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.
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:
- An
introductory paragraph
- Three
evidentiary body paragraphs
- A conclusion
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