How to Write an Expository Essay

What is an Expository Essay

Expository Essay is an informative essay that analyzes, investigates, and evaluates a subject. This essay could be written to identify the cause and effect relationships, to compare and contrast two things, or to provide a step by step instructions on how to achieve a particular goal. Whatever the purpose is, the writer has to use a lot of evidence, statistics, and facts.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Step 1: Understand

The first step you should take before writing the essay is, understanding the topic clearly. An expository essay could be about comparing and contrasting two subjects, analyzing the cause-effect relationship between two events, or explaining a process. For example, if you are given the topic, “Social Media corrupts the minds of the young generation ” you should understand the purpose of the essay. Here, the purpose of the essay is highlighting the causes and effects.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Research

As mentioned above, an expository essay deals with many facts and figures. So, you have to research the topic and find relevant evidence and statistics. Before writing the essay, take some time and think about what areas of the subject you are going to cover in the essay.

Step 3: Organize

Introduction

Start your essay with a thesis statement. Give a brief description of the background so that the readers can understand what you are going to talk about. Then write a concise summary of the areas you are going to cover in the essay.

Body

Divide the body of the essay into several paragraphs. Use each paragraph to discuss different aspects. For example, imagine that you are going to write an essay about “Effects of Environmental pollution”, and you are writing about effects of water pollution, effects of air pollution and effects of soil pollution. Then you should use 3 paragraphs to describe these 3 areas. However, there should also be a clear and logical transition between paragraphs. Always use a topic sentence in each paragraph to discuss each point. In brief, we can say that each paragraph should contain a topic sentence, supporting evidence, analysis of the evidence, and transition.

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph should support the thesis and the main supporting ideas. You should not introduce new material in the conclusion.

Tips to write an expository Essay

First, understand the topic clearly and decide what method you are going to use.
Do a through research, if you are not familiar with the subject.
If you are writing about an academic subject always use a direct, academic language; do not use a literary language.
Always provide solid facts, evidence to support your points.
Write in a logical and analytical manner.
Use a neutral, objective tone.
Make sure that there is a smooth flow between paragraphs.
Use transition words and phrases. (Example: although this may be true,in the same fashion / way, with this intention, consequently, however, notwithstanding etc.)
After completing the essay, always check your writing. Make sure that there are n o grammar or spelling mistakes.