Expository Essay Examples

Thankfully, we are past the days of needing to visit a library to pour over tons of material for research purposes. Back in the day, college students researching a particular subject did not have the luxury of having information at the click of a button. When it came to writing something like an expository essay, students were limited to the material they had at the time.

These days, there is no limit to what you can write about. You can choose a topic from

Expository Essay Definition

The definition of expository essay has its roots in the word "to expose," which means to lay bare or uncover. Usually, it is done in such a way as to get information to share with others. So, essentially, an expository essay is a form of writing that clarifies, explains, or illustrates something clearly and concisely for others to understand.

If you're wondering what is an expository essay, it is an essay that requires a person to investigate an idea, study evidence, perhaps collect a sample, and develop an argument or new ideas of their own.

Expository Essay Examples

1. Expository essay abt traveling

2. Expository – Unpolished Gem

3. Writing and Hortatory Exposition

How to Write an Expository Essay Step by Step

If you are a student in college, you need to learn tips on how to write an expository essay. The easiest way on how to write an expository essay step by step would be to write the essay in the basic five-paragraph structure.

1. The first step involves creating an outline.
2. For the second step, you'll need to write the introduction and include a thesis statement.
3. Write at least three body paragraphs discussing your main points or arguments.
4. Your fifth paragraph should have a conclusion summarizing your points.
5. Edit and proofread your essay. Do a spelling check, and reread your work.

Choosing a Topic for an Essay

When it comes to choosing topics for expository essays, it can prove challenging. And this is because, in school, a lecturer may give a broad subject and expect students to narrow it down by choosing a topic of the student's choice.

You can get expository essay topic ideas from textbooks, encyclopedias, online forums, and databases. For your essay to stand out, it is best that you choose a topic that you are interested in. Determine whether you can expound on your topic and try to offer a unique argument that hasn't been explored before.

Think about Statement

Your thesis must be arguable; it must state a claim or refute a claim about your issue. A thesis must have some chance of being true in order to be debatable. It should not, however, be widely recognized as true; instead, it should be a statement that people can disagree with. It's important to remember that a thesis includes both an observation and an opinion:

observation + opinion (the "why") = thesis

Seeing if your thesis creates a powerful antithesis is an excellent approach to determine how strong it is.

Common thesis pitfalls:

• A thesis in the form of a fragment.
• A thesis that is overly broad.
• A thesis that is phrased as a question. (The thesis is usually derived from the solution to the question.)
• Extraneous information is included in a thesis.
• A thesis that begins with the words "I believe" or "In my opinion."
• A thesis that deals with a tired or cliched topic.
• A thesis that includes phrases that lead to erroneous generalizations (all, none, always, only, everyone, etc.)

Creating an Essay Outline

If you try writing expository essays without an outline, it is like aiming in the dark. An essay outline helps to keep your work organized. You could possibly write your paper without an outline, but only if you are okay with getting low grades.

 An outline serves as a template for your expository essay. The outline will also help create structure and enhance information flow. Your essay outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You can further break down each part and include the main points you will discuss in each part.

Writing an Expository Essay Introduction

The expository essay introduction is a crucial part of the essay. This is because it is with your introduction that you will capture your readers' attention. If your introduction is weak, then the rest of your paper will not be taken seriously.

When it comes to how to start an expository essay, your introduction should include your statement thesis and a brief background of the topic you will discuss. The background can include a historical or social context, definition of key terms, for example, an expository essay definition. Ensure you include a thesis statement that clearly states your position on a particular subject.

Creating an Expository Essay Structure

A good expository essay structure has an introduction, body, and conclusion as its format. When you're writing your essay, everything counts, from the first sentence to the last. Your instructor will start grading your work as soon as they start reading it, and that is why you need to nail every aspect of your paper.

If you're wondering how to structure an expository essay, just know that you need to have several paragraphs each discussing a different point in addition to a strong introduction. Lastly, your conclusion should have a summary of your key points and draw a final judgment.

Conclusion

How you finish, your expository essay is as important as how you start it. A poorly written conclusion can take away from a strongly written introduction and body. The best tips on how to conclude an expository essay include restating your thesis statement but using different words. You can also briefly state your supporting points as well as summarize your main arguments.

The expository essay conclusion should connect your opening statement with your main points. Even if your lecturer decides to skim through your essay without paying much attention, they should get a general idea of your main points and your thesis.

Elements of Expository Essays

Five main elements help contribute to the expository essay format; organization, topic sentences, transitions, examples or evidence, and conclusion. Your essay needs to be organized with a proper structure, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. Next, you want to ensure that your paragraphs have clear topic sentences. Your essays should have a thesis statement, too, preferably in the introduction.

As you move from one point to another, you should employ the use of transitional phases. These phrases help ensure there is cohesion between your paragraphs. Use examples or evidence to back up your points and ensure you have a conclusion with a summary of your arguments.

Expository Essay Topics

Expository Essays On Friendship

1. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed Essay
2. Best Friend Comparison
3. Betrayal: Best Friend
4. A Recipe for Friendship
5. Q78. Do you prefer having a few close friends or are you more comfortable having a large group of friends?
6. An Empty Purse Frightens Away Friends
7. Facebook Versus Friendster and Myspace
8. Types of friends to have
9. Friends with Benefits
10. Fair Weather Friends

Compare And Contrast Expository Essays

1. Commuting or Dorming: What's the Best Way to Enjoy College?
2. Facebook or Instagram: Which Will Help Your Business Grow?
3. Irish and Scottish Mythology: Do They Share Common Themes?
4. Liberal Arts or the Sciences: Which Degree Program Offers More Job Prospects?
5. Music and Poetry: Which Is More Personal?
6. Psychologist vs psychiatrist: What’s the difference?
7. Medicines vs natural remedies
8. Plastic surgery or not
9. Clinics or hospitals: Better for care?
10. Female vs male doctors

Expository Essay Topics About Bullying

1. The Problem Of Bullying In Modern Society
2. Bullying, School Shootings, And The Importance Of School Safety
3. Stalking Victimisation And Substance Use In College Dating Relationships
4. Implementation Of Zero-Tolerance Policy In Schools To Stop Bullying
5. The Importance Of Being Aware About Bullying
6. Bullying Should Not Be A Norm
7. What’s The Point Of Bullying?
8. School bullying
9. The Impact of Intimidation on One’s Psychological State
10. My Elementary Years and the Bullying That Came With Them

Expository Essay Topics On Cause And Effect

1. How do standardized tests influence the rate of dropouts?
2. How does the general grading system affect student motivation?
3. Why do the majority of students find learning so boring?
4. What has triggered the American Revolution?
5. What causes the rise in immigration rates?
6. What are the possible negative effects of drug legalization?
7. What effects did the rise of Christianity have on the Roman Empire?
8. The main causes of the pact between Hitler and Stalin
9. What were the causes of the Arab Spring?
10. The causes and effects of the Salem witch trial

Expository Essay Tips

If you want your expository essay to stand out a little bit more than those of your classmates, then you may want to add a little extra sauce to your paper. This may be as simple as proofreading your work and checking for grammatical errors. When it comes to expository writing techniques, your best choice is to use clear and concise words. Avoiding fluff that doesn't add value to your writing. Also, avoid trying to use stuffing or filler words just to meet the word count.

Other expository essay tips include ensuring you have a strong hook in your introduction; this will help reel in your readers and keep them there. You also want to finish with a solid conclusion.

Helpful videos about How to Write an Expository Essay

1. Writing an Expository Essay

2. Expository Writing: Writing to Explain

3. Expository Essay Example | Step by step

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