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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

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An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

• A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
• B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
• C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
• D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
• A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
• B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
• C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
• D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

• Clarity and Conciseness
• Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
• Objective Tone
• Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
• Objective thesis statement (see below)
• Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

• Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
• Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
• Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
• Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
• Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
• Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

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An expository essay is a type of writing that focuses on providing a detailed explanation or description of a topic. Unlike persuasive essays, where you try to convince your reader of something, or narrative essays, where you tell a story, the goal here is to inform. Think of it as giving someone the 101 on a subject they know little or nothing about.

Before trying to write a persuasive expository essay, you need to know that this type of writing has a set of specific characteristics that set it apart from other essay types.

Your writing should be crystal clear. The goal is to make sure that the reader understands the subject, so this means there’s no place for overly complicated language or confusing details.

• Organization

These essays are typically logically structured —introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should cover a single point or aspect of the topic.

• Objective Tone

Since this type of essay is all about facts, you need to leave your opinions out of it. Stick to the proven points and details and provide evidence where necessary.

Breaking Down The Expository Essay Writing Process

Okay, now you know the expository essay definition and the main aspects that this type of writing should have. Basically, you are ready to move on to the writing part. If you are a little bit unsure about how to approach the process though, the guide below will help you out. There you will a breakdown of each of the steps you need to take to bring your expository essay to life.

• Choose a Topic

Before you jump straight into writing, pick a topic that can be explained well within the scope (and word count) of your essay. If you’re given a topic by your professor, great! If not, go for something you’re comfortable with, but also something that’s not too broad. For example, writing about “climate change” might be overwhelming, but focusing on “how recycling helps reduce pollution” can give you more focus.

• Start with Research

Even if you think you know the topic, doing some extra research can help. Gather facts, statistics, and any details you can find. This will give your essay substance and depth. Just be sure to use reliable sources (nobody wants to quote an unreliable tweet) and mention them in the in-text citations and a reference page (if required by your professor).

• Create an Outline

Writing without an outline is like trying to drive without a map. To keep your thoughts organized, draft an outline with an introduction, the main points you want to cover, and a conclusion. This will help you keep things on track.

• Write the Introduction

The introduction should be brief but grab the reader’s attention. Present your topic, maybe throw in an interesting fact or statistic, and provide a thesis statement—a single sentence that sums up what your essay is about.

• Develop Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay is where you provide all your arguments and evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Start with a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting details, and end with a mini-conclusion that finalizes the given point. Don’t overload your paragraphs with too many facts—keep it simple and to the point.

• Write the Conclusion

Now, it’s time to give your essay an ending. Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new manner (not to repeat yourself twice). You don’t need to introduce new information here, just close the essay with a strong conclusion.

• Revise and Proofread

Once you’ve finished your draft, take a break, and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Look for any awkward sentences, check for grammar mistakes, and make sure everything flows smoothly. This step is often overlooked but can make a big difference (both in terms of the writing quality and future grading).

Expository Essay Examples Topics: What Can You Talk About

Choosing a topic for your expository essay can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to pick something that not only interests you but also engages your audience. The good news is that there are tons of fascinating subjects out there. You can write basically about anything: a social issue, a technological trend, or even something as lighthearted as a favorite hobby. To help you get started, here are some topic suggestions that might resonate with your interests:

The Main Point

Writing an expository essay might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics, you will be able to finish any such paper in just a blink of an eye. Stick to the facts, stay organized, and remember—you’ve got this!

How do you start an expository essay?

To start an expository essay, begin with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. You can open with an interesting fact, a question, or a brief anecdote related to your topic. Then, follow up with some background information to set the stage, and wrap up your intro with a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your essay is going to be about.

What are the 5 parts of an expository essay?

An expository essay usually has five key parts:

• Introduction – Where you present your topic and thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1 – Your first main point with supporting details.
• Body Paragraph 2 – The second main point with evidence.
• Body Paragraph 3 – The third main point, finalizing your argument.
• Conclusion – Summarize everything and restate your thesis in a new way.

What is an example of an expository essay?

An example of an expository essay could be a paper explaining the benefits of a balanced diet. In this essay, you will explore different food groups, break down their nutritional value, and explain how they contribute to overall health. You’d use facts and research to show how a balanced diet improves energy levels, boosts the immune system, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

What is the format of an expository essay?

The format of an expository essay is pretty straightforward. You’ll start with an introduction, followed by several body paragraphs (usually three) where you explore your main points and finish with a conclusion. The structure helps you explain your topic in a clear and organized way.

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