An expository essay is a favorite assignment in introductory composition classes. To prepare you for the inevitable task of exposition, Unemployed Professors has compiled the joint contributions of its essay experts to present the following overview of the expository essay.
What is an expository essay?
‘Expository’ means “intended to explain or describe something.” Quite simply, then, an expository essay explains something, whether it be a topic, an idea, or a process. The aim of an expository essay, thus, is not to prove a point. Rather, it is to give a balanced view of a subject. When assigned, expository essays are meant to review your skill in composition, and/or your understanding of a topic, idea, or process. They are not meant to assess your skill in analysis and argument.
How are a persuasive essay and an expository essay different?
Expository essays set out to provide information in an explanatory fashion. Persuasive essays, on the other hand, attempt to present a specific point of view with the aim of bringing the reader into an agreement. An example of exposition might be what a professor would present in a lecture: he is trying to explain a specific subject to his audience to cultivate their comprehension. An example of persuasion could be a politician’s speech: she is attempting to convert her audience to her point of view on an issue of political interest.
The main thrust of an expository essay, then, is providing information. The emphasis is not on presenting an argument about this information; this is the job of the persuasive essay. Thus, for a persuasive essay writer, it may be important to obscure certain facts and to even present half-truths. Occasionally the persuasive essay writer may even indulge in specious reasoning – that is, reasoning which sounds good on the surface, but actually is illogical or inconsistent when examined more deeply. The persuasive essay writer will frequently prefer a more impassioned presentation, including language that is more colorful, and expressions that are more vibrant. The expository essayist, on the other hand, will generally maintain a more straightforward style, and more prosaic language.
What is typically included in the introductory section of an expository essay?
Like any essay, the introduction to an expository essay should attract the reader’s interest, provide a brief introduction to the topic, set forth the basic plan of the essay, and provide a thesis. In an expository essay, the thesis should be very clear, and uncontroversial. Again, your aim is not to argue a contentious point, but to provide information – to explain, and to describe. Nonetheless, the introduction should begin with a ‘hook.’ You want to elicit your reader’s interest in the topic. If you were writing about a well-known historical event, you might want to begin with a little-known, but intriguing fact. Additionally, the introduction should provide some necessary background, so that the reader can legitimately comprehend the thesis you are presenting.
It is very important in the introduction to know your audience. If your audience is a peer who is relatively unaware of the minutiae of the topic, it will be necessary to present more background in the introduction – and then, expand on this in the body of the paper. If, however, your audience is your professor, who can be expected to have a much deeper understanding of the topic, you can forego a detailed presentation of the topic in the introduction. Such verbiage would be wasted, and will likely draw the objection of your professor!
How to write a conclusion for an expository essay
The introduction to an expository essay should capture the interest of the audience, introduce them to the topic, and make some interesting claims about it. The body paragraphs should present the information you gathered about the topic which substantiates your claim. The essay itself should be informative in nature, well-organized, and flow smoothly toward the conclusion.
The conclusion of an expository essay should be an effective summary. The purpose of a conclusion to an expository essay is to reflect back on the evidence and facts presented. The conclusion merely validates the claim made in the introduction, in light of the information set forth in the body of the essay. It also summarizes the essay in hope of ensuring the reader will remember its main points.
While many claim that the conclusion to an expository essay should present a new idea or concept, this type of resolution is more suitable to more argumentative forms of essay writing. Instead, you should avoid presenting new information or ideas at the end of an expository essay. Rather, tie up all loose ends by bringing together all the main points in a unifying conclusion. Synthesize, rather than strike out in new directions.
In the conclusion, remind the reader of the central argument; however, do not merely restate the thesis in the original language used in the introduction. Most of the time, the conclusion to an expository essay is just a restatement and synthesis. Sometimes, however, you may want to go a bit deeper. You may, for example, elect to use the conclusion to reflect on everything you have written – argument and substantiating information. This is not presenting a new idea or concept, but rather a reflection on the deeper implications of the exposition presented. Such a reflection may help you to articulate the overall importance of your paper.
The main point to understand about the expository essay is that it strives to inform, rather than persuade. Therefore, your duty as an expositor is to present complete and balanced information on your topic. Certainly, some central argument is needed – otherwise, it wouldn’t be an essay! But this claim must come out of a comprehensive attempt to describe an event, idea, or process. The exposition is not a slanted piece.