What is an Expository Essay?
An expository essay is one where a topic or subject is explained and explored. It is a form of academic writing where the subject is presented in a completely objective manner. Unlike in the case of argumentative or analytical essays, expository essays do not require the writer to adopt a discernible stance.
Expository essays can fall into various categories, such as compare and contrast, descriptive, and cause and effect. All these types of essays are dedicated to investigating their subjects in detail.
Sections of an Expository Essay
Expository essays are structured in the following manner.
- Introduction: The introduction, which is the first paragraph, is meant to provide a brief background presenting a global context to the essay as well as the thesis statement. The writer could choose to incorporate a hook in the very first sentence, ensuring that they have captured the reader’s interest and encouraging them to continue reading the essay.
Thesis statement: The thesis statement is the key element of the essay, defining what the essay will be about. It should be formulated before the essay is written, after the initial research. Without a clear and concise thesis, the essay becomes confusing to both read and write.
- Body: Divided into multiple paragraphs, the body carries the bulk of the explanation in the essay. To effectively aid comprehension, each paragraph tackles a single subtopic derived from the thesis. These topics are declared in the topic sentences that begin each paragraph. And the logical connections between these paragraphs are further made clear with the use of the right transition words and sentences at the beginning and/or end of the paragraphs.
The explanation in body paragraphs should be augmented by factual evidence. It is essential that objectivity be maintained throughout as the purpose is to present a point, not to make it.
In general, a minimum of three paragraphs is expected. More paragraphs can be added based on the ambit of the essay.
- Conclusion: In the final paragraph, the thesis is reiterated but in the light of the matter of the body paragraphs. No new points are added to the essay here. Instead, a brief summarization of the preceding paragraphs helps come to a conclusion, rounding out the essay.
Outline for Expository Essays
- Introduction:
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- A hook draws and holds the reader’s attention.
- A brief background contextualizes the essay.
- The thesis statement succinctly defines the scope of the essay.
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- Body:
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- The scope of the essay is split up into multiple topics, each covered in one paragraph.
- The topic sentence of each paragraph announces its point of discussion.
- Explanatory reasoning and/or evidence is then laid out.
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- Conclusion:
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- The points of discussion elaborated on in the body paragraphs are summarized, and the thesis is recapitulated.
Example of an Expository Essay
The following essay discussing types of sports is an example of an expository essay.
- Introduction:
The writer begins with a quotation that not only sets the scene, but also acts as a hook. They then elaborate on it, providing the reader with the background to their chosen subject. The subject is then clearly pointed out in the paragraph’s final sentence – the thesis statement.
““Sports are for fun, but they also offer benefits and lessons that carry over into all aspects of life.” All kinds of physical games or sports are healthy because they involve running, jumping, stretching, and other such movements. However, the rules and traditions that are embedded in most games also offer benefits to players that are oftentimes overlooked or forgotten. Players develop discipline, sportsmanship, and other similar personal traits that will help them in other areas of their life as well. The many sports played around the world can be categorized based on the number of players into individual, dual, and team sports.”
- Body:
In each paragraph, the first sentence is the topic sentence, which informs the reader what the paragraph is about.
“Individual sports, which make up the first category, are those that a person can play alone if they do not have a partner. They include golf, fishing, skating, skiing, swimming, martial arts, and cycling. These are sports that a person can play on their own for enjoyment even as they maintain their fitness. Unlike team sports, individual sports focus on personal growth and accomplishment. Here, success is based on individual merit and so is failure. Some people do their best when they know that they are responsible for their own improvement, and are thus likely to achieve a great sense of accomplishment through such games.
Dual sports are the second category. Played by two people at a time, examples of such sports are tennis, squash, ping pong, and wrestling. These games are good for everyone, particularly those who are afraid of facing large groups of people during the game and cannot perform well in team sports. Through dual sports, such people can work on potentially playing with a team, and can also build their confidence as well as personality. In addition, they also boost the physical and mental strength needed to cope with team players.
Team sports comprise the last category. They involve a group of people working together to help the collective team win. Such sports are played between two teams pitted against each other. The aim is usually to score a goal against the opposing team, or to achieve a target before they do. Basketball, water polo, softball, baseball, and football are some good examples of team sports. They help develop skills such as learning to cooperate with others and remaining calm and composed with one’s teammates. Teamwork discourages discrimination of all kinds; everyone just plays as a group. During the game, players put aside such matters and work as a family to help their team win.”
- Conclusion:
The writer ends the essay with a quick recollection of what the different types of sports are.
“Playing sports everyday keeps sickness at bay and helps one stay fit throughout their life. If one is alone, they can play individual sports; if there are only two people, dual sports are the way to go; and if one wants to play in a group, they can join clubs and existing teams, or form one of their own. Thus, there is a wide range of options to choose from to help people live a long, courageous, and happy life.”
