HOW TO WRITE AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY

 

HOW TO WRITE AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY

When you are writing an expository essay, your goal is to explain and not convince; inform, not argue.  If you find yourself trying to convince the reader of your essay to side with your viewpoint? STOP. Your focus is to explain, inform, use facts to represent the truth and always remain objective.

An expository essay is almost always an exercise in summary. Remember: You are not arguing your opinion -- you are presenting facts.

The crucial element in an expository essay is that you are making factual and objective points and not emotional ones.

 

EXPOSITORY TERMS

If you see any of these words in your essay prompt, give as much information and detailed support that is logical for each main idea you present to the reader of your essay.

explain, describe, clarify, inform, define, instruct, tell, convey, compare/contrast, link, examine, summarize, analyze

 

WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR EXPOSITORY ANSWER

You may organize your essay in the following patterns: describe, sequence, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution.