The expository essay explains, describes, gives information, or informs the readers. The essay is organized based on a single topic and developed based on a pattern or combination of patterns. The essay is clear and uses one or more of the patterns listed below.
| Name of Pattern | |
| Description The writer can make a list of the characteristics or the features of the main ideas and gives examples. In other words, it provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. Cue Words for example, the characteristics are… | Descriptive Expository essays show an understanding and knowledge of a particular topic. Sequential writing stresses the order of events and lists these items in numerical or chronological order. A comparison or contrast pattern is used to highlight the similarities or differences in topics. Cause and/or effect pattern reveals the connection that exists between events. The problem and solution pattern presents discusses a given problem and offers solutions to these problems. Variations of these patterns are sometimes used, as well as a combination of patterns to create an expository essay |
| Sequence/ Process The writer lists events or ideas in chronological or numerical order. Cue Words include but are not limited to: First Second Third Next Then Finally | Example of Sequential Writing Expository essays contain the same features: the introduction, the thesis, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay and contains the thesis statement. Some writers opt for a single sentence as the thesis and this sentence summarizes the main idea of the essay. The body paragraphs come after the introduction and explain the main ideas. Lastly, the conclusion is the final paragraph that restates the main topics and the thesis |
| Cause and Effect In this essay, the writer will focus on the link that exists between two or more events or ideas. Hence, the writer can discuss the causes and effects of the idea. In addition, there is a discussion of the reason for an event taking place. The effect essay tells what happens after a specific instance. Some cue words are: reasons why if… then as a result therefore because | Example of Cause/Effect Writing Example: There are many reasons why so many people shop online. One reason is that they can see a variety of the same items in different stores. People are also able to compare prices. Online shopping allows one to shop from the comfort of their home. Another reason is that they can avoid the hassles of traffic and crowds. |
| Comparison The writer explains how two or more things are alike or/and how these ideas or concepts may differ. Comparison essays will discuss similarities existing between two things. On the other hand, the contrast or comparison essay discusses the major differences. Cue Words different in contrast alike same as on the other hand | Example of Compare/Contrast Example: Wants are different from needs. Your wants are things that you can have but you can function effectively without them. On the other hand, your needs are vital to your existence and without these things, you will not be able to function effectively. |
| Problem / Solution The writer will express a problem and lists the solutions to the problem. Cue Words the problem is the dilemma is | Example of Problem or Solution Writing One problem with online shopping is that, as a buyer, you are required to provide personal and financial information, and this can create problems if someone hacks your banking information. The shopper will find that other people may use their credit cards to make major purchases. The problem can be solved when online shoppers become aware of the credibility of online shops and are mindful of how much information they share while they shop. |
Structure of the General Expository Essay
| Introduction | Opening Sentence Start your essay with a general statement that tells the reader about your topic. The broad statement should catch your reader’s attention. It can be an interesting fact about your topic, an anecdote that will engage the readers, a position that the writer takes, an analogy, or proper quotations. Context Give information that the reader will use to get an understanding of the topic. Thesis statement State your position on the topic. Ensure that the position that you take is arguable and give an idea of the evidence that you will use to support your arguments in the ensuing paragraphs. |
| Body | Topic sentence This gives the main idea of the paragraph. Supporting Evidence This includes (but is not limited to) quotes, paraphrases/ evidence that is documented and supports the thesis from other sources: for example, first – person views or personal experiences. Analysis This is where you explain to the readers the value of the evidence you are presenting. But at this stage, you must be mindful of the reason for including the evidence as well as the way it supports the thesis. Transition Connect each of these paragraphs with a sentence or two that will show how you move from one idea to another. |
| Conclusion | Give an overview of the main ideas that you have discussed, but also be sure to highlight the progression of your thoughts. You can also provide solutions and the next steps or present new questions that come from your paper. Show the significance of your thesis. |
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