explanatory writing meaning

How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

Have you ever been tasked with explaining a complex topic to someone without prior knowledge? It can be challenging to break down complex ideas into simple terms that are easy to understand. That's where explanatory writing comes in! An explanatory essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept clearly and concisely. These essays are often used in academic settings but can also be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

For example, if you were asked to explain how a car engine works, you would need to provide a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. Or, if you were asked to explain the process of photosynthesis, you would need to explain how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

When wondering - 'what is an explanatory essay?', remember that the goal of an explanatory paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the topic at hand. Unlike an opinion essay , this type of paper does not argue for or against a particular viewpoint but rather presents information neutrally and objectively. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand the topic and be able to explain it to others in their own words.

Also, there is no set number of paragraphs in an explanatory essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the topic. However, when wondering - 'how many paragraphs in an explanatory essay?', know that a typical example of explanatory writing will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, some essays may have more or fewer body paragraphs, depending on the topic and the writer's preference. Ultimately, an explanatory essay format aims to provide a clear and thorough explanation of the topic, using as many paragraphs as necessary.

20 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics

Now that we have defined what is explanatory essay, the next step is choosing a good explanatory topic. A well-chosen topic is interesting and relevant to your audience while also being something you are knowledgeable about and can provide valuable insights on. By selecting a topic that is too broad or too narrow, you run the risk of either overwhelming your audience with too much information or failing to provide enough substance to fully explain the topic. Additionally, choosing a topic that is too controversial or biased can lead to difficulty in presenting information objectively and neutrally. By choosing a good explanatory topic, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed, engaging, and effective in communicating your ideas to your audience.

Here are 20 creative explanatory essay topics by our admission essay service to consider:

How does the human brain process emotions?
The benefits and drawbacks of remote work.
The science behind climate change and its effects.
The history and evolution of hip-hop music.
The impact of social media on mental health.
The benefits of learning a second language.
The process of how a computer operates.
The causes and effects of bullying in schools.
The impact of technology on modern education.
The reasons for the decline of bee populations and their importance to the ecosystem.
The effects of caffeine on the human body.
The process of how vaccines work to prevent disease.
The impact of video games on youth behavior and development.
The reasons for the gender pay gap and how to close it.
The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources.
The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
The causes and effects of income inequality in society.
The process of how a book is published.
The impact of social media on political discourse.
The benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy.

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. However, by following a few simple steps, you can effectively kick-start your writing process and produce a clear and concise essay. Here are some tips and examples from our term paper writing services on how to start an explanatory essay:

Choose an engaging topic : Your topic should be interesting, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. For example, if you're writing about climate change, you might focus on a specific aspect of the issue, such as the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
Conduct research : Gather as much information as possible on your topic. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, you might research the psychological and physical benefits of the practice.
Develop an outline : Creating an outline will help you logically organize your explanatory essay structure. For example, you might organize your essay on the benefits of mindfulness meditation by discussing its effects on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
Provide clear explanations: When writing an explanatory article, it's important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you're explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
Use evidence to support your claims : Use evidence from reputable sources to support your claims and arguments. This will help to build credibility and persuade your readers. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of exercise, you might cite studies that demonstrate its positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

By following these tips and examples, you can effectively start your expository essays and produce a well-structured, informative, and engaging piece of writing.

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Explanatory Essay Outline

As mentioned above, it's important to create an explanatory essay outline to effectively organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas logically and systematically, ensuring that you cover all the key points related to your topic. It also helps you identify gaps in your research or argument and allows you to easily revise and edit your essay. In this way, an outline can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Here are some tips from our ' do my homework ' service to create a good explanatory essay introduction that effectively engages your readers and sets the stage for the entire essay:

Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. For example, you might start your essay on the benefits of exercise with a statistic on how many Americans suffer from obesity.
Provide context: Give your readers some background information on the topic you'll be discussing. This helps to set the stage and ensures that your readers understand the importance of the topic. For example, you might explain the rise of obesity rates in the United States over the past few decades.
State your thesis: A good explanatory thesis example should be clear, concise, and focused. It should state the main argument or point of your essay. For example, you might state, ' Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.'
Preview your main points: Give your readers an idea of what to expect in the body of your essay by previewing your main points. For example, you might explain that you'll be discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health, physical health, and longevity.
Keep it concise: Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail or providing too much background information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction to one or two paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

By following the following tips, you can create well-organized, evidence-based explanation essay body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement.

Use credible sources: When providing evidence to support your arguments, use credible sources such as peer-reviewed academic journals or reputable news outlets. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Organize your paragraphs logically: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Organize your paragraphs logically so that each one builds on the previous one. For example, if you're writing about the causes of climate change, you might organize your paragraphs to focus on human activity, natural causes, and the effects of climate change.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to help your readers follow the flow of your ideas. For example, you might use phrases such as 'in addition,' 'furthermore,' or 'on the other hand' to indicate a shift in your argument.
Provide analysis: Don't just present evidence; provide analysis and interpretation of the evidence. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of early childhood education, you might analyze the long-term effects on academic achievement and future earnings.
Summarize your main points: End each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point or argument you've made. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and keep your essay organized. For example, you might end a paragraph on the benefits of exercise by stating, 'Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making it a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.'

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Here are some unique tips on how to write an explanatory essay conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

Offer a solution or recommendation: Instead of summarizing your main points, offer suggestions based on the information you've presented. This can help to make your essay more impactful and leave a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, you might recommend using more eco-friendly products or investing in renewable energy sources.
Emphasize the importance of your topic: Use your concluding statement to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it's relevant to your readers. This can help to inspire action or change. For example, suppose you're writing about the benefits of volunteering. In that case, you might emphasize how volunteering helps others and has personal benefits such as improved mental health and a sense of purpose.
End with a powerful quote or statement: End your explanatory essay conclusion with a powerful quote or statement that reinforces your main point or leaves a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the importance of education, you might end your essay with a quote from Nelson Mandela, such as, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

Explanatory Essay Example

Here is an example of an explanatory essay:

Explanatory Essay Example:

Importance of Basketball

Final Thoughts

Now you understand whats an explanatory essay. However, if you're still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an explanatory essay, don't worry. Our team of experienced writers is here to provide you with top-notch academic assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to explain what is an appendix in your definition essay or rewrite essay in five paragraphs, we've got you covered! With our professional help, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-written, and meets all the academic requirements.

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Expository Writing: Definition and Examples

Hannah Yang

What is expository writing, what is an expository paragraph, expository writing examples, how prowritingaid can help you with expository composition.

One of the most common types of writing is expository writing. Whether you’re a student taking an English class or a professional trying to communicate to others in your field, you’ll need to use expository writing in your day-to-day work.

So, what exactly does this term mean?

The short answer is that expository writing refers to any writing designed primarily to explain or instruct.

Read on to learn the definition of expository writing as well as some examples of what this type of writing can look like.

Before we look at examples of expository writing, let’s start with a quick definition of what this term actually means.

Expository Writing Definition

The term expository writing refers to any writing that’s designed to explain something. We use the word expository to describe any passage of writing that’s supposed to present information and help you understand it in an objective way.

Some common examples of expository writing include academic essays, textbooks, instructional guides, and news reports. Good expository writing should be factual, objective, and clear.

To better understand what this term means, think about the difference between a scientific article, a short story, and an advertisement.

The scientific article is considered expository writing because its primary purpose is to explain a particular topic in more detail. It presents data, analyzes what that data means, and focuses on the facts.

On the other hand, the short story isn’t considered expository writing, because its core purpose isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s probably trying to entertain you or to take you on a journey. Short stories are narrative writing.

Similarly, an advertisement isn’t expository writing because its core purpose isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s trying to persuade you to buy what it’s selling. Advertisements are persuasive writing.

Here’s a quick rundown of what expository essays should and shouldn’t do.

An expository essay should:

Teach the reader about a particular topic

Focus on the facts

Follow a clearly organized structure

Present information and details from credible sources

An expository essay should not:

Try to change the reader’s mind about something

Present the author’s personal opinions

Include made-up narratives or stories

Follow experimental or nonlinear structures

An expository paragraph is exactly what it sounds like—a paragraph of expository writing.

A well-written expository paragraph should follow a specific format to make it as clear and easy to read as possible. Most expository paragraphs do the following things:

Start with a topic sentence, which explains what the paragraph will be about

Then, include 3 – 5 body sentences that provide supporting details for the topic sentence

Finally, wrap things up with a closing sentence that summarizes what the paragraph has said

Writing an expository paragraph is a great way to practice expository writing. That’s because the paragraph follows the same structure as a more complex expository essay, just on a smaller scale.

Most expository essays should follow this format:

Start with an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, which tells the reader the core statement of the essay

Then, include 3 – 5 body paragraphs that provide factual evidence to support the thesis statement

Finally, wrap things up with a concluding paragraph that summarizes what the body paragraphs and thesis statement said

You can see the similarities between the two formats. If you can write a fantastic expository paragraph, you’ll be well-prepared to move on to writing a full expository essay.

Example of Expository Paragraph

Here’s an example of an expository paragraph that follows the structure described above.

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, which can be fatal if it leads to heart attack or cardiac arrest. Heart attacks occur when a blockage in the coronary artery prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the heart. Cardiac arrests occur when the heart stops pumping entirely, which prevents the patient from breathing normally. Both of these problems can be deadly, even in seemingly healthy people who don’t have noticeable risk factors. As a result, heart disease is an important problem that many doctors and scientists are researching.

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There are many ways you can present information in an expository essay. Here are four of the most popular ways, along with examples of each one.

Problem and Solution Essay

A problem and solution essay presents the reader with a problem and then considers possible solutions to that problem.

Here’s an example passage you might find in a problem and solution essay:

Among the many proposed solutions to rising carbon emissions, one promising possibility is carbon trapping. Scientists are figuring out how to pull carbon emissions out of the atmosphere and trap it in less harmful forms, such as by injecting carbon dioxide underground so it will turn to stone.

Compare and Contrast Essay

This type of essay takes two subjects and compares and contrasts them. It focuses on highlighting the differences and similarities between those two things.

Here’s an example passage of this type of expository writing:

Though country music and R&B music have very different sounds, they also share many similarities. For one thing, both types of music embody a specific cultural identity. For another, both genres trace their roots back to the 1920s, when the Victor Talking Machine Company signed singers from the American South.

Classification Essay

In a classification essay, you describe the categories within a certain group of things.

Here’s an example passage you might find in a classification essay:

There are three ways in which artificial intelligence might become stronger than humans in the future: high speed, high collective intelligence, and high quality. A speed AI would be able to perform calculations and experience the world much faster than humans. A collective intelligence, like a hive mind, would be able to break down a complex task into several parts and pursue them simultaneously. Finally, a quality AI would simply be able to solve more complex problems than humans could.

Process Essay

In a process essay, you give the reader the steps for completing a specific process. This is similar to a how-to guide or an instruction manual.

Here’s an example passage you might find in this type of expository writing:

Caramelize the chopped onions in a frying pan. When the onions have caramelized, mix in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes and stir for 4 – 6 minutes or until all the ingredients have softened. If you want to add meat, you can add ground beef and cook for another 4 – 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Good expository writing should be easy to read. After all, the purpose of exposition is to explain things to your readers, and you won’t be able to accomplish that if they have trouble understanding your writing.

That’s why ProWritingAid can help you write an expository essay. The grammar checker can help you ensure your sentences flow well, you’re not missing any necessary punctuation, and all your words are precise and clear.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example

Have you ever been tasked with writing an explanation essay and wondered where to start? You’re not alone! Many students struggle with the challenge of presenting complex ideas in a concise and engaging manner. Fear not; with the right approach, learning how to write an explanation essay can be a rewarding experience that enhances your understanding of a topic and sharpens your writing skills.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting an exemplary explanation essay. We will explore the definition and purpose of explanatory essays, offer tips on topic selection, outline development, and delve into the essentials of how to write an explanatory essay. By the end of this post, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any explanatory essay assignment that comes your way.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Explanatory essays, akin to expository essays , provide an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic with the aim of informing and clarifying.
Choosing the right topic for your explanatory essay involves selecting a neutral, engaging, and relevant topic supported by ample researchable information.
Writing an explanatory essay requires conducting thorough research, utilizing transitions & linking words judiciously, citing sources accurately & revising/editing to ensure high quality work.

Explanatory Essays: Definition and Purpose

An expository essay, also known as an explanatory essay or an explanatory paper, is a type of explanatory writing wherein one is required to describe and elucidate a particular point of view, incident, event, or situation. Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, the goal of explanation essays, including expository essays, is to offer an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic, aiming to inform and clarify without arguing or persuading. By presenting information in a clear and organized manner, explanatory essays help readers develop a better understanding of the subject matter.

Explanatory essays follow the traditional explanatory essay format, which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The thesis statement, located in the introduction, is a specific and argumentable statement that concisely presents the primary concept of the essay. The body paragraphs provide evidence and explanations to support the thesis, while the conclusion ties everything together and leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the author’s presentation.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Explanatory Essay

Selecting an appropriate topic is a crucial step in crafting a successful explanatory essay. A well-written explanation essay seeks to offer an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic, with the intention of informing and elucidating without trying to convince. Therefore, it is essential to choose a topic that is neutral, engaging, and aligns with your interests and the interests of your target audience.

To generate ideas for an explanation essay, consider topics that you have personal experience with or are genuinely curious about. It is also important to ensure that the topic can be effectively researched and that there is ample information available to compose a comprehensive paper. Once you have a list of potential topics, evaluate them based on their relevance to the assignment and your familiarity with the subject matter. This will help you select a topic that will not only be engaging to your readers but also enjoyable for you to research and write about.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the backbone of your explanation essay, as it sets the stage for the rest of the paper. A strong explanation essay thesis statement should be concise, debatable, and supportable, summarizing the main idea and purpose of the essay. It is important to invest time and effort into crafting a compelling thesis statement, as it will guide your research and shape the overall structure of your essay.

To develop an effective thesis statement, start by identifying the primary concept or argument that you want to convey in your essay. Then refine your statement to ensure that it is succinct and specific, while still being arguable and justifiable.

If you find yourself struggling to create a strong thesis statement, consider drafting a rough version and returning to it after you have completed the rest of the paper. This will allow you to refine your statement based on the evidence and arguments presented in your essay.

Developing an Effective Explanatory Essay Outline

An effective explanatory essay outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and ideas in a logical manner, ensuring a smooth flow throughout your essay. The outline should include an introduction, body, and conclusion, each containing specific information arranged in a logical manner to ensure the continuity of the paper. By creating a detailed outline, you can easily identify any gaps in your research or argumentation and make revisions as needed.

In the following subsections, we will delve into strategies for writing an engaging explanatory essay introduction, structuring body paragraphs, and crafting a compelling conclusion. These techniques will help you create an effective explanatory essay outline that will serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

Introduction Strategies

The introduction is the first part of your essay that your readers will encounter, and it plays a crucial role in grabbing their attention and setting the stage for the thesis statement. To create an engaging introduction, you can employ various hooks, such as rhetorical questions, quotes, or statistics, to capture the reader’s interest and provide a foundation for your thesis statement.

An effective introduction should also provide a concise overview of the subject matter and the primary concepts that the reader will encounter while perusing the essay. This background information helps your readers understand the context of your essay and prepares them for the arguments and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. By crafting an engaging and informative introduction, you set the tone for the rest of your essay and encourage your readers to continue reading.

Structuring Body Paragraphs

Structuring body paragraphs involves presenting evidence to support your thesis statement while ensuring clarity and logical organization. Each body paragraph should focus on a particular aspect of the topic and provide evidence to back it up. This can include facts, quotes, statistics, survey results, and examples that help validate your arguments and substantiate your assertions.

To ensure clarity and logical organization in your body paragraphs, you can employ various techniques, such as utilizing transitions between paragraphs, supplying examples to elucidate points, and employing linking words to connect ideas. Transitions and linking words, such as “however,” “therefore,” “in addition,” and “furthermore,” can help guide your readers through your essay and make it easier for them to follow your ideas and arguments.

By carefully structuring your body paragraphs, you can create a coherent and persuasive explanatory essay that effectively supports your thesis statement.

Crafting a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion of your explanation essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. A compelling conclusion should summarize the main points presented in your essay, restate your thesis statement, and offer recommendations or a call to action. This helps to reinforce the key ideas and arguments in your essay and leaves your readers with something to ponder.

When crafting your conclusion, it is important to avoid introducing new information or arguments, as this can confuse your readers and weaken the overall impact of your essay. Instead, focus on providing a concise and convincing summary of the evidence presented in your essay and how it supports your thesis statement. By doing so, you can leave your readers with a clear understanding of your essay’s purpose and a sense of closure.

Writing Your Explanatory Essay: Step-by-Step Process

Now that you have a solid understanding of the key components of an explanation essay, it is time to embark on the writing process. In this section, we will outline a step-by-step process for writing an explanatory essay, which includes conducting thorough research, utilizing transitions and linking words, and citing sources to avoid plagiarism.

By following this step-by-step process, you can ensure that your explanation essay is well-structured and informative, providing your readers with a clear understanding of the subject matter. With practice and persistence, you can master the art of explanatory essay writing and create engaging, persuasive essays that effectively convey complex ideas.

Conducting Thorough Research

Conducting thorough research is essential for an explanation essay, as it helps gather credible evidence (facts, quotes, statistics, survey results, and examples) to support your thesis statement. Begin by selecting a topic that is of personal interest and has some familiarity. Once you have chosen a topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure that there is sufficient information available to compose a comprehensive paper.

When gathering information for your essay, it is crucial to utilize dependable sources, such as scholarly articles, books, and websites. Be sure to take notes and keep track of the sources you have used, as this will make it easier to reference them in your essay and avoid plagiarism. By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your essay is well-supported and provides a comprehensive analysis of the topic.

Utilizing Transitions and Linking Words

Utilizing transitions and linking words is crucial for ensuring a smooth flow throughout your explanation essay and making it easier for readers to follow your ideas and arguments. Examples of transitions and linking words include phrases such as “however”, “therefore”, “in addition” and “furthermore”.

Incorporating these transitions and linking words in your essay helps guide your readers through the progression of your arguments and enhances the overall readability of your paper. Be sure to use them judiciously and avoid overusing a specific transition or linking word, as this may become repetitive and detract from the flow of your essay.

By employing a variety of transitions and linking words, you can create a cohesive and engaging explanatory essay that effectively conveys your ideas.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

Citing sources accurately and consistently is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and ensuring the credibility of your explanation essay. When composing an explanation essay, sources are typically cited following either MLA, APA, or Harvard formatting. In-text citations generally include the author’s name and the year the source was published, and for direct quotations, the page number must also be specified.

By accurately citing your sources, you not only give credit to the original authors, but also demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity and the credibility of your essay. Be sure to double-check your citations and proofread your essay for any errors or inconsistencies in your referencing style. By doing so, you can avoid plagiarism and ensure that your essay is a credible and accurate representation of your research and ideas.

Analyzing Explanatory Essay Examples

Analyzing explanatory essay examples can provide valuable insights into the structure, style, and content of successful essays, helping you improve your own writing. By examining well-written examples, you can gain a better understanding of the key elements of an explanation essay, such as the thesis statement, the organization of body paragraphs, and the overall flow of the essay.

When analyzing explanatory essay examples, pay close attention to the clarity of the explanations, the use of evidence to support the argument, and the general structure and format of the essay. Also, consider the effectiveness of the thesis statement and the essay in conveying information.

By studying and learning from exemplary essays, you can refine your own writing and create an engaging, informative, and well-structured explanation essay. In fact, knowing how to write an explanation essay is essential for developing your skills in this area.

Tips for Revising and Editing Your Explanatory Essay

Once you have completed your explanation essay, it is essential to revise and edit your work to ensure that it is of high quality and free of mistakes. Start by reviewing your essay for clarity, organization, and logical flow. Check that your thesis statement is clear and concise, and that your body paragraphs effectively support your argument.

During the revision process, ask yourself the following questions: Is the essay organized effectively? Are the transitions between paragraphs seamless? Are there any grammatical or orthographic errors? Are sources referenced accurately? If necessary, make any revisions to improve the overall quality and coherence of your essay.

Finally, proofread your essay for any remaining errors and inconsistencies. Consider presenting your essay to a trusted friend or classmate for feedback, as they may be able to spot mistakes that you may have missed. By revising and editing your essay, you can ensure that it is polished, engaging, and free of errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of an explanatory essay.

An explanation essay format typically consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs with one subtopic per paragraph, and a conclusion. It is a basic essay structure which can be further expanded as needed.

Formal language should be used and the goal is to make a connection with the reader through the text.

What is the best way to start an explanatory essay?

To begin an explanation essay, start with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. This should be written in a formal tone, and include a clear conclusion in the first sentence without an introduction or summary.

What are the main parts of an explanatory essay?

An explanation essay typically consists of an introduction with a hook, some background information, and a thesis statement.

It then progresses to further explain the topic and draw a conclusion.

How do you write a 5 paragraph explanatory essay?

To write a five-paragraph explanatory essay, you must create an introduction that introduces the main topic and states the thesis, three body paragraphs to support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph to wrap up the points made in the essay.

The tone should be formal throughout, with clear connections to the reader.

What is the main difference between an explanatory essay and an argumentative essay?

Explanatory essays seek to explain a topic without presenting an argument, while argumentative essays make an assertion and support it with evidence.

These two types of essays have different goals and require different approaches. Explanatory essays focus on providing information and context, while argumentative essays focus on making a persuasive argument.

When writing an essay, it is important to write an explanation.

In conclusion, writing an exemplary explanation essay requires a clear understanding of the topic, careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this blog post, you can create engaging, informative, and persuasive explanatory essays that effectively convey complex ideas. With practice and persistence, you can master the art of explanatory essay writing and tackle any assignment that comes your way.

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Explanatory Essay: Definition, Outline, Writing Steps & Samples

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An explanatory essay is a type of essay that aims to explain or describe a particular topic or subject. The purpose of an explanatory essay is to provide readers with information and to educate them about a topic in a concise manner.

In this article, we will discuss an explanatory writing definition, provide an outline of key components, and guide you through how to write an explanatory essay. Additionally, we will provide a well-written explanatory essay example to further illustrate required structure and format of writing the paper. Whether you are a college student or a professional, this article will offer all the tools you need to write a clear and effective explanatory essay. Our professional essay writers did their best to share all essential details on an explanatory essay – beginning with an introduction and ending with a conclusion. Let’s get started!

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

An explanatory essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer presents an explanation or analysis of a specific topic or idea. Its main goal is to provide the reader with a clear, unbiased and well-supported understanding of the subject matter, through use of evidence and logical reasoning. Instead of persuading or arguing with the reader, explanatory essays provide relevant information to them. Therefore, a writer must present information objectively, without injecting their own personal opinions or biases. Additionally, explanatory writing can be used in professional settings as well, for example, in a scientific report, or in a business proposal to explain the process of a product or service creation, or to provide data analysis. According to definition of explanatory writing, it explains why things happen the way they are.

What is the Purpose of an Explanatory Essay?

Explanatory essay purpose is to provide an explanation or clarification of a particular topic or subject. This type of assignment is used to inform or educate readers about a specific concept or idea. Similarly to writing an informative essay , the focus is on offering a clear and comprehensive understanding of topic, rather than arguing about a particular point of view. A writer should present information, define terms, and use evidence to support their explanations. Explanatory essay also aims to explain complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, making information accessible and understandable to reader.

Explanatory Essay Outline

Explanatory essay outline varies depending on information that author is trying to present. Aim of explanatory outline is to organize points into paragraphs and provide a framework on how to write an explanation paper. You can find an example of an essay outline online that can help guide you on what to do. Below is an example of an explanatory essay outline template.

Background information on the topic.
Thesis statement.
First point supporting thesis statement.
Evidence or examples to support this point.
Explanation of evidence provided.
Concluding statement.
Second point supporting thesis statement.
Evidence or examples to support point.
Third point supporting thesis statement.
Summarize main points
Restate thesis statement
Call to action or future implications.

Explanatory Essay Structure

Structure of an explanatory essay typically includes an introduction , body , and conclusion . Writing an explanatory essay begins with drafting an introduction . Introduction provides background information on topic and thesis statement in closing sentence. Thesis statement offers the main idea of paper. Subsequent parts of an explanatory essay support the developed thesis statement using valid evidence. Body of the paper is where writers present evidence, examples, and explanations to support their thesis statement. Body typically contains several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of topic and providing evidence to support it. Finally, conclusion summarizes main points and arguments of the writing, and restates thesis in different ways. It also provides a final perspective on topic, and may offer some recommendations or suggestions for further reading or research.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Have you been wondering how to write an explanatory essay introduction? A good introduction for an explanatory essay should have three main elements:

Background information
Thesis statement

The hook is an attention-grabbing and interesting sentence that entices reader to continue reading. It can be a surprising fact, a quote, or a thought-provoking question. Background information provides context for the topic being discussed and helps readers to understand significance of the issue. This section should be brief and to the point. Last part of introduction paragraph for an explanatory essay is a thesis statement . This is a statement that author will support by using facts, quotes and examples throughout the body of paper before concluding with personal opinion based on provided evidence.

Explanatory Essay Thesis Statement

It is important to know what is an explanatory thesis statement before exploring its purpose. Thesis is a statement that presents main idea or topic in a clear and concise manner. Thesis statement for an explanatory essay is an essential element as it serves as a roadmap for the entire work. It should be specific and arguable. Thesis statement should be presented early in paper, typically in introduction, to guide reader's understanding of essay's main points. It should be specific enough to clearly convey a topic, but not so specific that it limits the paper’s scope. Additionally, it should be arguable, meaning that it should be open to interpretation and debate. With this information, you can practice how to write a thesis statement for an explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Body

Next step after introduction is to write a body paragraph for an explanatory essay . Explanatory essay body paragraph provides evidence that supports thesis statement. It should include facts, statistics, expert opinions, examples and other evidence that help to prove thesis statement is accurate. Body paragraphs should be written in a clear and logical manner, making a strong case for thesis statement. It should also be written in a way that is easy for readers to understand and follow, ensuring that evidence is presented in a clear and convincing manner. To effectively convey information in the body of an explanation essay, it is important to use a variety of different techniques and strategies. This may include use of images, infographics, examples, theories, quotes, and other relevant information. By incorporating these different elements, writers can more effectively engage readers and provide a more comprehensive understanding of topic at hand. Additionally, use of these different techniques can help to break up text and make it more visually appealing and easier to read.

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

An explanatory essay conclusion is the final section of the paper that summarizes main points and restates the thesis statement. Conclusion for explanatory essays should be written in a way that ties all of information presented in paper together, providing a clear and concise summary of main ideas. Steps on how to write a conclusion for an explanatory essay are as follows:

Restate the thesis statement.
Summarize main points: conclusion should sum up key points and evidence presented in paper, highlighting most important information.
Provide a sense of closure: indicate that paper has come to an end and that main points have been fully discussed. Your conclusion must show that the ideas have been explored fully.
Emphasize significance of the topic.
Provide final thoughts or recommendations: give reader something to consider after reading your work.

How to Write an Explanatory Essay Step-by-Step?

Best way to understand how to write an explanatory essay is by practicing certain steps involved in the process. By following these steps, writer will have a clear understanding of process and be able to effectively present information in a logical and easy-to-understand manner. Subsequent section will discuss how to do an explanatory essay by covering some important tips and considerations for each step, to help you produce a high-quality writing. Details on each step are discussed below.

1. Produce an Idea

First step in producing an idea in an explanatory essay is by thinking about what you are passionate about or interested in. This will make writing process more enjoyable and will also make it easier for you to have a strong understanding of the topic. When brainstorming a topic in explanatory essay writing, you should consider your audience and what they may be interested in reading about. More ways to brainstorm new ideas include looking at current events or trending topics in your field of study or area of interest. Narrow down your list of ideas by evaluating which explanatory essay topics would make most interesting and informative writing. Once you have a topic in mind, do some preliminary research to ensure that there is enough information available to write a comprehensive paper.

2. Make a Detailed Research

Before writing an explanatory essay, you should do detailed research to collect relevant information. Here are some steps to follow when gathering information:

Identify topic and focus of your research paper. This will help you determine what types of sources to look for and where to find them.
Search for sources using a variety of methods, such as online databases, library catalogs, and search engines.
Evaluate credibility of each source. Check for things like author's credentials, publisher, and date of publication.
Take detailed notes as you read through your sources. Be sure to note author, title, and publication date for each source, as well as any key information or quotes that you plan to use in your paper.
Finally, review all sources again, and make sure they are reliable and trustworthy before you use them in your explanatory paper.

3. Use Appropriate Examples

Examples in explanatory writing are an effective way to explain a concept or idea because they provide a concrete illustration of topic being discussed. They can make complex ideas easier to understand by providing a real-world context. Using an appropriate explanatory essay example can help to strengthen credibility of information being presented. Sources used in this paper should be applicable to the real world. Examples can be used to persuade readers to see a certain point of view. For instance, when discussing a controversial topic, providing examples can help to demonstrate validity of the writer's argument. Also, providing illustrations helps the reader to understand unfamiliar concepts.

4. Create an Explanatory Essay Outline

Best way to know how to write an explanatory essay outline is to consider the amount of information gathered through detailed research and obtaining logical arrangement to ensure flow of ideas. Created through identifying a specific idea from detailed research and ensuring readers can easily relate logical flow throughout the paper. Appropriate outline for explanatory essay entails introduction, body and conclusion each containing specific information arranged in a logical manner to provide flow of your paper. Example of an outline provided above follows a general structure and provides the best organization of communicating directly to readers. Moreover, a sample above shows a flawless way of obtaining information and opinion of an author. Besides, it provides an outline in a manner that is easy to follow and comprehend.

5. Write an Outstanding Beginning

Capturing attention of the reader to go ahead and read entire paper is dependent on the introduction. Therefore, providing a hook seems like the best way on how to start an explanatory essay. First step to capture your audience’s attention is usually to write an introduction paragraph for an explanatory essay. Introduction becomes the first paragraph in any type of writing, and it is important in capturing interest among readers. Writing an effective introduction involves providing a hook and general description of the topic, background information and thesis statement. These elements provide an overview of your paper and instigate readers to expect more detailed information about your topic throughout the writing.

Explanatory Essay Introduction Example

Introduction paragraph is the beginning of paper and helps to introduce general ideas about topic and to capture attention and interest of your readers to continue reading. Introduction must begin with a hook, followed by scope of the topic and closing sentence should include a debatable thesis statement. Revising explanatory essay introduction examples can help you understand the concept better. Below is an example of introduction paragraph.

6. Come Up With an Explanatory Essay Thesis Statement

Understanding how to write a thesis statement for an explanatory essay is essential in ensuring that the reader comprehends whole idea author is trying to prove. Thesis statement for explanatory essays provides main idea in a precise manner. It is usually written in concluding statement of introduction paragraph of explanation writing. Effective thesis statement should be specific but must consider scope of the work. In addition, an outstanding thesis statement doesn’t include your emotions or opinion. Save arguments and viewpoints for an argumentative essay .

Explanation Essay Thesis Statement Example

Thesis statement is written in the concluding sentence. It is supposed to be specific and concise in providing the main idea of your paper. Additionally, to make it effective, thesis statement should be outstanding and debatable with open interpretation. Thesis statement sums up central point of the writing, and should articulate it in a few words without providing too much information. However, reader has to note specific ideas that author is trying to relay. Example of an explanatory essay thesis statement is stated as follows:

7. Support Your Ideas With Evidence

The central idea that author intends to express can only be validated through relevant evidence from credible sources. Supporting thesis statement is based on how well one knows how to write an explanatory body paragraph. Body of an explanatory essay entails evidence to support your topic. Evidence supporting the idea is obtained from detailed research conducted after identifying a specific idea. Main aim of the body paragraph is to prove thesis statement. Some ways used to communicate in body include examples, facts and opinions among other evidence that are deemed relevant and credible. Having an effective body in writing requires presenting evidence in a clear and convincing way that will enable reader to easily relate important ideas to thesis statement. Including different techniques of presenting evidence in body of report, provides vivid understanding and wider perception of the topic.

Example of an Explanatory Essay Body Paragraph

Body paragraph provides evidence that supports thesis statement. Below is a perfect explanatory body paragraph example about factors that cause suicide among teenagers.

8. Summarize Your Explanatory Paper

Last section of the explanatory essay writing is to summarize your evidence to support the thesis statement. Explanatory summary restates thesis statement and highlights important information presented throughout the work. Main idea is to link all information in the paper together to provide a common relationship between main ideas and thesis statements. Opinion of author is provided in summary section, which is dependent on depth of evidence provided in body. Author can agree or disagree with thesis statement, if it is efficiently supported by credible and relevant sources. Besides, the summary provides necessity of the topic at hand and possible recommendations.

Example of Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph starts by restating thesis and summarizing main points. Sample of an explanatory essay conclusion as one provided below will help you understand concept better.

9. Proofread an Explanatory Essay

Final step in writing an explanatory article involves proofreading your work properly. It entails revising paper a couple of times to check if it has proper flow of thoughts, communicate to audience with the clear ideas, and understand if conclusion provides a concise value of the thesis statement. It is usually done a day after completion to easily spot mistakes. Moreover, proofreading explanatory essays aims at detecting minor errors and grammatical mistakes that might affect clarity and quality of the paper. During proofreading, any error or mistake is noted and necessary editing done to improve the value of the paper.

Explanatory Essay Format

Format for an explanatory essay depends on the discipline provided in the paper. There are different formats to write an explanatory essay including APA style format , MLA format and Chicago style paper format which are provided in instructions. Format provided in paper also dictates the style of structure and citation of sources used in the paper. The format does not have any influence on content of the paper and is usually based on a system preferred by the author. Writer uses the recommended format that seems easier and familiar. Therefore, explanatory papers can take any format with similar structure and enable the author to communicate effectively to readers.

Explanation Essay Examples

Explanatory writing examples provided below show the required structure of the essays. Under the structure there are possible sections with some clarifications to help the reader understand the main idea. Explanatory essay samples are necessary to readers because they help in understanding how to build up the topic under study. Moreover, each of the example of explanatory writing provided below is important in learning different formats of writing, conveying a general idea of the work.

Explanatory Essay Writing Tips

Writing tips are essential in ensuring an excellent explanation essay. Some of these writing tips are listed below:

Take advantage of transition and linking words and write a hook for an explanatory essay.
Cite sources from which facts were drawn. Sources should be credible and recent to ensure high value of paper. Following examples of explanatory essays is the best way of learning how to cite.
Proofread the paper. This involves revising work to ensure topic is analyzed in a logical manner that follows correct explanatory essay layout which is easily understood by audience.
Edit an essay. Follows after identifying and noting errors and mistakes during proofreading. It is done a day after completion of writing to ensure all mistakes are edited and paper’s value improved.
Share the paper with a close person as a way of further improving its value and ensuring explanatory essay meaning is maintained. In addition, by sharing, authors can get feedback on where to make necessary corrections and changes to ensure writing is more understandable and clearly communicates to the audience.

Explanatory Essay Checklist

Before final submission of the explanatory essay, there are several checks it should go through first to ensure a proper flow in the paper and that the intended information is easily understood by the reader. The checklist enables one to write a good explanatory essay. The checklist includes the following:

Bottom Line on How to Write an Explanatory Essay

The question of what is explanatory writing has various definitions but generally, it is usually academic writing which provides analysis of a specific topic or idea to readers. Explanatory essay template provides the basic structure that can be followed in explanatory writing. Besides, explanatory essay examples provide vivid understanding on how to write a good explanatory paper. Through using templates and examples, one can master steps and structure of writing an explanatory essay. Structure of explanatory paper has three parts that are logically arranged to enable readers to easily understand what the author intends to prove. Besides, flow of ideas in a logical manner enables relating different evidence provided in body to thesis statement and accounting for correct conclusion. If you need more help on writing, feel free to seek more suggestions in our Blog. From guides on exemplification essay to tips on evaluation essay , you will find tutorial fitting any academic need.

If you are struggling with writing an expository essay, remember that you can always count on our expert academic writers. Let us know your assignment details and we will craft a custom paper in line with all requirements to your ‘ write my college essay for me ’ request.

FAQ About Explanatory Essays

1. how is an explanatory essay different from an argumentative essay.

Differences between explanatory and argumentative essay is that explanatory paper is about presenting information to explain something while an argumentative writing is about persuading the readers to agree with an opinion. In the explanatory paper, the author provides an open interpretation of the topic before finally providing links between main ideas that proves the thesis statement.

2. Is an explanatory essay the same as an informative essay?

No. An informative essay is based on detailed facts and data while an explanatory paper requires author’s opinion on some certain points. Explanatory essay meaning is drawn from author’s presentation of idea and how well it is supported. Despite having an open interpretation and debatable thesis statement, clear facts about topic in explanatory paper are not easily determined. Author makes rational decisions based on the weight of evidence provided.

3. What is included in explanatory essay?

Explanatory essay is a type of writing where author presents some points of view on a certain topic, event or situation. Opinion of author is generally the idea supported by most of the evidence provided in body. Remember to include introduction, body, and conclusion to adequately support your claims and understand the difference between those parts of your paper.

4. Is an explanatory essay objective or subjective?

Explanatory writing is about presenting a balanced, objective description of the topic. The paper is objective and provides an all around perception of topic both opposing and proposing evidence on thesis statement. General description provides the author's idea and reader can easily understand point of view based on provided sources and evidence.

5. How many paragraphs are in an explanatory essay?

Explanatory essay has five paragraphs though it can include more. Paragraphs vary with subheading the author decides to include in essay. General structure requires one paragraph for introduction, three for body and last one for conclusion. However, in case of extra evidence in body and long introduction, more paragraphs can be used.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information

Expository writing is a form of writing that aims to present information in a factual and objective manner in order to describe a topic. It’s commonly used in academic papers, business reports, encyclopedia articles, and some nonfiction books.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the characteristics of expository writing and provide some examples of how it is used. Let’s dive in.

It's a type of writing that informs and educates

Illustration of a student taking notes of what the teacher says

Unlike creative writing , which aims, broadly speaking, to entertain, the purpose of expository writing is to inform and educate readers about a particular subject by presenting accurate information in a clear manner. For this purpose, the writing style should be neutral and objective, and information should only come from reliable and citable sources.

Of course, telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth can be a daunting (if not impossible) task. Even the most rigorous scientists, journalists, and authors sometimes end up referencing inaccurate data, or inadvertently fall back on their biases when presenting their research.

In general, expository writing aims to avoid expressing personal opinions and using flowery language or literary devices that may leave things open for interpretation. At the same time, readers should know that there is no such thing as a purely objective account and always consider an author’s potential biases and shortcomings.

You’ll find it in textbooks, reports, and manuals

Expository writing can be used in various contexts and formats where readers expect accurate information or a neutral description of a situation, such as business reports, academic papers, textbooks, encyclopedias, news articles, and instruction manuals.

Here are some examples of expository writing:

But before we dismiss expository writing as just “boring stuff,” we should also note how this mode of writing can be used (and is sometimes necessary) in creative works.

And in literature, to some extent

You can find some elements of expository writing in narrative exposition , which authors use in novels to share background information about the characters and the world they live in. For example, notice how Tolkien introduces Bilbo Baggins in the first page of The Lord of The Ring :

Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return. The riches he had brought back from his travels had now become a local legend, and it was popularly believed, whatever the old folk might say, that the Hill at Bag End was full of tunnels stuffed with treasure.

In just one paragraph, we learn a little bit about Bilbo (he is rich, peculiar, and over 60 years old). But more importantly, the narrator describes how he is perceived within his community — what his legend is amongst other Hobbits.

Still of Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of The Ring

Similarly, creative nonfiction often combines expository writing with a more creative approach to share information in a captivating way. Here is how Micheal Pollan describes plants' capacity for photosynthesis in The Botany of Desire :

Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.

Pollan’s words are poetic, musing on plants' ability to transform elements into new substances, but it is also factual, in the sense that it refers to actual natural processes. However, in both cases, the writing might be too much on the creative side to qualify as “purely expository.”

Now that we have a better sense of what expository writing is and where you can find it, let’s look at some of its most common and practical applications.

It’s used to define a subject

In reference texts like dictionaries and encyclopedias, expository writing is used to define subjects or topics, from historical figures and events, to concepts and nouns.

Here are some examples from three different sources:

Encyclopedia: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., original name Michael King, Jr., (born January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.—died April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee), Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. ( Encyclopedia Britannica )

Handbook: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance) . ( The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th Edition)

Dictionary: Tree

A woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part. (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

All the above definitions try to describe the respective subjects in a straightforward, yet detailed manner, using vocabulary that leaves little room for doubt and misunderstanding.

These types of definitions are, in a way, like the axioms of human communication 一 they are the foundation upon which we make sense of the world. To communicate and collaborate effectively with one another, we must agree on the meaning of words. If we couldn't agree on the definition of what a tree is, for example, we couldn’t have a mutual understanding of leaves, branches, roots, fruits, rainforests, and so on. And if that were the case, our civilization would have likely never been built 一 that’s how important definitions are!

It can elaborate on ideas

Expository writing is also used to elaborate on ideas, by presenting data to support a thesis, and formulating a conclusion. This can be achieved through different mediums, like a scientific paper, a newspaper column, or nonfiction book .

Book cover of Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature

[F]rom the 13th century to the 20th, homicide in various parts of England plummeted by a factor of ten, fifty, and in some cases a hundred—for example, from 110 homicides per 100,000 people per year in 14th-century Oxford to less than 1 homicide per 100,000 in mid-20th-century London.

The way Pinker provides the information is helpful in many ways. First, it provides context by clarifying the time frame and geographical interest of the data presented. Second, it emphasizes how the rate has been declining almost exponentially (by a factor of ten, fifty, a hundred) to better get his point across. Third, it clarifies what the data means by making a stark comparison between homicide numbers in 14th-century Oxford and mid-20th-century London. As a result, the reader can better understand the scale to which violence has decreased, and Pinker appears as an authority on the subject.

This type of exposition has been at the core of human reasoning since the times of Thales, Aristotle, and Plato. It has helped regular citizens grasp, in a short space of time, ideas that took thinkers and scientists many years to formulate. When innovative concepts are laid out clearly, methodically, and in layman's terms, it can truly democratize knowledge and expand the collective wisdom of humankind.

☝️ Please note that expository writing is different from argumentative or persuasive writing, which aim to take a stand and prove a (subjective) point or opinion, though expository writing can be used in argumentative or persuasive writing.

This type of writing effort, just like the others, requires referencing a healthy amount of trustworthy (and un-cherry-picked) sources to support their arguments. If, as an author, one of your aims is to convince and compel your reader — you can work with a nonfiction editor who can nudge you in the right direction and double-check your reasoning.

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And it can solve a reader’s problem

Another use for expository writing is to help an audience solve specific problems, teaching them anything from how to cook lasagna, change a lightbulb, or hem a dress. You see this in articles and guides, where the author lays out the steps to follow to complete a process.

For example, in our post on how to publish a book on Amazon , we tell the reader to start by logging into KDP, then creating a new title, adding a description and so on.

The best blog posts, guides, and manuals answer even the smallest of questions and doubts the reader might have, using graphs, images, and videos to complement the text. They (metaphorically) hold the reader’s hand, and guide them through a problem or challenge they’re faced with, saving them time and stress (as anyone who’s been helped by random bloggers on the Internet can attest to).

Expository writing can also be fun to read

Just because expository writing often deals with cold hard facts and processes, it doesn’t mean it should be written unenthusiastically or that it shouldn’t bring out a reaction in the reader. Depending on how much your medium allows it, you can infuse your science-backed claims with a little bit of humor and personality. For example, biologist Robert Sapolsky does it brilliantly in his book Behave :

There are misconceptions as to which ape is our “closest relative.” In my experience, someone who is fond of duck hunting and country music usually votes chimp, but if you eat organic food and know about oxytocin, it’s bonobo. The reality is that we’re equally related to both, sharing roughly 98 to 99 percent of our DNA with each.

The sentence is fun and engaging to read 一 it invokes a cartoonish image that pokes at the stereotypical right and left-wing voters, but sticks to the facts when it comes down to it, and succeeds in educating the reader about our shared genetics with apes.

Photo of a monkey with a shocked expression

A book might allow more freedom than a scientific paper, but when possible it’s a good idea to make expository writing fun 一 after all, people learn better when they’re fully engaged.

And it can be the foundation of great satire

Lastly, some satirical outlets like The Onion use the serious and authoritative tone of expository writing as a comic device to skewer the self-serious nature of news media. Take, for example, this report on the Great Trout War , which is written in the style of an AP or Reuters report:

WASHINGTON—In response to decades of hostility coming to a close, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that the Great Trout War had finally ended. After 12 years of conflict, trout leaders have signed an accord at the Lake Superior Summit putting an end to the war that has taken countless trout lives,” said Fish and Wildlife Service director Martha Williams, explaining that the U.S. would now be pulling troops out of their bases in the Cuyahoga and Rio Grande rivers.

The contrast created by the momentous tone and the absurdity of the content makes for some great satire. While this type of content contains zero facts 一 may the trout dynasties forgive us 一 it might be making a very uncomfortable point about US military operations abroad. Still, it stands as a good example of the form and style of expository writing; one that is certainly enjoyable to read.

Expository writing aims to present information in a clear and unbiased way around a wide variety of topics, from science, to business, to history, to literature. The type of content produced through this type of writing is a fundamental part of how we learn and make sense of the world. This article itself is an exercise of expository writing, and we certainly hope it succeeded in making you more informed about the subject.

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What Is Expository Writing?

How to Write an Expository Essay

Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Expository writing is used to convey factual information (as opposed to creative writing, such as fiction). It is the language of learning and understanding the world around us. If you've ever read an encyclopedia entry, a how-to article on a website, or a chapter in a textbook, then you've encountered examples of expository writing.

Key Takeaways: Expository Writing

Just the facts, M'am: Expository writing is informational, not creative writing.
Anytime you write to describe or explain, you use expository writing.
Use a logical flow when planning an expository essay, report, or article: introduction, body text, and conclusion.
It's often easier to write the body of your article first, before composing the introduction or conclusion.

Expository writing is everywhere in everyday life, not just academic settings, as it's present anytime there's information to be conveyed. It can take form in an academic paper, an article for a newspaper, a report for a business, or even book-length nonfiction. It explains, informs, and describes.

Types of Expository Writing

In composition studies , expository writing (also called exposition ) is one of the four traditional modes of discourse . It may include elements of narration , description , and argumentation . Unlike creative or persuasive writing , which can appeal to emotions and use anecdotes, expository writing's primary purpose is to deliver information about an issue, subject, method, or idea using facts.

Exposition may take one of several forms:

Descriptive/definition: In this style of writing, topics are defined by characteristics, traits, and examples. An encyclopedia entry is a kind of descriptive essay.
Process/sequential: This essay outlines a series of steps needed in order to complete a task or produce something. A recipe at the end of an article in a food magazine is one example.
Comparative/contrast: This kind of exposition is used to demonstrate how two or more subjects are the same and different. An article that explains the difference between owning and renting a home and the benefits and drawbacks of each is one such an example.
Cause/effect: This kind of essay describes how one step leads to a result. An example is a personal blog chronicling a workout regimen and documenting the results over time.
Problem/solution: This type of essay presents a problem and possible solutions, backed by data and facts, not just opinion.
Classification: A classification essay breaks down a broad topic into categories or groupings.

Tips for Expository Writing

As you write, keep in mind some of these tips for creating an effective expository essay:

Start where you know the information best. You don't have to write your introduction first. In fact, it might be easier to wait until the end for that. If you don't like the look of a blank page, move over the slugs from your outline for the main body paragraphs and write the topic sentences for each. Then start putting in your information according to each paragraph's topic.

Be clear and concise. Readers have a limited attention span. Make your case succinctly in language that the average reader can understand.

Stick to the facts. Although an exposition can be persuasive, it should not be based on opinion only. Support your case with facts, data, and reputable sources that can be documented and verified.

Consider voice and tone. How you address the reader depends on the kind of essay you're writing. An essay written in the first person is fine for a personal travel essay but is inappropriate if you're a business reporter describing a patent lawsuit. Think about your audience before you begin writing.

Planning Your Essay

Brainstorm: Jot down ideas on a blank piece of paper. Connect them with arrows and lines, or just make lists. Rigor doesn't matter at this stage. Bad ideas don't matter at this stage. Just write down ideas, and the engine in your head will lead you to a good one. When you've got that idea, then repeat the brainstorming exercise with ideas that you want to pursue on that topic and information you could put in. From this list, you'll start to see a path emerge for your research or narrative to follow.
Compose your thesis: When your ideas coalesce into a sentence in which you can summarize the topic you're writing about, you're ready to compose your thesis sentence. Write down in one sentence the main idea that you'll explore in your paper.
Examine your thesis: Is it clear? Does it contain opinion? If so, revise that out. For this type of essay, you stick to the facts and evidence. This isn't an editorial. Is the thesis' scope manageable? You don't want your topic too narrow or too broad to be covered in the amount of space you have for your paper. If it's not a manageable topic, refine it. Don't be dismayed if you have to come back and tweak it if your research finds that your initial idea was off-kilter. It's all just part of the process of focusing the material.
Outline: It may seem inconsequential, but making even a quick outline can save you time by organizing your areas of pursuit and narrowing them down. When you see your topics in an organized list, you may be able to discard off-topic threads before you research them—or as you're researching them and you find they just don't work.
Research: Find your data and sources to back up the areas you want to pursue to support your thesis statement. Look for sources written by experts, including organizations, and watch for bias. Possible sources include statistics, definitions, charts and graphs, and expert quotes and anecdotes. Compile descriptive details and comparisons to make your topic clear to your reader, when applicable.

What Is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each is crucial to writing a clear article or effective argument.

The introduction: The first paragraph is where you'll lay the foundation for your essay and give the reader an overview of your thesis. Use your opening sentence to get the reader's attention, and then follow up with a few sentences that give your reader some context for the information you're about to cover.

The body: At a minimum, include three to five paragraphs in the body of your expository essay. The body could be considerably longer, depending on your topic and audience. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence where you state your case or objective. Each topic sentence supports your overall thesis statement. Then, each paragraph includes several sentences that expand on the information and/or support the topic sentence. Finally, a concluding sentence offers a transition to the following paragraph in the essay.

The conclusion: The final section of your expository essay should give the reader a concise overview of your thesis. The intent is not merely to summarize your argument but to use it as a means of proposing further action, offering a solution, or posing new questions to explore. Don't cover new material related to your thesis, though. This is where you wrap it all up.

Expository Examples

An expository article or report about a lake, for example, could discuss its ecosystem: the plants and animals that depend on it along with its climate. It could describe physical details about its size, depth, amount of rainfall each year, and the number of tourists it receives annually. Information on when it was formed, its best fishing spots, or its water quality could be included, depending on the audience for the piece.

An expository piece could be in third person or second person. Second-person examples could include, for example, how to test lake water for pollutants or how to kill invasive species. Expository writing is useful and informative.

In contrast, someone writing a creative nonfiction article about a lake might relate the place to a defining moment in his or her life, penning the piece in first person. It could be filled with emotion, opinion, sensory details, and even include dialogue and flashbacks. It's a much more evocative, personal type of writing than an expository piece, even though they're both nonfiction styles.

The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition
How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
Understanding Organization in Composition and Speech
Development in Composition: Building an Essay
How To Write an Essay
How to Structure an Essay
Definition and Examples of Body Paragraphs in Composition
Tips for Writing an Art History Paper
Understanding What an Expository Essay Is
What an Essay Is and How to Write One
6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech

7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades

Meredith Sell

Writing explanatory essays is hard, even for experienced scholars.

In this post, I want to try to tackle the major challenges students face when writing this type of essay, using examples of successful essays. These challenges include:

Struggling to come up with the right idea . (solution: brainstorming techniques )
Difficulty in organizing the essay. (solution: working on the outline of the essay)
Not having enough evidence or sources to back up points. (solution: doing proper research )
Failing to come up with a conclusion. (solution: following our guide to conclusions )
Not having enough knowledge of the topic. (solution: summarizing key articles on the topic)
Having trouble finding the right words. (solution: writing with Wordtune )
Not having enough time to finish the essay. (solution: working on student time management )
Not being able to present arguments effectively. (solution: learning essay persuasion techniques )

As you can see, for every issue there is the relevant solution, but it takes time to implement it. Another way of tackling this essay is to see other people's essay examples and getting inspiration from them.

Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool > Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool >

What Is an Explanatory Essay?

If you google “explanatory essay”, you’ll find a bunch of sites saying that an explanatory essay is the same as an expository essay, or that it’s totally different, or not even mentioning that expository essays exist. Who’s right?

Answer: Whoever your professor agrees with.

No, seriously. Your professor decides the parameters of your assignment. So if your professor defines an explanatory essay as one that describes a perspective or analyzes the efficacy of, for example, a local housing policy—that’s the definition you should work from.

But if your professor distinguishes between explanatory essays (which simply explain what something is and how it works or was developed) and expository essays (which expose the reality of a person, place, thing, or idea through investigation and evaluation), you should distinguish between them as well.

For the purposes of this piece, we’re going to use explanatory and expository interchangeably. The dividing line that some draw between these essay types is unnecessarily technical. What’s important is that both:

Use an objective perspective
Let the facts speak for themselves

As long as your essay does the same (and includes analysis if required by your professor), you should be in good shape.

Example of explanatory essay

We wrote a whole article on generating essay topic ideas , but here is a good example that can help you get an idea for your own essay:

Why is having a dog as a pet such a wonderful experience?

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are beloved companions that bring joy and happiness into the lives of their owners. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have evolved to become the perfect pet for humans. In this essay, I will explain why having a dog as a pet is a wonderful experience.

One of the primary benefits of having a dog as a pet is the companionship they offer. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human interaction. They are loyal and loving creatures that are always there for their owners. Dogs can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression, and provide comfort and support during difficult times.

Another benefit of having a dog as a pet is the health benefits they offer. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Dogs require daily exercise, which encourages their owners to be more active and can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, having a dog can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Dogs are also great for families with children. They can help teach children about responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Children can learn to care for and nurture their pets, which can be beneficial for their emotional development. Dogs are also great playmates for children and can provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Training and caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience. Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as fetching, obedience, and even therapy work. The process of training a dog can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog and can be a fulfilling experience. Additionally, caring for a dog requires daily attention and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner.

In conclusion, having a dog as a pet can be a wonderful experience. Dogs offer companionship, health benefits, and can be great for families with children. Caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but the rewards far outweigh the effort required.

Example of an explanatory paragraph, generated with AI:

A few subtypes of explanatory essays:

Description or definition essay example

‍ Perhaps the most basic, this subtype does the deceptively simple work of, well, describing or defining a concept, place, person, etc.

Example: How Suspension Bridges Work

This essay explains: The way suspension bridges are constructed and how their design enables them to carry such immense weight.

Cause-and-effect essay example

This type of essay hones in on a particular phenomenon to show what caused it (i.e., where it came from) and how it influences other things.

Example: How Federally Funded Highways Transformed the United States

This essay explains: The history of federally funded highways in the U.S., when federal programs to fund highway construction started, why politicians and others thought highways were important, and what the effect has been on the landscapes, communities, economies, and ecosystems of the country.

Compare-and-contrast essay example

Take two or more things, gather the facts about them, and then write about their similarities and differences.

Example: Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

This essay explains: The various features of hybrid and electric cars, and shows how they are either different or similar in terms of: cost, energy consumption, size, drive time, ease of use, and so on.

‍ How-to essay example

Walk your reader step-by-step through a procedure so they can do it for themselves. (We’re doing this later!)

Example: How to Prepare for an Intercontinental Bike Trip

This essay explains: How to get ready for a bike trip between nations and continents. Readers learn how to research their route, find out what travel documents they need, choose the right gear, and determine how much training they should do before leaving.

Problem and solution essay example

Explain a problem (along with its causes and effects) and then describe one or more potential solutions to that problem. This subtype could also be combined with compare-and-contrast to determine the most effective solution.

Example: How Bike Infrastructure Could Solve American Obesity

This essay explains: How American reliance on motorized vehicles promotes a sedentary lifestyle that drives obesity, whereas building bike lanes and trails could encourage Americans to be more active and improve their health one pedal at a time.

‍ Chronology essay example

Explain the history or backstory of a person, place, thing, or idea in chronological order.

Example: The Evolution of the Bicycle

This essay explains: The initial invention of the bicycle and how its shape, frame, and size changed over the years.

What type of explanatory essay are you writing? Hopefully, this list helped you hone in. Now, let’s start the writing process.

5 Steps to Write Your Essay

Whether you’re writing an explanatory/expository essay or a persuasive essay, the process of researching and writing is pretty much the same. Both genres require research, organization, and thought . But with expository essays, the thought focuses on making sure you understand your topic inside-out and determining the best way to explain it, while with persuasive essays, you’re focused on crafting a convincing argument.

Follow these steps to turn that blank page into a final manuscript:

1. Choose topic and angle.

Do you have free rein to write about the topic of your choice? Make the most of it.

In college, my public speaking professor let us choose all of our own speech topics. A classmate gave an explanatory presentation on how to survive the zombie apocalypse . She brought props and had the class totally enchanted. Our professor encouraged creativity, so I’m sure she earned a winning grade—and had fun in the process.

You can’t use props or sound in a written essay, but you can still work some creative magic. That magic starts with choosing your topic and angle.

To choose well, first make sure you understand the assignment:

What exactly has your professor asked you to write? Which of the subtypes should your piece be?
Are there any parameters for what type of topic you can write about?
What kind of class is this? An English composition class will offer more freedom than, say, a history class focused on the French Revolution.

If you’re allowed to write about anything, brainstorm a list of topics you’re curious about. Then think of smaller topics within that area.

Example: Transportation

Electric cars
The highway system
Engineering

Any of these topics you could easily write volumes about, so next, narrow down to your specific angle. One way I like to come up with angles is to think of how two or three different topics intersect.

Example 1: electric cars + the highway system

Angle: How Much Will It Cost to Update Federal Highways with Charging Stations for Electric Cars

Notice that this angle includes a third element: cost

Example 2: bicycles + bridges

Angle: The Safest Bridges for Bicycles Have One Thing in Common: No Cars

Third element: safety

Example 3: electric cars + buses

Angle: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Third element: environment

Your turn: Make a list of topics you’re interested in. Then, identify some intersecting topics. Based on your assignment parameters, develop an angle that narrows your focus to an intersection that interests you.

Not sure what angle to go with? Do some broad research on your topics and then return to this step.

2. Research, research, research.

Explanatory essays require solid research. These essays exist to lay out the facts for the reader so they can clearly understand the topic. Your opinion—what you think about electric cars or suspension bridges or transportation infrastructure—doesn’t matter. And it doesn’t belong here.

Where you should start your research depends on how much knowledge you already have.

If you’re writing about suspension bridges and you already know the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are suspension bridges, you probably don’t need to start with the encyclopedic entry for “suspension bridges”. But if you don’t know the basic facts about your topic, encyclopedias are a great place to start.

Thanks to the advances of technology—and this marvelous thing called the internet—you don’t have to go to a research library to gain that ground-level knowledge of your topic. But you do still need to make sure you’re drawing from credible sources.

For encyclopedias, try these to start:

Encyclopedia.com

Dictionaries can be helpful too:

Merriam-Webster
Dictionary.com

Once you know your topics’ basic facts, focus on researching those topics in the context of your angle . It may help to make a list of questions you’re trying to answer so you can keep your research focused.

Example: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Are most buses gas-powered or electric?
What’s the average emissions of greenhouse gas from gas-powered buses?
How much energy do electric cars use? What’s the lifespan of their batteries? Are they just using electricity that was produced in a polluting way somewhere else? What about electric buses?
How many people can ride a bus? How many people typically are transported by one car?
What would be the average energy consumption per person in an electric car versus a bus?

Once you know the questions you need to answer, look for sources that address those questions. For an academic essay, you’ll probably want to stick with academic sources : peer-reviewed studies and research papers published by academic journals. But official government databases can also be useful. And news stories from reputable publications can provide some direction as well (check with your professor to see whether or not you can use news publications as sources for your essay). Your educational institution likely provides access to all of these kinds of sources through the university library.

Your turn: Think through your angle and make a list of questions your piece needs to answer. Next, start searching academic databases for the information you need. Take notes as you research, and be sure to save any links, titles, author names, page numbers, and publication information you’ll need to properly cite your sources.

3. Outline your essay.

Call me crazy, but I actually think this is the fun part. I hated writing outlines when I was in school, but since making my living as a professional writer, they’ve become the #1 way I beat writer’s block.

First: Throw out the idea that your outline should be a series of bullet points neatly organized into sections and subsections. Your outline only needs to make sense to you , so play around to find an approach that works with your brain. The idea here is simply to make a map you’ll follow when you sit down to write.

Here’s what I do:

Identify the specific hook I’m going to use to start things off.
List the different examples and details I need to include.
Use the main focus or idea of my piece to order everything in a natural, logical way.

A lot of times, my outline becomes a combination of bullet points and sentences or paragraphs I write as I’m sketching out the piece. I’m basically just thinking the piece through, from beginning to end. Instead of getting stuck while I’m writing, I work through the tough spots in the outlining stage.

This is what my outline looked like for this piece:

Okay, that’s kind of long, so I cut it off early—but you get the point.

A lot of times, my outline starts as bare-bones bullets. As I work on it, ideas pop up that I stick in where they make sense. But when I write, those elements might move around ( notice how the examples of transportation essays got bumped up to the section on subtypes of essays ).

Your outline is just a guide. It’s not an architect’s blueprint that needs to be followed to the exact millimeter. There’s room for things to change.

But an outline keeps you on-track when you’re writing . If you find yourself stuck (or lost) in the writing step, reference your map. You might need to backtrack, move what you’ve written around, or adjust your route.

Your turn: Take a few minutes and sketch out your essay. Where does it start? What points does it hit? Are there any ways you see the different points connecting that should inform how you order them? As you think it through, scribble out any lines or paragraphs that come to you and stick them in the outline where they make the most sense. Even if you don’t use these exact words later, they’ll help prevent that deer-in-the-headlights stare that hits when you see a blank page.

Time to put everything together!

With your outline and research ready, start your intro and set up your piece. Your opening should briefly introduce your readers to the topic(s) you’re writing about and the questions you’re going to answer—but don’t give everything away. You want to stir up readers’ curiosity and give them a reason to keep reading.

Depending on the length of your essay, your intro may be one to three paragraphs long (longer pieces get longer intros). But it should be concise and to the point, and smoothly transition into the body of your essay.

The body is the meat and potatoes of your piece. Answer those questions, flesh out your explanation, and give readers a thorough understanding of your topic. Show off your research! Include those bizarre and fascinating facts you learned along the way. Use a tasteful metaphor or compelling anecdote to explain some of the more difficult aspects of your topic.

As you write, be sure to follow a consistent logic throughout your piece:

If you’re detailing a history or an event, use chronological order: start at the beginning and write about the events in the order that they happened.
Are you explaining how a machine or other invention works? Start with where the movement starts—the pedals of a bicycle, the wind turning the turbines—or with the feature doing the most significant work (e.g., the wires of the suspension bridge).
Other logics include: size (small to large, large to small), significance (greatest to least), or space (left to right, right to left, outside to center, center to outside).

You don’t need to label everything you write about as the “next biggest” or “least significant”, but sticking to a logic helps your readers orient themselves—and helps you determine which paragraph or subtopic should go where. This way, your thoughts clearly flow from one paragraph to the next.

‍ Quick note: If you can’t name the logic that’s guiding your piece, don’t worry. As long as your paragraphs naturally follow each other and all questions raised in the intro are answered by the end, your essay probably follows a logic just fine. But if you feel like your piece bounces around willy-nilly, play with a couple different logics and see if one smoothly orders your sentences and paragraphs.

Your turn: Get writing! If you’re stuck on the intro, try writing a working title for your piece to focus your attention. Then, follow your outline to work all the way from the beginning to a conclusion that sums everything up.

If you can, let your piece sit for at least a day. Then, for the editing process , open up that document and read through with these questions in mind:

Does the essay fulfill the assignment? Review the assignment description from your professor. Does your essay tick all the boxes? If not, what’s missing? Can you weave that element into what you’ve already written? Revise as necessary.
Are the sentences and paragraphs ordered in a way that makes logical sense? If your essay feels clunky in places, you might have switched logics (as explained above) or you might need to insert some more explanation that clearly ties the sentences or paragraphs together. Make sure your essay doesn’t just list facts, but also shows how they relate to each other.
Does the hook catch your eye? The beginning of your piece should grab your reader’s attention. Check out our advice for prize-winning hooks here .
Does the conclusion effectively sum things up? Instead of repeating everything your essay says, your conclusion should briefly distill the main takeaway or core idea for your reader. It should show that you’ve fulfilled the promise made in your intro, without being unnecessarily repetitive or redundant.
Have you cited all your sources? Make sure to cross this off before hitting “submit.” Follow the citation style specified by your professor.
Is spelling and grammar clean and correct? You are writing, after all, and these things matter. A bonus tip to help you catch those sneaky typos: Read your piece backwards. You might be surprised what you spot.

Did We Explain That Well Enough?

This blog was basically a long, non-academic explanatory essay, so hopefully, you’ve learned something new and are feeling less overwhelmed about your essay on medieval literature, transportation infrastructure, Persian history—or whatever you’re writing about.

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Expository Essays Made Simple: The Guide With Examples

What is an expository essay?

How to write, structure, and format it to reach its purpose?

This article is here to answer all your questions on expository writing. I’ll share the meaning and provide a few templates and examples for extra clarity.

Expository Essay Definition

Examples of such explanatory texts are:

Scholarly articles
Instructional or technical guides
Unbiased journalistic investigations
A news report
Business writing

It’s an expository text definition for us to understand the nature of this paper type. For more info, let’s learn the characteristics and elements of an expository essay.

What are the characteristics of expository essay?

Expository papers are factual and objective. They have a clear purpose, and their structure is linear and logical. In such essays, writers don’t share their opinions and don’t try to persuade readers.

Expository essays:

Teach readers about the topic.
Provide detailed information.
Describe and explain facts.
Clear, concise, and written with formal language.
Organized, in the 3rd person, with precise word choice.

What are the elements of an expository essay?

Strong thesis statement
Evidence and examples
Specific supporting details to explain the topic for a better understanding
Logical structure and transitions between paragraphs
Compelling conclusion to help readers remember the information better

What Is the Purpose of an Expository Essay?

The purpose of an expository essay is to present information and explain a topic. No personal opinions or biased statements are here, just facts with evidence.

The main focus is logic and coherence.

I’ve found the method for you to remember expository essays’ organization. It’s POET:

P — Purpose: analyze, tell, explain, and connect the information.
O — Organization: do research, outline, and structure your paper.
E — Evidence: use facts, statistics, expert quotes, and examples.
T — Thesis: be concise and straightforward.

Expository vs. Argumentative

An easy way to understand the meaning and purpose of explanatory papers is to compare them with other text types. Students most often confuse expository essays with argumentative (persuasive) ones. The above table demonstrates the differences for you to remember.

Types of Expository Writing

As a rule, teachers mention the type of expository essay in the assigned prompt. It helps you understand how to structure and present the information in your paper.

The five types of expository writing are:

Definition. These papers describe and explain concepts. You just tell readers about something: a person, a place, a situation, etc.
Classification. Here you need to break a broad concept into subcategories. Start with a general topic, and then tell about each subgroup. (Example: an essay about movie genres, cat breeds, book styles, etc.)
Process (how-to). These texts explain to readers how to create or do something. Give instructions, steps, and practical tips. We also know process essays as problem-solution papers. A writer introduces and describes a problem and then tells the audience how to solve it.
Compare-and-Contrast. Here you tell about the similarities and differences between at least two subjects. Or, you can describe the pros and cons of something. (Example: compare two novels of the same author; pros and cons of living in a village; etc.)
Cause-and-Effect. These essays explain why something happened and what the outcome was. (Example: why Executed Renaissance (1) happened in Ukraine in the 1930s and what effects it has now.)

Expository Essay Structure

In academia, expository essays are standard 5-paragraph papers. You write an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Below is more information on what to include in every paragraph.

Introduction

The introduction of expository essays includes the topic and the main idea. Three elements to write here:

A writing hook to grab the reader’s interest
A topic’s background (introducing the topic)
A thesis statement summarizing the main idea (what you’ll tell about the subject)

Here’s an example:

Body Paragraphs

Expository papers have at least three body paragraphs, each exposing one idea. It’s critical to craft logical transitions between paragraphs and include evidential support.

Each paragraph should have a logical connection to the thesis statement. As for evidence, use statistics, citations, and other info you’ve got when researching. (2)

Here go your four E’s to consider:

Explanations
Elaboration

That’s what a body paragraph of your expository paper might look like:

Three elements to include:

Topic sentence (to state what this paragraph will be about)
Explanation of the topic in detail
Concluding sentences with a logical transition to the next paragraph

The final paragraph restates the thesis, given the evidence you provided in the essay. Summarize the topic, but don’t introduce any new information. Leave readers with a positive impression of your work.

Three elements of expository essay conclusions:

Readdressing the thesis in light of the provided information
A brief overview of the essay’s key points
The key takeaway for readers to remember from your essay

Expository Essay Format

Example of expository essay.

Below is your example of expository writing to see the structure and format. It’s a standard five-paragraph essay students write in college. The number of words and paragraphs may differ depending on the prompt you get from teachers.

Feel free to use it for inspiration and a better understanding of how to write:

What is the primary purpose of an expository text?

The primary purpose of an expository text is to inform readers about the topic. Such texts describe and explain concepts to educate the audience. They are objective. A writer shouldn’t express personal opinions or attempt to persuade readers. Expository essays are descriptive, not argumentative or persuasive.

How to write an expository essay?

First, review the prompt; it will tell you all the instructions. You’ll know a topic, a word count, a format, etc. Then, do research and gather all the information about your subject. What will you tell the readers? What evidence you’ll use to support your points? Once ready, create an outline. You’ll need to specify the thesis statement and think about how you structure an essay. Finally, write a draft and proofread and edit it before submitting it to a teacher’s review.

What is typically included in the introductory section of an expository essay?

An introductory paragraph starts with a hook to grab readers’ attention to the topic. Then, provide a topic’s background for readers to understand what you write about. Finally, finish your introduction with a thesis statement. In the thesis, summarize the main idea of your paper.

How long is an expository essay?

Target about 800 words for expository writing. It includes five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Check your prompt carefully: It often mentions the number of words to write.

Over to You

I hope this article has answered your “What is an expository essay” question. Remember about the purpose: inform and educate readers. Imagine yourself as a lecturer who needs to tell the audience about the subject — and voila !

Follow the logical structure, write in the 3rd person, and use evidence to prove your information. The above tips and examples are here to help you.

References:

https://www.husj.harvard.edu/articles/the-executed-renaissance-paradigm-revisited
https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/library/doing-library-research/basic-steps-research-process
Essay samples
Essay writing
Writing tips

Expository Writing – Examples, Meaning And Types Of Expository Writing Style

Have you ever paid attention to the infinite scrolling feature on the internet? Whether it’s a Buzzfeed article or Twitter…

Have you ever paid attention to the infinite scrolling feature on the internet? Whether it’s a Buzzfeed article or Twitter updates, you can’t seem to stop scrolling, hungry for more news. If you’ve read a ‘how to do something’ article or a condensed version of a long news report, then you’ve encountered various examples of expository writing.

While expository writing dominates the content world today, businesses have been relying on this writing style for ages. Every professional should understand the dos and don’ts of expository writing for effective business communication and workplace success.

What Is Expository Writing?

The different types of expository writing, the importance of expository writing in business.

Before we explore the basic tenets of expository writing, let’s look at what exposition means. At its simplest, it means explaining something. The purpose of the expository writing style is to enlighten or instruct. In other words, it means to present an idea or relevant discussion that helps explain or analyze information. Some of the most common examples of expository writing include scientific reports, academic essays and magazine articles.

An expository writer can’t assume that potential readers have prior knowledge or understanding about the information that they present. It’s best to avoid beating around the bush and highlight things as they are. The main features of expository writing style include:

It needs to be informative and highlight relevant details for better understanding

There should be clarity and an expository writer should know what they’re talking about

Well-written expository pieces continue to focus on the main topic and list events in an organized manner

The use of the first-person narrative should be avoided; instead, second-person instruction is much more effective

It should steer clear of personal thoughts and opinions and present an unbiased version of the information

Most of us have written some form of expository writing whether it was in school, college or office. Here are the various types of expository writing that’ll help you deliver ideas clearly:

Problem And Solution

As the name suggests, you identify the problem, provide details about it to explain it and suggest a solution(s) to tackle it. You have to justify the solution with sufficient data and propose ways to implement those solutions.

Cause And Effect

It conveys why something happened and how will it impact something. The outcomes suggested can be either true or hypothetical but the author should validate them.

Compare And Contrast

In this type of expository writing, the writer compares the similarities and contrasts the differences between the two subjects. This is only possible when subjects belong to the same category. For example, a comparative study between indoor and outdoor stadiums.

Definition And Classification

It provides a complete description of a subject, elaborating on the meaning, types and examples. It includes terms that have concrete meaning (e.g., objects) as well as abstract meanings (e.g., emotions).

How-To/Process

This type of writing is instructive and tells the reader about a task and how to do it. The reader may also include step-by-step instruction for easier understanding. Cook-books and user manuals are ideal examples of expository writing.

Take any typical day at work and reflect on the kinds of tasks you’re involved with. Written communication will be a commonly recurring activity. Business communication is one of the cornerstones of professional success. It’s important that you become familiar with the meaning of expository writing and establish yourself as an effective communicator. People are bound to take notice at work. Here are some expository writing tips that you should consider.

Work with the information that you’re most familiar with. For example, if you don’t know how to begin your email, write the body and conclusion before the introduction. It’s easier to map your purpose, identify your thoughts and then put them into writing.

Case-studies and projects can’t be considered authentic unless you back your report with ample data. In order to be persuasive and convince your clients or customers, you need to provide them with substantial evidence.

Always come straight to the point as readers won’t always have the required attention span. It’s best to present your data succinctly and directly because the topics are likely to be dry or boring. However, steer clear from jargon and other technical words and make your writing accessible.

Always pay attention to the format. An effective way to organize your thoughts is to prewrite and outline. It’ll help you narrow down the topics or details you want to discuss. It’s best to have a concluding paragraph that reiterates your position.

Most of all, make sure that you edit and proofread your draft. You don’t want to give a wrong impression, affecting your professional relationship and reputation. Pay attention to detail and never leave room for confusion.

Harappa Education’s Writing Proficiently course will help you structure your thoughts, polish your writing style and teach you to write clearly, concisely and compellingly. The Pyramid Principle will guide you in presenting key points of messages upfront with supporting evidence. Make your business communication effective and leave lasting impressions with your expository writing style.

Explore topics such as Significance of Writing Skills , Different Types of Writing Styles , Descriptive Writing , Process of Writing & How to Write an Email from Harappa Diaries and polish your writing skills.

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explanatory

Definition of explanatory

elucidative
exegetic
explanative
explicative
explicatory
illuminative
illustrative
interpretative
interpretive

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explanatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing explanatory

self - explanatory

Dictionary Entries Near explanatory

Cite this entry.

“Explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanatory. Accessed 9 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of explanatory, more from merriam-webster on explanatory.

Nglish: Translation of explanatory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of explanatory for Arabic Speakers

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Methodology

Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples

Published on December 3, 2021 by Tegan George and Julia Merkus. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future occurrences.

Explanatory research can also be explained as a “cause and effect” model, investigating patterns and trends in existing data that haven’t been previously investigated. For this reason, it is often considered a type of causal research .

When to use explanatory research, explanatory research questions, explanatory research data collection, explanatory research data analysis, step-by-step example of explanatory research, explanatory vs. exploratory research, advantages and disadvantages of explanatory research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about explanatory research.

Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon takes place. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process, serving as a jumping-off point for future research. While there is often data available about your topic, it’s possible the particular causal relationship you are interested in has not been robustly studied.

Explanatory research helps you analyze these patterns, formulating hypotheses that can guide future endeavors. If you are seeking a more complete understanding of a relationship between variables, explanatory research is a great place to start. However, keep in mind that it will likely not yield conclusive results.

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Explanatory research answers “why” and “how” questions, leading to an improved understanding of a previously unresolved problem or providing clarity for related future research initiatives.

Here are a few examples:

Why do undergraduate students obtain higher average grades in the first semester than in the second semester?
How does marital status affect labor market participation?
Why do multilingual individuals show more risky behavior during business negotiations than monolingual individuals?
How does a child’s ability to delay immediate gratification predict success later in life?
Why are teens more likely to litter in a highly littered area than in a clean area?

After choosing your research question, there is a variety of options for research and data collection methods to choose from.

A few of the most common research methods include:

Literature reviews
Interviews and focus groups
Pilot studies
Observations
Experiments

The method you choose depends on several factors, including your timeline, budget, and the structure of your question. If there is already a body of research on your topic, a literature review is a great place to start. If you are interested in opinions and behavior, consider an interview or focus group format. If you have more time or funding available, an experiment or pilot study may be a good fit for you.

In order to ensure you are conducting your explanatory research correctly, be sure your analysis is definitively causal in nature, and not just correlated.

Always remember the phrase “correlation doesn’t mean causation.” Correlated variables are merely associated with one another: when one variable changes, so does the other. However, this isn’t necessarily due to a direct or indirect causal link.

Causation means that changes in the independent variable bring about changes in the dependent variable. In other words, there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Causal evidence must meet three criteria:

Temporal : What you define as the “cause” must precede what you define as the “effect.”
Variation : Intervention must be systematic between your independent variable and dependent variable.
Non-spurious : Be careful that there are no mitigating factors or hidden third variables that confound your results.

Correlation doesn’t imply causation, but causation always implies correlation. In order to get conclusive causal results, you’ll need to conduct a full experimental design .

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Your explanatory research design depends on the research method you choose to collect your data . In most cases, you’ll use an experiment to investigate potential causal relationships. We’ll walk you through the steps using an example.

Step 1: Develop the research question

The first step in conducting explanatory research is getting familiar with the topic you’re interested in, so that you can develop a research question .

Let’s say you’re interested in language retention rates in adults.

You are interested in finding out how the duration of exposure to language influences language retention ability later in life.

Step 2: Formulate a hypothesis

The next step is to address your expectations. In some cases, there is literature available on your subject or on a closely related topic that you can use as a foundation for your hypothesis . In other cases, the topic isn’t well studied, and you’ll have to develop your hypothesis based on your instincts or on existing literature on more distant topics.

You phrase your expectations in terms of a null (H 0 ) and alternative hypothesis (H 1 ):

H 0 : The duration of exposure to a language in infancy does not influence language retention in adults who were adopted from abroad as children.
H 1 : The duration of exposure to a language in infancy has a positive effect on language retention in adults who were adopted from abroad as children.

Step 3: Design your methodology and collect your data

Next, decide what data collection and data analysis methods you will use and write them up. After carefully designing your research, you can begin to collect your data.

You compare:

Adults who were adopted from Colombia between 0 and 6 months of age.
Adults who were adopted from Colombia between 6 and 12 months of age.
Adults who were adopted from Colombia between 12 and 18 months of age.
Monolingual adults who have not been exposed to a different language.

During the study, you test their Spanish language proficiency twice in a research design that has three stages:

Pre-test : You conduct several language proficiency tests to establish any differences between groups pre-intervention.
Intervention : You provide all groups with 8 hours of Spanish class.
Post-test : You again conduct several language proficiency tests to establish any differences between groups post-intervention.

You made sure to control for any confounding variables , such as age, gender, proficiency in other languages, etc.

Step 4: Analyze your data and report results

After data collection is complete, proceed to analyze your data and report the results.

You notice that:

The pre-exposed adults showed higher language proficiency in Spanish than those who had not been pre-exposed. The difference is even greater for the post-test.
The adults who were adopted between 12 and 18 months of age had a higher Spanish language proficiency level than those who were adopted between 0 and 6 months or 6 and 12 months of age, but there was no difference found between the latter two groups.

To determine whether these differences are significant, you conduct a mixed ANOVA. The ANOVA shows that all differences are not significant for the pre-test, but they are significant for the post-test.

Step 5: Interpret your results and provide suggestions for future research

As you interpret the results, try to come up with explanations for the results that you did not expect. In most cases, you want to provide suggestions for future research.

However, this difference is only significant after the intervention (the Spanish class.)

You decide it’s worth it to further research the matter, and propose a few additional research ideas:

Replicate the study with a larger sample
Replicate the study for other maternal languages (e.g. Korean, Lingala, Arabic)
Replicate the study for other language aspects, such as nativeness of the accent

It can be easy to confuse explanatory research with exploratory research. If you’re in doubt about the relationship between exploratory and explanatory research, just remember that exploratory research lays the groundwork for later explanatory research.

Exploratory research questions often begin with “what”. They are designed to guide future research and do not usually have conclusive results. Exploratory research is often utilized as a first step in your research process, to help you focus your research question and fine-tune your hypotheses.

Explanatory research questions often start with “why” or “how”. They help you study why and how a previously studied phenomenon takes place.

Like any other research design , explanatory research has its trade-offs: while it provides a unique set of benefits, it also has significant downsides:

It gives more meaning to previous research. It helps fill in the gaps in existing analyses and provides information on the reasons behind phenomena.
It is very flexible and often replicable , since the internal validity tends to be high when done correctly.
As you can often use secondary research, explanatory research is often very cost- and time-effective, allowing you to utilize pre-existing resources to guide your research prior to committing to heavier analyses.

Disadvantages

While explanatory research does help you solidify your theories and hypotheses, it usually lacks conclusive results.
Results can be biased or inadmissible to a larger body of work and are not generally externally valid . You will likely have to conduct more robust (often quantitative ) research later to bolster any possible findings gleaned from explanatory research.
Coincidences can be mistaken for causal relationships , and it can sometimes be challenging to ascertain which is the causal variable and which is the effect.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Normal distribution
Degrees of freedom
Null hypothesis
Discourse analysis
Control groups
Mixed methods research
Non-probability sampling
Quantitative research
Ecological validity

Research bias

Rosenthal effect
Implicit bias
Cognitive bias
Selection bias
Negativity bias
Status quo bias

Explanatory research is a research method used to investigate how or why something occurs when only a small amount of information is available pertaining to that topic. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic.

Exploratory research aims to explore the main aspects of an under-researched problem, while explanatory research aims to explain the causes and consequences of a well-defined problem.

Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon occurs. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process , serving as a jumping-off point for future research.

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

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How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text

Welcome to our complete guide to writing an explanation text. This guide is intended for both teachers and students to make the process of writing fun and straightforward.

This page has plenty of great content, and downloadable resources such as graphic organizer prompts and much more. If you like what you see here, check out all our other writing genre guides.

WHAT IS AN EXPLANATION TEXT?

Explanation Text | Explanation texts 2 | How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text | literacyideas.com

An explanation text tells your audience how something works or why something happens.

Explanations detail and logically describe the stages in a process , such as the water cycle or how a steam engine works. Other examples could be how a law is made or why we blink when we sneeze.

Explanation texts are frequently incorporated into other texts, used to provide information which answers questions of interest on that topic.

TYPES OF EXPLANATION TEXT

Not all explanation texts are created equal, and they vary in complexity to research and construct. As such, we have listed them from easiest to most challenging.

Sequential Explanations – These detail the stages in an event, e.g., how a caterpillar turns into a moth. These are excellent starting points for younger writers and those new to this genre of writing.
Causal Explanations – Details what causes the change from one stage to the next, i.e., How a president is elected.
Theoretical Explanations – Details the possible phenomena behind a natural or created process that is not fully understood. e.g. What caused the Nazis to lose World War II?
Scientific– e.g. Explain the causes of climate change (Factorial)
Historical– e.g. Explain the causes of World War 2 (Factorial)

DON’T GET CONFUSED BETWEEN EXPLANATION TEXTS AND PROCEDURAL TEXTS

An explanatory text has some similarities to a procedural text , and these can often be confused; however, an explanation text explains the how and why behind a process, such as

What causes a Tsunami?
Why are our rainforests disappearing?
The process of making aluminium.

A procedural text is about writing logical and efficient instructions to complete a task. It is all about the ‘how,’ whereas an explanation focuses more on the ‘why.’ So as we can see, although they are similar, both text types are very different in purpose.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING EXPLANATION TEXTS

Teaching students to write instruction manuals, recipes and science experiments can be challenging for the creative writer and teacher… ⭐ UNTIL NOW ⭐ Because the PERFECT PROCEDURAL WRITING UNIT offers a complete solution to teaching all styles of procedural writing, including,

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STRUCTURE AND FEATURES OF AN EXPLANATORY ESSAY

Explanatory writing structure.

TITLES Which identify the topic of your explanation. You may pose this as a question at the beginning with how? or why?

STRONG OPENING STATEMENT Identifying the process to be explained. Emphasize the process rather than the particular thing involved in the process.

SEQUENCING Use sequential paragraphs or statements describing how or why something happens. Show connections such as cause and effect or temporal sequence.

WRAPPING IT UP A strong concluding paragraph or sentence that draws everything together will add more validity to your explanation.

EXPLANATORY WRITING FEATURES

GENERALIZE Talk about your topics in groups or as a collective rather than as individuals.

CONNECTIVE LANGUAGE Use language which link cause and effect.

GET TECHNICAL & DETAILED Use technical language and terms specific to your subject. Use technical descriptions to crate richer meaning.

TENSE AND VOICE Explanations are written in the passive voice and in timeless present tense

VISUALS Use graphic organizers, labelled diagrams and even videos you are constructing a digital text to illustrate your understanding.

THE LANGUAGE FEATURES OF AN EXPLANATION TEXT

Explanation Text | Well labelled images can save you a great deal of | How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text | literacyideas.com

Use technical terms such as evaporation and degradation if writing a water cycle explanation text.
Action verbs and present tense such as runs, develop and becomes
Cause and effect terms such as because of.., due to.., therefore, and as a result

USE YOUR TIME EFFECTIVELY

Using your writing time effectively is really crucial. When writing an explanation, you should aim to spend about one-fifth of your time researching your topic to ensure you know what you are talking about.

Next, take an equal amount of time to structure your writing using a graphic organizer or mind map, which can be found below. If you follow this model, you only need to spend under half your time writing. Your ideas and structure will already be formed.

This will leave you a reasonable window to edit and revise your essay for meaning, spelling and grammar and structure. Using graphic organizers , planning tools, and writing checklists will greatly assist the planning and editing time.

HOW TO WRITE AN EXPLANATORY TEXT

Points to consider before writing your explanatory essay.

What is it about? What are you explaining? Are you explaining how or why something happens or are you explaining a process?
What is the title?
What are the essential parts and sections of what you want to explain? How would you describe it and its parts? Which parts need to be described as part of the explanation?
How does it work? What happens first, next, and why?
What else might you include?

Explanation Text | Explanatory Text Template | How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text | literacyideas.com

Introduction: Because you are explaining a process, your audience will require some context about your topic. Firstly, ensure you provide some facts and insights so that it makes sense to your audience.

Secondly, You have obviously found this subject interesting enough to write an essay about it, so ensure what piqued your interest is translated to your audience by creating a hook that leaves your audience wanting to read on.

Body: Keep everything in chronological order here to ensure your explanation follows a sequence.

In this section, you want your paragraphs to really emphasise what happens in the opening of each paragraph and then lead into how and, or why things occur using relevant technical terms and action verbs.

Use the bulk of your paragraph to focus on the how and why that will both fill your reader with wonder, and lead them to ask questions about your subject area.

Use connective terms and transitional language that is not repetitive when linking paragraphs. Be sure to read our complete guide to writing perfect paragraphs for further details.

Make sure that you have entirely covered the explanation before moving on to your conclusion.

Conclusion: Use the conclusion to pose and or answer any apparent questions the audience may have on your topic.

Also, feel free to share a very personal opinion or insight about your topic to build a connection with the audience to ensure your explanation text is worthy of their time.

TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT EXPLANATION TEXT

Explanatory writing graphic organizer template.

Explanation Text | EXPLANATION | How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text | literacyideas.com

EXPLANATORY TEXT WRITING PROMPTS

Explanatory text tutorial videos.

Explanation Text | explanation text tutorial video 1 | How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text | literacyideas.com

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

A COMPLETE UNIT OF WORK ON EXPLANATION WRITING?

We pride ourselves on being the web’s best resource for teaching students and teachers how to write an explanation text. We value the fact you have taken the time to read our comprehensive guides to understand the fundamentals of writing stories.

We also understand some of you just don’t have the luxury of time or resources to create engaging resources when needed.

If you are time-poor and looking for an in-depth solution that encompasses all of the concepts outlined in this article, I strongly recommend looking at the Excellent Explanation Text Writing Unit.

Working in partnership with Innovative Teaching Ideas , we confidently recommend this resource as an all-in-one solution to teaching explanatory texts.

This unit will find over 91 pages of engaging and innovative teaching ideas.

EXPLANATION TEXT WRITING CHECKLISTS FOR JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR STUDENTS

Explanation Texts: Top 5 Writing tips for younger students

How to write a perfect 5 Paragraph Essay

5 Essential Informational Text Writing Skills to Master

5 Procedural Writing Lesson Plans Students and Teachers will Love

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Informative/explanatory writing in the classroom, grades 3–12, by: tiffany rehbein.

Lets explore the importance of teaching informative/explanatory writing in the classroom. Students need to have the ability to clearly convey concepts and information in their writing. This skill is crucial for communication in future careers and life! Download a FREE Informative/Explanatory Writing Kit now!

The Purpose of Informative/Explanatory Writing

The primary purpose of informative/explanatory writing is to increase knowledge. When writing an informative/explanatory text, the writer answers questions of why or how. Informative writing educates the reader by imparting straightforward information on a certain topic. Unlike other types of writing, informative writing does not aim to change the reader's thinking or move the reader to take action.

Download a kit of resources that will help students improve their informative/explanatory writing skills.

informative-explanatory-writing-kit-worksheets

Elements of an Informative/Explanatory Essay

A well-written informative essay should include the following elements:

Has an introduction that introduces a topic and grabs the reader's attention

Clearly conveys information and ideas about a topic

Develops a topic with a variety of specific, relevant details, such as facts, examples, quotations, and anecdotes

Clearly organizes ideas and information, using strategies such as compare/contrast, cause/effect, definition, and classification

Uses formatting, graphics, and multimedia, such as hyperlinks when appropriate

Uses precise language and vocabulary appropriate to the topic

Uses appropriate transition words and phrases that clarify the relationship among ideas

Uses a formal style and tone

Ends with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and follows logically from the information presented

Follows the conventions of standard English

This checklist is a great tip sheet for students to keep in their folders! Teachers can access this checklist in the Informative/Explanatory Writing Kit .

informative-explanatory-writing-essay-checklist

Introductions and Conclusions for Informational Writing

Introductions

In many essays, the first paragraph should introduce your topic to readers and include a thesis statement, or claim. A thesis statement is one or two sentences that state your main idea.

A strong introduction also needs to capture the readers’ attention. Students can use one of the following to get readers interested right away:

Include an unusual fact
Ask a question
Include vivid description
Tell a brief story

Introduction examples for informative/explanatory texts...

WEAK – Money has been important to people throughout history. This paper will describe the history of money and explain why people started using it. It will also describe different types of money.

STRONG – Think of these four things: knives, beads, cows, and whales' teeth. What do they have in common? The answer is that people have used them as money in trades. Through history, different cultures have used some surprising forms of currency.

Conclusions

A good conclusion sums up your main point and restates the these statement in a new way.

Students should use their conclusion to bring your writing to a satisfying finish. Students can use the following strategies to wrap up an essay:

Summarize key points
Make a prediction
Offer an opinion or a suggestion
Explain the topic's importance

Download a tip sheet for students that outlines strategies for writing introductions and conclusions for informative/explanatory texts!

writing-introducations-and-conclusions-informative-essays

Transition Words and Phrases for Information Writing

A well-written informational essay uses techniques to build coherence between and within paragraphs. Coherence in writing means that a reader can move easily and clearly from one idea to the next. To achieve coherence, writers use transitions words and phrases. Linking ideas and key information with transition words and phrases will tie one sentence to another and show the connections between ideas.

Below is a tip sheet that lists transition words and phrases that can be used to build coherence between and within paragraphs. Download my Informative/Explanatory Writing Kit to make get the worksheet for your students!

words-for-linking-ideas-and-facts-together-informative-writing

Informative/Explanatory Writing Assignments

There are a number of ways for students to practice writing informative/explanatory texts. Some of my favorite informative writing assignments are:

Basic Paragraph
Brochure/Pamphlet

Writing Assignment Idea #1

My Informative/Explanatory Writing Kit includes an informational writing activity worksheet for students! With this informative writing assignment students will write about something they like to make or do. It could be their favorite recipe or craft, a game they like to play or hobby. Using the worksheet, students will write the directions of how to follow the rules, recipe, or steps to create something. In addition to writing about something they like to make/play, students will underline all linking words and draw an illustration!

With this informative writing assignment students will write about something they like to make or do. It could be their favorite recipe or craft, a game they like to play or hobby. Using the worksheet, students will write the directions of how to follow the rules, recipe, or steps to create something. In addition to writing about something they like to make/play, students will underline all linking words and draw an illustration!

Below are two additional writing assignments you could assign students to work on their informative writing skills. In addition to looking at the ways your students write informative or explanatory texts, you will also have the chance to check that proper nouns are capitalized properly. What a great way to combine writing and grammar!

Writing Assignment Idea #2

To assess how well your students write informative/explanatory texts, use calendar holidays as a writing topic. For instance, you might ask students to choose their favorite holiday and explain in writing why they like it the best.

To help students choose a holiday for an explanatory essay, you could provide them with a list. Some common holidays follow:

Thanksgiving
New Year’s Eve
Valentine's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Fourth of July

Writing Assignment Idea #3

Want to be more creative? You can add a twist to the informative essay and provide your students with some lesser-known days of celebration. This would encourage students to do some research and inform their audience. Here are some possible calendar celebrations students could research and write about:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Opened in NYC (1872)
Jackie Robinson Day
World Fish Migration Day
National Plush Animal Day
King Tut Day
William Shakespeare's Birthday
Transportation Week
World Architecture Day

Informative/Explanatory Writing Format

Informative or explanatory writing follows an organized format. Using the anagram INFORM, teachers and students can easily remember the elements of an informative essay . Download a poster to remind your students about the parts of the INFORMative essay!

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23 Writing Explanatory Essays

Start-Up Activity

Ask your students if they know what the term elaboration means. Write the term on the board, circling the word "labor" in the middle. Elaboration actually means “the act of working out ideas." When students write explanatory essays, they need to elaborate their ideas, working them out in detail. Tell your students that when they read the explanatory essay in this chapter, they will see how one student worked out ideas.

Think About It

“Essays are how we speak to one another in print.”

—Edward Hoagland

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.C
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.E
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.E
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.9

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.4.ri.1.1, lafs.4.ri.1.2, lafs.4.ri.2.5, lafs.4.w.1.2, lafs.5.ri.1.1, lafs.5.ri.1.2, lafs.5.ri.2.5, lafs.5.w.1.2, lafs.4.w.2.4, lafs.4.w.2.5, lafs.4.w.3.7, lafs.4.w.3.8, lafs.4.w.3.9, lafs.5.w.2.4, lafs.5.w.2.5, lafs.5.w.3.7, lafs.5.w.3.8, lafs.5.w.3.9, teks covered in this chapter, 110.6.b.9.d, 110.6.b.9.d.i, 110.6.b.9.d.iii, 110.6.b.11.b, 110.6.b.12.b, 110.6.b.11.b.i, 110.6.b.11.b.ii, 110.7.b.9.d, 110.7.b.7.d, 110.7.b.9.d.iii, 110.7.b.12.b, 110.7.b.11.a, 110.7.b.11.b.i, 110.7.b.11.b.ii, 110.6.b.11.a, 110.6.b.11.c, 110.6.b.11.d, 110.6.b.13.c, 110.6.b.13.d, 110.6.b.13.e, 110.7.b.11.c, 110.7.b.11.d, 110.7.b.13.b, 110.7.b.13.c, 110.7.b.13.d, page 166 from writers express, sample explanatory essay.

Have student volunteers read the sample explanatory essay, one paragraph at a time. Then review the essay with your class, pointing out the features listed in the side notes. Show how the writer begins by introducing the topic and leading to the focus statement.

You can also present other explanatory essays .

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Page 167 from Writers Express

Sample Explanatory Essay (Continued)

Point out to your students that each middle paragraph in the essay focuses on a different part of the topic. Also, show how the ending revisits the focus statement without repeating it word for word.

Page 168 from Writers Express

Building an essay.

Use this page to provide your students an overview of the three parts of an explanatory essay: beginning, middle, and ending. Also, show how transition words and key words link the paragraphs and the sentences within paragraphs.

Page 169 from Writers Express

Writing an explanatory essay.

Use this page to help your students get started with their explanatory writing. You may want to assign a general subject area that relates to material you are studying. Then students can select specific topics within that subject area.

For more topic ideas, see page 172 in the student handbook. Also you can consider a host of other explanatory writing topics .

You might schedule computer time or library time for your students to gather details about their topics.

Use the formula at the bottom of the page to help your students create a specific focus for their topics. The minilesson can help them form a focus as well.

Forming a Focus

Help students write strong focus statements.

illustration of squirrel looking through a telescope

Page 170 from Writers Express

Prewriting: organizing your details.

Show your students these two methods for organizing details: lists and outlines. Often, a simple list can get the job done. If students need a more rigorous approach in order to ensure that they have enough details, you can have them create an outline.

Page 171 from Writers Express

Writing: developing your first draft.

Use this page to guide your students as they create the beginning, middle, and ending of their essays.

Download and distribute the explanatory essay revising and editing checklist.

Page 172 from Writers Express

Possible writing topics.

Use this page to help spur students' imaginations in coming up with interesting explanatory writing topics.

You can also direct your students to additional explanatory writing topics .

Or you could use the freewriting minilesson to help students find possible topics.

Freewriting for Writing Topics

Have students freewrite for topic ideas.

01 A Basic Writing Guide
02 Understanding the Writing Process
03 One Writer's Process
04 Qualities of Writing
05 Selecting and Collecting
06 Focusing and Organizing
07 Writing and Revising
09 Publishing
10 Writing Basic Sentences
11 Combining Sentences
12 Writing Paragraphs
13 Understanding Writing Terms and Techniques
14 Understanding Text Structures
15 Writing in Journals
16 Using Learning Logs
17 Writing Emails and Blogs
18 Writing Personal Narratives
19 Writing Fantasies
20 Writing Realistic Stories
21 Writing Stories from History
22 Responding to Narrative Prompts
24 Writing Process Essays
25 Writing Comparison-Contrast Essays
26 Responding to Explanatory Prompts
27 Writing Persuasive Essays
28 Writing Persuasive Letters
29 Writing Problem-Solution Essays
30 Responding to Persuasive Prompts
31 Writing Book Reviews
32 Writing About Literature
33 Responding to Literature Prompts
34 Writing Reports
35 Writing Research Reports
36 Writing Summaries
37 Writing Plays
38 Writing Poems
39 Communicating Online
40 Researching Online
41 Staying Safe Online
42 Reading Strategies for Fiction
43 Reading Strategies for Nonfiction
44 Reading Graphics
45 Building Vocabulary Skills
46 Becoming a Better Speller
47 Giving Speeches
48 Improving Viewing Skills
49 Improving Listening Skills
50 Using Graphic Organizers
51 Thinking and Writing
52 Thinking Clearly
53 Thinking Creatively
54 Completing Assignments
55 Working in Groups
56 Taking Tests
57 Taking Good Notes
58 Marking Punctuation
59 Editing for Mechanics
60 Check Your Spelling
61 Using the Right Word
62 Understanding Sentences
63 Understanding Our Language

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How to Write An Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example
How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Guide With Examples
Explanatory Essay: A Comprehensive Guide at Trust My Paper
How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example
How to Write an Explanatory Essay
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Writing Informative or Explanatory Texts English Presentation in Colorful Pastel Doodle Style10
Explanatory Writing
THE EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPH (EXPLANATORY)
Part 1: Explanatory and Descriptive Map
Explicitly Meaning In English
Explanation Text in English with an Example

COMMENTS

How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example
Provide clear explanations: When writing an explanatory article, it's important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you're explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
Expository Writing: Definition and Examples
The term expository writing refers to any writing that's designed to explain something. We use the word expository to describe any passage of writing that's supposed to present information and help you understand it in an objective way. Some common examples of expository writing include academic essays, textbooks, instructional guides, and ...
How to Write an Expository Essay
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.
How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example
Explanatory Essays: Definition and Purpose. An expository essay, also known as an explanatory essay or an explanatory paper, is a type of explanatory writing wherein one is required to describe and elucidate a particular point of view, incident, event, or situation. Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, the goal of explanation essays ...
How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Guide With Examples
Additionally, explanatory writing can be used in professional settings as well, for example, in a scientific report, or in a business proposal to explain the process of a product or service creation, or to provide data analysis. According to definition of explanatory writing, it explains why things happen the way they are.
How to Write Explanatory Essay: Example Guide and Tips
2. Use transitional words. Transitional expressions that will improve the flow of your essay are, for example: — also, likewise, in the same way (to indicate similarity) — however, on the ...
15 Explanatory Writing
Explanatory writing seeks to inform readers about a topic or explain how something works. It requires high-level thinking to analyze and evaluate a topic both closely and broadly. Typically, explanatory writing asks students to compare, contrast, classify, define, connect, evaluate, and so on.
Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information
Expository writing is a form of writing that aims to present information in a factual and objective manner in order to describe a topic. It's commonly used in academic papers, business reports, encyclopedia articles, and some nonfiction books. In this article we'll take a closer look at the characteristics of expository writing and provide ...
What Is Expository Writing?
Updated on January 20, 2019. Expository writing is used to convey factual information (as opposed to creative writing, such as fiction). It is the language of learning and understanding the world around us. If you've ever read an encyclopedia entry, a how-to article on a website, or a chapter in a textbook, then you've encountered examples of ...
Expository vs Explanatory: Differences And Uses For Each One
Define Expository. Expository writing is a type of writing that aims to inform and explain. It presents information in a clear, concise, and logical manner, without expressing the writer's personal opinions or beliefs. The purpose of expository writing is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of a topic or concept, by presenting ...
Expository Writing
Expository writing is a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, and give information and uses evidence, details, and facts to support the topic. An example of expository writing is ...
7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades
A few subtypes of explanatory essays: Description or definition essay example ‍Perhaps the most basic, this subtype does the deceptively simple work of, well, describing or defining a concept, place, person, etc. Example: How Suspension Bridges Work This essay explains: The way suspension bridges are constructed and how their design enables them to carry such immense weight.
What Is an Expository Essay? Types, Structure, Examples
An expository essay is an academic paper that exposes facts, explaining a topic to a reader. A writer shares the info to educate the audience, not entertain or persuade them. Examples of such explanatory texts are: It's an expository text definition for us to understand the nature of this paper type.
Expository Writing
The purpose of the expository writing style is to enlighten or instruct. In other words, it means to present an idea or relevant discussion that helps explain or analyze information. Some of the most common examples of expository writing include scientific reports, academic essays and magazine articles. An expository writer can't assume that ...
Explanatory Definition & Meaning
The meaning of EXPLANATORY is serving to explain. How to use explanatory in a sentence.
Explanatory Research
Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide, & Examples. Published on December 3, 2021 by Tegan George and Julia Merkus. Revised on November 20, 2023. Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict ...
How to Write an Excellent Explanation Text
EXPLANATORY WRITING FEATURES. GENERALIZE Talk about your topics in groups or as a collective rather than as individuals.. CONNECTIVE LANGUAGE Use language which link cause and effect.. GET TECHNICAL & DETAILED Use technical language and terms specific to your subject. Use technical descriptions to crate richer meaning. TENSE AND VOICE Explanations are written in the passive voice and in ...
Informative/Explanatory Writing in the Classroom, Grades 3-12
Student practice for informative writing and explanatory writing. Informative Writing Kit. Purpose of informative writing.Teaching informative writing. Contact Us Find a Sales Rep 1.800.221.5175. ... using strategies such as compare/contrast, cause/effect, definition, and classification. Uses formatting, graphics, and multimedia, such as ...
Expository Writing: Definition, Types and How-to Guide
This writing style is factual, objective, linear and logical. It differs from other types of writing, such as descriptive, persuasive and narrative, which create a sense of experience, convince someone of one idea and tell a story, respectively. Examples of expository writing include academic essays and magazine and scientific articles.
22 Writing Explanatory Essays
The Type of writing is an explanatory essay. Then lead students through the topic-selection strategies. Point them also to pages 44-45 for more topic ideas. Afterward, download and distribute the KWL Chart to help students reflect on their prior knowledge of the topic and organize questions for research.
23 Writing Explanatory Essays
Ask your students if they know what the term elaboration means. Write the term on the board, circling the word "labor" in the middle. Elaboration actually means "the act of working out ideas." When students write explanatory essays, they need to elaborate their ideas, working them out in detail. Tell your students that when they read the ...

How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

20 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Do You Need a Perfect Essay?

Explanatory Essay Outline

Explanatory Essay Introduction

The Body Paragraphs

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Explanatory Essay Example

Explanatory Essay Example:

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Expository Writing: Definition and Examples

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Table of Contents

Expository Writing Definition

Example of Expository Paragraph

Good writing = better grades

Problem and Solution Essay

Compare and Contrast Essay

Classification Essay

Process Essay

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example

Key Takeaways

Explanatory Essays: Definition and Purpose

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Explanatory Essay

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Developing an Effective Explanatory Essay Outline

Introduction Strategies

Structuring Body Paragraphs

Crafting a Compelling Conclusion

Writing Your Explanatory Essay: Step-by-Step Process

Conducting Thorough Research

Utilizing Transitions and Linking Words

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

Analyzing Explanatory Essay Examples

Tips for Revising and Editing Your Explanatory Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start an explanatory essay?

What are the main parts of an explanatory essay?

How do you write a 5 paragraph explanatory essay?

What is the main difference between an explanatory essay and an argumentative essay?

Explanatory Essay: Definition, Outline, Writing Steps & Samples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

What is the Purpose of an Explanatory Essay?

Explanatory Essay Outline

Explanatory Essay Structure

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Explanatory Essay Thesis Statement

Explanatory Essay Body

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

How to Write an Explanatory Essay Step-by-Step?

1. Produce an Idea

2. Make a Detailed Research

3. Use Appropriate Examples

4. Create an Explanatory Essay Outline

5. Write an Outstanding Beginning

Explanatory Essay Introduction Example

6. Come Up With an Explanatory Essay Thesis Statement

Explanation Essay Thesis Statement Example

7. Support Your Ideas With Evidence

Example of an Explanatory Essay Body Paragraph

8. Summarize Your Explanatory Paper

Example of Explanatory Essay Conclusion

9. Proofread an Explanatory Essay

Explanatory Essay Format

Explanation Essay Examples

Explanatory Essay Writing Tips

Explanatory Essay Checklist

Bottom Line on How to Write an Explanatory Essay

FAQ About Explanatory Essays

2. Is an explanatory essay the same as an informative essay?

3. What is included in explanatory essay?

4. Is an explanatory essay objective or subjective?

5. How many paragraphs are in an explanatory essay?

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Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information