expository essay outline high school

5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

• Video Overview
• Quick Example
• Formatting Guide

An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

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.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

• A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
• B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
• C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
• D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
• A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
• B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
• C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
• D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

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

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

• Clarity and Conciseness
• Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
• Objective Tone
• Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
• Objective thesis statement (see below)
• Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

• Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
• Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
• Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
• Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
• Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
• Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Expository Essay Guide

Expository Essay Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

5+ Expository Essay Examples to Help you Get Started

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Want to write an expository essay that will elevate your grades? Don't know what to do and what to avoid?

It can be hard to know where to start when you're writing an expository essay. Do you begin with the facts or with your own opinion? How do you structure your argument? 

Let us guide you with expository essay examples!

On this Page

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a form of writing which examines and investigates a certain idea or concept in order to present evidence that supports the ideas.

It is used to evaluate the analytical skills of students in both middle school and high school.

Writing an expository essay often requires one to thoroughly research the topic, and use primary and secondary sources. Such writings are designed to explain facts, ideas, and concepts in an objective and informative manner. 

This form of writing relies on presenting hard evidence in the form of statistical data, charts, graphs, and other visual presentations to support the information. By utilizing these methods of presentation, it becomes easier to explain the facts clearly.

Here is a complete guide that will help you learn more about writing an expository essay .

The expository essay examples will demonstrate how to write an expository essay without missing anything. These examples will help you in understanding the basics and once you are through them, you will be ready to write your essay in no time.

THE RISE OF TEENAGE GANGS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

WAYS STUDENTS CAN SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME

THE HISTORY OF CHESS

THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

AN ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND WHY DOES IT MATTER

WHY DO WE NEED EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS

STEPHEN HAWKING - A LIFE HISTORY

WASTE MANAGEMENT FACTS AND FUTURE

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

You can generate even more examples specific to your topic and area of study using our AI essay generator for free!

How to Write an Expository Essay Outline?

An expository essay outline is just like any other essay and because you have been writing essays since your school years, you will have no difficulties. However, the difficult part is to know the type of information that will go into each section.

We have divided and explained the entire process that is essential to write an expository essay successfully.

The Prewriting Phase

For an effective essay, you need to plan the entire essay before writing. Many students try to do the essay without planning and end up nowhere. Instead of just getting into the paper writing process, brainstorm and think about how you can present the ideas in a structured manner.

Make points of what you will add in each section.

Preparing the First Draft

After brainstorming and noting down every main detail and theme, prepare the first draft of the essay. Add what points you will add in each section. An expository essay structure has the following sections:

• Introduction: An introduction is the first section of an essay. It is a brief mention of the main points and themes of the essay. It includes the background of the main topic and some information about it. However, everything is added briefly.
• Thesis Statement: A well-defined but brief thesis statement will elevate your essay and inform the readers about the main theme of your essay. However, the thesis statement should be brief and should not present the whole theme of the essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Generally, these are three in number and present three main ideas. These paragraphs of the essay examine, analyze and present the main ideas along with the supporting evidence. Each sentence must begin with a topic sentence and expound on the main idea of that paragraph.
• Conclusion: It is the last encounter between you and the readers and this is why it must be strong and memorable. Restate your thesis statement and the overall essence of the essay. You can do it by mentioning the main points briefly or by just presenting the answer to the main essay question.

Final Revision

Revision is the most important part of the writing process. In this phase, you can revise, modify and restructure your essay and rectify it according to the guidelines and main essay question. Some of the things to consider while revising your essay are:

• Have you answered the main question properly and completely?
• Does your essay meet all the guidelines of the instructor?
• Have you added all the main ideas in the essay?
• Is there a proper transition between the sentences and paragraphs?
• Are all the paragraphs consistent and well-structured?

Answering these questions is a must and therefore, you should never miss this part.

Proofreading

After you are done, proofread the entire essay before submitting it. It may seem daunting and dull but, just like revision, proofreading is also important. Proofread the essay thoroughly and see if everything is in line. At this stage, you can still make the changes.

We hope that these tips will act as a writing guide for you and will help you in writing an excellent expository essay.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

What are the Other Types of Expository Essays?

This type of essay is further divided into the following types of expository writing. These are explained below

Descriptive Essay: This essay requires describing a place, person, or event in detail. It includes great sensory details and is written to persuade the reader to see the writer’s viewpoint.

Definition Essay: A definition essay describes a certain phrase or term in detail. The topics can be concrete or abstract in nature and include the explanation of both literal and contextual meanings of the chosen word.

Compare and Contrast: These essays explain two or more things by comparing and contrasting them. They highlight the main points and describe the chosen objects by elaborating their various elements and qualities.

Classification Essay: The writer breaks down the main essay topic and divides it into several classes and categories and explains them one by one.

Process Essay: The writer breaks down a process and explains it in detail. This could be a manufacturing process, a recipe, and even a writing process. It explains the how-to process and how to do it in detail.

Cause and Effect Essay: This essay describes the reasons behind a phenomenon or happening. It explains why something happens and what are the causes behind them. In short, a cause and effect essay explains the relationship between a certain event and its reasons.

Get Professional Writing Help!

All in all, an expository essay is a very useful tool that helps students improve their writing skills. If you're still having trouble with your essay, don't hesitate to ask for help.

But don't worry! If you are looking up “who can write my essay for me?” Well, you’re in the right place!

5StarEssays.com is an experienced and skilled essay writing service that works with students that are looking for some help. All of our professional writers have exceptional writing skills and will provide a top-quality essay within your deadline. This is what makes us the best.

Order your essay now.

Marketing, Literature

Donna has garnered the best reviews and ratings for her work. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics but is particularly interested in social issues, current events, and human interest stories. She is a sought-after voice in the industry, known for her engaging, professional writing style.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• Expository Essay - A Complete Guideline to Help You Write

• Expository Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

• How to Write an Expository Essay Outline - Complementary Template Added

Say Goodbye to Academic Stress!

With FREE AI report, Turnitin report, bibliography, title page, and a lot more!

LIMITED TIME ONLY

People Also Read

• dissertation writing
• persuasive essay writing
• argumentative essay examples
• compare and contrast essay examples
• elements of press release

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

OFFER EXPIRES SOON!

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Expository Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

What is an 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.

Please note : This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

• 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 essay.

A complete argument

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.

The five-paragraph Essay

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 introductory paragraph
• three evidentiary body paragraphs
• a conclusion

Expository Essay Writing

Expository Essay Outline

Expository Essay Outline - Format Guide with Samples

10 min read

Published on: May 6, 2020

Last updated on: Oct 27, 2024

People also read

Expository Essay Writing - Types, Format, Topics & Examples

Good Expository Essay Topics to Impress Everyone

Types of Expository Writing - Tips & Examples

Expository Essay Examples for Students

Share this article

Writing an expository essay can be a daunting task for students, especially if they are not familiar with the process.

Many students struggle to organise their thoughts and ideas into a coherent structure. This can lead to a poorly written essay that fails to convey the intended message.

That's why we have created this comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect expository essay outline!

By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can simplify the writing process and produce a clear and effective expository essay.

Whether you're a student, or simply looking to improve your writing skills, read on to learn how to craft the perfect expository essay outline.

On This Page On This Page -->

What is an Expository Essay Outline?

An outline helps an essay writer keep track of whatever he/she is writing in the essay. While talking about the essay outline, you should know that the format is the same for all types of expository essays. 

Keep in mind that an outline will help you logically organize your expository essay’s main ideas in one place. 

Here is a generic structure for an expository essay outline.

Remember that this is a generic outline structure and can be adjusted to fit the specific requirements of your expository essay. 

Now, let’s take a look at the essay structure of a 5 paragraph expository essay in detail.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

5 Paragraph Expository Essay Outline

This is a typical format that is commonly used for creating an outline. It is called the 5-paragraph essay outline, as it has five paragraphs. The details about the paragraphs used in this format are as follows:

Paragraph I: The Introduction

It is the first paragraph of the outline. It explains the essay’s topic, background information, and the purpose of the essay to the reader. 

An essay introduction paragraph must include the following elements.

• A hook statement to attract the reader’s attention. 
• Brief background information related to the essay topic. 
• A strong thesis statement to support the entire essay. 

Paragraph II: Body Paragraph I

This is the first paragraph that makes the body of the essay. It has the following elements. 

• A starting sentence is known as the topic sentence. 
• Supporting evidence regarding the key element that is being discussed.
• Analysis of the evidence and supporting information.
• Transitional words or sentences .

Paragraph III: Body Paragraph II

This is the second paragraph that discusses the elements given below.

• A topic sentence that introduces the second main idea of the essay.
• Supporting evidence for the key element. 
• Analysis of the evidence that is used. 
• Concluding remarks and transition to the next idea.

Paragraph IV: Body Paragraph III

This paragraph is the last body paragraph of the essay. It contains the following elements.

• Topic sentence: The most important central idea of the essay.
• Supporting evidence .
• Analysis of the evidence.
• It concludes with a transitional sentence. 

Paragraph V: Conclusion

This is the last paragraph of the outline. While you are writing this paragraph, make sure that you do not add any new elements to this part. Make sure that after reading this paragraph, the reader should get a sense of accomplishment and must be able to conclude.

Add the given elements in this section. 

• Restate the thesis statement.
• A summary of the essay.
• Answer the unanswered questions.
• Call to action.

Go through this expository essay example to understand it in a better way.

Expository Essay Outline Sample

How to Write an Expository Essay Outline?

No matter the types of expository writing , you will have to create an outline for it. For this, you need to brainstorm the ideas and note down all the key elements related to your essay. Later, you can add these points to create an outline.

Follow the below-given steps to create an amazing outline for your expository essay.

Choose an Interesting Topic

The first thing that a writer must do before start writing an essay is to choose a good topic. It must be eye-catching as it is the first thing that a reader sees. 

Make sure that the topic of your essay must convince the reader to read your entire writing piece. Also, keep in mind that your topic should neither be very simple nor too complex. 

For more tips and guidelines, check out our guide on writing expository essays .

Write an Engaging Introduction

A good introduction gives you a chance to impress your readers and convince them that the entire essay is worth reading. For this reason, you should make sure that the introductory paragraph is very interesting. It should inform the reader what the main idea of your essay is. 

Follow the below instructions to write the introduction.

• Use a catchy and relevant hook statement to start the essay’s introduction. It must be directed towards the topic of your essay. Search online to look at some hook statement examples and choose what you think is relatable to your paper
• After writing an engaging hook, provide the reader with brief background information about the topic. Also, let the reader know about the reason that leads you to write this essay. 
• Create a well-defined and strong thesis statement. It is a sentence or a group of sentences that serves as the essence of the entire essay.

Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs can provide all the necessary information and evidence that supports your thesis and the entire essay. Moreover, these paragraphs are written to explain the topic of the essay thoroughly. 

• Use a good topic sentence to start each paragraph. 
• Use all the evidence that you have collected to support your essay. 
• Analyze all the information and make sure that it is understandable for the reader.
• End each body paragraph with concluding remarks that add a transitional effect. It will connect the reader to the next paragraph. 
• Use smooth transitions between sentences. 

Draft a Conclusion

The conclusion is the last part of the essay. It must be written in such a way that it leaves an impression on the reader. Therefore, a writer must know how to write a conclusion properly . 

• The essay conclusion must start with the restatement of the thesis statement. It will allow the reader to recall the main purpose of your essay. 
• Summarize the key elements of your essay. However, do not drag and keep it to the point. 
• Answer all the possible questions that could arise in the reader’s mind. It must give a sense of accomplishment. 

Proofread and Edit

Once you are done writing the outline for your essay, the final step is to re-check it. Reread it and see if any spelling mistakes need to be corrected. Never miss this step, as the quality of the essay depends on this.

• Read the outline aloud to identify any grammatical mistakes. It will allow you to analyze the sentences you have used to make sense. 
• Remove extra and irrelevant details. 
• Ensure that the information you have used is logical. 

Here, we have mentioned a detailed outline for you to get an idea of writing one.

Expository Essay Outline Template

Expository Essay Outline Examples

Below-given are some examples of expository essay outlines. Use them as a guide and create an effective outline.

Expository Essay Outline Example

Analytical Expository Essay Outline

Expository Essay Outline For Elementary Students

Expository Essay Outline Middle School

Expository Essay Outline For College

Looking for more examples? Check out this blog featuring compelling expository essay examples .

In conclusion , the expository essay outline provides an effective structure for organizing and presenting information in an expository essay. By following this format provided in this blog, you can ensure that your essay is well-structured, coherent, and informative. 

Looking for top-notch expository essay writing service ?

Our college essay writing service offers specialized, high-quality assistance. Our team expertly crafts insightful, academically sound expository essays tailored to your needs. Elevate your academic writing effortlessly.

Ready to excel? Try our cutting-edge AI essay writer at CollegeEssay.org and transform your essay writing experience today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 parts of the expository essay.

The five parts of an expository essay are;

• Introduction.
• First body section/paragraph.
• Second body section/paragraph.
• Third body section/paragraph.
• Conclusion.

What should an expository essay include?

Expository essays require the writer to investigate an idea, gather and present evidence, and argue a point of view. This can be done in different ways, such as through compare and contrast, cause and effect, or examples.

How many paragraphs should an expository essay have?

An expository essay typically consists of five paragraphs. This includes an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. However, it's important to note that the number of paragraphs can vary depending on the length and complexity of the essay.

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Need Help With Your Essay?

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Keep reading

OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

Essay Services

• Argumentative Essay Service
• Descriptive Essay Service
• Persuasive Essay Service
• Narrative Essay Service
• Analytical Essay Service
• Expository Essay Service
• Comparison Essay Service

Writing Help

• Term Paper Writing Help
• Research Writing Help
• Thesis Help
• Dissertation Help
• Report Writing Help
• Speech Writing Help
• Assignment Help

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.