Expository essay writing guide
The function of the expository essay is to explain, or to acquaint your reader with a body of knowledge. By explaining a topic to the reader, you are demonstrating your own knowledge.
Effective steps to writing expository essays
Select a topic: Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it manageable within the space of an essay.
Write a thesis sentence: Be sure the thesis statement expresses a controlling idea that is neither too broad nor too specific to be developed effectively.
Select a method of development: Check through all the methods before you finally settle on the one which will best serve your thesis (definition, compare and contrast, classification, or cause and effect).
Organize the essay: Begin by listing the major divisions which the body paragraphs in your expository essay will discuss; then fill in the primary supports that each body paragraph of the essay will contain.
Write topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay: For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that directly relates to the thesis sentence.
Write the body paragraphs of the essay: Each body paragraph should develop the primary support covered in that paragraph’s topic sentence.
Furnish a paragraph of introduction: An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of the essay, introduce the divisions in the body paragraphs of the essay, gain the interest of the reader.
Write a paragraph of conclusion:
- Restate the thesis and divisions of your expository essay (restate doesn’t mean writing dublicate thesis statement).
- Bring your expository essay to an appropriate and effective close.
- Avoid digressing into new issues.