You might find yourself writing an expository essay when you need to logically explain a given subject. These papers are generally a factual piece of work, disregarding the author’s personal opinion or even their feelings on the subject at hand.
The two words “explain” or “define” located in a writing prompt are two of the most common signifiers that you are going to use in expository writing. This type of writing, while seemingly simple, is not necessarily always that easy. Explaining a logical point of view in a purely factual manner can prove challenging at times.
Expository essays come in many different styles and the subject will usually determine which style of expository essay you will be writing. Regardless of the type of essay you are writing about there are a few basic tips that will help you put together an effective, high quality paper that will properly explain the given subject to the reader.
Consider the Types of Expository Essays
It is important to understand that there is more than one type of expository essay and it is necessary to know which one you have to craft. Definition essays, classification essays, compare and contrast essays, cause and effect essays, and “how to” essays are the five most common types of expository essay writing and are used in various situations.
Classification essays are employed when the writer needs to take a large, vast subject and divide it into smaller categories when writing about it. This is usually achieved by stating the general category, then going into greater detail about the smaller sub-classifications.
Generally speaking, the definition essay is used when you need to describe a certain word or concept. This style of writing usually discusses a word or concepts denotation and connotation. The compare and contrast writing style is used when writing about the differences and similarities of multiple subjects. This writing style generally states how these things are alike in one section, then different in another.
The cause and effect writing style is used to explain first why something happens followed by the result of what occurs. Finally, the “How to” essay, occasionally referred to as a process essay, explains a process on how to complete something. The main goal of this essay type to be instructional to the reader.
Follow an Expository Essay Structure
Expository essays, regardless of type, generally follow the same structure: introductory paragraph, three paragraphs to form the body and a concluding paragraph. The first paragraph, or introductory paragraph, is the section of the essay where you will state the thesis of your paper. It is important to clearly state the subject in this paragraph as this will be the main focal point for the body.
The next three paragraphs, or body, will be your explanation of the subject. This is where you will provide the reader with the necessary facts and details that support the thesis mentioned in your introduction. After the body of the essay comes the concluding paragraph. This paragraph restates the thesis from the introduction and then binds the main points of the essay together, resulting in an expertly composed writing piece.
Organize the Writing Process
As with almost any type of writing, there is a basic process which you should follow. Before you ever begin writing, you need to research your topic and create an outline. The outline will organize your thoughts , so you can proceed in a logical fashion towards your end goal. The outline is the base for your rough draft, which will usually seem a little sloppy when complete, as it is the first step toward the final product.
After the rough draft comes a revision period when you perform editing on your essay. It is also advisable to have a second source to proofread the essay as well. This provides another perspective and can help reveal any points that require strengthening. Once you have completed your final revision all that is left is to compose your final draft. Such writing process simplifies the steps needed to produce an excellent paper and provides a direction in which to proceed when you need to write an expository essay.
Expository essays, in all their forms, are powerful tools when it comes to writing in a factual based style. With a little careful planning, well thought out writing process and the understanding of different styles of expository writing the task of composing one of these essays should be nothing short of a walk in the park. Knowing how to write an expository essay step by step is crucial for your academic career as many occasions will call for writing an expository essay.