What Is Expository Writing?

Before we look at examples of expository writing, let’s start with a quick

definition of what this term actually means.

Expository Writing Definition

The term expository writing refers to any writing that’s designed to explain

something. We use the word expository to describe any passage of writing that’s

supposed to present information and help you understand it in an objective way.

Some common examples of expository writing include academic essays,

textbooks, instructional guides, and news reports. Good expository writing

should be factual, objective, and clear.

scientific article, a short story, and an advertisement.

The scientific article is considered expository writing because its primary

purpose is to explain a particular topic in more detail. It presents data, analyzes

what that data means, and focuses on the facts.

On the other hand, the short story isn’t considered expository writing, because

its core purpose isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s probably trying to

entertain you or to take you on a journey. Short stories are narrative writing.

Similarly, an advertisement isn’t expository writing because its core purpose

isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s trying to persuade you to buy what it’s

selling. Advertisements are persuasive writing.

Here’s a quick rundown of what expository essays should and shouldn’t do.

An expository essay should:

 Teach the reader about a particular topic

 Focus on the facts

 Follow a clearly organized structure

 Present information and details from credible sources

An expository essay should not:

 Try to change the reader’s mind about something

 Include made-up narratives or stories

 Follow experimental or nonlinear structures

What Is an Expository Paragraph?

An expository paragraph is exactly what it sounds like—a paragraph of

expository writing.

A well-written expository paragraph should follow a specific format to make it

as clear and easy to read as possible. Most expository paragraphs do the

following things:

 Start with a topic sentence, which explains what the paragraph will be

about
  Then, include 3–5 body sentences that provide supporting details for the

topic sentence

 Finally, wrap things up with a closing sentence that summarizes what the

paragraph has said

Writing an expository paragraph is a great way to practice expository writing.

That’s because the paragraph follows the same structure as a more complex

expository essay, just on a smaller scale.

Most expository essays should follow this format:

 Start with an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement,

which tells the reader the core statement of the essay

 Then, include 3–5 body paragraphs that provide factual evidence to

support the thesis statement

 Finally, wrap things up with a concluding paragraph that summarizes

what the body paragraphs and thesis statement said

You can see the similarities between the two formats. If you can write a

fantastic expository paragraph, you’ll be well-prepared to move on to writing a

full expository essay.

Example of Expository Paragraph

described above.

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, which can be

fatal if it leads to heart attack or cardiac arrest. Heart attacks occur when a

blockage in the coronary artery prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the

heart. Cardiac arrests occur when the heart stops pumping entirely, which

prevents the patient from breathing normally. Both of these problems can be

deadly, even in seemingly healthy people who don’t have noticeable risk factors.

As a result, heart disease is an important problem that many doctors and

scientists are researching.

Expository Writing Examples

There are many ways you can present information in an expository essay. Here

are four of the most popular ways, along with examples of each one.

Problem and Solution Essay

A problem and solution essay presents the reader with a problem and then

considers possible solutions to that problem.

Here’s an example passage you might find in a problem and solution essay:

Among the many proposed solutions to rising carbon emissions, one promising

possibility is carbon trapping. Scientists are figuring out how to pull carbon
emissions out of the atmosphere and trap it in less harmful forms, such as by

injecting carbon dioxide underground so it will turn to stone.

Compare and Contrast Essay

This type of essay takes two subjects and compares and contrasts them. It

focuses on highlighting the differences and similarities between those two

things.

Here’s an example passage of this type of expository writing:

Though country music and R&B music have very different sounds, they also

share many similarities. For one thing, both types of music embody a specific

cultural identity. For another, both genres trace their roots back to the 1920s,

when the Victor Talking Machine Company signed singers from the American

South.

Classification Essay

In a classification essay, you describe the categories within a certain group of

things.

Here’s an example passage you might find in a classification essay:

There are three ways in which artificial intelligence might become stronger

than humans in the future: high speed, high collective intelligence, and high

quality. A speed AI would be able to perform calculations and experience the

world much faster than humans. A collective intelligence, like a hive mind,
would be able to break down a complex task into several parts and pursue them

simultaneously. Finally, a quality AI would simply be able to solve more

complex problems than humans could.

Process Essay

In a process essay, you give the reader the steps for completing a specific

process. This is similar to a how-to guide or an instruction manual.

Here’s an example passage you might find in this type of expository writing:

Caramelize the chopped onions in a frying pan. When the onions have

caramelized, mix in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes and stir for 4–6

minutes or until all the ingredients have softened. If you want to add meat, you

can add ground beef and cook for another 4–6 minutes. Season with salt and

pepper to taste.

Good luck, and happy writing!