The Expository Essay

The 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.
Structure of the expository essay
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Creativity
Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form
nonetheless. Try not to be stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of
writing something interesting.
6. 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

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