How To Write An Expository Essay: Prompts, Topics, Example

How To Write An Expository Essay

Students are always asked to prepare expository essays. While being one of the most common types of essays, it is relatively difficult to write at the same time. Expository essays are based on a specific structure, and students are required to apply their critical thinking expertise to write a magnificent piece. An organized and consistent writing process is also mandatory to attain a commendable essay. Read on to get a better grip on the subject by following the knowledge of professional essay writers.

What Is An Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a writing piece that explores a particular idea or an issue. A writer needs to research existing evidence, provide related data, and then present a coherent argument. They should define the discussed concepts, compare and contrast the related phenomena, exemplify the ideas, and provide cause-effect reasoning to get the desired results.

The goal of an expository essay is what differs it fom other writing assignments. As the name suggests, the main thing is to “expose” an idea. The objective is to inform the audience about a particular topic. The tone of an expository essay should be neutral and persuasive, and biased tones should be avoided.

Structure Of An Expository Essay

Several text structures can be used to write an expository essay to present the arguments. The chain structure and the block structure are the most common types of structures used. Chain structure is done in a way where you present the ideas of both subjects first then move on to the next subject. Whereas in block structure, one subject is discussed first, and the next subject is discussed in the next paragraph.

Both the structures are suitable formats for expository essays. However, chain structure is helpful for longer papers where each issue is elaborated point by point.

Expository Essay Prompts

Students come across several types of expository essay prompts throughout their school lives, from primary school and all the way to college level. These prompts are helpful for students to begin an expository essay. They are also inspirational in nature. They have a more focused purpose as they require students to research a specific topic and explain it to meet an objective.

Here are some examples of expository essay prompts and what their objective is:

  • Were Jews the main target of Nazis in the Second World War?

In this essay, a writer would be required to evaluate the circumstances that surrounded the Holocaust. After that, based on the evidence, the writer would decide if the statement is correct.

  • Is it ethical to subject animals to testing?

The students will evaluate the pros and cons of animal testing. Then based on evidence, they will present an argument in favor or against the practice.

  • Who is a female leader that you consider an inspiration, and why?

This prompt calls for the writer to choose a female leader and describe some facts about that leader why they are an inspiration.

  • What year would you want to go back to and why if time travel were possible?

In this prompt, a writer will include personal experiences and historical reasons to make it an exciting read.

Expository Essay Topics

The overall content and writing an exposition essay depends on the prompt, yet the student can still choose a specific topic or an angle to shed light on in the paper. For instance, the writer could make the essay interesting by explaining the roots of a particular group of individuals. The process of digestion in an animal can be explained in a process essay. A descriptive essay could include details of a writer’s personal experiences, such as a traumatic event, depression, and their causes. The topic for a solution or a problem essay can be based on how racism can be eliminated in society by using facts to talk about how racism has affected different societies in history.

Topic Ideas For Social Issues

  • Explain the reasons behind a drastic increase in teenage pregnancies
  • The negative
  • impact of alcohol abuse on college campuses
  • Reasons behind the gender inequality at workplace
  • The effect of “hungry for money” on a person‘s personality
  • Prevalence of hypocrisy and double standards in our lives
  • Why do children start lying?
  • Primary triggers that cause teenagers to commit suicide

Education Expository Topics

  • The influence of a college degree on future career
  • Why is teaching considered a noble profession
  • How does living a dorm life shape you as a person
  • What could be the consequences of introducing school uniforms
  • Does the grading system affect the creativity of students?
  • Can standardized tests assess the knowledge of students?
  • How can knowing multiple languages prove to be beneficial to you?

Topic Ideas For Ethical Issues

  • Shed light on your understanding of morality
  • Is it better to drag a relationship rather than opting for a divorce?
  • Is “honor” still a thing in the 21st century?
  • Consequences of an early abortion
  • What are your views on capital punishment?
  • How is racism plaguing the modern world?

Outline Of Writing An Expository Essay

If you want an easy answer to how to write an expository essay? The answer is that an expository essay usually includes fives paragraphs:

  • Introduction
  • Paragraph 1 of the main body
  • Paragraph 2 of the main body
  • Paragraph 3 of the main body
  • Conclusion

This is the most basic and standard approach for an expository essay. Essay structure allows you to present clear arguments and organize your thoughts. Nonetheless, you always have the freedom to make your alternations. For expert and professional essay services, head over to Write My Essay 4 Me.