The Expository Essay

1
The Expository Essay

• an overview

2
Definition

• The function of the expository essay is to
  explain, or to acquaint your reader with a body
  of knowledge

3
Explain/Demonstrate

• By explaining a topic to the reader, you are
  demonstrating your own knowledge

4
Example

• For example, if you are asked to write an essay
  about how to drive a car, you decide what you
  plan to concentrate on, create a paragraph
  structure, and describe the process step by step

5
Explaining/Describing

• When describing, or exposing the process by which
  one drives a car, all you are doing is explaining
  the steps or process

6
Inform, Explain or Define

• Expository essays require that the writer give
  information, explain the topic or define something

7
Facts, Statistics, Examples

• To accomplish this, expository essays are best
  developed by the use of facts and statistical
  information, cause and effect relationships, or
  examples
• Research may be necessary

8
Not Emotional

• Since they are factual, they are written without
  emotion and usually written in the third person

9
Third Person

• The third person means that the use of the
  pronoun "I" is not usually found within the
  essay.
• Instead the writer will refer to the first person
  (I) in the third person (one)

10
Thesis Statement

• Expository essays also have a distinct format.
• The thesis statement must be defined and narrow
  enough to be supported within the essay

11
Controlling Topics

• Each supporting paragraph must have a distinct
  controlling topic and all other sentences must
  factually relate directly to it

12
Transition Words

• The transition words or phrases are important as
  they help the reader follow along and reinforce
  the logic
• Examples
• Also
• Furthermore
• In addition
• Plus
• Then

13
Conclusion

• Finally, the concluding paragraph should restate
  the thesis and the main supporting ideas
• It should be the first sentence of the final
  paragraph

14
Reinforcement

• Finish with a statement that reinforces your
  position in a meaningful and memorable way

15
No New Material!

• Never introduce new material in the conclusion

16
Guessing

• Your reader should never have to guess what you
  mean
• Give your readers everything they need to know to
  follow your reasoning

17
Topic

• You are serving on a committee that will design a
  new high school for your community. Choose one
  feature for the new high school that you will
  suggest to the design committee. Write a report
  to the committee explaining what this feature is
  and why it is beneficial.