How To Write An Expository Essay? It's Type & Format

Expository essays is a common type of assignment given in schools and colleges. It can be in the form of conventional essay types like descriptive or analytical but a major difference is that expository essays include only proven facts and figures to present information on a subject. There is no space for personal opinions in such a kind of essay. Let us understand it more deeply. 

What is an expository essay?

The term expository is derived from the word expose. To define an expository essay in simple words: It is a type of writing which involves representing factual information effectively. This type of essay has no motive of persuading the readers or being rigid. It is a non-biased form of writing that solely relies on evidence. It employs a neutral tone and objective approach. The different mediums like analysing, explaining, critical examination, etc. are used in expository essays. 

Types of Expository Essays

Expository essays can take various forms: 

1. Compare and Contrast Essay

In a compare and contrast essay, the similarities and differences between two things are marked out. The author does not take any side. The aim is to compare the two entities and lay out their compatible and contradictory aspects. For e.g. Communism and Socialism. 

2. How-to Essay

Also known as process essay, this write-up includes steps that go into completing a task. It is structured in a step-by-step instructive language. The motive is to educate the reader about the process of doing a piece of work. For e.g. how to make a continental pizza. 

3. Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay is a detailed document on a specific topic. Its scope expands over a range of subjects like describing a concept, activity, emotion, place, thing, person, situation, work, experience, etc. It usually takes the form of word-painting where vivid and accurate information is presented. For e.g. Anxiety disorders. 

4. Cause and Effect Essay

This is a popular academic genre that lays out the reasons behind a phenomena and explains the effects of it. It deeply penetrates into an issue and examines its root causes and outcomes of an event giving sensible evidence and arguments about each of them. For e.g. Causes and effects of Covid 19. 

Format of Expository Essay

An expository essay follows a typical three part structure: 

1. Introduction

Begin the essay with a captivating hook. Some ideas for a good hook are to throw in a question, a shocking fact/stat, an anecdote or a compelling quote. Continue from there and dive into some basic information about your topic. At the end of the paragraph outline your thesis statement. It is a one/two line sentence that states your essay’s central theme.

2. Body

Usually, three body paragraphs are considered apt for the body of an expository essay. But, of course, you will have to lengthen the essay depending on the details you want to cover. Each paragraph should pivot over one aspect of the topic only. Use a topic sentence to present the idea of the paragraph’s content and finish the section with a transition statement. Transition statement hints at the upcoming aspect and thereby ensures smooth flow from one part to the next. 

3. Conclusion

The ending paragraph is a place of recap of the entire essay. Reassert the main points of the paper and link it back to the thesis statement. It should convince the reader that you have successfully explained your thesis statement through the essay. Try to wrap up with an impactful last sentence that hits the mind of the reader and lingers in it. 

How to write Expository Essay?

An expository essay can’t be composed overnight. It requires good planning, sincere efforts and a considerable amount of time. There is always a possibility of things going haywire which results in stress and frustration. If you follow the steps mentioned below, it will become easier for you to stay focussed and complete this task efficiently. 

Choose a topic

If you are not initially given a topic, selecting one might be tricky. Consider the following while searching for topics:

• Your expertise: Look for an area you are familiar with and have a good knowledge about.
• Your interest: Ask yourself whether you are willing to explore more about that subject.
• Scope for novelty: Find out if you can offer something new in that subject. It can be a recent discovery or a unique perspective.

If your selected topic ticks all the three checkboxes, it is a good one to go with. 

Undertake thorough research

The more you research, the better will be the quality of your essay. Expository essay demands extensive research as it fully relies on facts. Try to compile as much information as you can on the topic. Mark out the relevant parts from articles or books on the go as time constraints won’t allow you to read the same thing multiple times. Move beyond the laptop and mobile screens and explore books and journals too. You might get really instrumental knowledge from there. Make sure to collect data from authentic sources only. 

Along with the content, you must also acquaint yourself with the form, style and language of the expository essay. It will help you in drafting an effective paper and increase your chances of bagging high scores. Read a few expository essay examples and look especially for technical aspects like structure, word choice, tone, etc. Make notes if needed. 

Make a rough outline

Once you have compiled the details, figure out the structure of your essay. Jot down which pointers will go in introduction, individual body paragraphs and conclusion. Frame a proper sequence of the content. This will work as a skeleton and help you in carving out a great essay without losing the rhythm. 

Write the essay

Begin drafting your piece. Use formal language and an objective approach. Back your statements with evidence and pay acute attention to citations. Use polished vocabulary and avoid vague or generic phrases. Ensure a proper flow in the write-up and cross check to clear off any abrupt jumps or unnecessary repetition. 

Edit and Proofread

Read your essay multiple times. See if anything could be explained in a better way or whether more information is needed on an aspect. Try to absorb the content from a reader’s perspective and find out if it is clear and understandable. Proofread for punctuation and grammar. You can also use online tools like Grammarly for this purpose. These small things, which are often ignored, can significantly lift up your piece and impress the evaluator. 

In a nutshell, an expository essay is a fact-based article that is highly objective and effective. It adheres to the three part structure and requires comprehensive research. Follow the guidelines about format and process given above and you will be able to write a fine-tuned essay efficiently. 

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