Definition of Expository Essay
An expository essay is a type of writing included in composition courses or English courses. This essay intends to provide a clear and balanced analysis or explanation of a topic or idea. The students are asked to present factual information, explore a concept, or discuss a specific subject. The examiners see coherence, logic, and flow.
Typically, this essay, too, begins with an introduction (having a hook, background information, and a thesis) that introduces the topic. The body paragraphs, then, show evidence for claims, present examples, and explain them to support their claim. Tone is often objective and informative.
The conclusion summarizes the main points and an insight into the topic. It could include recommendations or suggestions for further exploration. The major purpose of an expository essay is to educate, inform, and clarify complex concepts.
Major Elements/Parts of Expository Essay
| Element | Definition, Explanation, and Example |
| Clear thesis statement | It is a concise and focused statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. It sets the direction and scope of the essay, guiding the reader on what to expect. Example: “The legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes has proven to have numerous benefits in the treatment of various medical conditions.” |
| Introduction | Provides background information on the topic, engages the reader’s interest, and includes the thesis statement. It sets the stage for the essay and establishes its relevance. Example: “In recent years, the debate surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production has sparked widespread controversy and concerns regarding their safety.” |
| Body paragraphs | The main part of the essay presents supporting evidence, examples, and explanations for the thesis statement. Each paragraph focuses on a single main idea or topic and includes topic sentences, evidence, and analysis. Example: Paragraph discussing the environmental impact of GMOs in agriculture. |
| Evidence and examples | Includes relevant evidence and examples to support the main points and arguments. This can involve statistics, facts, quotations, or specific examples from credible sources. Example: “According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization, GMO crops have been proven to increase crop yields by up to 20% compared to non-GMO varieties.” |
| Organization and coherence | The essay should be well-organized and coherent, with a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph should connect to the previous and following paragraphs, and transitions should be used to guide the reader through the essay. Example: Using transitional phrases such as “Furthermore” or “In addition” to introduce new supporting points. |
| Objective tone | An expository essay maintains an objective and unbiased tone, focusing on presenting information and analysis rather than personal opinions. Example: “The data collected from multiple clinical trials consistently indicates that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.” |
| Conclusion | Summarizes the main points of the essay, restates the thesis statement, and may provide a final thought or suggestions for further exploration of the topic. Example: “Putting it briefly, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the incorporation of GMO crops in agricultural practices to address global food security concerns.” |
| Credible sources | Using reputable and reliable sources of information, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, or expert interviews, to strengthen the credibility and validity of the essay’s arguments. Example: Citing peer-reviewed studies from renowned scientific journals to support claims about the benefits of renewable energy sources. |
| Clarity and conciseness | Writing a clear and concise essay, using language relevant to the intended audience. Complex ideas should be explained in a way that is easy to understand. Example: Using plain language and avoiding excessive technical jargon when discussing complex scientific concepts. |
Structure/Outline Example of Expository Essay
| Outline Point | Example |
| Introduction | The introduction sets the stage for the essay by providing background information after hooking the readers into the essay through a good hook and engaging the interest of the readers. It will be followed by a good thesis statement. |
| Example: | In the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, a seemingly idyllic small town gathers every year to hold a lottery. The introduction would provide a brief overview of the story, highlighting its significance and the central themes it explores. It would also introduce the thesis statement, such as: “Through the use of symbolism and foreshadowing, Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ delves into the dark aspects of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition.” |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect or element of the short story, providing evidence and analysis to support the thesis statement. |
| Example: | Body paragraph 1 could analyze the symbolism in the story, examining how certain objects or actions represent deeper meanings. For instance, the black box used in the lottery can symbolize tradition, control, and the inevitability of violence. The paragraph would provide examples from the text, explain their symbolic significance, and discuss how they contribute to the overall theme of the story. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Another body paragraph explores a different aspect or element of the short story, offering evidence and analysis to support the thesis statement. |
| Example: | Body paragraph 2 could focus on the use of foreshadowing in “The Lottery.” It would discuss how Jackson hints at the dark outcome throughout the story, creating a sense of tension and unease. The paragraph would provide specific examples of foreshadowing, explain their effects on the reader’s interpretation, and discuss how they contribute to the story’s overall message. |
| Body Paragraph 3 | A third body paragraph delves into another significant element or aspect of the short story, presenting evidence and analysis to support the thesis statement. |
| Example: | Body paragraph 3 could explore the characterization in “The Lottery,” focusing on the portrayal of the townspeople and their attitudes towards the lottery. It would analyze how Jackson creates a sense of conformity, fear, and complicity among the characters. The paragraph would provide specific examples from the text, discuss their implications, and explain how they contribute to the central themes of the story. |
| Conclusion | The conclusion summarizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and restates the thesis statement in a concise manner. It may also offer final insights or reflections on the significance of the short story. |
| Example: | The conclusion would recap the main findings of the essay, emphasizing the symbolism, foreshadowing, and characterization discussed in the body paragraphs. It would restate the thesis statement, highlighting the overall message of the story and its relevance to human nature. Additionally, it may offer a thought-provoking closing statement, encouraging the reader to reflect on the dangers of blindly following tradition and the potential darkness that lies beneath seemingly ordinary settings. |
Functions of Expository Essay
- Informing or Explaining
- Educating
- Analyzing and Interpreting
- Clarifying Complex Concepts
- Presenting Arguments
- Raising Awareness
- Instructing or Guiding
- Persuading
- Summarizing and Synthesizing
- Engaging the Readers
These functions collectively contribute to the purpose of an expository essay, which is to educate, inform, analyze, and provide clarity on a given topic.
Examples of Expository Literary Essays
| Topic | Major Points of Discussion |
| Symbolism in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson | This descriptive essay analyzes the use of symbolism in Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” It discusses the symbolic meanings of objects, events, and characters in the story such as the black box, the stones, and the lottery itself. It explores how these symbols contribute to the overall themes of tradition, conformity, and the dark side of human nature. It provides specific examples from the text to support the analysis. |
| Themes of Love and Loss in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry | This descriptive essay Explores the themes of love and loss in the poetry of Emily Dickinson. It also analyzes selected poems and discusses the different ways in which Dickinson portrays love and the experience of loss. It examines her use of imagery, language, and poetic devices to convey complex emotions associated with love and grief. It discusses the recurring motifs and symbols related to love and loss in Dickinson’s poetry and their significance in capturing the human experience. |
| Character Analysis: Montresor in “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe | This descriptive essay conducts a character analysis of Montresor in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado.” It explores Montresor’s motives, personality traits, and the psychology behind his vengeful actions. It analyzes how Poe portrays Montresor’s manipulation and the themes of revenge, betrayal, and madness in the story. It discusses the unreliable narrator technique employed by Poe and its impact on the reader’s perception of Montresor’s character. It provides examples and quotes from the text to support the analysis. |
| Nature Imagery in the Poetry of William Wordsworth | This descriptive essay examines the use of nature imagery in the poetry of William Wordsworth. It discusses how Wordsworth portrays nature and its significance in his works, such as “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” and “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.” It analyzes the themes of connection to nature, spirituality, and the sublime in Wordsworth’s poetry. It explores the impact of nature on the speaker’s emotions and its role in shaping their perspective on life. It discusses the poetic techniques and language employed by Wordsworth to create vivid and evocative descriptions of nature. It provides specific examples from the poems to support the analysis. |
Suggested Readings
- Dew, Stephen E. Practical Academic Essay Writing Skills. Lulu Press, Inc, 2015.
- Laurena, Olivia PM. “Longman Academic Writing Series 5: Essays to Research Paper.” Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences 17.2 (2021): 82-83.
- Wong, Linda. Essential Study Skills. Cengage Learning, 2014.
- Warburton, Nigel. The Basics of Essay Writing. Routledge, 2020.