If you browse the web for expository essay definition, you can easily get confused. Some place it in the “how-to” category, and then there are those that give lengthy and confusing definitions that seem to include every possible category.
Why So Much Fuss About It…
The thing is that the internet is a place where everyone gets to say his or her piece, even though that might not be unsubstantiated. Then there are the search engines that can’t tell what’s what and often provide results and explanations that are more confusing than revealing. That’s pretty much why people are confused when they search for expository essay definition.
And The Truth About Expository Essays Is…
The truth is that expository essays are nothing special, nor is there something that sets them apart from other types of essays. There is no big secret nor a complex formula that reveals how to write an expository essay.
Simply put, they are essays that explain some matter with facts, rather than using opinion. That’s it, nothing more, nothing less. Simply facts as opposed to opinions that are often biased. For example, an expository essay can be:
- A paper that elaborates a certain process. Much like a step by step essay
- A paper that describes some historical event. Same as descriptive essays.
- A paper that explains how to complete a certain task. Similar to how-to essays.
- A paper that analyzes written work, objects, ideas, or even events
Most expository essays are written as a response to a certain prompt, a question, a topic that needs to be either explained or exposed. Many essay questions follow a form similar to the following:
- Explain the process for how to change the oil in a car
- Describe the composition of a chicken’s egg
- Explain an effective method for how to improve your credit rating
- Explain the events leading to the first world war
An expository essay follows the same structure as other essays, with an introduction, standard body paragraphs, and a conclusion. There is no limit to the length of the essay. Most times, that depend on the context, as well as on the complexity of the topic.
As with other essays, the thesis sentence is found in the introductory paragraph. Next should follow just pure facts that strengthen that particular thesis. In fact, the topic should be overwhelmed with facts. The conclusion is also pretty much the same as with other essays, as it restates the goal of your thesis and summarizes your main proofs.
In Conclusion
The steps above provide a great expository essay definition and provide a pretty good guide on how to write one. And that’s all you will ever need to write a well-thought expository essay. Now that you know how to do so go out and start writing with confidence.