Expository Essay

Buffington

27 Apr 201506:00

Summary

TLDRThis lesson on expository essays covers what they are, their purpose, and how to effectively write them. The essay focuses on presenting information neutrally, with topics such as description, cause and effect, comparison, and problem-solving. It emphasizes organization, including a clear introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Additionally, the lesson highlights the importance of formal tone, avoiding slang and personal statements, and citing sources if research is involved. Helpful resources like Learning Bird videos and Purdue University's online guides are recommended for further study.

Takeaways

😀 Expository essays present information about a topic, requiring the writer to have knowledge or do research.
😀 These essays should be neutral in tone and well-organized to clearly present the information.
😀 Common forms of expository writing include describing, listing, comparing, contrasting, explaining cause and effect, and solving problems.
😀 Expository essays often appear in test questions, where students must simply present facts and details, not argue a point.
😀 Example test questions for expository essays include describing the factors that led to the American Revolutionary War or life on a farm.
😀 The basic structure of an essay includes an introduction with an attention getter, a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
😀 A well-organized essay follows a three-pronged thesis, with each body paragraph covering one of the three points.
😀 The tone of an expository essay should be formal, avoiding slang and first-person expressions like 'I think'.
😀 When conducting research for an expository paper, make sure to cite sources and include a reference page.
😀 For timed tests, expository essays may not require research or a reference page, as they are based on prior knowledge or given information.
😀 Helpful resources for expository essays include videos on Learning Birds and Purdue University's online materials about essay writing.

Q & A

What is an expository essay?
-An expository essay is an essay that presents information about a topic. It requires the writer to have knowledge or conduct research on the topic and present the information in a clear and organized manner.
What are the key features of an expository essay?
-The key features of an expository essay include neutrality, good organization, and the ability to present facts or details without personal bias. The essay can include descriptions, comparisons, lists, cause and effect explanations, and problem-solution scenarios.
What are some common uses of expository essays?
-Expository essays are often used in test settings, such as answering questions about historical events or describing a particular situation, such as life on a farm.
How should the tone be in an expository essay?
-The tone in an expository essay should be formal and neutral. It should avoid slang, overly casual language, and subjective statements to maintain objectivity and professionalism.
What is a 'thesis statement' in an expository essay?
-A thesis statement in an expository essay is the main point or argument of the essay. It typically includes a 'three-pronged thesis,' outlining the three points the essay will discuss.
What should be included in the introduction of an expository essay?
-The introduction of an expository essay should include an attention-getter to engage the reader, followed by the thesis statement that outlines the main points of the essay.
What is the purpose of the body paragraphs in an expository essay?
-The body paragraphs in an expository essay are used to expand on each of the points mentioned in the thesis statement, with each paragraph focusing on one specific point or idea.
How should the conclusion of an expository essay be structured?
-The conclusion should restate the thesis in a new way, summarizing the key points made in the body of the essay, and drawing a final conclusion based on the presented information.
What is the importance of using formal language in an expository essay?
-Using formal language in an expository essay ensures the tone remains professional, objective, and credible. It helps avoid undermining the seriousness of the essay with informal expressions.
When writing an expository essay that requires research, what should be included at the end of the essay?
-When writing an expository essay that involves research, a reference page should be included, listing all the sources used for the essay. This helps give credit to the original authors and adds credibility to the essay.