Expository essays require you to investigate a certain subject, provide and evaluate evidence, and formulate an argument that will address the topic in a concise manner. You can achieve this goal using comparison and contrast, examples, causes and effects, definitions, etc. Expository essays are common assignments, and you can often find them in various exams. We at College-Writers created this quick guide so that you can write a great expository essay.
General structure of an expository essay
A clear and well-written thesis statement in the first paragraph
Make sure that your thesis statement is specific and meet all the necessary guidelines. The thesis statement is the most important part of your essay so it will be impossible for you to write an effective and persuasive paper without it.
Clear transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion
Transitions help you ensure the logical flow of thoughts. Transitions also make it easier for your readers to follow your argument, connecting different sections of your essay.
Body paragraphs with evidence
Every paragraph must focus on one idea. This way, you will make your essay logically structured and easy to comprehend. In addition, make sure that every paragraph is related to the thesis statement from the very first paragraph.
Factual, statistical, logical, or anecdotal evidence
Quite often, students don’t have enough time to prepare for their expository essay. Therefore, you may not have an opportunity to use some solid factual or statistical evidence. In this case, examples from real life might help.
Creativity
Although not all the types of essays require creativity, it is always an advantage. If you’re writing about something interesting, try to engage your readers. Your goal is to leave your audience with a lasting impression.
A conclusion that restates the thesis in relation to the evidence
Make your conclusion logical and effective. You need to create a good impression. Don’t include any new information in this section. Instead, synthesize and reflect on the information from the main body.
A Complete Argument
It may be helpful for you to consider your essay as a sort of conversation. For example, if you need to discuss the Great Depression and its impact on the people who lived back then, your conversation with a classmate or friend will have its beginning, the middle, and the end. If you and your exposition in the middle, describing only the past effects, there might be questions about long-term impacts. You can address the long-term effects in the conclusion. This way, your expository essay will be complete and persuasive.
Five Paragraphs
The most common type of an expository essay is a five-paragraph essay. However, it doesn’t mean that every it’s a must have the same structure. Five-paragraph essays are straightforward and look as follows:
1. The introductory paragraph;
2. Three body paragraphs;
3. The conclusion.