform, explain, describe, or define a subject matter without personal bias. A clear thesis statement supported by evidence guides the logical progression of ideas, leading to a conclusive summary. Mastery of expository writing is essential for effective communication, both in academia and professional settings. In upcoming sections, we’ll explore the essentials of crafting an expository essay, offering concise outlines, invaluable tips, insights into the writing process, and add some popular expository essay examples of well-structured.

🌟 Continue With: Persuasive Essay Examples ✨

Expository writing is a type of essay that aims to inform, explain, describe, or define an idea in a clear and concise manner. It is meant to be factual and objective, focusing on presenting evidence and information rather than personal opinions or arguments. The purpose of expository writing is to communicate information in a logical and organized way, allowing the reader to understand the topic and form their own opinions based on the presented evidence.

Characteristics of Expository Writing

The key characteristics of expository writing include a clear and straightforward thesis statement, evidence to support the thesis, a logical progression of ideas, and a conclusion that reinforces the thesis and provides closure to the essay. This type of writing is often used in academic and professional settings, as it requires clear and effective communication of information.

The Difference between Expository Essays and Other Types

In comparison to other essay types, such as argumentative or persuasive essays, expository writing is focused on presenting facts and evidence rather than personal opinions or arguments. It aims to provide a balanced and fair analysis of a subject, without any bias or agenda. This distinguishes it from persuasive writing, which seeks to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, and from argumentative writing, which presents a specific argument or claim.

Expository writing encompasses various forms, each serving a distinct purpose:

• Definition Essay: This type clarifies the meaning of a term or concept.
• Classification Essay: It categorizes items into groups based on shared characteristics.
• Process Analysis Essay: This essay explains how to do something or how something works.
• Cause and Effect Essay: It explores the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and its outcomes (effects).
• Problem Solution Essay: This form identifies a problem and proposes solutions to address it.
• Compare and Contrast Essay: It highlights similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas.

Delve into expository essay examples and into essay examples of other types to grasp the nuances of crafting compelling expository essays for academic or professional purposes.

How to Write an Expository Essay: Examples

Starting the expository writing process can often be the most daunting part of the task. However, with a few key tips, possible approaches, and expository essay examples you can get the ball rolling and begin your expository writing with confidence.

Step 1. Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before you begin writing, it’s important to understand the purpose of your expository piece and who your audience is. Are you informing, explaining, describing, or defining a particular idea? Who will be reading your expository essay and what do they need to know? Understanding these factors will help you tailor your writing to effectively communicate with your audience.

Step 2. Research and Gather Evidence

Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose and audience, it’s important to research and gather evidence to support your thesis. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. Make sure to take thorough notes and keep track of your sources to ensure your essay is well-supported and credible.

Step 3. Create an Outline

Before diving into the writing process, consider creating an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your essay. A clear and logical outline will help you stay focused and ensure your essay flows smoothly. Consider including sections for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, as well as any key points or evidence you want to include.

Step 4. Start with a Strong Introduction

A strong introduction is crucial for capturing your reader’s attention and setting the stage for your essay. Consider starting with an interesting fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question to draw your reader in. Clearly state your thesis and provide a brief overview of what the essay will cover.

Step 5. Write Clear and Concise Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should present your evidence and information in a clear and organized manner. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea and provide evidence to support it. Make sure to use transitions to smoothly connect your ideas and maintain a logical progression throughout the essay.

By following these key tips and approaches, you can effectively start the writing process for your expository essay and set yourself up for success. Remember to stay focused, organized, and clear in your communication, and you’ll be well on your way to producing a strong and impactful expository essay.

General Writing Tips for Expository Essay

When it comes to crafting a captivating expository essay, there are several key elements to consider. From choosing engaging topics to developing clear and concise body paragraphs, and wrapping up with an effective conclusion, each step in the writing process plays a crucial role in creating a compelling piece of expository writing.

• Choosing engaging expository essay topics;
• Brainstorming expository essay ideas;
• Understanding the structure of expository writing;
• Developing clear and concise body paragraphs;
• Wrapping up with an effective expository essay conclusion.

By following these detailed writing tips for crafting an expository essay, writers can maximize the impact of their writing and create a compelling and informative piece of expository writing.

Expository Essay Outline: A Roadmap

In crafting an expository essay outline , we establish a structured guide to navigate the complexities of our topic. This blueprint ensures a clear and logical progression of ideas, facilitating the exploration and explanation of our chosen subject matter.

I. Introduction A. Hook or attention-grabber B. Background information on the topic C. Thesis statement II. Body Paragraphs A. Topic sentence for the first main idea 1. Supporting detail or evidence 2. Supporting detail or evidence 3. Supporting detail or evidence B. Topic sentence for the second main idea 1. Supporting detail or evidence 2. Supporting detail or evidence 3. Supporting detail or evidence C. Topic sentence for the third main idea (if applicable) 1. Supporting detail or evidence 2. Supporting detail or evidence 3. Supporting detail or evidence III. Conclusion A. Restate thesis statement B. Summarize main points C. Concluding thoughts or final remarks

Remember, this is a general essay outline. You can adjust and expand it based on the specific requirements of your expository essay and the depth of analysis you want to provide.

Expository Essay Examples of Parts

Now that you understand the essence of an expository essay and its fundamental components, let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of each part. With further guidance on crafting an expository masterpiece, you’ll soon be equipped to weave compelling narratives and elucidate complex subjects with ease.

Expository Essay Introduction Example

An expository essay introduction serves as the gateway to your topic, providing essential context and setting the stage for what’s to come. For instance, when exploring the impact of technology on modern education, the introduction might outline key terms, present relevant statistics, and establish the significance of the issue.

In today’s digital age, the integration of technology in education has become a pivotal topic of discussion. With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, classrooms are evolving into dynamic learning environments. This essay delves into the multifaceted relationship between technology and education, examining both its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Example of an Expository Essay Body Paragraph

The body paragraphs of an expository essay provide in-depth analysis and evidence to support your thesis statement. Continuing with our example of technology in education, a body paragraph might explore how digital tools enhance student engagement and collaboration. Here’s an example:

One notable benefit of integrating technology in education is its ability to foster collaborative learning environments. By leveraging online platforms and interactive software, educators can facilitate group projects and discussions that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. For instance, virtual classrooms allow students from diverse geographic locations to collaborate on projects in real-time, promoting cultural exchange and global perspectives.

Expository Essay Conclusion Example

Concluding an expository essay involves summarizing key points and reinforcing the thesis statement. In our technology and education example, the conclusion might emphasize the need for balanced integration and thoughtful implementation of digital tools. Here’s an example:

In conclusion, while technology holds immense potential to revolutionize education, its effective integration requires careful consideration of pedagogical principles and student needs. By prioritizing collaborative learning, accessibility, and digital literacy, educators can harness the power of technology to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences for all students.

 Expository Essay Examples

Expository essays serve as invaluable tools for students at every academic level, offering a structured approach to exploring and explaining various topics. In the following sections, we’ll delve into expository essay examples tailored to each educational stage, providing insight into the format, content, and approach unique to each level.

Examples of Expository Essay for Middle School

Middle school expository essays often introduce students to the fundamentals of structured writing, guiding them through the process of organizing ideas and presenting information logically.

Expository Essay Examples for High School

High school expository essays delve deeper into complex topics, requiring students to conduct research, analyze data, and construct coherent arguments.

Expository Essay Examples for College

College-level expository essays demand a sophisticated approach to research and analysis, often requiring students to engage with scholarly sources and incorporate diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, expository essays serve as a powerful tool for presenting information in a clear, structured manner. Throughout this exploration, we’ve examined the essential elements of expository writing, including the formulation of a strong thesis statement, the presentation of evidence, and the logical progression of ideas in the body paragraphs. By summarizing the main points discussed in the body of the essay, the conclusion reinforces the significance of the topic and underscores the validity of the writer’s argument. As aspiring writers continue to hone their skills, studying expository essay examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration for crafting compelling pieces of expository writing.

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Understanding Bullying: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

This expository essay will delve into the various aspects of bullying, including its root causes, the far-reaching effects it has on victims, and the potential solutions to combat this social problem. Defining Bullying Bullying can be defined as repeated aggressive behavior, intentional harm, or the…

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What is an expository essay?

An Expository essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explain, describe, or inform the reader about a particular topic. For example, expository topics may include dealing with environmental issues, healthcare concerns, or business management risks among others.

How to write expository essays?

Writing expository essays involves thoroughly researching a topic, presenting evidence and facts in a clear and organized manner, and analyzing the information to explain or inform the reader about the subject.

What are the key components of an expository essay?

The key components of an Expository essay include a thesis statement, evidence or examples to support the thesis, a logical and coherent structure, and a conclusion that reinforces the main idea.

How is an expository essay different from other types of essays?

An Expository essay differs from other types of essays in that it focuses on presenting factual information and does not include the writer's personal opinions or experiences.

How can I improve my expository essay writing skills?

To improve your Expository essay writing skills, practice organizing your ideas logically, use clear and concise language, and make sure to thoroughly research and understand your topic before writing. Additionally, seek feedback from peers or instructors to refine your writing.

The most popular topics for Expository Essays

• Cultural Identity
• Child Labour
• Social Media
• Animal Testing
• Mental Health
• Gang Violence
• Marijuana Legalization
• Teenage Pregnancy

Students also browse

• Proposal Essay
• Profile Essay
• Problem Solution Essay
• Satire Essay
• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Evaluation Essay
• Reflective Essay
• Descriptive Essay
• Qualitative Research Essay

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Expository Essay Writing

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Published on: Apr 30, 2020

Last updated on: Feb 24, 2024

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An expository essay is a genre that investigates a topic in detail. This paper examines, evaluates, and expounds on an idea, concept, event, object, or subject. Writing this essay type is an important component of academic assignments.

If you are a high school or a college student, writing an expository essay will be mandatory for you. The first thing to make your essay impressive is to choose an amazing title. After that, it is the writer’s first attempt to motivate the audience to read the entire document.

In case you are assigned to write an essay and are looking for some amazing themes. Continue reading this blog to get sample expository essay topics.

How to Choose an Expository Essay Topic?

The importance of an interesting essay topic can not be overlooked. While reading an essay, it is the first thing that a reader comes across. With this, they would decide whether to continue reading or not.

Deciding on the topic for your writing piece can be challenging. Students often find themselves with writer’s block and cannot think of creative ideas for their essays.

Follow the steps given below to come up with an engaging expository essay topic.

• Brainstorm ideas and make a list -  Brainstorming is a great way to come up with a topic. Make a list of all the ideas that interest you and your audience. At this point, you do not have to gather only good ideas.
• Evaluate the topic -  After preparing a list of ideas, analyze which topic is appropriate. For writing an expository essay, make sure that the topic you choose can be explained in detail.
• Narrow down the topic’s focus -  Once you have chosen a topic, focus on specific aspects. Broad topics will make it difficult for the writer to explain and support the argument.
• Check for sources -  The last but most important step is to check for credible sources of information for your selected topic. Here, the writer needs strong supporting evidence to explain the topic in detail.

Expository Essay Topics for Students

Have a look at the following list of topics for expository essays to get a better idea.

Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

• Explain your first experience in the school?
• Describe your perfect place for vacations.
• Explain your experience of studying online.
• Describe the consequences of Covid-19 on studies.
• Explain what influences families have on the personality of an individual?
• Describe what productive hobbies a middle school student should have?
• Describe the qualities of a good instructor.
• Explain how role models can help you become a better person?
• Describe the advantages of having a pet in the house.
• Describe the meaning of true love.

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

• Explain why wearing uniforms can be beneficial for students?
• Talk about the things you want to change in the world, and why?
• Explain why some girls like wearing makeup in school?
• Describe how important it is for the children to spend time with their parents?
• Explain the impact of smoking cigarettes on teen’s health.
• Describe how a person can stay fit and healthy.
• Explain how important it is to have a balanced diet?
• Distant learning vs. traditional learning? Which is better?
• Explain why students should not be given homework?
• Explain how the education quality in public and private schools differs?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 8

• Explain the theme of your favorite book.
• Explain how a seed becomes a plant?
• Explain why we should not consume processed foods?
• Explain the effects of social media platforms on our lives.
• Describe the effects of pollution on marine life.
• Explain how to keep oral hygiene?
• Why is being immortal a good thing?
• Using strong evidence, explain how to identify if someone is lying?
• Explain the things and habits that affect your memory?
• Describe the consequences of getting bad grades on academics.

Expository Essay Topics for High School

• Explain gunpowder invention.
• Describe the French Revolution.
• Discuss the causes and effects of the Vietnam War.
• How Jazz music affects our brain?
• Explain what characteristics make a person famous?
• Explain a particular psychological disorder.
• How different is it to connect with people online and in person?
• Explain how science helps people live a better life?
• Explain the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.
• Explain the invention of an object of your choice.

Expository Essay Topics for College

• Pick a planet and explain what it would be like to live there?
• Explain what you want to invent for the world?
• Explain how a particular lifestyle or dieting pattern affects the environment?
• Explain life in 25 years and the technological advancements that will take over.
• Explain why teachers should be available for students after school hours as well?
• Explain why there should be some restrictions on the use of social media for teenagers?
• Describe why an employee should be a good team player?
• Describe the consequences of selling drugs on campus.
• Explain why constant fighting between siblings can be alarming?
• Explain why the gang culture is spreading drastically?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

• Describe the importance of learning social values.
• Describe how gun control laws can influence people’s lives?
• How do the needs of people change with time?
• Explain how to help the homeless and prevent homelessness?
• Describe a social work you took part in, and how did it make a difference?
• Explain how obesity socially affects people and their thinking?
• Explain one social issue that largely prevails in your country.
• Describe how people’s attitudes towards mental illnesses have changed during a decade?
• Have parenting roles changed over time? Explain how?
• Explain what can be the possible ways to control pollution.

Expository Essay Topics on Health

• Describe how dieting for weight loss can be dangerous for health?
• Explain why late-night munching is harmful?
• What are the causes and effects of obesity?
• How is fast food harmful to mental health?
• Explain how eating disorders result in disturbed sleeping patterns?
• Explain how AIDS and poverty are related?
• Explain how a healthy body impacts an IQ level of a person?
• How important is the environment for the stability of mental health?
• Explain what diet a student should have?
• What are the causes and effects of malnutrition?

Expository Essay Topics about Education

• Discuss the causes and effects of teaching techniques on learning.
• What are the causes and effects of teaching sex education in schools?
• Explain how can our education systems are modified?
• What is the significance of homeschooling?
• Explain why students should be given the liberty to choose their subjects in school?
• Should college scholarships be granted based on sports performances?
• Explain why higher education is important for a successful career?
• Explain how can the quality of education can be improved??
• Explain why students should be taught foreign languages in schools?
• Describe the qualities of a good teacher.

Expository essay writing can be challenging if your knowledge about the topic is limited. It is important to know that while writing such college papers, a writer has to share his point of view. Only stating the facts will be monotonous for the readers.

Also, keep in mind to follow a defined structure for the content. Moreover, the traditional essay outline of an introduction, body, and conclusion should be included in the document.

The introduction paragraph should be well written and provides a defined thesis statement. Then comes the body paragraphs that present all the explanations and descriptions of the topic. However, make sure to keep the body of your essay informative and organized.

Conclude your essay with strong closing lines to leave a lasting impression on the readers.

If the expository writings give you a hard time, get help from the professionals. They will help you by providing great comparison and contrast along expository essay ideas to score well.

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