Expository Essay Writing: An Overview of the Assignment
The expository essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. Expository writing is a daily requirement in post-secondary education as well as in many fields of employment. This overview provides students with information on how to approach expository assignments.
Understanding the Purpose
Expository essays serve to inform, describe, or explain a topic to the audience. They do not seek to entertain or persuade, but rather to clearly communicate complicated ideas clearly and effectively to readers. Students must understand that the purpose of an expository assignment is for them to investigate a topic, understand it to their core, and explicate that understanding to their readers. The assignment asks them to shed light on a topic, not argue a stance.
Choosing a Topic
The instructor will likely provide students with potential topic choices for their expository essay. Some leeway may exist for students to suggest their own topic if it falls within the parameters and learning objectives of the assignment. When choosing a topic, students should consider their own interests and background knowledge. Selecting a topic they already possess some familiarity with will make developing the ideas and research considerably easier. The topic should also be narrow and focused enough to be adequately covered within the assigned length. Broad topics risk remaining too surface level.
Researching Credible Sources
Once a topic is chosen, students must begin researching credible sources from which to gather information and draw evidence to include in their essay. Scholarly books, peer-reviewed journal articles, reports from credible organizations are ideal. Students should avoid sources like Wikis, most online encyclopedias, and general interest publications which lack scholarly oversight. A range of 8-12 high-quality sources should provide sufficient evidence to develop an explanatory essay adequately. Notes should be taken neatly and organized by main points for later use.
Developing an Outline
Before writing begins, students will benefit greatly from constructing an outline to organize their ideas and the structure of their essay. The outline functions as a written plan to ensure a cohesive and orderly presentation of the topic. It typically includes the introductory paragraph, three or four body paragraph topics that will each take a segment of the topic to explain, and a conclusion paragraph to summarize key points. Students can then populate their outline with research notes, quotes and facts that correspond to each section. This leads to a much smoother writing process.
Drafting Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph will focus on explaining one key segment or aspect of the overall topic. The topic or argument for that paragraph should be clearly stated in a single topic sentence at the start. Students should then use research details, examples, quotes, data and facts from their investigation to explain and develop that one focused idea. Quotes or facts used should be properly attributed and introduced. Paragraphs should flow logically from one detail or fact to the next in a coherent manner to fully explain that segment of the topic. Paragraphs may be 3-5 sentences beyond the topic sentence as needed.
Crafting an Introduction
The introduction serves to draw in the reader and provide them context before delving into specifics. It should start broadly with some general interest in the topic to capture attention. From there it can give necessary background information or definitions. The last sentence should contain a clear thesis statement that lays out in one sentence the main explanatory points to be made in the essay about the overall topic. This orients the reader to the substance and structure that will follow.
Formulating a Conclusion
The conclusion is where students tie up loose ends and bring closure. It should not introduce new information but rather mirror the introduction in tone. A summary of 1-2 sentences for each body paragraph restating its main explanatory point allows the reader to recall what they just learned. From there, the conclusion can end by revisiting why the topic may be significant, its implications, or areas for potential further exploration. The goal is a satisfying send off that reflects on what was covered without introducing anything new.
Editing for Style
After a full first draft is complete, students will want to carefully edit their work for style elements like word choice, sentence structure, paragraph coherence, grammar, spelling, formatting and more. They may even set it aside overnight and return to it with fresh eyes. Peer editing can also help identify areas for improvement before a final draft is ready for submission. Adhering to standard conventions makes the writing more engaging and the ideas clearer for the audience to understand.
Meeting the Requirements
To succeed on an expository essay assignment, students must diligently meet all requirements. This involves following guidelines on length, format, and structure that were provided. The inclusion of necessary elements like properly cited research, a clear thesis and conclusion also indicate rigor was applied. Meeting due dates and word counts demonstrates responsibility. Mastering the form of explanatory academic writing is a key college-level learning outcome.
Approaching the expository essay assignment with care, organization and a commitment to explanation over argument serves students well. Taking the time to adequately research, structure and edit their work ensures they fulfill the task of explicating their chosen topic effectively for their readers. Developing skill in explanatory academic writing sets students up for success in continued coursework and future careers. With practice, it can become an intuitive process.
Andrew Stroud