Learning how to construct a strong expository essay is an academic writing ability that sets the stage for future expository composition in many fields.
5 Types of Expository Essays
If you’re asked to produce an expository essay, you’ll most likely be given a specific writing topic that makes it clear what sort of essay you should write. The following are the most typical kinds of expository essays:
1. Cause and effect essay: This essay style necessitates the author to explain why something occurred and what followed as a result.
2. Compare and contrast essay: For a comparison essay, the author compares two subjects or ideas and examines their similarities and differences.
3. Descriptive essay: The purpose of this essay type is to provide a thorough description or explanation of a subject. The issue may be an event, location, person, thing, or experience. In this essay type, the author has a lot of artistic freedom.
4. Problem and solution essay: In this sort of expository essay, the author should describe a certain problem and offer a thorough explanation of viable potential solutions.
5. Process essay: A how-to essay is a type of instructional essay that breaks down a step-by-step method for teaching the reader how to do something.
How to Write an Expository Essay
Simply write your expository essay in MLA format and stick to a basic five-paragraph structure.
1. Prewrite and Outline.
It is critical to take some time to make notes and conduct research about your expository essay topic in order to properly structure a five-paragraph essay. Once you’ve had time to think, develop a basic expository essay outline that specifies what information you’ll include in each paragraph. Remind yourself to write in the third person before proceeding with your first draft so as not to express your own personal viewpoints.
2. Write an Introductory Paragraph.
Begin each essay with a topic sentence that clearly expresses your thesis or main idea. A solid thesis should be simple enough to defend with three body paragraphs.
3. Write Three Body Paragraphs.
Each paragraph in the essay’s body should focus on its own distinct problem that furthers and underpins the thesis statement in your topic sentence. Make sure you’re using real data to back up your thesis and maintain a fair standpoint.
4. Write a Concluding Paragraph.
It’s usually a good idea to engage readers. If they’re still reading, it implies they’re interested in what you’ve said before. But when transitioning from one body paragraph to the next, there should only be information that has already been discussed previously in the essay.
5. Revise and Proofread.
Reread your essay, double-check that it is clear and supported by evidence from reliable sources, and then verify that you made no typos or sloppiness. Make sure everything you’re saying is completely impartial. Make an effort to develop smooth and logical paragraph transitions. Finally, employ a spell checker to correct grammatical mistakes and poor word choices.
