Defining An Expository Essay: Writing Tips For Students

When your teacher has assigned an expository essay, the first thing you need to know is exactly what it is and what they expect to see in your finished paper. The word expository comes from the word expose, which means to make plain, explain, or illuminate. This type of paper is commonly used academically to teach students to become masters at explaining the world around them, or illuminating a focused body of knowledge.

Usually this type of essay begins with an introductory paragraph, much the same as any other type of writing. The thesis statement or objective is given in the introduction, followed by several body paragraphs containing the information for what you’re trying to prove.

Expository essay writing tips

• Make sure your wording is clear and concise
• It should be written in the perspective of the second person; in other words, you.
• You may use a method of development such as one of the following: compare and contrast, definition, analysis, classify, or cause and effect.
• The method should define the writing style you use
• Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and the thesis statement should be located in the introduction.
• The body of the paper should have one main point per paragraph, supported with factual and valid information. There is no room for subjective statements.
• The conclusion should summarize the facts you have presented, restate your thesis statement, and perhaps give suggestions for further research that should be done.
• Each sentence should present an idea you haven’t given before.
• Use transition words and sentences such that your writing can flow smoothly. Use connecting words like these: for example, such as, however, in addition to, and so on.

Writing strategies for the opening paragraph

Writers are always facing a challenge to grab the reader’s attention, provide a hook, and open the paper in such a way the reader will be motivated and excited to continue reading. But how is this done? Here are a few suggestions:

• A narrative opening is similar to telling a story. It encapsulates or illustrates the issue you want to present.
• A descriptive opening uses description as the key to involving the reader.
• Ask a rhetorical question as an opener.
• Frame the issue by using elements of the same story in the introduction and conclusion.
• Kick it up by opening with a quote. A fabulous quote that is a great summary of the issue at hand can be very effective.