Expository Essay Format
As expository essays are supposed to be literary write-ups that are generally about factual details whose claims
are supported with credible evidences, it is naturally understood that the essays should be written in a manner
that they are easily understood by the readers. The key point in making an expository essay is to make sure that
you are able to convey the message to the readers in a clear and concise manner; and arranging it systematically
is one of the ways to guarantee that the delivery of the information is clear. The arrangement of delivering
information depends on the writer in general, but at such point when they find their arguments unclear and
scattered, they opt to use an expository essay format to help piece together their information and evidence to
present a favourable essay.
Basically, an expository essay format is the backbone of an expository essay; its format and arrangement is
advisable especially to those who are practically amateurs and are just beginning to write such type of literary
piece. A good expository essay format are usually presented chronologically or systematically—all depending
on the evidence presented. Either way, the expository essay format aims to ensure that the main points in the
essay will be clearly seen and pointed out by the readers.
A usual expository essay format has a starting message. This message is usually summed up from a short line to
as long as an entire paragraph. Keep in mind though that starting messages must also be presented in relation to
the thesis topic of the entire essay.
Types of Expository Essays
1. Descriptive and Classification
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Descriptive essays, also called definition essays, explain the background of a thing, process,
person, or even state of affairs. In some cases they are used to explain the differences between
two different things.
Classification essays are similar in that they give an explanation, as well as a categorization, of
events and objects. Often times they are only about one specific thing instead of two or more.
2. Explanatory and Illustrative
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Essays that give detailed accounts behind the reasons or causes of something that has or will
happen are called explanatory essays -- or, sometimes, cause-and-effect essays.
Those that use illustrations and detailed descriptions to explain their topic are called illustrative
essays.
3. Process
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How-to essays that give step-by-step instructions on how something is done are also considered
expository essays. They are usually called process essays and give readers an understanding of
something by explaining how they themselves can build, experiment, etc.
4. Personal: Reflective, Credo, Autobiographical
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An author can give an analysis of her own written work by writing a reflective essay.
If the writer wishes to explain her personal beliefs and opinions regarding political or
sociological topics, she can do so with a credo-style essay.
A third form of personal expository writing is an autobiographical essay, which explains events
that have taken place in the author's life.
The thesis topic directly responds to the prompt questions for expository essay writing. It is practically your
main position and response to the question. It should be supported by topic statements in the body of the
paragraph, each of which is supported with relevant information. Note that opinions should not be included in
an expository as this type of literature should be presented as objective as possible.
An expository essay format usually ends with a conclusion, wherein the thesis topic is once again stated along
with the summary of evidences. Arguments are also provided if possible, and the entire essay ends in a catchy
line or a challenging question. Open ended questions are more favoured as an ending statement as it practically
lures the readers into wanting to know more about the topic.
Expository essay formats, as said earlier, are not permanent. This should be a guide for writers to help them to
be able to make and write an essay systematically and conveniently. Most of all, it is also a good way to help
make sure that the target readers of the essay will immediately catch on to the topic and the message that the
writer wants to convey in his piece.
From: http://expository-essay-writing.com/expository-essay-format/