Expository Essay
The purpose of an expository essay is to
present, completely and fairly, other people s views or to report about an
event or a situation. Expository writing, or exposition, presents a subject in
detail, apart from criticism, argument, or development; i.e., the writer
elucidates a subject by analyzing it. Such writing is discourse designed to
convey information or explain what is difficult to understand. Exposition
usually proceeds by the orderly analysis of parts and the use of familiar
illustrations or analogies.
Such an analysis requires
1. reading with understanding the ideas
developed in an article by clearly stating another s thesis, outlining the
facts used by the author to support that thesis, and the "values"
underlying the ideas
2. putting what is read into a larger context
by relating another s article or book to other work in the field
3. clearly and effectively communicating this
information to a defined audience. In other words, you must write clearly and
fully enough for your readers to know how you have arrived at your analyses and
conclusions. They should never have to guess what you mean; give your readers
everything they need to know to follow your reasoning
This practice is not "just for
students." Accurate analysis is a fundamental professional activity in
almost all careers. Like any other fundamental skill, it must be constantly
practiced in order to maintain and improve it. Other goals, such as learning
"time management" and note-taking, are also developed by this
activity.
Do not be afraid to revise your essay! In
fact, you will probably want to change it at least once; this is called
"thinking through a problem " or "learning."
The revisions will consist of the
following:
1. finding the precise words to express your
thoughts
2. correcting typographical, spelling, and
grammatical errors
3. making sure that your paragraphs are
"tight" and sequenced properly
4. making sure that the transition
("segue") from one major topic to another makes sense
Expository essays also have a distinct
format.
The thesis statement must be defined and
narrow enough to be supported within the essay.
· Each supporting paragraph must have a
distinct controlling topic and all other sentences must factually relate
directly to it. The transition words or phrases are important as they help the
reader follow along and reinforce the logic.
· Finally, the conclusion paragraph should
originally restate the thesis and the main supporting ideas. Finish with the
statement that reinforces your position in a meaningful and memorable way.
· Never introduce new material in the
conclusion.
Here are some popular essay topic examples
for expository essay type:
· Explain Three Main Interpretations of Green
Marketing
· Explain How Fashion Changes in 1920
Influenced Fashion Trends Today
· Explain Major Ecological Changes
· What is Love
· Explain the Consequences of Nationalism
Choosing the essay topic you are familiar
with will help you to write a successful expository essay.