expository essay

What is expository essay definition, usage, and literary examples, expository essay definition.

An  expository essay  [ik-SPOZ-ih-tohr-ee ess-ay] is an essay in which the writer researches a topic and uses evidence to inform their readers or clarify the topic. They can take many forms, including a how-to essay, an essay that defines something, or an essay that studies a problem and offers a solution.

The Five-Paragraph Model

Most expository essays follow the five-paragraph essay model:

  • Introduction:  The introduction contains the thesis statement or main point of the essay. Here, the writer describes the subject and gives necessary  context .
  • Body:  This section is usually three or more paragraphs and offers supporting evidence for the thesis.
  • Conclusion:  The conclusion revisits the thesis and summarizes the writer’s main points.

Types of Expository Essays

There are several types of expository essays that can be written.

  • Cause and Effect:  These essays question why something happened and the outcome of that occurrence. For example, an essay of this type might question why there’s a large homeless population in Seattle and what effects it has on the city and its citizens.
  • Classification:  These break a broad subject down into several, in-depth subcategories. A classification essay might study the various kinds of movies, define genres, and break the most common genres down by subgenre (for example, action thriller and action adventure as subgenres of the action genre).
  • Compare and Contrast:  These essays lay out the similarities and differences of at least two subjects. One such essay might compare two different novels by the same author. These essays can explore the pros and cons of different choices as well, like living in the city versus living in the country.
  • Definition:  As indicated, a definition essay describes or defines something. For example, it might define the internet and provide a detailed explanation of how it works.
  • How-To:  Also called a process essay, a how-to essay gives the reader steps for creating or doing something. For example, a process essay might walk its reader through setting a table, step by step.
  • Problem and Solution:  This type of essay explores a problem and, using evidential support, offers potential solutions. For example, a writer might consider the example of Seattle’s homeless population, cite a solution that other cities have used successfully, and propose that same solution for Seattle.

Other Forms of Expository Writing

In addition to the aforementioned, there are other uses for expository writing. Most commonly:

  • Newspaper articles
  • Encyclopedic entries
  • Manuals/assembly instructions

Expository vs. Argumentative Essays

Expository essays are like argumentative essays in that they both require research. Unlike argumentative essays, expository essays are meant to inform their audience rather than persuade it.

Argumentative essays are often controversial and contain the writer’s personal opinions, whereas expository essays give factual information and explore a topic from many  perspectives . Educational spheres often use expository essays to test writing ability, reading comprehension, and/or the writer’s understanding of a topic.

Examples of Expository Essays

1. Susan Sontag, “Notes on ‘Camp’”

This is a definition essay that explores the meaning and usage of the slang word  camp . When she wrote the essay in 1964, people used the word to describe a person or thing as exaggerated, effeminate, or theatrical. Sontag suggests that camp isn’t a solid concept but rather a sensibility, and she acknowledges its connection to contemporary gay culture. Her definition of camp is given in the following passage:

[Camp] is not a natural mode of sensibility, if there be any such. Indeed the essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration. And Camp is esoteric–something of a private code, a badge of identity even, among small urban cliques.

2. David Foster Wallace, “Consider the Lobster”

Herein, Wallace reviews the 2003 Main Lobster Festival and questions the morality of boiling lobsters alive. He examines the problem from all facets, including whether a lobster feels pain, without directly asserting his opinion. After descriptions of the festival, physical properties of lobsters, and the common use of the crustaceans, Wallace poses the main question of the essay:

So then here is a question that’s all but unavoidable at the World’s Largest Lobster Cooker, and may arise in the kitchens across the U.S. Is it all right to boil a sentient creature alive just for our gustatory pleasure? A related set of concerns: Is the previous question irksomely PC or sentimental? What does “all right” even mean in this context? Is it all just a matter of individual choice?

3. Rebecca Solnit, “The Longest War”

From Solnit’s 2014 book of essays,  Men Explain Things to Me , “The Longest War” explores issues of male violence against women. Solnit uses both statistical and  anecdotal  evidence to inform her audience of the issue, which supports some of her argumentative essays that appear later in the book:

[T]hough a rape is reported only every 6.2 minutes in this country, the estimated total is perhaps five times as high. Which means that there may be very nearly a rape a minute in the United States. It all adds up to tens of millions of rape victims. A significant portion of the women you know are survivors.

Further Resources on Expository Essays

You can find more examples of expository essays on  LiteraryDevices.net .

Bibme.org  offers guidance for writing expository essays.

Essaytigers.com  provides step-by-step writing instructions and an additional argumentative essay and expository essay comparison.

Related Terms

  • Argumentative Essay
  • Expository Writing

expository essay about description

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Expository Essays

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What is an expository essay?

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:

  • an introductory paragraph
  • three evidentiary body paragraphs
  • a conclusion

Literacy Ideas

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

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WHAT IS AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY?

An Expository essay ‘exposes’ information to the reader to describe or explain a particular topic logically and concisely.

The purpose of expository writing is to educate or inform the reader first and foremost.

Though the term is sometimes used to include persuasive writing , which exposes us to new ways of thinking, a true expository text does not allow the writer’s personal opinion to intrude into the text and should not be confused.

Expository Writing follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting information and examples, and a conclusion summarising key points and reinforcing the thesis. Common expository essays include process, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and informative essays.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY STRUCTURE

TEXT ORGANIZATION Organize your thoughts before writing.

CLARITY Use clear and concise wording. There is no room for banter.

THESIS STATEMENT State position in direct terms.

TOPIC SENTENCE Open each paragraph with a topic sentence.

SUPPORTING DETAIL Support the topic sentence with further explanation and evidence.

LINK End each body paragraph by linking to the next.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY TYPES

PROCESS Tell your audience how to achieve something, such as how to bake a cake.

CAUSE & EFFECT Explore relationships between subjects, such as climate change and its impact.

PROBLEM & SOLUTION Explain how to solve a problem, such as improving physical fitness.

COMPARE & CONTRAST Compare and contrast two or more items, such as life in China life vs life in the United States or Australia.

DEFINITION Provides a detailed definition of a word or phrase, such as self-confidence.

CLASSIFICATION Organizes things into categories or groups, such as types of music.

STRUCTURE & FEATURES OF EXPOSITORY WRITING

While there are many types of expository essays, the basic underlying structure is the same. The Hamburger or 5-Paragraph Essay structure is an excellent scaffold for students to build their articles. Let’s explore the expository essay outline.

INTRODUCTION:

This is the top bun of the burger, and here the student introduces the exposition topic. This usually consists of a general statement on the subject, providing an essay overview. It may also preview each significant section, indicating what aspects of the subject will be covered in the text. These sections will likely relate to the headings and subheadings identified at the planning stage.

If the introduction is the top bun of the burger, then each body paragraph is a beef patty. Self-contained in some regards, each patty forms an integral part of the whole.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS

Each body paragraph deals with one idea or piece of information. More complex topics may be grouped under a common heading, and the number of paragraphs will depend on the complexity of the topic. For example, an expository text on wolves may include a series of paragraphs under headings such as habitat, breeding habits, what they eat, etc.

Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence indicating to the reader what the paragraph is about. The following sentences should further illuminate this main idea through discussion and/or explanation. Encourage students to use evidence and examples here, whether statistical or anecdotal. Remind students to keep things factual – this is not an editorial piece for a newspaper!

expository essays | BlueandCreamSimpleExpositoryGraphicOrganizer | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Expository writing is usually not the place for flowery flourishes of figurative imagery! Students should be encouraged to select a straightforward language that is easy for the reader to understand. After all, the aim here is to inform and explain, and this is best achieved with explicit language.

As we’ve seen, several variations of the expository essay exist, but the following are the most common features students must include.

The title should be functional. It should instantly inform the reader what they will learn about in the text. This is not the place for opaque poetry!

A table of contents in long essays will help the reader locate helpful information quickly. Usually, the page numbers found here will be linked to headings and subheadings to be found in the text.

HEADINGS / SUBHEADINGS:

These assist the reader in finding information by summarizing the content in their wording.

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Usually listed alphabetically, the glossary defines unusual or topic-specific vocabulary and is sometimes accompanied by pictures, illustrations etc.

The index lets the reader identify where to find specific information in longer texts. An index is much more detailed than a table of contents.

VISUAL FORMS OF INFORMATION

Expository essays sometimes support the text with visuals, such as:

  • Pictures / Illustrations / Photographs:

These can be used to present a central idea or concept within the text and are often accompanied by a caption explaining what the image shows. Photographs can offer a broad overview or a close-up of essential details.

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Diagrams are a great way to convey complex information quickly. They should be labelled clearly to ensure the reader knows what they are looking at.

  • Charts and Graphs:

These are extremely useful for showing data and statistics in an easy-to-read manner. They should be labelled clearly and correspond to the information in the nearby text.

Maps may be used to explain where something is or was located. 

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Types of expository essay

There are many different types of expository texts (e.g. encyclopaedias, travel guides, information reports , etc.), but there are also various expository essays, with the most common being.

  • Process Essays
  • Cause and Effect Essays
  • Problem and Solution Essays
  • Compare and Contrast Essays
  • Definition Essays
  • Classification Essays

We will examine each of these in greater detail in the remainder of this article, as they have slight nuances and differences that make them unique. The graphic below explains the general structure for all text types from the expository writing family.

THE PROCESS ESSAY

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This how-to essay often takes the form of a set of instructions. Also known as a procedural text , the process essay has very specific features that guide the reader on how to do or make something.

To learn more about this type of writing, check out our information-packed article here .

Features of a process essay

Some of the main features of the process essay include:

  • ‘How to’ title
  • Numbered or bullet points
  • Time connectives
  • Imperatives (bossy words)
  • List of resources

Example Expository Process Essay:

The cause and effect essay.

expository essays | expository essay types4 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

The purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to explore the causal relationships between things. Essays like this often bring the focus back to a single cause. These essays frequently have a historical focus.

The text should focus on facts rather than assumptions as an expository essay. However, cause-and-effect essays sometimes explore hypothetical situations too.

There are two main ways to structure a cause-and-effect essay.

The Block Structure presents all the causes first. The writer then focuses on the effects of these causes in the second half of the essay.

The Chain Structure presents each cause and then immediately follows with the effects it created.

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Example Expository Cause and Effect Essay:

The problem and solution essay.

expository essays | expository essay types5 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

In this type of essay, the writer first identifies a problem and then explores the topic from various angles to ultimately propose a solution. It is similar to the cause-and-effect essay.

While the problem and solution essay can use the block and chain structures as outlined above – substitute cause with problem and effect with a solution – it will also usually work through the following elements:

  • Identifies a problem
  • Contains a clear thesis statement
  • Each paragraph has a topic sentence
  • Supports with facts, examples, evidence
  • The conclusion summarizes the main points

Suggested Title: What Can Be Done to Prevent Bullying in Schools?

Example Expository Problem and Solution Essay:

The compare and contrast essay.

expository essays | expository essay types6 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

In this type of essay, students evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more things, ideas, people, etc. Usually, the subjects will belong to the same category.

The compare-and-contrast expository essay can be organized in several different ways. Three of these are outlined below.

In the three structures outlined, it is assumed that two subjects are being compared and contrasted. Of course, the precise number of paragraphs required in the text will depend on the number of points the student wishes to make and the number of subjects being compared and contrasted.

Suggested Title: In-Class or Remote Learning: Which Is Best?

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DEFINITION ESSAYS

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This type of essay provides a detailed description and definition of a word or phrase. It can be a concrete term, such as car or glass, or a more abstract concept, such as love or fear .

A definition essay comprehensively explains a term’s purpose and meaning. It will frequently contain some or all of the following elements:

  • A definition of the term
  • An analysis of its meaning
  • The etymology of the term
  • A comparison to related terms
  • Examples to illustrate the meaning
  • A summary of the main points

Example Expository Definition Essay:

CLASSIFICATION ESSAYS

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Like definition essays, a classification essay sorts or organizes things into various groups or categories and explains each group or category in detail.

Classification essays focus on:

  • Sorting things into functional categories
  • Ensuring each category follows a common organizing principle
  • Provides examples that illustrate each category.

Example Expository Classification Essay:

expository essays | what is an expository essay | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

One of the best ways to understand the different features of expository essays is to see them in action. The sample essay below is a definition essay but shares many features with other expository essays.

expository essays | expository essay example | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPTS

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Examples of Expository Essay Titles

 Expository essay prompts are usually pretty easy to spot.

 They typically contain keywords that ask the student to explain something, such as “define,” “outline,” “describe,” or, most directly of all, “explain.”

 This article will examine the purpose of an expository essay and its structure. It will also examine the primary language and stylistic features of this vital text type.

 After this, we’ll explore five distinct tips for helping your students get the most out of writing their expository essays.

Expository Essays vs Argumentative Essays

 Expository essays are often confused with their close cousin, the argumentative essay. Still, it’s easy to help students distinguish between the two by quickly examining their similarities and differences.

 In an expository essay, students will attempt to write about a thing or a concept neutrally and objectively, unlike an argumentative essay where the writer’s opinions permeate the text throughout. Simple as it sounds, this may take some doing for some students as it requires the writer to refine their personal voice almost out of existence!

 Luckily, choosing the correct viewpoint from which to write the essay can go a long way to helping students achieve the desired objectivity. Generally, students should write their expository essays from the third-person perspective.

Contrastingly, argumentative essays are subjective in nature and will usually be written from the first-person perspective as a result.

 In an expository essay, the text’s prime focus is the topic rather than the writer’s feelings on that topic. For the writer, disassociating their personal feelings on a topic is much easier when they’re a step removed from the narration by using the third-person POV rather than the first-person POV.

Expository Essay Tips

Follow these top tips from the experts to craft an amazing expository essay.

expository essays | img 60ffaf0c39e69 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

 Tip #1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

writing-tools

Surprising as it may seem, not all expository essays are created equal.

 In fact, there are several different types of expository essays, and our students must learn to recognize each and choose the correct one for their specific needs when producing their own expository essays.

 To do this, students will need to know the 5 types of expository essays:

  • The Cause and Effect Essay : This type of essay requires that the writer explain why something happened and what occurred due to that event and subsequent events. It explores the relationship between people, ideas, events, or things and other people, ideas, events, or things.
  • The Compare and Contrast Essay: In a compare and contrast essay, the writer examines the similarities and differences between two subjects or ideas throughout the body of the piece and usually brings things together in an analysis at the end .
  • The Descriptive Essay: This is a very straightforward expository essay with a detailed description or explanation of a topic. The topic may be an event, place, person, object, or experience. This essay’s direct style is balanced with the freedom of the writer can inject some of their creativity into the description.
  • The Problem and Solution Essay : In this expository essay, the student will work to find valid solutions to a specific problem or problem.
  • The Process Essay : Also called a how-to essay, this essay type is similar to instruction writing, except in essay form. It provides a step-by-step procedure breakdown to teach the reader how to do something.

 When choosing a specific topic to write about, students should consider several factors:

 ●      Do they know the topic well enough to explain the ins and outs of the subject to an unfamiliar audience?

 ●      Do they have enough interest in this topic to sustain thorough research and writing about it?

 ●      Is enough relevant information and credible sources available to fuel the student’s writing on this topic?

Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly

Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

A common problem for students while researching is that sometimes they don’t have a clear understanding of the objective of their research. They lack a clear focus on their efforts.

Research is not mindlessly scanning documents and scrawling occasional notes. As with any part of the writing process, it begins with determining clear objectives.

Often, students will start the research process with a broad focus, and as they continue researching, they will naturally narrow their focus as they learn more about the topic.

Take the time to help students understand that writing isn’t only about expressing what we think; it’s also about discovering what we think.

When researching, students should direct their efforts to the following:

REad our complete guide to researching here

  • Gather Supporting Evidence : The research process is not only for uncovering the points to be made within the essay but also the evidence to support those points. The aim here is to provide an objective description or analysis of the topic; therefore, the student will need to gather relevant supporting evidence, such as facts and statistics, to bolster their writing. Usually, each paragraph will open with a topic sentence, and subsequent sentences in the paragraph will focus on providing a factual, statistical, and logical analysis of the paragraph’s main point.
  • Cite Sources : It’s an essential academic skill to be able to cite sources accurately. There are several accepted methods of doing this, and you must choose a citation style appropriate to your student’s age, abilities, and context. However, whatever style you choose, students should get used to citing any sources they use in their essays, either in the form of embedded quotations, endnotes, or bibliography – or all three!
  • Use Credible Sources: The Internet has profoundly impacted knowledge sharing as the Gutenberg Press did almost 600 years ago. It has provided unparalleled access to the sum total of human knowledge as never before, with each student having a dizzying number of sources available at their fingertips. However, we must ensure our students understand that not all sources are created equal. Encourage students to seek credible sources in their research and filter out the more dubious sources. Some questions students can ask themselves to help determine a source’s credibility include:

●      Have I searched thoroughly enough to find the most relevant sources for my topic?

●      Has this source been published recently? Is it still relevant?

●      Has the source been peer-reviewed? Have other sources confirmed this source?

●      What is the publication’s reputation?

●      Is the author an expert in their field?

●      Is the source fact-based or opinion-based?

Tip #3: Sketch an Outline

Every kid knows you can’t find the pirate treasure without a map, which is true of essay writing. Using their knowledge of the essay’s structure, students start whipping their research notes into shape by creating an outline for their essay.

The 5-paragraph essay or ‘Hamburger’ essay provides a perfect template for this.

Students start by mapping out an appealing introduction built around the main idea of their essay. Then, from their mound of research, they’ll extract their most vital ideas to assign to the various body paragraphs of their text.

Finally, they’ll sketch out their conclusion, summarize their essay’s main points, and, where appropriate, make their final statement on the topic.

Tip #4: Write a Draft

Title chosen? Check! Topic researched? Check! Outline sketched? Check!

Well, then, it’s time for the student to begin writing in earnest by completing the first draft of their essay.

They’ll already have a clear idea of the shape their essay will take from their research and outlining processes, but ensure your students allow themselves some leeway to adapt as the writing process throws up new ideas and problems.

That said, students will find it helpful to refer back to their thesis statement and outline to help ensure they stay on track as they work their way through the writing process towards their conclusions.

As students work through their drafts, encourage them to use transition words and phrases to help them move smoothly through the different sections of their essays.

Sometimes, students work directly from an outline as if on a checklist. This can sometimes be seen as the finished essay resembling Frankenstein. That is an incongruous series of disparate body parts crudely stitched together.

Learning to use transitions effectively will help students create an essay that is all of a whole, with all the joins and seams sanded and smoothed from view.

Tip #5: Edit with a Fresh Pair of Eyes

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Once the draft is complete, students enter the final crucial editing stage.

But, not so hasty! Students must pencil in some time to let their drafts ‘rest’. If the editing process occurs immediately after the student finishes writing their draft, they’ll likely overlook much.

Editing is best done when students have time to gain a fresh perspective on their work. Ideally, this means leaving the essay overnight or over a few nights. However, practically, this isn’t always possible. Usually, though, it will be possible for students to put aside their writing for a few hours.

With the perspective that only time gives, when returning to their work, students can identify areas for improvement that they may have missed. Some important areas for students to look at in the editing process include:

  • Bias : Students need to remember the purpose of this essay is to present a balanced and objective description of the topic. They need to ensure they haven’t let their own personal bias slip through during the writing process – an all too easy thing to do!
  • Clarity : Clarity is as much a function of structure as language. Students must ensure their paragraphs are well organized and express their ideas clearly. Where necessary, some restructuring and rewriting may be required.
  • Proofread: With stylistic and structural matters taken care of, it’s now time for the student to shift their focus onto matters of spelling , vocabulary choice, grammar, and punctuation. This final proofread represents the last run-through of the editing process. It’s the students’ final chance to catch mistakes and errors that may bias the assessor (aka You! ) against the effectiveness of the piece of writing. Where the text has been word-processed, the student can enlist inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers to help. Still, they should also take the time to go through each line word by word. Automatic checkers are a helpful tool, but they are a long way from infallible, and the final judgement on a text should employ the writer’s own judgement.

Expository essays are relatively straightforward pieces of writing. By following the guidelines mentioned above and practising them regularly, students can learn to produce well-written expository essays quickly and competently.

Explaining and describing events and processes objectively and clearly is a useful skill that students can add to their repertoire. Although it may seem challenging at first, with practice, it will become natural.

To write a good expository essay, students need a good understanding of its basic features and a firm grasp of the hamburger essay structure. As with any writing genre, prewriting is essential, particularly for expository writing.

Since expository writing is designed primarily to inform the reader, sound research and note-taking are essential for students to produce a well-written text. Developing these critical skills is an excellent opportunity for students through expository writing, which will be helpful to them as they continue their education.

Redrafting and editing are also crucial for producing a well-written expository essay. Students should double-check facts and statistics, and the language should be edited tightly for concision.

And, while grading their efforts, we might even learn a thing or two ourselves!

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Expository Essay

Definition of expository essay.

Expose means to uncover or lay something bare, or to discover something in a way that others know what it is. Expository is derived from exposition , which is a noun of ‘expose.’ An expository essay is a genre of writing which tends to explain, illustrate, clarify, or explicate something in a way that it becomes clear for readers. Therefore, it could be an investigation, evaluation, or even argumentation about an idea for clarification.

Types of Expository Essay

Expository essay is further divided into five major categories .

  • Descriptive Essay : A descriptive essay describes something, some place, some experience, or some situation through sensory information.
  • Process Essay : A process essay explains or shows a process of making or doing something.
  • Comparison Essay : A comparison essay makes comparison and contrasts between two things.
  • Cause/Effect Essay : A cause and effect essay finds out the cause of something and then its effects on something else.
  • Problem/Solution Essay : A problem/solution essay presents a problem and its solution for readers.

Difference Between an Expository Essay and an Argumentative Essay

As is clear, an expository essay is an exposition, explanation, investigation, or illustration for the purpose of clarification, therefore, its tone is often kept neutral. However, in an argumentative essay , a clear position about something is taken before the argument is presented. There is no issue of objectivity or neutrality.

Examples of Expository Essay in Literature

Example #1: how chinese mothers are superior (by amy chua).

“I’m using the term ‘Chinese mother’ loosely. I know some Korean, Indian, Jamaican, Irish and Ghanaian parents who qualify too. Conversely, I know some mothers of Chinese heritage, almost always born in the West, who are not Chinese mothers, by choice or otherwise. I’m also using the term ‘Western parents’ loosely. Western parents come in all varieties. All the same, even when Western parents think they’re being strict, they usually don’t come close to being Chinese mothers. For example, my Western friends who consider themselves strict make their children practice their instruments 30 minutes every day. An hour at most. For a Chinese mother, the first hour is the easy part. It’s hours two and three that get tough.”

This is an excerpt from a comparison/ contrast essay by Amy Chua, which explains how mothers are different in different cultures. This paragraph compares mothers from Chinese, Iranian, Jamaican, and Irish contexts .

Example #2: Learning to Read (by Malcolm X)

“It was because of my letters that I happened to stumble upon starting to acquire some kind of a homemade education. I became increasingly frustrated at not being able to express what I wanted to convey in letters that I wrote, especially those to Mr. Elijah Muhammad. In the street, I had been the most articulate hustler out there. I had commanded attention when I said something. But now , trying to write simple English, I not only wasn’t articulate, I wasn’t even functional. How would I sound writing in slang , the way I would say it, something such as, ‘Look, daddy , let me pull your coat about a cat, Elijah Muhammad — ‘ Many who today hear me somewhere in person, or on television, or those who read something I’ve said, will think I went to school far beyond the eighth grade. This impression is due entirely to my prison studies.”

This passage has been taken from a process essay. In this essay, Malcolm X tells the process of his learning. In this paragraph, he gives full detail how he learns letters.

Example #3: Summer Ritual (by Ray Bradbury)

“About seven o’clock you could hear the chairs scraping from the tables, someone experimenting with a yellow-toothed piano , if you stood outside the dining-room window and listened. Matches being struck, the first dishes bubbling in the suds and tinkling on the wall racks, somewhere, faintly, a phonograph playing. And then as the evening changed the hour, at house after house on the twilight streets, under the immense oaks and elms , on shady porches, people would begin to appear, like those figures who tell good or bad weather in rain -or-shine clocks. Uncle Bert, perhaps Grandfather, then Father, and some of the cousins; the men all coming out first into the syrupy evening, blowing smoke, leaving the wSWomen’s voices behind in the cooling-warm kitchen to set their universe aright. Then the first male voices under the porch brim, the feet up, the boys fringed on the worn steps or wooden rails where sometime during the evening something, a boy or a geranium pot, would fall off.”

This is an example of a passage from a descriptive essay. It has full description which tells us about sounds and colors; a type of sensory information.

Functions of an Expository Essay

The function of an expository essay is to clarify and expose things, ideas, persons, and places through description, process, comparison/contrast, or through problem solution. The objective of this type of essay is to make readers aware of things given in the essay. It proves full and detailed information in a way that readers become knowledgeable about the topic.

Related posts:

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  • Narrative Essay
  • Definition Essay
  • Descriptive Essay
  • Types of Essay
  • Analytical Essay
  • Argumentative Essay
  • Cause and Effect Essay
  • Critical Essay
  • Persuasive Essay
  • Process Essay
  • Explicatory Essay
  • An Essay on Man: Epistle I
  • Comparison and Contrast Essay

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expository essay about description

expository essay about description

How to Write an Expository Essay: Definition, Outline, Writing Tips, and Examples

expository essay about description

In the realm of academic writing, this type of essay stands as a beacon of clarity, demanding writers to illuminate a subject with precision and objectivity. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a student embarking on your first exploration of this genre, mastering the art of expository writing is a valuable skill that transcends disciplines. This form of essay invites you to delve into expository essay topics, dissect their intricacies, and present your findings in a straightforward manner. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the terrain of expository writing, unraveling the techniques and strategies that transform a mere composition into a beacon of insight. From understanding the fundamental principles to honing your ability to craft a compelling thesis, join us on a journey that promises to demystify the process of writing, empowering you to articulate ideas with clarity and purpose. Or, you can get our essay writing help and take care of other important tasks set for today.

What Is an Expository Essay

An expository essay is a form of academic writing that aims to elucidate, clarify, and present a balanced analysis of a particular topic or idea. Unlike other essay types that may delve into personal opinions or narratives, the expository essay emphasizes objectivity and factual accuracy. The primary objective is to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation of the chosen subject, exploring its various facets, presenting evidence, and ensuring a logical progression of ideas. 

What Is an Expository Essay

According to an expository essay definition, this genre requires the writer to delve into research, organize information systematically, and deliver a coherent and informative piece that educates the reader on the chosen topic. Whether investigating a scientific concept, historical event, or literary work, it serves as a vehicle for conveying knowledge in a concise, lucid manner.

Expository Essay Examples

An expository essay example serves as a valuable tool for students, offering a concrete illustration of the structure, style, and depth expected in this genre of writing. By studying examples, students gain insights into effective thesis formulation, organizing ideas within paragraphs, and integrating supporting evidence to bolster arguments. 

Additionally, examples showcase how to balance factual accuracy and engaging prose, providing a model for clear and concise communication. Students can draw inspiration from the content and presentation of well-crafted expository essays, honing their own skills in research, analysis, and effective expression. By the way, we have an interesting autobiography example , so check it out!

Example 1: “The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence”

This expository essay explores the multifaceted evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), examining its historical roots, contemporary applications across various industries, and the consequential societal impact. It provides a comprehensive overview of AI's journey from philosophical debates and early computational developments to its current role as a transformative force in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and entertainment. Additionally, the essay addresses ethical considerations surrounding the widespread adoption of AI, including concerns related to job displacement, privacy, and responsible development. Ultimately, it navigates the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, shedding light on its remarkable advancements and its challenges to our ever-changing society.

Example 2: “The Benefits of Outdoor Education for Children”

This essay highlights the advantages of outdoor education for children, emphasizing its positive impacts on their physical, mental, and social development. It argues that outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and team sports not only promote physical health by encouraging movement and reducing sedentary behavior but also contribute to mental well-being by providing a respite from everyday stressors and fostering a connection with nature. Furthermore, it suggests that exposure to outdoor environments cultivates environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship among children.

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Types of Expository Essay

Expository essays come in several distinct types, each serving a unique purpose and requiring specific approaches to convey information effectively. One common categorization includes:

  • Descriptive Expository Essay. This type focuses on painting a vivid picture of a subject, using sensory details to engage the reader's imagination. It aims to create a clear and sensory-rich portrayal of a person, place, object, or experience.
  • Process Expository Essay. Here, the writer breaks down a complex process or procedure into manageable steps, providing a detailed and sequential explanation. This type of essay is instructional, guiding readers through a series of actions to achieve a specific outcome.
  • Comparison and Contrast Expository Essay. This form involves analyzing similarities and differences between two or more subjects, offering insights into their shared characteristics or divergent qualities. It requires a careful examination of the chosen elements to highlight their relationships.
  • Cause and Effect Expository Essay. Focused on exploring the reasons behind an occurrence and its subsequent consequences, this type delves into the cause-and-effect relationships within a given topic. Writers elucidate the connections between actions and outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • Problem and Solution Expository Essay. Addressing real-world issues, this essay type identifies a specific problem, analyzes its root causes, and proposes viable solutions. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, compelling readers to consider alternative approaches to challenges.
  • Definition Expository Essay. This essay seeks to clarify and explain the meaning of a particular term, concept, or idea. Writers provide a comprehensive definition, often including examples and illustrations to ensure readers grasp the essence of the subject.
  • Cause and Effect Expository Essay. This type of essay examines the reasons behind a particular phenomenon or event and explores its subsequent effects. It aims to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, allowing readers to comprehend the interconnected elements of the topic.

Understanding these diverse types of essays empowers writers to choose the most suitable approach for effectively conveying information and achieving their communicative goals. Our experts can rewrite essay that you already did according to any of the above-mentioned types.

Expository Essay Topics

Selecting compelling expository essay topics requires thoughtful consideration of both personal interest and the potential engagement of the intended audience. Start by identifying subjects that genuinely captivate your curiosity or align with your expertise, as this enthusiasm will naturally infuse vigor into your writing. Additionally, assess the topic's relevance in the broader context, ensuring it addresses contemporary issues or timeless themes. 

Consider the audience's interests, aiming for subjects that resonate with their experiences or evoke a sense of shared relevance. Striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility is key—opt for topics that allow you to offer fresh perspectives while ensuring there is ample research material available. Ultimately, the best topics seamlessly blend your passion, the audience's interests, and the broader significance of the chosen subject, ensuring a captivating and informative exploration for both writer and reader alike. Here are expository essay ideas from our writers for your inspiration:

Expository Essay Topics

  • The influence of art on human emotions.
  • Exploring the life cycle of a star.
  • Tips for sustainable living in urban areas.
  • The impact of social media on political awareness.
  • How to cultivate a positive mindset in challenging times.
  • The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
  • The process of recycling electronic waste.
  • Benefits of incorporating meditation into daily routines.
  • The role of laughter in maintaining mental health.
  • Understanding the psychology of decision-making.
  • The impact of fashion on individual expression.
  • Tips for effective conflict resolution in relationships.
  • The science behind the sense of taste.
  • The significance of biodiversity in ecosystems.
  • Exploring the history of traditional folk music.
  • How to foster a sense of community in a neighborhood.
  • The benefits of learning a musical instrument.
  • The evolution of communication technologies.
  • The process of seed germination in plants.
  • Tips for creating a productive home office space.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets.
  • Understanding the concept of emotional intelligence.
  • The benefits of practicing gratitude daily.
  • The history and cultural importance of tea.
  • How to develop effective public speaking skills.
  • Exploring the world of virtual reality technology.
  • The significance of water purification methods.
  • Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • The process of making sustainable food choices.
  • The role of literature in shaping societal norms.

Expository Essay Outline

An outline for expository essay is a structured plan that serves as a roadmap for organizing the main ideas and supporting details of the essay in a logical and coherent manner. While the specific structure may vary based on the assignment or preferences, a typical outline generally includes the following components, beginning with how to start an expository essay:

expository essay outline

Expository Essay Introduction

  • Hook or attention-grabbing statement.
  • Background information on the topic.
  • Clear thesis statement that presents the main idea.

Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

  • Topic sentence for each paragraph, presenting a main point or supporting idea.
  • Supporting evidence, facts, or examples to illustrate and explain the topic sentence.
  • Analysis or interpretation of the evidence to connect it back to the thesis.

Expository Essay Conclusion

  • Restatement of the thesis in different words.
  • Summary of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
  • Concluding thoughts or insights, possibly suggesting implications or future considerations.

Transitions

  • Smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure a cohesive flow of ideas.
  • Clear connections between sentences and paragraphs to guide the reader through the essay.

Revising and Editing

  • Space for notes on areas that may need revision or improvement.
  • Consideration of clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.

By creating an expository essay outline, a college essay writer can organize their thoughts, ensure a logical progression of ideas, and maintain a clear and concise structure. This framework helps writers stay focused on the main purpose of the essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a particular subject – while providing a roadmap for readers to follow and comprehend the information presented.

How to Write an Expository Essay Step by Step

Writing an expository essay involves a systematic process that ensures clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in conveying information. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft an expository essay:

Choose a Topic

  • Select a topic that interests you and aligns with the purpose of an expository essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a subject.

Conduct Research

  • Gather relevant and credible information to support your chosen topic. 
  • Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites.

Create an Outline

  • Develop a clear and organized outline that includes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Each section should have a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of the essay.

Write the Introduction

  • Start with an attention-grabbing hook that relates to your topic. 
  • Provide background information and context, leading to a concise and focused thesis statement that outlines the main idea.

Develop Body Paragraphs

  • Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point. 
  • Support the topic sentence with evidence, facts, or examples. 
  • Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, using transitions to guide the reader.

Provide Evidence

  • Support your points with credible evidence and examples. 
  • Ensure that each piece of evidence directly relates to the topic sentence and supports the overall thesis of the essay.

Analyze and Interpret

  • After presenting evidence, analyze and interpret it. 
  • Explain the significance of the evidence and how it relates to your thesis. 
  • This step helps to ensure that your audience understands the relevance of the information presented.

Write the Conclusion

  • Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs without introducing new information. 
  • Restate the thesis in different words and offer concluding insights or implications related to the topic.

Revise and Edit

  • Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. 
  • Check for grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. 
  • Consider feedback from others or take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
  • Carefully proofread your essay to catch any remaining errors, typos, or issues. 
  • Pay attention to grammar and punctuation.

By following these steps, you can systematically approach the writing process and create a well-organized and informative expository essay. Remember to stay focused on the purpose of informing, explaining, or analyzing the chosen topic throughout the entire writing process.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write an expository essay offers students several important advantages. First off, it helps them express their thoughts clearly and organize ideas effectively, skills that are useful not only in academics but also in various professional situations where clear communication is key. 

Moreover, writing expository essays improves critical thinking as students practice analyzing information, connecting ideas, and presenting well-supported arguments. This skill is valuable in everyday decision-making and problem-solving scenarios. 

Additionally, the process of crafting such essays enhances research abilities, teaching students how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. Overall, mastering expository writing equips students with practical, transferable skills that can positively impact their academic and professional pursuits. You can use our research paper service to cope with assignments better and faster.

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What are the Different Types of Expository Essays?

What is the most important part of the expository essay structure, what is the main idea in expository writing.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

expository essay about description

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Expository Essay – Definition, Types & Structure

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Expository-Essay-Definition-1

An expository essay is a type of writing where the author presents facts and evaluates a concept about a place, an object, a person, or an experience. The writer is expected to present information regarding the concept unbiased and accurately while ensuring it is written in the third person and delivered in chronological sequence. Writing an expository essay is a common task for high school and college students, and knowing what it entails sets a successful and an unsuccessful student apart.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

  • 1 Expository Essay – In a Nutshell
  • 2 Definition: Expository essay
  • 3 The purpose of an expository essay
  • 4 Types of expository essays
  • 5 Structuring an expository essay
  • 6 How to write an expository essay

Expository Essay – In a Nutshell

An expository essay aims to provide a solution or explanation of a subject or issue at hand. Techniques in writing this type of essay can come in handy when a fact-based analysis is required in any field. Learn everything you need to know about writing an expository essay in this article:

  • There are 4 types of expository essays: Descriptive essay, process essay , compare and contrast essay , and cause and effect essay .
  • An expository essay includes 3 main sections : Introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Learn tips and tricks to consider when writing an expository essay

Definition: Expository essay

A style of academic writing known as an expository essay tries to clarify, observe, and describe a thought, problem, or notion. It entails looking into a theory, assessing the supporting data, outlining the theory, and then developing an argument based on the research.

Expository essays follow a format similar to other types of academic essays , such as persuasive essays or argumentative essays . The primary distinction is that the expository essay necessitates more investigation and factual information to substantiate the claim. Common examples of expository essays include a process, or how-to essay that provides instructions on how to accomplish a task, assembly instructions, and newspaper articles.

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The purpose of an expository essay

An expository essay is written when the researcher intents to provide a solution or an explanation about a specific topic or issue. The primary purpose of such an essay is to explain or analyze a complex topic and is often used to explore complex or controversial issues. Mostly, these essays investigate an idea or subject, evaluate the evidence available, develop the idea, and provide an argument regarding that idea clearly and concisely.

Types of expository essays

There are four main types of expository essays:

Descriptive essay

A descriptive essay gives details on a particular person, place, thing, or experience. The author describes the topic with sensory information describing an individual, place, thing, or experience while giving in-depth information about the subject. Providing an intricate description of something or an event is the primary objective of such an essay.

Process essay

A process essay describes how to carry out a task or how something is supposed to take place. The author must ensure that the steps in the process are described in chronological order. A process essay’s primary goal is to give comprehensive directions on carrying out a task with minimal mistakes.

A beach description essay can discuss the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, the salty air, and the sensation of sand between the toes. Additionally, a person’s physical attributes, psychological traits, and interests could all be discussed in a descriptive essay about that individual.

A process essay on how to bake a cake might describe the processes involved, from combining the ingredients to placing the cake in the oven. Also, planting crops must follow a specific process lest they fail in their tracks.

Compare and contrast essay

A compare and contrast essay explains the differences and similarities between two or more individuals, things, places, or experiences. In a comparison essay, two objects are compared, and their similarities and differences are discussed. This essay’s primary goal is to make the reader understand the subjects under comparison.

Cause and effect

A cause and effect essay explains the reasons for something or the effects of something. This essay will discuss the causes of a problem or situation and its consequences. The main purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to help the reader understand the reason behind a problem or situation.

In a compare and contrast essay about two nations, you might talk about how the two nations’ cultures, languages, and religions differ. Further, a compare and contrast essay on two books can discuss how the themes are similar but the character development differs.

An essay on obesity’s causes and effects can go over the factors contributing to the country’s rising obesity rates. Also, a cause and effect essay about the Vietnam War can go into the conflict’s origins and how it affected the Vietnamese people

Structuring an expository essay

The structure of this essay is similar to that of other essays, such as the five-paragraph essay.

Expository-essay-structure-of-an-essay

The introduction:

Introduces the essay’s core idea while providing critical background information. Start your introduction with a catchy sentence to draw the reader in, such as rhetorical questions, quotations, anecdotes, concessions, intriguing facts, or questions that will be addressed in your body section. The thesis statement for a narrative essay has a slightly different function than an expository essay because the former can introduce the plot’s events.

A three-paragraph body is the standard format for such essays. The topic is introduced in the first paragraph, followed by complementary information in the second paragraph, and then the bottom-line section as the third body paragraph.

The conclusion:

An expository essay also has a conclusion, acting as the summary of the essay’s main points.

How to write an expository essay

The most efficient method to begin an essay is simply, to begin writing. Get your ideas down on paper first without worrying about grammar or spelling. Check it for grammatical and spelling issues when you’ve finished writing your essay.

Make sure your thoughts are concise, and your essay flows naturally while editing. Read your writing aloud as a means to verify this. If you become lost or confused while reading your work, this is a good indicator that you have probably not adequately ordered your work.

What is an expository essay?

This type of essay explores a specific subject or issue in detail and is often used to analyze a complex or controversial topic.

What are the different types of expository essays?

The most common types of such essays include cause and effect essays, compare and contrast essays, process essays, and descriptive essays.

What is the purpose of an expository essay?

This type of essay is usually used when the aim is to analyze complex and controversial topics.

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What Is Expository Writing?

How to Write an Expository Essay

  • Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
  • M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
  • B.A., English, State University of New York

Expository writing is used to convey factual information (as opposed to creative writing, such as fiction). It is the language of learning and understanding the world around us. If you've ever read an encyclopedia entry, a how-to article on a website, or a chapter in a textbook, then you've encountered examples of expository writing.

Key Takeaways: Expository Writing

  • Just the facts, M'am: Expository writing is informational, not creative writing.
  • Anytime you write to describe or explain, you use expository writing.
  • Use a logical flow when planning an expository essay, report, or article: introduction, body text, and conclusion.
  • It's often easier to write the body of your article first, before composing the introduction or conclusion.

Expository writing is everywhere in everyday life, not just academic settings, as it's present anytime there's information to be conveyed. It can take form in an academic paper, an article for a newspaper, a report for a business, or even book-length nonfiction. It explains, informs, and describes.

Types of Expository Writing

In  composition studies , expository writing (also called exposition ) is one of the four traditional  modes of discourse . It may include elements of  narration ,  description , and  argumentation . Unlike creative or  persuasive writing , which can appeal to emotions and use anecdotes, expository writing's primary  purpose  is to deliver information about an issue, subject, method, or idea using facts.

Exposition may take one of several forms:

  • Descriptive/definition:  In this style of writing, topics are defined by characteristics, traits, and examples. An encyclopedia entry is a kind of descriptive essay. 
  • Process/sequential:  This essay outlines a series of steps needed in order to complete a task or produce something. A recipe at the end of an article in a food magazine is one example.
  • Comparative/contrast:  This kind of exposition is used to demonstrate how two or more subjects are the same and different. An article that explains the difference between owning and renting a home and the benefits and drawbacks of each is one such an example.
  • Cause/effect:  This kind of essay describes how one step leads to a result. An example is a personal blog chronicling a workout regimen and documenting the results over time.
  • Problem/solution: This type of essay presents a problem and possible solutions, backed by data and facts, not just opinion.
  • Classification: A classification essay breaks down a broad topic into categories or groupings.

Tips for Expository Writing

As you write, keep in mind some of these tips for creating an effective expository essay:

Start where you know the information best. You don't have to write your introduction first. In fact, it might be easier to wait until the end for that. If you don't like the look of a blank page, move over the slugs from your outline for the main body paragraphs and write the topic sentences for each. Then start putting in your information according to each paragraph's topic.

Be clear and concise.  Readers have a limited attention span. Make your case succinctly in language that the average reader can understand. 

Stick to the facts.  Although an exposition can be persuasive, it should not be based on opinion only. Support your case with facts, data, and reputable sources that can be documented and verified.

Consider voice and tone.  How you address the reader depends on the kind of essay you're writing. An essay written in the first person is fine for a personal travel essay but is inappropriate if you're a business reporter describing a patent lawsuit. Think about your audience before you begin writing.

Planning Your Essay

  • Brainstorm: Jot down ideas on a blank piece of paper. Connect them with arrows and lines, or just make lists. Rigor doesn't matter at this stage. Bad ideas don't matter at this stage. Just write down ideas, and the engine in your head will lead you to a good one. When you've got that idea, then repeat the brainstorming exercise with ideas that you want to pursue on that topic and information you could put in. From this list, you'll start to see a path emerge for your research or narrative to follow.
  • Compose your thesis: When your ideas coalesce into a sentence in which you can summarize the topic you're writing about, you're ready to compose your thesis sentence. Write down in one sentence the main idea that you'll explore in your paper.
  • Examine your thesis: Is it clear? Does it contain opinion? If so, revise that out. For this type of essay, you stick to the facts and evidence. This isn't an editorial. Is the thesis' scope manageable? You don't want your topic too narrow or too broad to be covered in the amount of space you have for your paper. If it's not a manageable topic, refine it. Don't be dismayed if you have to come back and tweak it if your research finds that your initial idea was off-kilter. It's all just part of the process of focusing the material.
  • Outline: It may seem inconsequential, but making even a quick outline can save you time by organizing your areas of pursuit and narrowing them down. When you see your topics in an organized list, you may be able to discard off-topic threads before you research them—or as you're researching them and you find they just don't work.
  • Research: Find your data and sources to back up the areas you want to pursue to support your thesis statement. Look for sources written by experts, including organizations, and watch for bias. Possible sources include statistics, definitions, charts and graphs, and expert quotes and anecdotes. Compile descriptive details and comparisons to make your topic clear to your reader, when applicable.

What Is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each is crucial to writing a clear article or effective argument.

The introduction: The first paragraph is where you'll lay the foundation for your essay and give the reader an overview of your thesis. Use your opening sentence to get the reader's attention, and then follow up with a few sentences that give your reader some context for the information you're about to cover.

The body:  At a minimum, include three to five paragraphs in the body of your expository essay. The body could be considerably longer, depending on your topic and audience. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence where you state your case or objective. Each topic sentence supports your overall thesis statement. Then, each paragraph includes several sentences that expand on the information and/or support the topic sentence. Finally, a concluding sentence offers a transition to the following paragraph in the essay.

The conclusion:  The final section of your expository essay should give the reader a concise overview of your thesis. The intent is not merely to summarize your argument but to use it as a means of proposing further action, offering a solution, or posing new questions to explore. Don't cover new material related to your thesis, though. This is where you wrap it all up.

Expository Examples

An expository article or report about a lake, for example, could discuss its ecosystem: the plants and animals that depend on it along with its climate. It could describe physical details about its size, depth, amount of rainfall each year, and the number of tourists it receives annually. Information on when it was formed, its best fishing spots, or its water quality could be included, depending on the audience for the piece.

An expository piece could be in third person or second person. Second-person examples could include, for example, how to test lake water for pollutants or how to kill invasive species. Expository writing is useful and informative.

In contrast, someone writing a creative nonfiction article about a lake might relate the place to a defining moment in his or her life, penning the piece in first person. It could be filled with emotion, opinion, sensory details, and even include dialogue and flashbacks. It's a much more evocative, personal type of writing than an expository piece, even though they're both nonfiction styles.

  • Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
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  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
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  • How To Write an Essay
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  • Definition and Examples of Body Paragraphs in Composition
  • The Five Steps of Writing an Essay
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
  • Understanding What an Expository Essay Is
  • How to Write a Research Paper That Earns an A

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

  • Video Overview
  • Quick Example
  • Formatting Guide

An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

expository essay format and structure template

  • A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
  • B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
  • C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
  • D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
  • A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
  • B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
  • C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
  • D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

impact of technology on education essay

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

impacts of globalization on education essay

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

emotional intelligence essay

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

renewable energy essay

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

consumer behavior essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

expository essay definition and features, explained below

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

  • Clarity and Conciseness
  • Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
  • Objective Tone
  • Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
  • Objective thesis statement (see below)
  • Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

Expository Essay Paragraph Guide

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

  • Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
  • Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
  • Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
  • Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
  • Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
  • Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

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Expository Essay Template

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

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Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

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The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.  

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

expository essay about description

Provides factual information without bias

expository essay about description

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

expository essay about description

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

expository essay about description

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

  • Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
  • Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
  • Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

  • Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
  • Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
  • Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
  • Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

  • Maintain an impartial and informative tone
  • Avoid personal opinions or biases
  • Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

  • Summarize the key points
  • Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

expository essay about description

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

expository essay about description

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

expository essay about description

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

expository essay about description

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

  • Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
  • Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

  • Set the scene and provide the context
  • Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

  • Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
  • Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
  • Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

  • Provide a final impression or insight
  • Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

expository essay about description

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

expository essay about description

Based on real personal experiences

expository essay about description

Uses an informal and expressive tone

expository essay about description

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

  • Choose a significant personal experience or event
  • Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

  • Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

  • Advance   the  plot and character development through body paragraphs
  • Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
  • Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

  • Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
  • Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

expository essay about description

Logical and well-structured arguments

expository essay about description

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

expository essay about description

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

expository essay about description

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue 

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

  • Choose a debatable and controversial issue
  • Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

  • Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
  • Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

  • Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
  • Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

  • Adopt a formal and objective tone
  • Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

  • Summarize the main points
  • Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

expository essay about description

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

expository essay about description

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

expository essay about description

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability 

expository essay about description

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform  for editorial review 

expository essay about description

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

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What Is An Expository Essay?

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An expository essay is one which is used to explain something, in the most simple terms. The word expository comes from the word expose, and this means to uncover something so that other people are able to understand it for what it is. This type of essay is therefore used as a way of explaining or clarifying the subject for the reader.

It might function as an evaluation or an investigation, but it could also function as an argument surrounding the idea for clarification. It is easy to confuse this type of essay with the argumentative essay but the key difference is that the expository essay will remain neutral whereas the argumentative essay tends to take a side.

A good expository essay will allow the reader to gain a certain level of knowledge on the subject that is being explained and will clear up any misunderstandings that the reader may have had. The essay serves as a way of looking neutrally at any given topic and does not give the writers personal views.

How To Write An Expository Essay

Now that we are clear on what an expository essay is used to discuss, we are ready to begin writing one for ourselves. However, as with any type of essay, there are certain rules that you must follow in order to achieve the best results. We are now going to take a look at the steps you should take in order to write a great expository essay.

Select A Topic

The most crucial part of any essay planning is selecting the right topic, and there are so many to choose from when it comes to writing an expository essay. You should choose a topic that can be easily researched so that you can get a good amount of information for both sides of the story but also one which strike an interest in you. Let’s take a look at some examples of topics you might write on.

  • Explain Religion and which one you should introduce your child to.
  • Explain Global warming.
  • Explain Science and its effect on the world.
  • Explain the best countries to visit for families/singles/couples
  • Explain what life is like for an illegal immigrant
  • Explain how music has an influence on our way of life
  • Explain the best time period of the last 500 years.
  • Write an essay on a certain sport.
  • Explain why parents need to be strict with their children.
  • Explain cryptocurrency and how it has affected the economy.
  • Explain why your admire someone.

Research The Topic

Once you have selected your topic, it is important that you perform the relevant research. When writing an essay, it is critical that you present data and facts that are up to date and correct. This means that research should be an integral part of your preparations in writing an expository essay.

Choose Some Examples

In order to properly explain the topic, you should present your readers with some examples and choosing the right ones will not only keep your reader engaged but will also serve to explain the topic in the most detailed and easy to understand way. For example, if you have decided to write about which religion you should introduce your children to, you might select one or two of the major religions which you believe to the most relevant, for example Islam and Christianity.

Outline Your Essay

Every essay needs a good essay outline in order for the author to be able to write the piece effectively. Creating your essay outline is one of the most integral parts of the process and good attention should be paid to it.

  • Introduction  – In your introduction, you should include a hook to get the attention of the reader and a short description of what the essay is going to be about. You should also include your thesis statement which will tell the reader the purpose of the essay.
  • Body paragraphs  – usually an essay will be made up of three body paragraphs, however you can be flexible with this should you need more or less words to complete your work. In each of these paragraphs you should include one argument point along with any data and sources to back this up.
  • Conclusion  – The conclusion will wrap up all the ideas that were talked about during the essay and will refer back to the thesis statement once again.

Write Your Essay

Remember that the purpose of an expository essay is to clarify something to the reader and so it is important that you write in clear terms which are easy to understand.

You should include any examples of the topic which are backed up by data and statistics as this will give the reader a greater knowledge on the subject by the end of the essay.

Once you have finished writing, it is very important to go back over your work and check for any spelling errors or grammar mistakes as well as adding and taking away any necessary information.

An Example Of An Expository Essay

As a way to gain a further understanding on what an expository essay should look like and how it should be written, we are now going to take a look at a passage taken from an expository essay called ‘Learning to read’ written by Malcolm X.

It is because of my letters I happened to come across beginning to acquire a form of homemade education.

I was becoming more and more frustrated in not being able to say what I had wanted to convey in a letter, particularly ones which were written to Mr E Muhammad.

On the street, I’d been the hustler who was most articulate and has commanded everyone’s attention when I had said something. However, now whilst attempting to write in simple English, not only was I not articulate but I was not even functional. What would I sound like if I wrote in slang, a way I would normally say it, something along the lines of ‘Hey daddy, lemme pull ya coat about the cat’

Many of the people who hear me today either in person or on the television, perhaps who read something said by me, assume that I went to school for much longer than just the 8th grade. This is an impression given entirely because of my prison studies.

expository essay about description

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Global history is not just significant events on a timeline, it is also the ordinary, mundane moments that people experience in between. Graphic novels can capture this multidimensionality in ways that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, in more traditional media formats, says Stanford history professor Tom Mullaney .

expository essay about description

Tom Mullaney, a professor of history in the School of Humanities and Sciences, uses graphic novels in his teachings to help students appreciate different experiences and perspectives throughout history. (Image credit: Ilmiyah Achmad)

Mullaney has incorporated graphic novels in some of his Stanford courses since 2017; in 2020, he taught a course dedicated to the study of world history through comic strip formats.

While graphic novels are not a substitute for academic literature, he said he finds them a useful teaching and research tool. They not only portray the impact of historic events on everyday lives, but because they can be read in one or two sittings, they get to it at a much faster rate than say a 10,000 word essay or autobiography could.

“It accelerates the process of getting to subtlety,” said Mullaney, a professor of history at Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences . “There’s just so much you can do, and so many questions you can ask, and so many perspective shifts you can carry out – like that! You can just do it – you show them something, they read it and BOOM! It’s like an accelerant. It’s awesome.”

For example, in Thi Bui’s graphic novel The Best We Could Do , themes of displacement and diaspora emerge as she talks about her family’s escape from war-torn Vietnam to the United States. The illustrated memoir shows Bui’s upbringing in suburban California and the complicated memories her parents carry with them as they move about their new life in America. In other chapters, she depicts her mother and father back in Vietnam and what their own childhood was like amidst the country’s upheaval.

Graphic novels like The Best We Could Do and also Maus , Art Spiegelman’s seminal portrayal of his Jewish family’s experience during the Holocaust, illustrate the challenges and subtleties of memory – particularly family memory – and the entanglements that arise when narrating history, Mullaney said.

Graphic novels prime readers for the complexity of doing and reading historical research and how there is no simplistic, narrative arc of history. “When I read a graphic novel, I feel prepared to ask questions that allow me to go into the harder core, peer-reviewed material,” Mullaney said.

The everyday moments that graphic novels are exceptionally good at capturing also raise questions in the reader’s mind, Mullaney said. Readers sit in the family living room and at the kitchen table with Spiegelman and Bui and follow along as their characters try to understand what their parent’s generation went through and discover it’s not always easy to grasp. “Not everything mom and dad say makes sense,” said Mullaney.

These seemingly mundane moments also present powerful opportunities for inquiry. “The ordinary  is where the explanation lives and where you can start asking questions,” Mullaney added.

Graphic novels can also depict how in periods of war and conflict, violence can become part of everyday existence and survival. The simplicity of the format allows heavy, painful experiences to emerge from a panel untethered and unweighted from lengthy descriptions or dramatizations.

“They’re banal. They’re not dramatic. There are no strings attached. In a work of nonfiction, in an article or book, it would be almost impossible to do that. There would have to be so much expository writing and so much description that you would lose the horror of it,” Mullaney said.

A ‘fundamental misunderstanding’

Graphic novels like Maus and The Best We Could Do were included in Mullaney’s 2020 Stanford class, Global History Through Graphic Novels .

expository essay about description

In 2020, Tom Mullaney, a professor of history, taught Global History Through Graphic Novels , a course that paired graphic novels such as Art Spiegelman’s Maus with archival materials and historical essays to examine modern world history from the 18th to the 21st century. He created a poster for the class, as shown here. (Image credit: Tom Mullaney)

In the course, Mullaney paired graphic novels with archival materials and historical essays to examine modern world history from the 18th to the 21st century.

The course syllabus also included the graphic novels Showa , Shigeru Mizuki ’s manga series about growing up in Japan before World War II, and Such a Lovely Little War , about Marcelino Truong’s experience as a child in Saigon during the Vietnam War.

Most recently, Mullaney has offered to teach a variation of the Stanford course to the public, free for high school and college students , this summer.

Registration for the online course opened shortly after news emerged and made international headlines that Maus was banned by a Tennessee school board for its depiction of nudity and use of swear words.

Within two days of Mullaney’s course registration opening, over 200 students from across the world signed up.

Mullaney believes that there is a “fundamental misunderstanding” about what young people can process when it comes to negotiating complex themes and topics – whether it is structural racism or the Holocaust. They just need some guidance, which he hopes as a teacher, he can provide.

“I think students of high school age or even younger, if they have the scaffolding they need – which is the job of educators to give them – they can handle the structural inequalities, darknesses and horrors of life,” he said.

Mullaney noted that many teenagers are already exposed to many of these difficult issues through popular media. “But they’re just doing it on their own and figuring it out for themselves – that’s not a good idea,” he said.

Mullaney said he hopes he can teach Global History Through Graphic Novels to Stanford students again this fall.

For Stanford scholars interested in learning more about the intersection of graphic novels and scholarship, there is a newly established working group through the Division of Literatures, Cultures and Languages, Comics, More than Words .

Media Contacts

Melissa De Witte, Stanford News Service:  [email protected]

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

mental health argumentative essay topics

Mental health is an increasingly prominent topic in contemporary discourse, reflecting its critical impact on individuals and society as a whole. Addressing mental health issues through argumentative essays allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities involved, fostering greater understanding and advocacy. These essays not only provide an opportunity to challenge existing stigmas and misconceptions but also encourage critical thinking and informed debate.

In this article, we present a comprehensive collection of 500 mental health argumentative essay topics and ideas. This extensive list is designed to inspire students, educators, and professionals to engage with diverse aspects of mental health, from policy and treatment to the social and personal dimensions of mental well-being. Whether you're looking to explore current trends, delve into school-related issues, or discuss specific mental health conditions, you'll find a wide array of topics to suit your needs.

Our curated selection is divided into various categories, ensuring a broad coverage of relevant themes. Additionally, we offer practical tips on how to choose a compelling topic for your essay, ensuring that your work is both impactful and insightful. Dive into this resource to find the perfect mental health essay topic  that will not only engage your readers but also contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about mental health.

🏆 TOP Argumentative Mental Health Topics

  • The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
  • Mental Health: Thesis Statement
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder in The "Split" Movie: a Psychological Analysis
  • How Did The Pandemic Affect Your Mental Health: a Reflection
  • Breaking The Stigma of Mental Health: an Essential Endeavor
  • Mental Illness as a Social Problem
  • Borderline Personality Disorder of The Protagonist in ‘Good Will Hunting’ Movie
  • Shutter Island: Psychology and Dissociative Identity Disorder
  • The Effects of Mental Health on Our Life
  • The Main Causes of Mental Health Issues in Students

🔥 20 Trendy Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics in 2024

  • The Role of Social Media in Influencing Teen Mental Health
  • The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Practices in Managing Anxiety and Depression
  • Should Schools Implement Mental Health Education Programs for Students?
  • The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in Different Cultures and How to Overcome It
  • The Link Between Religiosity and Mental Health
  • Tracking Mental Well Being by Using Sensing Technology
  • The Importance of Workplace Mental Health Initiatives
  • The Impact of Academic Pressure on Student Mental Health
  • Early Intervention Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
  • The Efficacy of Teletherapy in Mental Health Treatment
  • Addressing Mental Health Disparities in Public Health Policies
  • The Relationship Between Nutrition and Mental Health
  • The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
  • Mental Health in Marginalized Communities
  • The Role of Pets in Improving Mental Health
  • The Benefits of Group Therapy for Mental Health
  • The Relationship Between Mental Health and Creativity
  • The Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
  • The Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Treating Depression and Anxiety

🖋 Good Argumentative Mental Health Topics to Write About

  • Reduction of Inhibitory Control in People with ADHD
  • Ileana Chivescu Case Study
  • The Concept of Shyness in Psychology and Its Relation to Anxiety
  • The Power of Following Your Fear and Anxiety
  • Understanding The Facts Surrounding Bipolar Disorder
  • A Comprehensive Exploration of The Phenomenon in The Teaching Profession
  • The Complex Relationship Between Nursing, Burnout, and Professional Well-being
  • The Relationship Between Academic Burnout and Personality Traits
  • Analyzing Toyota's Recall Challenge
  • Exploring Crisis and Systems Theories in Social Work Practice
  • Understanding, Intervening, and Empowering Through Crisis
  • The Story of a 6 Month Old Baby not Wanting to Live
  • The Issue of Identity in a Separate Peace by John Knowles
  • The Ongoing Researches of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Its Symptoms and Effects
  • Dyslexia Disorder Description
  • Scholarly Pursuits in Special Education
  • How Light is Used in The Circadian Rhythm
  • NFL and MLB Performance Regarding Jet Lag Condition
  • Simulated Clinical Encounter Research Protocol
  • Causes of Witchcraft Mass Hysteria in Salem
  • Gile Coreys Death in The Crucible
  • Grudges and Personal Rivalries as The Basis for a Mass Hysteria
  • Human Nature is Prone to Mass Hysteria: The Crucible and Lindy Chamberlain Case
  • Mass Hysteria, Fear and Paranoia, and Its Effect on People
  • The Royal Free Epidemic of 1955 as a Mass Hysteria
  • Understanding of Mass Hysterias Throughout History: Witches, Communists, and Clowns
  • The Meaning of Psychological Well-being and Its Theoretical Conceptualization
  • Using a Traditional Therapy Model and a Community Psychology
  • Violence in Mental Health Settings
  • Trapped Protagonists in Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" and Kane's "4.48 Psychosis"
  • Isolation from The Society: Heroism Or Foolishness
  • Racism in American Society in 'Just Walk on By' by Brent Staples
  • Social Isolation in The Elderly: Causes and Consequences
  • Social Isolation, Independence, and Interdependence in Learning Outcomes
  • Where I Lived and What I Lived: Experiment of Social Isolation
  • Key Features of Good Quality Edible Fungi
  • Narrative Essay on Stress
  • Review on The Trichotillomania
  • Worst Experience of My Life Essay
  • The Influence that Arousal, Stress, and Anxiety Can Have on Sport Performance
  • The Main Factors and Causes of Professional Burnout
  • The New Sources of Stress in Modern Society
  • Investigation into The Stress Response of Bacteria
  • The Relationship Between Physiology and Behavior in Stress
  • Conjugal Visits and The Issue of Sexual Encounters in Prison
  • Hips and Pelvis
  • Studies on Recovered Memory and Trauma
  • The Things They Carried Theme Essay
  • Theories of Trauma
  • Trauma at The Tunnel in Los Angeles: Emergency Response

🪄 Simple Argumentative Mental Health Essay Topics

  • The Effect of ADHD on The Life of an Individual
  • Behavioral Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Support
  • Understanding ADHD: a Comprehensive Analysis
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and The Impact Nature Have on It
  • The Importance of Managing Stress and Anxiety in Early Age
  • Anxiety Disorder Among Children and Ways to Prevent It
  • The Issue of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Causes and What It Feels Like
  • The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on The Human Brain and Behavior
  • Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact
  • Treating Muscle Dysmorphia
  • Examining Borderline Personality Disorder, a Mental Disorder
  • The Basics of Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Overcoming Burnout Syndrome
  • Understanding and Addressing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in The Healthcare Workplace
  • The Impact of Occupational Burnout on Teachers
  • The Toll of Accountability: Burnout in The Nursing Profession
  • What is Nursing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
  • Mental Illness that Affects Millions of People
  • The Connection Between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Criminal Behavior
  • Discussion on Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder is a Valid Disorder
  • Dyslexia: Advocacy, Representation, and Awareness Raising
  • Dyslexia: Understanding and Addressing Challenges in 2023
  • Types of Insomnia
  • Addressing Mental Health: Awareness, Support, and Intervention
  • Problems, Research and Treatment of Major Depression Disorder
  • The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in The Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
  • Major Depressive Disorder and Its Prevention
  • Supportive Homes for People with Serious Mental Illness
  • Mental Health Challenges in Higher Education
  • Mental Health Awareness Importance: The Bahraini Case
  • Prioritizing Early Intervention for Children's Mental Health
  • The Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health
  • Mental Illness in The Criminal Justice System
  • The Problem of Ignorance About Mental Illness
  • Perception Vs Reality: The Challenge of Mental Illness
  • Wake Up Mental Health Awareness: Why It is Important
  • The Issue of Stigma Against Mental Patients and Its Solution
  • The Effect of Mental Illnesses on Art Throughout Different Time Periods
  • How Mental Health Affects Us Everyday
  • Mental Illnesses: Definition, Kinds and Its Effects on Society
  • The Problem of Mental Disorders Among School Students
  • The Interrelation Between Mental Illness and Drug Addiction
  • The Stigma of Mental Illness and Forms of Treatment
  • Research of Stigmatization of Mental Illness
  • The Use of Restraint in Mental Health In-patient Environments
  • The Dangers of Smart Phones
  • The Disadvantages of Social Networking
  • Personality Disorder Diagnosis: Personal Experience
  • 10 Things You Do if You Have Maladaptive Daydreaming

🏫 Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health in Schools

  • ADHD: The Child/teacher Struggle
  • Diagnosing Dyscalculia and ADHD Diagnosis in Schools
  • The Importance of Online Schooling for ADD/ADHD Students
  • Description and Prevention of The Most Common Mental Health Disorders
  • The Problem of Social Anxiety Disorders of Teenagers
  • A Study of Social Anxiety Disorder and Simple Shyness
  • Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Impacts, Treatment
  • Overview of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Solution for Anxiety Disorders
  • Symptoms and Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • The Characteristics, Causes, and Prevalence of Panic Disorder, an Anxiety Disorder
  • Treatment, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies for Bipolar Disorder
  • Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
  • Children’s Social and Emotional Well-being
  • Nexus of Educator Stress, Burnout, and Leadership Styles in Girls’ State Secondary Schools
  • The Impact of Leadership Styles on Educator Burnout in a Girls' State Secondary School
  • The Relationship Between Academic Burnout and Personality Traits of Neuroticism and Agreeableness
  • Exploring Theoretical Perspectives and Interventions in Social Work
  • Legal, Ethical, and Practical Dimensions of Online Psychological Interventions in Crisis Situations
  • Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches in Social Work Practice
  • Understanding Crisis Dynamics and Response Strategies
  • Advancing Inclusive Learning: Tech and Educational Strategies
  • Conquering Dyslexia: The Road to Succeeding in Life with The Learning Disability
  • Embracing Inclusivity: Effective Strategies for Students
  • Learning Disabilities: Governance, Employment, and Support
  • My Experience: How to Live with Dyslexia
  • Study of Developmental Phonological Dyslexia
  • A Brain Disorder that Prevents The Comprehension of People
  • Understanding Learning Disabilities
  • My Experience with a Patient with Depressive Disorder
  • Addressing The Stigma and The Importance of Treatment
  • Breaking The Stigma of Mental Health: Awareness and Acceptance
  • Exploring Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
  • Mental Health Awareness: Importance and Impact
  • Mental Health Crisis Among College Students
  • Mental Health Crisis of University Students: Analysis of The Impact of Covid-19
  • Mental Health Issues Among Malaysian Students: Finding Coping Methods
  • Mental Health of The Lower Class
  • My Struggle with Anxiety and Depression
  • Personality Dysfunctions on The Characters in Winnie The Pooh
  • Prioritizing Mental Health: Individual and Collective Responsibility
  • Should Standardized Testing Be Abolished?
  • Teenage Mental Health: The Increase in Mental Illnesses
  • The Impact of Mental Health in Schools
  • The Importance of Psychology in Developing Countries
  • The Importance of Understanding of Self-knowledge and The Subconscious Mind
  • Understanding Mental Health: Definition, Causes, and Impacts
  • Understanding Self-injury from Personal Experience
  • Factors Affecting Mental Health of a Nurse
  • Social Isolation: Effects on an Individual from a Social, Medical and Psychological Perspective

👩‍🎓 Mental Health Debate Topics for Students

  • How Americans Relate to Depression in "Comfortably Numb" by Charles Barber
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Unpacking The Traits
  • Research on Psychopathy as a Neuro-developmental Disorder
  • A Study of The Management of Mental Illnesses in a Family
  • A Study of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • A Study Regarding Medication Adherence Among Female Inmates with Bipolar Disorder
  • An Analysis of The Relation Between Mental Illness, Ethnicity and Social Classes
  • An Argument on Dissociative Identity Disorder (did) as Fictitious
  • An Examination of The Six Mental Illnesses and Its Impact on Human Life
  • An Overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Its Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment
  • An Overview of Narcissism and How to Deal with It
  • Analysis of a Personality with Mental Issues Using Jung's and Adler's Theories
  • Analysis of The Cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder
  • Analysis of The Mental Impact of Anxiety and Hostility
  • Antisocial Personality Disorders in Patrick Bateman's American
  • Anxiety Disorder: The Mind Which Plays All The Game
  • ASPD: Definition, Causes, and Treatment Strategies
  • "Bagg Lady": Analysis of Mental Illness
  • Bipolar Disorder: Concept, Types, Symptoms
  • Bipolar Disorder, Its Symptoms and Indicators
  • Bipolar Disorder: Types and Symptoms
  • Body Dysmorphia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder Literature Review
  • Borderline Personality Disorder in Holden Caulfield
  • Collaboration Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists in Mental Health Care
  • Crisis Theory and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing in Law Enforcement
  • Cultural Competence in Crisis Intervention
  • Cultural Views of Mental Illness
  • Dependent Personality Disorder
  • Depiction of Mass Hysteria in The Crucible by Arthur Miller
  • Emotional Deficit in Patients with Psychopathy: a Literature Review
  • Exploration of Treatments for Major Depressive Disorders
  • How Does COVID-19 Affect Mental Health
  • How Obsessive-compulsive Disorder is Depicted in Martin Scorsese's Film The Aviator
  • How Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Can Affect Children
  • How The Antisocial Personality Traits of Those Diagnosed with Psychopathy Are Conducive to Assault
  • Hypnotherapeutic Treatments for Stress, Anxiety and Phobias
  • Impact of Employee Burnout on Work Performance in an Organization
  • Individual and Society Damage of Burnout Syndrome
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD): a Comprehensive Overview
  • Joey Barton and His Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Mental Illness and Homelessness: a Complex Interplay
  • Mental Illness and Its Treatment Nowadays
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: a General Overview
  • How Bipolar Disorder Can Be Attributed to Heredity
  • Connection Between Drug Abuse and Mental Health
  • Connection Between Gender and Mental Health
  • Bipolar Disorder: Definition, Symptoms and Features

🎤 Mental Health Speech Topics

  • A Study on The Psychological Development
  • Analysis of Treatment Decisions for a Child with ADHD
  • Anorexia Nervos Social Determinants of Health
  • Anxiety Speech Outline
  • Bond Between Mother and Child: Effects of Maternal Depression
  • Bridging The Gap Between Police Officers and Citizens with Mental Illnesses in Canada
  • Burnout and Contagion of Rigorous Care Nurses
  • Character Analysis of Girl Interrupted
  • Childhood Trauma and College Freshmen
  • Concurrent Disorder Case Study Reflection
  • Crisis Understanding, Intervention, and Recovery
  • Dear Person Who is "So Ocd"
  • Development of a Terrorist’s Mentality: Religion, Mental Illness of Psychopathy and DNA
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Distress and Demoralization of Nurses as a Source of Anxiety and Job Seniority
  • Effects and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders
  • Emergency Service Burnout Symptoms and Solutions
  • Empowering Recovery: The Human Service Model for College Substance Abuse
  • Fears and Phobias
  • How Psychopathy Can Be Seen as Conditional Defense Mechanism
  • Ian Gallagher: Mania and Manmas in The Show Shameless
  • Incidents of Mass Hysteria Throughout History
  • John and Jane: Women Are Prone to Madness
  • Learning Disability in America
  • Main Characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Mass Hysteria and Its Impact on Society in The Crucible
  • Mass Hysteria in The Crucible
  • Mental Health Issue in Malaysia
  • Mental Health: Prioritizing Education, Access, and Awareness
  • Morello Mental Illness
  • No I’m not Shy: I Have Social Anxiety
  • OCD: Understanding and Promoting Mental Health Awareness
  • People with GAD
  • Perfectionism is Destroying People
  • Personal Experience of The Struggles Associated with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD
  • Personality Disorders and Their Treatment
  • Prioritizing Mental Health: Significance and Impact
  • Psychological Disorders Overview: Classification, Prevalence
  • Reflecting on My Real Life Experience with Trauma
  • Research of Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder is a Real Disorder
  • Sources of Stress in Youth
  • The Psychological Impact of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • The Mechanism of Mass Hysteria in The Past and Today
  • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • The Cultural Beliefs Concerning Mental Illnesses in The South Asian Community
  • The Effects of Methylphenidate on Adults with ADHD
  • The Effects of The Stigmatization of Mental Illness on The Society
  • The History, Origin, Types, Misconceptions and Treatment of Mental Diseases
  • The Importance and Future of Mental Health Research
  • The Issue of Mental Illnesses in Women in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

🚑 Health Care Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Is It Ethical For Parents To Use Genetic Engineering To Create “Designer Babies” With Specific Physical And Intellectual Traits?
  • Should The Government Implement Stronger Regulations On Pharmaceutical Pricing?
  • Is It Ethical To Prioritize Healthcare Resources For Younger Patients Over Older Patients During A Crisis?
  • What Role Should Alternative Medicine Play In Modern Healthcare?
  • Compare and Contrast Psychologists and Psychiatrists
  • Should Organ Donation Be Mandatory?
  • Is Surrogacy Ethical?
  • How to Remedy Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (PDD)
  • DSM System for Mental Disorder Classification
  • The Impact of Gluten on Mental Health
  • Should Mental Health Care Be Integrated Into Primary Healthcare Services?
  • How Can Telemedicine Bridge The Gap In Healthcare Accessibility In Rural Areas?
  • The Importance of Autonomy in Counselling
  • Should Healthcare Be Considered A Basic Human Right?
  • Is The Privatization Of Healthcare Services Beneficial Or Harmful To The Public?
  • The Shift in Ideas About Mental Diseases Over The Years
  • Should Parents Be Legally Required To Vaccinate Their Children To Protect Public Health?
  • Should The Government Legalize Assisted Suicide For Terminally Ill Patients?
  • The Perception of Mental Illnesses by Senegalese People
  • Should Hospitals Be For-Profit Or Nonprofit Institutions?
  • Understanding Mental Health and Its Impact on Individuals and Society
  • Why Mental Illness is More Prevalent in The LGBT Community than in The General Population
  • Should Minors Have Access To Emergency Contraception?
  • Why Perfectionism is Associated with Depression, Anorexia Nervosa, Suicide Ideation and Early Death
  • Should The U.S. Government Offer Its Own Healthcare Plan?
  • The Effectiveness Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) In Treating Anxiety And Depression
  • Should The Government Fund Research On Embryonic Stem Cells For Medical Treatments?
  • The Role Of Nutrition In Managing Chronic Diseases
  • The Impact Of Climate Change On Global Health
  • The Ethics Of Mandatory Vaccination Policies For Healthcare Workers

🌟 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics in Popular Categories

  • The Issue of Depression and Its Affect in an Emerging Adulthood
  • Prevention of Depression, Anxiety and Burnout in Resident Doctors – a Systematic Review
  • About Depression in College: Understanding and Overcoming
  • Darwinian Psychology and Depression: The Gender Differential Hypothesis
  • The Connection Between Internet Addiction and Depression Within Adolescents
  • Causes of Depression Among International Students
  • Depression and Its Effects on Mind and Body
  • Depression in Teenagers: Causes and Ways to Overcome
  • How to Overcome Teenage Depression
  • Living in Depression: a Firsthand Account
  • Overview of Electronic Problem-solving Treatment (EPST) System to Treat Depression
  • The Role of Minerals in Preventing and Combating Depression
  • Research on Depression and Working Memory
  • The Link Between Self-esteem and Adolescent Depression
  • Depression as The Reason of Serious Health Problems and Suicide
  • Positive Thinking as Treatment for Depression
  • A Depressing World with Different Obstacles
  • A Report on Depression in University Students and How to Overcome It
  • Depression: Definition, Risks, Symptoms and Treatment
  • Understanding Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
  • Depression: Definition and Ways of Resolving Caused Problems
  • The Factors Influencing Depression Development
  • The Effects of Depression in Your Body and Its Treatment
  • The Issue of Depression and Its Reality Nowadays
  • Depression Facts and Statistics: Psychiatry's Deadliest Scam in the DSM
  • Depression is Depression an Actual Illness
  • My Depression: a Tale of Struggle and Resilience
  • What Are You Depressed About Think About It
  • What is a Depression?
  • How Depression Changed My Life: College Admission Paper
  • The Issue of Depression: Mental Battle
  • Dysregulated Processing of Negative and Positive Responses in Depression
  • Genetic Disorder Report: Clinical Depression
  • Review on Depression in Scotland
  • The Epidemic of Depression Among Students and Teenagers
  • How to Overcome Depression and Anxiety
  • Depression and Its Main Causes
  • The Best Way to Help Someone Who is Depressed
  • Overview of Biological Predispositions and Risk Factors Associated with Depression
  • Teen Depression - Symptoms and Causes
  • Anxiety and Depression During Emerging Adulthood
  • MYP Personal Project: Childhood Anxiety and Insecurity
  • Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children, Its Types and Impact
  • Influence of an Anxious Response on a Person
  • How to Overcome Anxiety Disorder
  • Representation of The Social Anxieties About Diversity
  • Cognitive Behavioral Theory Application for Anxiety Disorder
  • Lowdown on Anxiety and How to Cope with It Better
  • Research of Anxiety Increasing in The United States
  • Anxiety The Ever Tightening Spiral
  • Clinical Assessment: Case Study
  • Anxiety, Its Development, Effects, and Treatments
  • Reflection on How I Fought My Social Anxiety with The Help of Family
  • Pros and Cons of Anxiety
  • Anxiety and Depression Among College Students: a Critical Analysis
  • Social Anxiety: Exploring The Psychological and Social Dimensions
  • Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and My Personal Experience
  • A Study on Anxiety Disorders and Its Negative Impact on People
  • Anxiety Disorders Experienced by Children
  • Social Anxiety Disorder and Its Impacts on The Lives of The Americans
  • Somatic Symptoms and Illness Anxiety Disorder
  • The Treatments and Conditions of Social Anxiety
  • Research of Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Effects and Treatments
  • What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Its Treatment
  • Anxiety: Navigating The College Experience
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: My Experience
  • The Problem of Public Speaking Anxiety
  • The Way Teachers Can Help Their Students to Overcome Anxiety and Depression
  • The Problem of Anxiety and Stress and Its Treatment
  • Overview of Stranger and Separation Anxiety
  • Yoga and Stress
  • Substance Use as a Form of Coping with Stress
  • Teaching Competency and Stress Among Public Elementary School Teachers in Oas South District
  • Stress - a Universal Problem
  • Managing Stress: Causes, Effects, and Coping Mechanisms
  • Stress and Self-care
  • The Effects of Stress on Human Health
  • Work/life Balance and Stress Management
  • Feelings: Determine The Quality of Energy
  • Prevalence of Occupational Stress and Associated Factors
  • Traveling and Its Impact Towards Stress
  • Stress Related to Job and Ways to Manage It
  • Coloring Books Will Change Your Life Forever
  • Stress: Definition, Types and Impact
  • Effects of Stress on The Mind and Body
  • The Impact of Stress on Health: Physical and Mental Dimensions
  • Stress and Its Main Sources
  • A Study on The Negative Impact of Stress on an Individual's Health
  • Comparison of Stress Rates Among Children and Adults
  • How Does Stress Affect The Body: Physical and Psychological Effects
  • Stress and Its Role in Our Life
  • The Importance of Stress Management
  • Perfectionism and Academic Stress in Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Students
  • The Impact of Stress on Academic Success in College Students
  • Diathesis Stress Model of Psychopathology
  • Effects of Stress on The Body: How It Affects Physical and Psychological Health
  • Correct Mindset in Coping with Stress
  • The Stress of Student Mothers
  • Running Head Discussion
  • A Stressful Situation and How I Handled It
  • Suicide as an Honorable Choice in Viking Sagas
  • The Punishment for Those Who Committed Suicide in Dante Alighieri's Inferno
  • The Relationship Between Social Media and Teenage Suicide
  • The Issue and Role of Suicide in Existential Psychotherapy
  • An Argument on Why Suicide Is Not Worth It
  • Overview of The Main Causes of Teenage Suicide
  • Adolescent Depression and Its Contribution to Teenage Suicides
  • Essay on Military Suicide
  • Suicide Cases Among Successful Young Adults
  • Arguments Expressed by Proponents of The Legalization of Physician-assisted Suicide (PAS)
  • Understanding Suicide: Causes, Signs, and Prevention Strategies
  • The Relative Influence of Individual Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide
  • The Role of Cyberbullying in Increasing Suicide Rates Among Teens
  • Death Rates Among American Men Due to Suicide
  • How to Prevent Suicidal Behavior in High-risk Groups
  • Whether Suicide is Morally Acceptable
  • The Roots of Pressure Or Why People Commit Suicide
  • The Concept of Suicide in The History of Japan
  • The Importance of Human Life Preserving
  • The Complexity of Suicide: Understanding The Why
  • A Report on Teenage Suicide: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
  • Teenage Suicide Epidemic and How We Can Prevent It
  • Academic Pressure as The Main Reason for Teenage Suicides in South Korea
  • The Impact of Celebrity Suicides on Public Perception and Mental Health Awareness
  • Why Do Teenagers Commit Suicide
  • How Society Increases Teenage Suicide Rates
  • Socio-economic Factors that Cause Teenage Suicide
  • The Main Reasons of Teenage Suicide in America
  • The Problem of Teenage Suicide in The United States and How to Prevent It
  • Trauma, Suicide, and Residential Schools: Impact on Canadian Indigenous People

Schizophrenia

  • Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Children
  • The Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Medications in Treating Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective Disorder: The Bridge Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar
  • Biopsychosocial Influences on Schizophrenia
  • Research of Schizophrenia Disorder
  • The Role of Genetics in Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenia and Its Impact on Family Dynamics
  • Innovative Therapies for Managing Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Stigma
  • Schizophrenia: Definition, Symptoms, Causes
  • Understanding Schizophrenia: Overview, Diagnosis, Treatment
  • Analysis of The Symptoms of Schizophrenia
  • Case Study: Mr. Nash's Schizophrenia and Treatment Plan
  • Schizophrenia and Crime: The Complex Relationship
  • The Ethical Implications of Forced Treatment for Schizophrenia
  • The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Schizophrenia
  • The Impact of Schizophrenia on Homelessness
  • Stigma and Discrimination Faced by Individuals with Schizophrenia
  • Technological Advances in Diagnosing Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenia and the Criminal Justice System
  • Connection Between Schizophrenia and Social Isolation
  • Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
  • The History of Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: A Vicious Cycle
  • Schizophrenia in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions
  • Cultural Differences in the Perception and Treatment of Schizophrenia
  • Early Intervention Strategies for Schizophrenia
  • Long-term Outcomes for Individuals with Schizophrenia
  • The Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Creativity
  • The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Managing Schizophrenia

Stress Management

  • A Study on College Stress Management
  • The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction
  • Workplace Stress: Causes and Solutions
  • The Effects of Chronic Stress on Physical Health
  • Maintaining a Stress-Free Life: Personal Self-care and Burnout Strategy
  • Subjective and Objective Methodology in Stress Management
  • Stress Management in The Nurses' Workplace
  • Stress Management Techniques for High School Students
  • The Role of Nutrition in Stress Management
  • Stress and Sleep: How Lack of Sleep Affects Stress Levels
  • Coping Up with Stress
  • Stress Cause and Effect
  • Coping with Stress Essay
  • Stress Management Strategies for Parents
  • Managing Stress: Causes, Effects, and Techniques
  • "Good" Stress Vs "Bad" Stress
  • Stress Management of Teachers
  • The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
  • Stress Management: What is Stress and How to Overcome It
  • The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief
  • Technology and Stress: How to Manage Digital Overload
  • Stress Causes and Response to It
  • The Impact of Financial Stress on Mental Health
  • Stress Response and Stress Management
  • The Relationship Between Stress and Substance Abuse
  • Stress Response and Ways to Manage Stress
  • How Social Support Networks Can Help Manage Stress
  • Stress Management Techniques for Athletes
  • The Role of Hobbies in Reducing Stress
  • The Impact of Environmental Stressors on Mental Health

How to Choose a Good Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing a good mental health argumentative essay topic is crucial for crafting a compelling and impactful essay. Here are five tips to help you select the perfect topic:

  • Relevance : Ensure the topic is current and significant.
  • Interest : Choose a subject you are passionate about.
  • Researchable : Pick a topic with ample resources available.
  • Specificity : Narrow down broad subjects for focus.
  • Debate Potential : Select topics with clear opposing viewpoints.

In conclusion, exploring mental health argumentative essay topics is an invaluable endeavor that contributes to raising awareness and fostering informed discussions. This extensive list provides a variety of mental health topics to write about, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of interest or expertise. By choosing a relevant, engaging, and well-researched topic, you can create a compelling essay that not only educates but also challenges preconceived notions about mental health. Dive into these topics, and let your writing make a difference in the ongoing conversation about mental well-being.

Funny Persuasive Essay Topics

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expository essay about description

What are Tone Words? List of 300+ Useful Words

Table of contents

  • 1 What is a Tone?
  • 2.1 Positive Tone Words
  • 2.2 Negative Tone Words
  • 2.3 Neutral Tone Words
  • 3 How to Find the Right Tone for Your Work
  • 4 Tone Words Examples in Various Texts

In writing, tone plays a significant role in conveying emotions, setting the atmosphere, and establishing a connection with readers. The tone of every piece of writing – whether an argumentative essay, a page-turning novel, or a moving poem – can be set by the author’s choice of words.

It would be best to balance the subtleties of language and freedom of thought to get the desired effect. Today, we share a definitive collection of tone words to help you and every writer achieve their goals in this area.

What is a Tone?

Tone, in writing, is the author’s emotional response with deep respect to either the subject matter or the readers. It helps to create a particular atmosphere and direct the reader’s feelings by revealing the author’s point of view.

The tone is the author’s voice (in this case, their attitude, not their personality), and how the words on the page are emotion-tinted to make the reader feel a specific way.

Word choice, tone list sentence structure, imagery, and figurative language are all examples of literary methods that can be used to communicate tone. It comprises more than just the words themselves.

Also, it includes the author’s general tone and approach. To provoke various feelings and responses from the reader, a talented writer might switch tones within the same piece of writing.

Recognizing and employing tone is fundamental to effective communication because it influences the writer’s attitude and how the recipient interprets the message. It can potentially affect a message’s readability, retention, and recall. When writers use the right tone, they may impress readers, hold their attention, and get their point over.

As they delve further into the nuances of tone and tone words in literature, authors gain access to many expressive vocabularies.

The Ultimate List of Tone Words

Now for our ultimate list of tone words in literature. This comprehensive compilation encompasses a range of words that can help authors like you effectively communicate their intended emotions and engage readers on a profound level. And we are talking about a deep level indeed!

Positive Tone Words

Positive tone words inspire happy thoughts and feelings in the reader. They spark positive emotions and are incredibly powerful. Powerful? How so? Positive tone words can make you think well of someone and have a favorable impression of them even without meeting. Here are some other good tone words, word examples, and their meanings:

  • Joyful: Filled with happiness, delight, and great pleasure.
  • Optimistic: Expecting positive outcomes, hopeful, and confident about the future.
  • Enthusiastic: Displaying intense excitement, passion, and eagerness.
  • Serene: Calm, peaceful, and tranquil.
  • Endearing: Inspiring warmth or affection
  • Grateful: Feeling or expressing appreciation and thankfulness.
  • Empowered: Feeling confident, capable, and in control of one’s life or circumstances.
  • Radiant: Emitting brightness, happiness, and positivity.
  • Inspirational: Providing motivation, encouragement, and a sense of upliftment.
  • Energetic: Full of vigor, liveliness, and vitality.
  • Confident: Having self-assurance, belief in one’s abilities, and a positive outlook.
  • Empathetic: showing empathy; feeling the emotions of others.

Negative Tone Words

The use of negative tone words can considerably influence the perceptions produced by readers, regardless of whether they describe a location, a literary work, or a collective of individuals. Simply put, just as positive tone words spark positive emotions, negative ones spark negative ones.

Hence, when applying negative tone phrases, you must exercise caution and ensure your criticisms remain fair, constructive, and objective, and that is very important.

By attentively picking your words, you can provide a well-rounded perspective while keeping your message’s moral sense and integrity. Striking the correct balance between negative and positive judgments provides for a full understanding and encourages effective interactions.

  • Miserable: Extremely unhappy, sorrowful, or distressed.
  • Disgusting: Causing intense revulsion, repugnance, or strong aversion.
  • Aggressive: Hostile, confrontational, or prone to initiating conflict.
  • Chaotic: Marked by disorder, confusion, and lack of organization or control.
  • Repulsive: Evoking strong feelings of dislike, aversion, or disgust.
  • Arrogant: Displaying an exaggerated sense of superiority, self-importance, or entitlement.
  • Hateful: Full of intense dislike, animosity, or prejudice towards someone or something.
  • Depressing: Causing feelings of sadness, dejection, or hopelessness.
  • Inferior: Of lower quality, value, or importance compared to others.

Neutral Tone Words

Neutral tone words help maintain a fair and unbiased approach, allowing readers to form their opinions without undue influence. Here are examples of neutral tone words along with their meanings:

  • Ordinary: Usual, commonplace, or unremarkable.
  • Standard: Conforming to established norms, expectations, or criteria.
  • Common: Frequently occurring, widely experienced, or generally known.
  • Typical: Representing a characteristic example or pattern.
  • Balanced: Exhibiting equality, equilibrium, or impartiality.
  • Objective: Unbiased, based on facts, and devoid of personal opinions or feelings.
  • Rationale: Logical, reasoned, and based on sound judgment or reasoning.
  • Neutral: Impartial, unbiased, or not taking sides.
  • Moderate: Neither excessive nor extreme, characterized by a reasonable and measured approach.
  • Unbiased: Fair, impartial, and free from prejudice or favoritism.
  • Indifferent: Having no particular preference or bias, lacking interest or concern.
  • Matter-of-fact: Devoid of emotional embellishment, straightforward, and focused on facts.

How to Find the Right Tone for Your Work

So far, we have established that finding the right, powerful tone words is the key to successfully delivering your message through writing. To figure out which examples of tone words used work best for your goal, ask these reflective questions:

  • Why am I writing this?

It helps to know why you’re writing in the first place to set the right words of tone in your writing. What effect do you hope to have on the reader? Each goal requires specific words and unique words for the tone of the literature to be adequate.

  • Who exactly am I writing for?

When deciding on a tone for your writing, it is essential to keep your readers in mind. Is it an official report, a casual blog post, or a rigorous research paper? The interest and understanding of your readers will increase if you modify your author’s tone to match their expectations and preferences.

  • What do I hope the reader will take away from this experience?

The tone of your communication can be improved by first determining the key idea or message you wish to express. Whatever you’re trying to do through your writing – persuade, inform, or evoke an emotion – matching your tone to your intended result is crucial!

The tone of any formal writing must be clear, concise, confident, and courteous. Attempt refinement without straying into pretentiousness; balance formality and readability.

However, creative writing allows for greater latitude in tone. Still, focus on effectively using tone words, regardless of the genre. The tone you go for will be influenced by the genre you’re writing in, but ultimately, you want to get your point across, make the reader feel something, and pull them into the story.

Suppose writers take the time to evaluate these factors carefully. In that case, they can master using an appropriate tone to describe words that will connect with their target audience, improve readability, and have the desired effect. We hope you become one such writer.

Tone Words Examples in Various Texts

Again, tone words play a vital role in shaping the atmosphere and evoking emotions in different types of writing. The choice of tone words varies based on the formality of the writing and is further influenced by the genre, whether creative or formal.

Let’s explore some examples of tone words in various types of writing:

  • Melancholic: Conveys a tone of sadness, longing, or introspection, often found in poems exploring themes of loss or nostalgia.
  • Whimsical: Creates a playful and lighthearted tone, commonly used in poems that embrace imagination and fantasy.
  • Serene: Establishes a calm and peaceful tone, often seen in verses that celebrate nature or meditate on inner peace.
  • Euphoric: Creates a tone of extreme joy, vitality, or ecstasy, frequently found in poems expressing moments of joy or bliss.

Romantic Novel

  • Passionate: Sets an intense and vibrant tone, typically associated with love, desire, and emotional depth.
  • Sentimental: Evokes tender and nostalgic emotions, often found in romantic novels emphasizing deep emotional connections.
  • Yearning: Conveys a tone of longing or desire, frequently employed in books that explore unrequited love or longing for a lost connection.
  • Tender: Establishes a gentle and affectionate tone, often used to depict tender moments of intimacy or vulnerability.

Horror Fiction

  • Eerie: Creates a tone of unease, suspense, and impending dread, frequently found in horror fiction to heighten tension.
  • Sinister: Evokes a dark, malicious, or hateful tone, often depicting evil or foreboding circumstances.
  • Terrifying: Establishes a tone of extreme fear, horror, or terror intended to invoke a visceral response from the reader.
  • Macabre: Conveys a tone of fascination with the gruesome death or the supernatural, often seen in horror fiction that explores the darker aspects of human existence.

Informative News Article

  • Objective: Establish a neutral and unbiased tone, presenting facts and information without personal opinions or emotions.
  • Authoritative: Conveys a tone of expertise, credibility, and confidence, frequently employed in news articles to establish trustworthiness.
  • Informative: Sets a tone of clarity, providing straightforward and concise information to educate the readers.
  • Balanced: Establishes a fair and even-handed tone, presenting multiple perspectives and avoiding bias or favoritism.

What Is the Difference Between Tone and Voice?

Tone and voice are sometimes misunderstood or used interchangeably by writers. However, they couldn’t be more dissimilar. We’ve established that tone conveys the author’s or a character’s feelings about the subject.

Tone words in nonfiction writing reveal the author’s point of view. Tone words are helpful in fiction because they indicate a scene’s or conversation’s emotional state, whether the reader might expect tension, happiness, sadness, etc.

While the term “voice” describes the overall character of a piece of writing. One author’s scathing tone may be another’s instructive or friendliness.

What Is the Difference Between Tone and Mood?

The word for tone in literature is the mood or atmosphere that the author intends for the reader to experience while reading the text, while mood is the experience that the reader has while reading the story.

How the author feels about the setting or the character and how he wants the reader to feel determines the tone. On the contrary, the reader’s emotional response establishes the mood. Setting the mood at the opening of a story prepares the audience for what is to come.

How do you identify tone words?

Identifying tone words in a piece of writing is essential for understanding the intended emotions and attitudes conveyed by the author. Here are some key approaches to identifying tone words:

  • Contextual Clues: Pay attention to the overall context and the writer’s purpose. Examine the subject matter, the writer’s attitude, and the intended audience. These factors can provide valuable hints about the tone.
  • Word Choice: Look for words that evoke emotions or convey a particular attitude. Tone words often carry emotional weight or reveal the author’s perspective. Words with strong connotations, such as “brutal,” “uplifting,” or “serene,” can indicate the tone.
  • Go with your Gut: Sometimes, the best way to explain a tone is to say that you just “get it.” The text makes you feel a specific way, whether it’s urgent or melancholy. After reading it, you feel angry and get the impression that the author is also angry. Or sometimes, there is nothing specifically humorous about the writing, yet you find yourself laughing anyhow. As a result, go with your instinct when deciding how to interpret the author’s tone in passages like these.

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expository essay about description

IMAGES

  1. How To Write An Expository Essay (7 Best Tips)

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  2. How to Write an Expository Essay: Examples and 25 Topic Ideas

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  3. What Is an Expository Essay? Examples and Guide

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write an Expository Essay

    The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It's worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

  2. Expository Essays

    An expository essay is an unbiased, factual piece of writing that provides an in-depth explanation of a topic or set of ideas. ... Although analytical essays and expository essays are similar in nature, analytical essays tend to be more detailed and descriptive. They include the pros and cons to provide an objective point of view on a subject.

  3. Expository Essay in Literature: Definition & Examples

    Examples of Expository Essays. 1. Susan Sontag, "Notes on 'Camp'". This is a definition essay that explores the meaning and usage of the slang word camp. When she wrote the essay in 1964, people used the word to describe a person or thing as exaggerated, effeminate, or theatrical. Sontag suggests that camp isn't a solid concept but ...

  4. What Is an Expository Essay? Examples and Guide

    An expository essay is a type of essay that involves explaining an idea or theme within a given subject or topic. We guide you through writing one with examples. ... The goal is to explain a subject beyond just a surface level description. Types of Expository Essays. If that sounds familiar or similar to other essay forms, you wouldn't be ...

  5. Expository Essays

    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.

  6. How to write Excellent Expository Essays

    The Descriptive Essay: This is a very straightforward expository essay with a detailed description or explanation of a topic. The topic may be an event, place, person, object, or experience. This essay's direct style is balanced with the freedom of the writer can inject some of their creativity into the description.

  7. How to Write an Expository Essay (Professor Approved Guide)

    Step One: Research Your Topic. An expository essay starts with research. You need to understand the topic before you write about it. You also need to understand what points the reader needs to know to comprehend the subject. The internet has been outstanding in terms of helping people get access to information.

  8. How to Write an Expository Essay: Types, Tips, and Topics

    Here are the most common types of expository essays: Descriptive or Definition Essays. This type of expository essay is meant to describe a place, an experience, or a concept by appealing to the senses. The topic might be anything from a concrete object like an animal, city, or tree, or it can also be an abstract idea, such as relationships ...

  9. Expository Essay

    Expository essay is further divided into five major categories.. Descriptive Essay: A descriptive essay describes something, some place, some experience, or some situation through sensory information.; Process Essay: A process essay explains or shows a process of making or doing something.; Comparison Essay: A comparison essay makes comparison and contrasts between two things.

  10. Topics, Outline, Examples

    Expository essays come in several distinct types, each serving a unique purpose and requiring specific approaches to convey information effectively. One common categorization includes: Descriptive Expository Essay. This type focuses on painting a vivid picture of a subject, using sensory details to engage the reader's imagination.

  11. Expository Essays

    A descriptive essay is a form of expository essay that allows for the most creativity. Through descriptions that help readers experience what is being written (what is being tasted, smelled, felt ...

  12. How to Write an Expository Essay in 5 Steps

    How to Write an Expository Essay in 5 Steps. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 3 min read. Learning how to write a good expository essay is an academic writing skill that lays the foundation for the type of expository writing that's necessary for numerous professions.

  13. Expository Writing

    Five of the most common types of expository writing are descriptive essays, process essays, comparison essays, cause/effect essays and problem/solution essays. Learning Outcomes.

  14. How To Write an Excellent Expository Essay: Expert Tips and Examples

    An expository essay asks for a critical explanation of a specific idea, theory, or topic. Our expert tips can help you write a well-structured and informative piece. ... Differences Between Expository, Narrative, and Descriptive Essays. At first glance, an expository essay seems synonymous with a narrative essay and a descriptive essay. And it ...

  15. PDF Writing an Expository Essay

    Section 1 Essay structure An essay is a piece of writing made up of a number of paragraphs. Each paragraph has a specifi c role in an essay. In a fi ve-paragraph essay, the fi rst paragraph is an introduction; the second, third, and fourth paragraphs form the body of the essay; and the fi fth paragraph is a conclusion (see diagram on page 4).

  16. Expository Essay ~ Definition, Types & Structure

    An expository essay is a type of writing where the author presents facts and evaluates a concept about a place, an object, a person, or an experience. The writer is expected to present information regarding the concept unbiased and accurately while ensuring it is written in the third person and delivered in chronological sequence.

  17. What Is Expository Writing?

    Key Takeaways: Expository Writing. Just the facts, M'am: Expository writing is informational, not creative writing. Anytime you write to describe or explain, you use expository writing. Use a logical flow when planning an expository essay, report, or article: introduction, body text, and conclusion. It's often easier to write the body of your ...

  18. 5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

    Expository Essay: It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases. Argumentative Essay: It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.

  19. Types of Essays in Academic Writing

    Narrative Essay. 4. Argumentative Essay. Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

  20. What Is An Expository Essay?

    An expository essay is one which is used to explain something, in the most simple terms. The word expository comes from the word expose, and this means to uncover something so that other people are able to understand it for what it is. This type of essay is therefore used as a way of explaining or clarifying the subject for the reader.

  21. How graphic novels can accelerate critical thinking

    Historical graphic novels can provide students a nuanced perspective into complex subjects in ways that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to characterize in conventional writing and media ...

  22. 500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

    In this article, we present a comprehensive collection of 500 mental health argumentative essay topics and ideas. This extensive list is designed to inspire students, educators, and professionals to engage with diverse aspects of mental health, from policy and treatment to the social and personal dimensions of mental well-being.

  23. What are Tone Words? List of 300+ Useful Words

    The word for tone in literature is the mood or atmosphere that the author intends for the reader to experience while reading the text, while mood is the experience that the reader has while reading the story.. How the author feels about the setting or the character and how he wants the reader to feel determines the tone. On the contrary, the reader's emotional response establishes the mood.