There are several types of expository essays that can be written.


● How hard will it be to find credible sources on this topic? If it’s hard to access sources for your topic, it’s going to be even harder to write an entire essay about it and still get good marks.


Learning how to write an expository essay is undoubtedly a journey that requires time and practice. It's a skill that evolves with each attempt, and the key lies in honing your ability to articulate ideas with clarity, maintain focus, and communicate effectively—especially in the academic landscape where precision is paramount.

12. Finalise with a Strong Conclusion
Conclude your essay with a powerful closing statement. Reinforce the significance of your exposition, leaving a lasting impression on readers. For instance, highlight the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to address the global climate crisis.

What is an expository essay… and how do I write one?

Before you start writing, keep in mind the importance of a well-structured essay plan. This isn't just a formality; it's the foundation upon which your expository essay stands. Think of it as your roadmap, guiding you through the intricacies of your ideas and ensuring a logical and compelling progression.

The great thing about this type of essay is that you can write an expository essay on just about anything. One of the only challenges you’ll find is choosing a topic that fits within the scope of your assignment or your course. In many cases, your professor will either assign a topic to you or give you a list of topics you can choose from that are covered within your class. However, once in a while you might be left to your own devices and need to come up with something yourself.

This resource explores instructional practices for incorporating expository essay writing into English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction.

Great expository writing makes your reader feel that they have all of the necessary information to form an opinion on your conclusion or thesis. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’ve chosen the right topic for your essay.


offers guidance for writing expository essays.

8. Use Transitions Effectively
Seamless transitions are the glue that binds your essay together. like "Furthermore" or "In addition" to guide readers through your exposition, ensuring a smooth and coherent progression from discussing current applications to potential future developments.

Here is a simple expository essay definition:

In an expository essay, a type of informational text, the writer clarifies or explains something by using facts, details, and examples in a clear and concise way.

H3 What Is the Purpose of Expository Writing?

To write an effective expository essay, students need a basic understanding of the general structure of essays. By studying a variety of essays (mentor texts), students can learn various characteristics of essays, including the following:

The core elements of a good expository essay include the following:

Descriptive essays: Also referred to as a definition essay, a descriptive essay is an essay wherein you describe and define a particular topic to tell your reader what it is or what it means. Think of it as a long, informative, descriptive definition of something.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Before you can write an essay, you need a clear topic to explore. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the type of expository essay you're assigned. Think about topics you're interested in or areas where you already have some knowledge.

Here are the main types of expository essays:

Expository writing is distinct from other forms of writing like descriptive, persuasive, and narrative writing in both purpose and structure. Let’s break down how expository writing differs from each of these forms:

What do you learn while writing expository essays?

One of the nonnegotiable elements of any essay is that it must progress logically and smoothly from sentence to sentence. Each part must "build" on what comes before it. For this to happen, meaningful transitions are essential. Take a moment to reread the information about meaningful transitions on page 3 of the handout.