The expository
essay is a genre of essay 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. This can be accomplished through comparison and
contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.
Please note: This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for
classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.
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 student does not master this portion of the
essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
·
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.
·
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 times,
students 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 in light of the evidence
provided.
It is at this
point of the essay that students 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, synthesize and come to a
conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.
A complete
argument
Perhaps it is
helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a
classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression 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 I were to end the
exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning
the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the
expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its
intent or argument.
The five-paragraph
Essay
A common method
for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is,
however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds
straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:
1. an introductory
paragraph
2. three evidentiary body
paragraphs
3. a conclusion
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