Expository writing what is it

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. 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.

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. 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.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays. Table of contents When should you write an expository essay? How to approach an expository essay Introducing your essay Writing the body paragraphs Concluding your essay Frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments. Consider the prompts below. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic.

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction. In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation.

Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation. The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay.

Different topics all related to the overall subject matter of the essay should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed. The invention of the printing press in changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. It is to the point, concise, easy-to-read, and uses more simple language. There are a few components that a piece needs to contain for it to be considered an expository writing piece.

A well-written piece will:. To help your child get started on expository writing, you must first have them understand how the piece is supposed to function. Have them start by establishing their thesis. They will need to come up with a topic where they will either explain a process or make an argument, where they will be able to easily prove their side.

Once they have established this, have them create a list of the step-by-step instructions or the reasons behind the argument. If they have chosen an argument, have them then find facts and evidence to support each of their reasons. Once completed, this will serve as the outline for their paper.

They can use this outline to begin writing their piece. Once done, have them read it to someone who does not know much about the topic and get their feedback as to whether or not they now understand the topic after reading the piece.

Is your child having difficulty getting started with expository writing, or just needs some assistance in getting their skills down? Consider Math Genie. They have the tools and resources to help children aged three to 13 years to help them with their writing skills.

Sign up or call to schedule your free class. Call us at to discuss your Childs specific needs. Prosperity Associates Inc. All rights reserved. Your child's individual results and duration to achieve them will vary.