Expository Essay Outline Example


A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:


An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the or (“I” or “you”).

The of your expository essay will vary according to the of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an .

Expository Essay Examples APA Format

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

The of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.


Let us guide you with expository essay examples!

An also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

Expository Essay Example For Middle School

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

Expository Essay Example Grade 7

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

Expository Essay Examples 5th Grade

Your body paragraphs might examine the differences in which articles of clothing are and aren’t allowed as well as the overall preciseness of each dress code’s language and the amount of “gray area” present in each policy.

Expository Essay Examples 4th Grade

But because you’re writing an expository essay, it’s also important that you understand and incorporate all the characteristics that separate expository essays from other kinds of writing.

Expository Essay Examples For High School

We all have our different ways of explaining the same things. Ask three people to explain how to eat some corn on the cob, and you’ll get three different explanations. That’s the real beauty of the expository essay, and it means you already have the basic tools to write a great one. So what is an expository essay and how can you refine your approach?

Expository Essay Examples For College

An expository essay is a type of essay that involves explaining an idea or theme within a given subject or topic. That could be an in-depth look at a poem or story, or it could be an explanation of a historical event.