5 Tips For Writing A Great Expository Essay

When you’re given an expository essay assignment, it can seem like an intimidating task to complete, especially if it’s due just the next day. But the process really isn’t so hard; you just need to know how to write an expository essay that gets the job done well, meets your professor’s requirements, and earns you high marks on that paper. Here are five key tips to help you produce a top-notch piece of writing in no time.

Introductory Paragraph

Explain what you’re about to write about. The first paragraph of your essay should introduce your topic and preview what you will cover in your essay. Include a few sentences summarizing how you plan to organize your thoughts, like so: I will begin by discussing x, which has direct implications for y as well as z. I will then turn my attention to w, before wrapping up with my thoughts on u. You may wish to end your introductory paragraph with a sentence that summarizes how these related concepts fit together in a larger theory or idea; however, be careful not to move too far ahead of yourself!

Topic Sentence

Your topic sentence is like a mini-opinion that you are going to develop throughout your essay. It doesn’t need to be long or complex. In fact, shorter sentences are almost always better for exposition. The purpose of your topic sentence is simply to introduce and set up your topic—and it should give a hint about what sort of argument you’re making. 

Think about a courtroom drama where some lawyer stands up in front of a jury, points at his client, and says he did it! That’s an example of how not to write a topic sentence. A good one, on the other hand, might look something like this: This essay will prove/show/explain that Mike did it. Note that while we use prove here, you can use any verb that implies developing an argument (such as show or explain). 

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One last thing: keep your topic sentence as close to the beginning of your essay as possible. You want readers to come into your paper with a clear idea of what they’re going to read about. If they don't know from word one, then they'll get bored quickly and stop reading before getting to all those good parts later on.

Supporting Paragraphs

It's hard to imagine what expository writing is if you've never done it before. Basically, expository writing is non-fiction that doesn't tell a story or describe an event; instead, it explores and explains a topic. 

This type of essay may be used in school to analyze an argument, describe a phenomenon, compare/contrast two things, evaluate an idea or theory, explain a method/process, and more. 

The most important point about your supporting paragraphs is: They should support your thesis statement. To do that well requires using specific evidence from your sources (don't simply re-write something you read). You'll want to include quotes and paraphrases, as well as facts and statistics. Avoid personal opinions when possible—you're not trying to convince anyone of anything. Instead, focus on providing information so readers can come to their own conclusions. 

In other words, keep your tone objective! Your supporting paragraphs are meant to present new information related to your thesis statement—not restate it over and over again. Consider every paragraph as a building block for your overall argument. You'll use them all together at some point!

Transitional Phrases

Sentences often need transitional phrases to create coherent pieces of writing. These are words and phrases like however, although, as a result, etc. These help guides your reader through your work by giving them an idea of what is coming next in terms of ideas or action. 

Here are some good ones - However: Used to introduce contrasting information into a sentence. Can also be used to start off a sentence when you want to continue on with something from the previous sentence (also known as concessive usage). This usage can be tricky because it can sound awkward if not used correctly. 

Here is an example of correct use: I really wanted to go out last night; however, I had homework that needed to get done. While incorrect use would be like: I really wanted to go out last night; however, I had homework that needed to get done. The word 'however' should always begin a new sentence. 

Although: Also used for introducing contrasting information into a sentence. It is similar in function and structure to 'however', but typically less formal sounding than 'however'. It's important that you do not confuse these two words though! As a result/So...that/Thus/Therefore/Consequently: All these words are very similar in their meaning and usage.

Concluding Paragraph

If you can address your thesis, consider using a final example to really drive home your point. Make sure it’s relevant and supports what you’ve already written, and don’t be afraid to discuss how it relates to larger societal issues. 

Finally, round off your essay with a strong conclusion that restates your argument and leaves readers with something memorable. This should give them an idea of what is coming next—but doesn’t spoil any details. So there you have it: five tips for writing a great expository essay! Remember that these are just guidelines; you are free to do whatever works best for you.