2 - Expository Essay

EXPOSITORY ESSAY
What is an expository essay?
The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the writer to investigate an idea,
evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a
clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast,
definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc (Hitesh Bashin, 2020).
Note: This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found
in various exam formats.
Expository writing (also called exposition) is one of the four traditional modes of discourse. It
may include elements of narration, description, and argumentation. 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:
1. Descriptive/definition: topics are defined by characteristics, traits, and examples. An

encyclopaedia entry is a kind of descriptive essay.
2. Process/sequential: a series of steps needed to complete a task or produce something.

A recipe at the end of an article in a food magazine is one example.
3. Comparative/contrast: 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.
4. Cause/effect: describes how one step leads to a result. An example is a personal blog
chronicling a workout regimen and documenting the results over time.
5. Problem/solution: presents a problem and possible solutions, backed by data and facts,
not just opinion.
6. Classification: breaks down a broad topic into categories or groupings.
The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.
• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the
essay.
It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set
forth in the assignment. If the writer does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite
difficult to compose an effective expository essay (John S, 2020).
• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure
will collapse (John S, 2020).
• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for
clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease
of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the
essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.
• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
Often, we are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such
essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.
• A bit of creativity!
Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form,
nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense
of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great
novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.
• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis but readdresses it considering the
evidence provided.
It is at this point of the essay that writers will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of
the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore,
it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion;
rather, synthesise and conclude concerning the information presented in the body of the essay
(John S, 2020).
A complete argument
Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a friend. If

you were to discuss the cause of the catastrophic tsunami in 2004 and its current effect on
those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to
the conversation. In fact, if you were to end the exposition in the middle of your second point,
questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the tsunami.
Therefore, the expository essay must be complete.
Click the link below and watch the video to get additional information on expository
essay writing.
https://youtu.be/4VTJJ6Wh2zE
Source: https://youtu.be/4VTJJ6Wh2zE
Independent Activity 10:
Identify which is an expository essay from the following two samples provided below.
Justify your selection and post it in the comment box.
Sample 1:
Another natural remedy for stretch marks is aloe vera. There are so many choices for
consuming aloe vera in the form of drinks, capsules, and of course from the plant itself. As
stated by Healthline, “While little clinical evidence exists for aloe vera as a stretch mark cure,
pure aloe vera is both a natural healing agent and a skin softener. This makes it an ideal home
remedy to try for stretch marks. Apply pure aloe vera from a plant to your stretch marks daily
after your shower.
Sample 2:
“I never knew why my mother wasn’t close to her brother, David. I can guess. It’s possible that
he didn’t help financially with their parents. It’s possible that she didn’t like his wife, Susan. It’s
possible that she resented forever the fact that her parents had found the money to send him
to England but made her go to a public college. Who knows? The secret is dead and buried.”

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EXPOSITORY ESSAY

What is an expository essay?

Exposition may take one of several forms:

1. Descriptive/definition: topics are defined by characteristics, traits, and examples. An

2. Process/sequential: a series of steps needed to complete a task or produce something.

6. Classification: breaks down a broad topic into categories or groupings.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a friend. If

Independent Activity 10:

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