An expository essay is a type of written assignment where the writer investigates and evaluates an idea, elaborates on the concept with clear logic and facts, and presents an impartial perspective on the topic. The primary purpose is to explain, define, clarify, or illustrate information in a straightforward and non-biased manner.
This type of essay aims to provide a balanced, straightforward explanation of a topic using clear logic, examples, and facts from research, typically involving less original argumentation than a persuasive or argumentative essay.
When should you write an expository essay?
Expository essays are common assignments in school in academic settings, such as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework. The goal is to expand the reader’s knowledge and understanding through balanced exposition and explanation rather than overt persuasion.
You should write an expository essay when assigned to objectively explain, describe, illustrate, or investigate a topic or concept in an academic setting, often prompted by keywords like “define,” “explain,” “discuss,” or “analyze.”
Here are some prompts to guide you:
- Describe the process of how the human body fights off the common cold virus.
The prompt uses the keyword “describe” which signals the need for an expository essay that clearly lays out and explains a particular process – in this case, the body’s immune response to a cold virus.
- Analyze the potential causes and effects of the rise in childhood obesity rates over the past few decades.
This prompt contains “analyze” and “causes and effects” which indicates a causation-focused expository piece. The essay should explore and examine the various potential reasons behind rising childhood obesity rates, as well as the effects or impacts the issue can have, without taking a strong argumentative stance.
How to approach an expository essay
An expository essay requires an objective approach focused on informing the reader rather than making persuasive arguments or stating opinions. Avoid first and second person narratives.
The overall structure should be planned out first, typically using an outline. For a short essay, a common format is five paragraphs – an introduction, three body paragraphs explaining different aspects of the topic, and a conclusion summarizing the key points.
The body paragraphs should each logically explore one component of the subject matter using details, examples, definitions, comparisons, and evidence from research. Maintain an educational tone aimed at thoroughly explaining and clarifying the topic for the reader without inserting personal experiences or subjective perspectives.
Introducing your essay
The introduction should begin with an attention-grabbing opening hook to pique the reader’s interest. For an expository essay, this could be a surprising fact, statistic, rhetorical question, or anecdote related to the topic.
After the hook, provide brief background information on the main subject to establish context and significance for the reader. Don’t go into too much detail yet, as this will be covered in the body.
Finally, the introduction needs to clearly state the essay’s thesis. The thesis summarizes the key points or subtopics that will be methodically explained and explored in the body paragraphs. It establishes the purpose and previews the organizing structure.
Expository essay example: Introduction
According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension or chronic high blood pressure. This prevalent condition puts extreme stress on the cardiovascular system and greatly increases the risks of heart disease and stroke if left uncontrolled. In this essay, we will explore hypertension, its potential causes, how it impacts the body, and effective treatment and prevention methods for managing this serious health concern.
This grabs attention with striking statistics, clearly states the main topic of hypertension, and previews the key areas of the definition, causes, effects, and treatment that will be covered.
Writing the body paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on one component, aspect, or step related to the overall topic introduced in the thesis. Paragraphs need to start with a clear topic sentence stating the main idea that will be discussed.
Support and develop the topic sentence by providing relevant details, facts, examples, and descriptions from research. Thoroughly explain and illustrate the point using this evidence in a systematic, logical way.
Maintain an objective, balanced tone. Don’t insert personal opinions, experiences, or prejudiced perspectives. The goal is to comprehensively inform and educate the reader.
Include transition sentences that logically link ideas between body paragraphs. The paragraphs should flow coherently from one to the next.
Expository essay example: Body paragraph
While the exact causes of hypertension are not fully understood, several key risk factors have been identified through research. A family history of high blood pressure suggests a potential genetic link, making some individuals predisposed. Additionally, diets high in sodium, fat, and cholesterol combined with a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight have been shown to contribute significantly. Chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and conditions like diabetes can also dangerously elevate blood pressure levels over time. Understanding these potential causes is important for developing personalized prevention and treatment plans.
This paragraph systematically includes:
- A clear topic sentence stating the main idea
- Logically organized examples/details about different risk factors
- Examples illustrating and supporting the main point
- A concluding analysis that ties it back to the overall topic
Concluding your essay
The conclusion should reinforce the thesis by revisiting the main ideas explained throughout the essay’s body. Summarize the key points concisely without introducing brand-new concepts.
The conclusion may also emphasize why the topic as a whole is significant or relevant. It provides a sense of closure while linking to the fundamental objective outlined in the introduction.
Avoid simply repeating the introduction word-for-word. The conclusion should synthesize the body’s information in a new, consolidated way as a final review for the reader.
Expository essay example: Conclusion
Hypertension is a widespread yet largely preventable condition with serious health risks if ignored. Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and making other lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping blood pressure levels under control for most. However, advanced cases may also require medication to lower hypertension’s strain on the heart and arteries. By better understanding what hypertension is, its effects, causes, and treatment options, individuals stand a much better chance of protecting their long-term cardiovascular health
This conclusion concisely recaps the core points about hypertension’s prevalence, impacts, contributing factors, and mitigation strategies covered in the essay. The final sentences drive home why this knowledge is significant for safeguarding health.