there are 4 structural parts of an expository essay

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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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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 first or second person (“I” or “you”).

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

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion 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.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

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.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay 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.

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Parts of An Expository Essay

Jan 04,2023 | iLovereading.sg Pte Ltd

A strong understanding of the expository essay structure goes a long way in helping students organise their content in a clear and succinct way, and thus, score higher for essay-writing. This simple guide covers the basic elements that should be in any O-Level expository essay.

Like most other essays, there are three parts of an expository essay: an introduction, the body (3 to 4 content paragraphs) , and a conclusion . This is also known as the macrostructure of an expository essay. While some people might recommend a five-paragraph structure, it is not a hard-and-fast rule.

The first main component of an expository essay is the introduction . One similarity that the expository essay shares with the argumentative essay is that the introduction to both essays should contain a clear and concise thesis statement – your stand on the issue in one sentence.

Providing some background context, especially for a controversial and complex issue, also helps to ease the reader into the main topic of discussion.

The next basic component, the body paragraphs , form the bulk of your essay. Unlike the argumentative essay, a counterargument and rebuttal paragraph is not required for the expository essay. Instead, your body paragraphs should provide a balanced view of the issue. Depending on the question, you may be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a trend, or the different aspects of a position – the possibilities are endless!

There are many ways to organise the discussion across the body paragraphs. Common ways of organisation include:

• comparison and contrast
• chronological
• cause-and-effect

For example, a question may require you to discuss the problems in relation to a particular issue and suggest possible solutions to these problems. In this case, you can approach this question by using a problem-solution structure – list a problem, explain it, and suggest one corresponding solution in each paragraph.

Tip: Remember to explain how each solution can solve the problem!

Take note that this is only one possible structure you can use – you should choose the structure most apt for the question you’re working on!

The last key element in the expository essay is your conclusion , where you should reiterate your stand and main arguments. You can also propose a solution to the central problem that you discussed in your essay. One common mistake that students make is introducing new information in the conclusion, which can confuse readers!

With a clear structure, your expository essay now has a logical flow to it, and reads more cohesively to the examiner. You’re now one step closer to getting that ‘A’ grade!

Jan 04,2023

Expository Essay Structure: Expert’s Guide To Flawless Writing

Understanding expository essay structure is pivotal in every student’s academic life. Incomplete or lack of knowledge on college essay writing may result in poor grades. It’s a harsh reality that many students scare to face. In this blog, our professional essay-writing experts will help you thoroughly in making structure for expository essays. Read till the end to get this problem sorted for good.

Table of Contents

How to Structure an Expository Essay Effortlessly in 4 Steps

As we suggested below, students of all disciplines may structure their expository essays in the following steps. 

Start Making Eye Catching Introduction

The first step a student must take is to start their essay with a good introduction. An intro paragraph is an essential part of an expository essay structure. Since it’s the first thing, your reader or professor will see, following the guidelines we suggested here is vital.

Your first sentence should start with a  hook sentence  that will captivate your audience. Make your hook compelling so your readers will be intrigued to read the entire essay. The second thing to do is to add  background information  on the topic to educate your readers. Lastly, add a  thesis statement  to demonstrate your command of the subject. 

This way, you will quickly complete the first part of the structure, which will inspire your peers as well. 

Add Your Arguments, Evidence, and Opposing Arguments in Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the most crucial part of an expository essay . They include an author’s research, counter or opposing statements, and supporting evidence. Students must start their body paragraphs with a topic sentence that briefly describes what’s in the paragraph. 

The second step is to add your arguments on the topic, besides supporting evidence that collaborates with your stance. If the topic’s research is lengthy and the evidence is more than one or two, you may add a second and third paragraph.

After adding a list of supporting evidence, it’s suggested to add opposing or counterarguments. These counterarguments are from those who are not agreeing with your stance. Adding them gives you an impartial perspective that justifies your credibility and unbiasedness about the subject. 

The last thing to do is to add transitions for moving from one paragraph to another. Transitions are also used for keeping the coherence from one section to another or moving on to a different topic altogether.

Your essay is almost complete; it’s time to add a conclusion and end your assignment.

End the Debate in Conclusion

The step you need to take is to restate your thesis statement and emphasize its importance and relevance. After this, summarize the essay’s main points and a concluding statement. Concluding remarks end the discussion and leave no space for future arguments or opposition. Finally, add the significance of your work and how it will help academic research in the future. 

Proofread for Structural Issues

After completing the composing part, it’s time to proofread the essay for any issues related to the structure. In case of deviation from the standard format, make a second draft removing unnecessary parts. After your second draft is complete, submit the assignment. . 

Writing your assignment according to expository essay structure is vital for top grades. The steps we suggested here offer the best solution for college assignments . Following them makes your tasks exceptional and better than your classmates.

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Management Paper Blog Academic Writing Guides And Tips

Making Up the Structure of Expository Essays

• ManagementPaper
• Apr 05, 2021

The term ‘expository’ refers to “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay explains the correct ways of how to write an essay and provides the readers with focused and clear explanation of the given essay topic or a concept related to it.

Definition of Expository Essays

The genre of essay where a student or the researcher has to conduct an investigation on an idea, evaluating the evidence, expounding on the ideas and setting up an argument that revolves around a concise and clear idea or notion is known as an expository essay. This goal can be achieved through analysing the cause and effect, example, definition, compare and contrast, etc. Your understanding of the subject is clearly defined by these types of essays and used in the higher education levels.

There are various kinds of essays like argumentative essays , descriptive essays, critical essays and many more. But the expository essays are a real challenge to the students. Drafting an accurate outline or taking the proper approach towards the essay topic can at the least make the student a lot confused. During those times, the students can avail affordable paper writing service from the team of the Management paper.

Structure of Expository Essays

Generally, like other kinds of academic essays, this should also be a five paragraph essay:

• The essay introduction
• The essay body: this is further divided into 3 paragraphs.
• The essay conclusion

This is a general structure of the essay but you are always free to break it and make your own suitable structure as per the topic of your expository essays.

The Factors That Hold the Structure of Such Kind of Essays Together

• Presenting a defined, concise and clear thesis statement in the introductory paragraph of the essay. The thesis statement has to be narrowed down carefully to make it a summation of everything that you are going to state in the essay. Mastering this part of an essay is very crucial for you to pen down an effective research study.
• Logical, clear and smooth transition between the various paragraphs, especially, the essay introduction , the essay body and the essay conclusion. The raiders must be able to differentiate very well between the three main parts of an essay: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. All these three parts must not coagulate with each other else it would make the readers confused about your claims and facts. The foundation of your expository essay must be always held together by a mortar, which is the smooth transition here. Keep the structure your utmost priority and your thought progression must be a lot logical else the structure of your essay may collapse as well as the readers will be unable to understand the arguments you placed.
• Validate the facts in the essay body with proper evidence. One general idea relevant in any manner with the essay topic must be exposed in a single paragraph. No two paragraphs are supposed to have the same detailing else it may be called as a repetition. This will give you and the readers as well direction and clarity all through the expository essay. The readers get the ‘ease of readability’ through your essay. Also each of the [paragraphs must have a logical connection to the thesis statement. At the same time, no two consecutive paragraphs must be of opposite poles, that is, the idea should be interconnected and the reader must not feel that you have jumped from one big idea to another big idea, without going into much detail about each of them.
• Add different kinds of evidence: anecdotal, statistical, logical or factual. Try to inculcate as much data and statistics possible in any form of evidence. In the case of expository essays, it becomes quite difficult to collect proper data as the topics are not always in your favour. In such cases, you can take the help of an efficient academic paper writing company, such as the Management Paper . They will guide you thoroughly for the expository essay and help you gather every possible data and evidence possible.
• Add a pinch of creativity. Though formal academic essays are not a part of creative writing, yet it demands your creativity to frame its structure and organise the various data that you have collected from various sources. Do not get stuck on the typical formulated essay format and essay outlines . Do not miss attracting the readers with a wonderful thought or hypothesis of yours, thinking that it may not suit the formal approach. Though you are not after drafting the upcoming great novel, but try to leave an indelible impression upon the readers. After All, writing is always creative.
• Conclude it keeping in mind the evidence you provided. While writing the conclusion, you have to keep two important things to be done in your mind. One, restate your thesis statement and explain your readers how the entire work relates to the thesis statement. Also prove the viability and feasibility of your thesis statement. Two, provide your readers a summary of all that you have written throughout the expository essay in two or three sentences. The conclusion must be logical and effective. Do establish any new claim or provide any new information in this section, rather synthesis it all that you have mentioned.

Think of It as An Argument

It may be helpful to you if you consider an expository essay to be like that of a debate or a conversation that you are having with the teacher or a classmate. Explain how you will take an approach towards it. Suppose, if you were to explain the consequence of the two world wars and its impact on the present situation. You would first introduce the background before the wars took place, then you would state the reasons of the First World War and its consequences. After that you will be stating the reasons for World War II and its after effects. Then you shall describe how the wars affected the international relationship between the countries and did it have an impact on the trading affairs and how it is responsible for the globalisation in business at the present day. Your expository essay should clearly have ‘a beginning, middle and an end’. These three features are clear as water to your readers. The essay must be a complete one and the readers should not be left with any doubt or questions in their minds.

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What Are The Main Components Of A Quality Expository Essay

The essential parts of an expository essay are the introduction, three body paragraphs, and the conclusion. However, each of these parts has specific elements that should be taken into account while writing.

Introduction

The first sentence of the introduction should be engaging and involve the reader in the reading. It should contain a hook, an attention grabber, that is both interesting and relevant to the topic.

• The context.

Give your readers an idea of what you’re going to describe or analyze in your paper. Be reader-friendly, and either give brief background information on your topic, or outline the context that will facilitate the comprehension of the following paragraphs.

• Thesis statement.

The main element of the introduction is the thesis statement. All previous sentences should lead up to it. It should be a kind of summary expressed in one sentence, and should state clearly what you’re going to explain or describe. Remember that the opening paragraph is the door to the essay.

Body paragraphs

An expository essay has a five-paragraph structure. There are usually three body paragraphs, each presenting a separate supporting topic or argument. There can also be more body paragraphs if you have more ideas to be discussed. Anyway, check the guidelines to your assignment to these if there are limitations on length. Each paragraph should contain:

• A topic sentence that presents the key idea.
• Supporting evidence that support your thesis.
• Your analysis, in which you explain the significance of the evidence.
• A transition sentence that connects one paragraph with the next and ties your ideas together.
• Restate your thesis in the first sentence, but not in exactly the same way as in the introduction.
• Review the main ideas you discussed in the concluding paragraph by demonstrating how the presented information and facts influenced the thesis.
• Make sure you don’t repeat, but rather reexamine your arguments.
• Don’t introduce any new information. Instead, show how your thoughts progressed and how they prove the thesis, and reflect on the significance of the topic.
• You can give your final conclusion by offering solutions, next steps, presenting a new question that emerged, or asking the reader to take a closer look at a problem. Also, you can ponder why the topic is relevant or important personally for you or your audience; think about how it correlates with the broader context.

The title of your paper also matters. Pay special attention to it, and think about it after you’ve completed the writing. This way you’ll come up with a heading that accurately reflects the main idea of the text.

Features of writing an expository essay – a guide for students

An expository essay is a description of a topic without presenting personal opinions. In this case, the author, who is a student, enumerates the obtained information, indicates its sources, and draws conclusions. The primary tone of the writing is informative and neutral. The author does not defend their point of view, as in an argumentative essay, but conveys information obtained from processing other scholarly materials. On the contrary, an argumentative essay aims to demonstrate the writer’s thoughts. Here, you are not just a researcher but a thinker with a developed opinion based on an in-depth analysis of the issue.

Students encounter the task of writing an expository essay throughout their entire educational journey. They write it in college and repeatedly encounter this assignment in higher schools and institutes. Thanks to this task, students learn to conduct research, draw conclusions, and express them in written form.

The goal is not only to gather information about the researched subject but also to analyze the information. The result is the deepening of the student’s theoretical and sometimes practical skills that will be useful in their future professional activities or, at the very least, broaden their horizons and understanding of the topic.

It is essential to collect and process information and present it correctly according to established rules, which students often find challenging. Therefore, below, we suggest familiarizing yourself with the primary stages of writing this academic work. 

If you want to find out how quickly and easily you can order a ready-made essay, you can do it here ibuyessay.com . Here you can receive professional help from those who appreciate quality. 

Structure of expository essay

Before starting, it is recommended to create a plan to outline the future flow of thoughts logically. Only after its composition can you proceed to formulate the beginning. The plan is based on gathering the main themes you intend to highlight and includes both main headings and subheadings. They can be presented as brief descriptions of the topic or in the form of posed questions. An ideal heading should be informative and concise. Under no circumstances should long sentences and judgments be used that will not be used in the text beneath them.

However, before creating a plan, attention should be paid to the rules of its writing . Here, determining the structure of the entire essay is essential. Coping with this task much faster will be facilitated by professionals at ibuyessay.com/expository.html , but you can also make use of the recommendations below.

The structure of the essay consists of 3 main elements:

• Introduction – here, it is vital to formulate the work’s title, reflecting its main essence. A good choice would be to use a quote, ask a question, or emphasize a fact. At this stage, capturing the target audience’s attention and motivating them to study the work further is crucial.
• Context and justification – at this stage, it is necessary to disclose the topic and justify its relevance. Quoting the thoughts of scholars, proving theorems, and other ways to reveal the features of the study, such as theses and explanations, are appropriate here.
• Conclusion – conclude the work, repeating the central thesis and briefly reflecting on critical points. Ultimately, the target audience should not feel they missed something and forgot what was being discussed all this time.

The main snag of the plan is that each previous part should logically flow into the next one. For this, it is recommended to use smooth transitions between topics and summarize them with your conclusions. It is also appropriate to consider the opposite point of view without expressing your attitude towards it.

Once you have determined the layout of the future work, you can proceed to write its beginning .

How to write an expository essay introduction

Introduction – the first thing a teacher looks at. It should both attract attention and describe the background of your essay. Here, you can raise an issue or start with a thesis statement to prepare the ground for the central part of the work.

The tasks of the introduction are:

• prepare for discussion;
• highlight the relevance of the topic;
• intrigue with the content.

Professionals recommend starting with a quote from famous scientists or writers or posing a rhetorical question. Ideally, the student can make a provocative statement capable of further discussion. If the essay’s task is to solve a current problem, you can use these. In 50% of the works, students prepare the reader for a discussion by indicating key aspects that will be considered in the course of the work.

With the introduction, we intrigue the target audience: the teacher and possibly another student who will use our essay as a reference to understand the topic. Once written, you can start writing the essay’s body, presenting theses, evidence, and explanations.

In the opening, each paragraph should present one idea, maintaining a logical connection with the essay’s first paragraph. Sometimes, providing statistical data with explanations and comparisons based on professional analysis is appropriate. Try to present the information not literally but by extracting critical points from processed materials and expressing them in your own words.

The final stage will be a logical conclusion to the text. Specific requirements are also imposed on it, which we will outline below.

Expository essay conclusion

This is the summary of the work. Here, you can mention the problem raised initially and then use quotes and excerpts to add a logical conclusion. We conclude and bring the results of the work back to its primary goal. It’s important not to copy everything literally but to rephrase the judgment in simple words, emphasizing the importance of the problem and possibly finding ways to solve it based on the works of scientists and specialists. Be sure to summarize the essay’s main points and refute commonly accepted judgments if any scientists, for example, presented opposing facts. Recalling some quotes or key expressions from your work at the final stage is good. It would be interesting if you end where you started, remembering the main question raised at the beginning.

Remember the logic. Do not use new information, but provide the result of your work so that the reader has no questions after studying the essay.

Also, distinguish the expository essay from other types of work. There should be no personal thoughts here – you are just studying the material and presenting it, always indicating references to the primary source in the text.

Interestingly, 65% of teachers report that they need to read the students’ work thoroughly but only look at the beginning, middle, and end. But even if this is not the case, it is recommended that more attention be paid to these parts of the essay. 

Now, you know how to write an essay correctly. Our recommendations will help you get a positive grade and make learning more manageable.

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Structure of a General Expository Essay

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Markéta Gregorová

Lesson 8 in a one-term course of academic writing. The course aims at providing students with basic instruction in essay writing, with a special emphasis on literary critical essays. The students are guided through all the stages involved in the process of writing, ranging from choosing the topic to compiling a bibliography. The course deals with a logical structure of the essay, its unity and coherence, with using secondary sources as well as with the issue of plagiarism. Other topics include the suitable language and style and formal requirements in academic writing.

Maya Tia Constantinou Malek

Anthropology & Humanism

Wesley Brunson

I think of this piece as a “sound essay,” a form of writing and inhabitation of the social world drawing inspiration from the work of Fred Moten, Maggie Nelson, and The Hundreds, by Kathleen Stewart and Lauren Berlant. It is an exercise in mental clarification, in which the injunction to have specific objects of attention outside the self is suspended for interior reflection. What we might traditionally consider as the important details in ethnographic writing—for example, social or cultural context, locational or demographic specificity, and so on—are put on hold. However, I was a real body in a real place. The events of this piece take place in 2016 while I was on preliminary fieldwork investigating squatted apartment buildings in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain. In the scenes it describes, I have entered a squatted apartment, a circus and music training center of sorts, and have begun to feel socially anxious. So, I do what I think I should: I observe the feeling and its relation to my surroundings disavowing that my experience of the world exists in any way before, or purified of, that anxiety. This piece is an act of listening to the body speak its world.

Josephine Barnett

For permission to use in educational setting for instructional use only... kindly email author of document Josephine Barnett: [email protected]

afraz ahmad

Jerusman Marbun

Halfway to Revolution

Matthieu Giroux

ALESSANDRA ROMANO

All human writing is influenced by our life histories. Each word we write represents an encounter, possibly a struggle, between our multiple past experience and the demands of a new context. Autobiographical writing is never some neutral activity which we just learn like a physical skill, but it implicates every fibre of the writer’s multifaceted being. This article would like to describe the autobiographical technique of the journal, the logbook, as a way of learning wherein students, more generally people, relate an experience lived to their thoughts and feeling. The logbooks, as narrative self-reports, combine an autobiographical style with a subjective investigation of feelings and a theoretical understanding. We would like to explain the first part of a research where the logbooks, as autobiographical narratives, have been adopted and adapted in the research investigation, in order to understand how was produced knowledge and transformation of meaning perspectives thanks to the experience carried out. Within the framework of the Theatre of the Oppressed (Boal, 2005; Romano, 2014), that is a theatrical technique developed in the 60s by Augusto Boal, quickly spread throughout the world, as one of the most effective weapons for social participation, were conducted at University of Naples four workshops with the methodologies of the Theatre of the Oppressed, with graduate and undergraduate students. The data were gathered through the adoption of qualitative tools. The research methodology, in fact, involves the collection of logbooks, narrative self-reports, in which the participants in the workshops of Theatre of the Oppressed describe their subjective perception of the experience, focusing on what happened and what were the individual and group resonances. Embedding some excerpts from participants’ logbooks, we would like to show the usefulness and the trustworthiness of the logbooks as narrative autobiographical tools for exploring potential and eventual transformation in the field of adult education.

Filippo Valente

This coursebook lays out an approach to expository and persuasive writing designed to make it easy for our readers to follow us, no matter how complex the ideas we are trying to put across. We can do that if we can appreciate how readers read or want to read, or what they do with the words they read. But that in turn means that in the act of writing we have to position ourselves in such a way as to be able to see what our readers see. So we start out with a framing device: We try to imagine ourselves as writers looking at a scene that we are depicting to a reader who cannot be assumed to have a full view of it. In depicting this scene, we are also to imagine that its content (the argument we are making) contains concepts or ideas to which we assign roles as agents doing actions, or acting on a stage (this is the agent-action mode of thinking). The approach is thus visual (prose as a window onto the world) as well as narrative (or “theatrical”), but it is also logical and cognitive: logical because we are asked to make explicit how our concepts as agents relate to one another; cognitive in that we want to introduce these concepts in a way that can easily be processed by someone (our invisible reader) in whose mind they are new. We begin by applying these principles of clarity to the single sentence and then move on to the transition from one sentence to the next in composition, where the emphasis falls on cohesion and coherence. NB While these sixty-plus pages of expository method can be helpful on their own, they are meant to be used in class (eight hours of classroom time, including the time needed to look at student work in class to see how it reads in light of the principles set out in the coursebook itself). Feedback is welcome. This is a continuing project, with some unfinished business in it, especially as concerns the logocratic method, which needs more research. New revised versions will be coming. Latest update December 25, 2023. The text now contains a fuller list of sources as well as hyperlinks and clickable cross-references.

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• Our Process

Frequently asked questions

How to structure an expository essay.

The standard structure of an expository essay consists of 5 paragraphs. 

• Introduction 
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Body Paragraph 3 
• Conclusion 

Frequently Asked Questions : Essay Guide

How to write a literary analysis essay?

Step 1: Read the text and identify literary components. 

Step 2: Write a literary analysis thesis statement. 

Step 3: Compose and add a title 

Step 4: Add the body paragraphs to the essay 

Step 5: Write the conclusion

What does outline mean in an essay?

An outline in an essay refers to a structured plan that provides an overview of the main points and ideas to be discussed. It serves as a guide that helps writers organise and present their thoughts coherently and logically.

How to write an outline for an essay?

• Shape your ideas 
• Categorise information 
• Decide the sequence of material 
• Present your points as short phrases and sentences.

What are the Components or Parts of an Essay?

The main components of a standard essay are an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. Generally, an essay is five paragraphs long. 

How to Structure an English Literature Essay GCSE?

• An introduction outline 
• Write 3 main arguments 
• Back your arguments using quotes 
• Summarise in conclusion 

How to Structure an Essay?

An essay comprises three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction introduces the topic, provides background information, and expresses the main argument. The body includes analysis, evidence, and interpretation. The conclusion wraps up your ideas.

Make sure to take your time to organize your essay and the sequence of information within the main body.

How to Critically Reflect in an Essay?

Critical reflection in an essay involves analysing and evaluating your own experiences, assumptions, and beliefs, as well as considering alternative perspectives and evidence. To do this effectively, you should:

• Describe the experience or topic you are reflecting on, and provide context and background information.
• Analyse your assumptions, biases, and values, and consider how they may have influenced your perceptions.
• Evaluate the evidence and consider alternative perspectives to challenge your assumptions.
• Draw conclusions and identify areas for further learning or development.

How to Conclude a Reflective Essay?

In the concluding chapter of your reflective essay, provide a synopsis of the ideas that you have presented in the essay. Present how your beliefs and perspectives have changed and how your personality has been influenced. 

How to Write a Reflective Essay for a University?

• Choose a specific experience or event to reflect on.
• Provide background information to contextualise the experience and explain how it impacted you at the time.
• Analyse your thoughts and feelings about the experience.
• Identify any assumptions or biases you had before the experience.
• Use concrete examples or anecdotes to illustrate your points, and provide evidence to support your claims.
• Consider the perspectives of others involved in the experience.
• Conclude by summarising the key points of your reflection.

How to Write a Reflective Essay?

The reflective essay starts with an introduction which contains the hook and the thesis statement. It summarises your life experiences and responses. The conclusion section should provide a synopsis of the ideas presented in the essay.

What is a Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay is a type of academic essay where the writer reflects on their life experiences. Using your life examples, you can share thoughts on certain topics. It requires proper critical analysis. 

How to Write a Summative Essay?

Follow the given steps to complete your summative essay. 

• Know Your Essay Summative Topic
• Research Relevant Material 
• Make A Summative Essay Outline 
• Write The Introduction 
• Work On The Main Body Paragraphs 
• Write A Compelling Conclusion 

What is a Summative Essay?

A summative essay is used to evaluate the knowledge of students and their concepts of the course contents. They usually take place at the end of the term. It follows the standard essay structure containing an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Are Essays Formative or Summative?

Essays are mostly considered summative. Instead of seeing them as learning opportunities, students tend to see them as tasks. 

Can an Essay Introduction be Two Paragraphs?

The number of paragraphs in the essay introduction depends on the length of the essay . For a long essay, you might require 2 to 3 paragraphs to introduce your topic completely.

How Many Paragraphs for a 2500-Word Essay?

A 2500 words essay is usually around 10 to 17 paragraphs long, with the length of each paragraph varying from 100 to 250 words. 

Should I Indent Every Paragraph in an Essay?

According to the manuscript format, you should indent the first line of each paragraph. However, the first paragraph after the heading or title should not be indented. 

How Many Paragraphs for a 2000-Word Essay?

A 2000 words essay is usually 10 to 15 paragraphs long. The number of paragraphs in a 2000-word essay can vary depending on the topic, essay style, and purpose of the essay.

How Many Paragraphs for a 1000-Word Essay?

A 1000 words essay usually has three to four paragraphs. The body paragraph should be around 600 to 800 words, with an introduction and conclusion containing 100 words each.

How to Write an Introduction Paragraph for an Essay?

The introduction paragraph for an essay should contain the following components. 

• A hook statement to get the reader’s attention
• Background information on the topic 
• A thesis statement explaining the main argument. 

How Many Paragraphs are in an Essay?

The most common structure of an essay contains five paragraphs. One introduction, 3 body paragraphs and one conclusion. The number of paragraphs varies according to the essay style, subject or requirements of your institute.

How Long Should a Paragraph be in an Essay?

Academically, the length of the paragraph is usually between 200 to 300 words. Make sure to check the guide provided by your teacher before you start working on your essay. Moreover, ensure that your paragraph covers all the points necessary to support your argument. 

How to Start a Paragraph in an Essay?

Start your essay paragraphs with a topic sentence that briefly explains the following paragraph. Add a sentence or two to support or oppose your argument.

When to Shorten an Essay?

Here are a few reasons why you might have to shorten an essay . 

• When you have a word or page limit for the assignment or publication.
• When your essay includes irrelevant or redundant information, that does not affect the quality or clarity of the writing.
• When your essay is too long, you must condense it to meet the desired length or improve readability.
• When your essay includes a long quote or citation that you can shorten without it losing its meaning or context.

How to Shorten a Quote in an Essay?

Follow the given steps if you want to shorten a quote in an essay. 

• Identify the portion of the quote that you want to use.
• Determine the words that can be removed without changing the quote’s meaning.
• Use ellipses (three dots with a space before and after each dot) to indicate the omission of words.
• Place the shortened quote within quotation marks and provide a proper citation to the source.

How to Shorten an Essay?

Review the following recommendations to shorten an essay . 

• Create a compelling outline. 
• Reduce redundancy 
• Combine sentences with similar meanings 
• Avoid the overuse of prepositional phrases 
• Use clear and concise words. 
• Remove irrelevant information

How to Write an Expository Essay?

You can write an exceptional expository essay by following the steps below.

• Choose a topic
• Research and gather information
• Create an outline
• Write an introduction
• Write the body paragraphs.
• Write a conclusion
• Edit and revise

What is the Difference Between an Expository and an Argumentative Essay?

The main difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay is the purpose and approach of the writing.

An expository essay is meant to inform or explain a topic or idea to the reader. It presents factual information and evidence on a particular subject without expressing any personal opinion or argument. The writer aims to explain the topic clearly and objectively, often using examples, statistics, or research to support their claims.

An argumentative essay , on the other hand, is written to persuade the reader to accept the writer’s viewpoint or argument on a particular topic. It presents a claim or argument on a debatable issue, provides evidence and reasoning to support it, and often refutes opposing viewpoints. The writer tries to convince the reader to agree with their perspective.

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a type of academic writing aiming to explain or describe a particular topic, idea, or concept. The primary objective of an expository essay is to provide information to the reader in a clear, concise, and objective manner.

What are the Different Types of Persuasive Essay Writing?

There are four main types of persuasive essay writing . 

• Discursive Essay – explores different aspects of the Essay
• Argumentative Essay – observation of scientific aspects of a research 
• Exegetical Essay – conduct exegesis and write the results 
• Expository Essay – explain an idea rationally 

What are the Three Types of Persuasion or Persuasive Techniques?

The three types of persuasive techniques include:

• Ethos: Establishing credibility or trustworthiness with the audience.
• Pathos : Fascinating to the emotions of the audience.
• Logos : Using logic, reason, and evidence to support a claim.

How to Avoid Being too Descriptive in Essays?

• Focus on your thesis statement and ensure that every sentence supports it.
• Use descriptive language sparingly, and be selective in your choice of words.
• Use concrete examples to illustrate your points instead of relying on lengthy descriptions.
• Be concise and use clear, straightforward language.
• Have someone else read your essay to see if it is too descriptive or unclear.

How Long Should a Descriptive Essay be?

The length of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the topic and the assignment requirements. Typically, a descriptive essay can range from one to five pages or 250 to 1000 words .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

Start by choosing a topic you want to describe in detail. Use sensory details to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Write an introduction that includes a thesis statement and gives an overview of what you will describe. Use descriptive language to describe the subject, using words that captivate the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).

Use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the next. In the conclusion section, summarise your main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression of the subject. Edit and revise your essay to ensure it is well-written and error-free.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is used to describe a certain person, place, event or any other element in a creative manner. For example, describing your journey will be a descriptive essay. 

Which Section is Hardest in SAT Essay?

The SAT essay consists of one section, and its difficulty level can vary depending on an individual’s writing skills, critical thinking ability, and the topic given. The essay assesses a student’s ability to analyse a given passage and develop a well-organised, coherent response.

However, some students may find the essay’s analysis and development of a strong argument the most challenging aspect. Others may struggle with time management and completing the essay within the allotted 50-minute time frame. It ultimately depends on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in writing and critical thinking.

To prepare for the SAT essay, students should practice writing essays on various topics , time themselves, and get feedback from their teachers or peers to improve their skills.

What is the Structure of the SAT Essay?

The structure of the SAT essay consists of the following elements. 

• Introductory Paragraph
• Conclusion Paragraph

How to Start Writing the SAT Essay?

There are three stages of writing the SAT essay. 

• Reading 
• Planning 
• Writing 

To start writing the SAT essay, read the prompt carefully, create a thesis statement that clearly expresses your position, outline your essay, use evidence to support your argument, and review and edit your essay before submitting it.

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

A rhetorical essay consists of three sections.

Introduction – introduce the topic  

Body – evidence, analysis, and explanation of how the author uses rhetorical devices to achieve their purpose.

Conclusion – summarise the main points of the arguments.

What are the Different Modes of Rhetorical Analysis?

The different modes of rhetorical analysis include the following:

• Compare and contrast – two ideas, concepts, people etc. 
• Narration – storytelling 
• Description – describing something 
• Definition – explanation of something 
• Argumentation – Arguing about a topic with evidence 
• Illustration – using examples to explain something 
• Process explanation – step-by-step guides  
• Cause and effect – Examining and explaining the outcomes and reasons

What is Meant by Rhetorical Analysis?

A rhetorical analysis essay is a composition that emphasises the writer’s use of techniques and style to capture the reader’s attention rather than focus solely on the content being communicated. The essay closely examines how the writer has conveyed their message rather than just the message itself.

How to Learn to Write in Cursive?

To learn to write in cursive, follow these steps:

• Study cursive letters: You can find cursive writing examples in books, online resources, or handwriting workbooks.
• Practice basic strokes: Cursive writing comprises a series of basic strokes like curves, loops, and diagonal lines.
• Start with lowercase letters : They are easier to write than uppercase letters. Start with letters that have simple shapes, such as “a,” “c,” and “e.”
• Connect the letters: Connect letters to form words. Cursive writing is designed to be fluid and connected, so practice making smooth connections between letters.
• Move on to uppercase letters: Now, you can practice uppercase letters. Uppercase letters can be more complex, so take your time and practice them one by one.
• Practice regularly: Like any skill, cursive writing takes practice to master. Ensure to leave some time each day to practice your cursive writing, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

How to Write f in Cursive?

To write “f” in cursive, follow these steps:

• Start with a downward stroke: Begin by placing your pen or pencil on the writing surface and making a downward stroke that slants slightly to the right.
• Add a loop: At the bottom of the downward stroke, create a small loop that extends to the right. This loop should be similar to the one you make when writing the letter “e” in cursive.
• Cross the loop: Once you have made the loop, continue the stroke upward and slightly to the left. Cross the loop you made with a horizontal line extending to the left.
• Finish with a hook: Create a small hook at the end of the horizontal line that curves to the right. This hook should be similar to the one you make when writing the letter “j” in cursive.

How to Write in Cursive?

To write in cursive, you first need to gather a pen or pencil, a four-lined book or paper, and cursive handwriting worksheets. Once you have collected these items, follow these steps. 

• Practice the simple entrance-exit stroke. 
• Practice stroke upward 
• Start working on curved stroke 
• Work on words that require multiple strokes 
• Practice the difficult alphabets like b and f
• Practice curved alphabets 
• Start writing words and sentences

What is Cursive Writing?

Cursive writing is a style of handwriting in which the letters are joined together flowingly. It is also known as script or longhand writing. In cursive writing, the letters are typically written in a slanted and connected manner, allowing for faster and more efficient writing than printing.

What is a Thesis Statement Example?

Here is a thesis statement example for an essay:

Topic: The benefits of exercise for overall health.

Thesis statement: Regular exercise offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and endurance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Essay?

To write a thesis statement for an essay, first, identify the main topic or argument of the essay . Then, craft a sentence or two that clearly and concisely summarises the main point or argument of the essay. An effective thesis statement should be specific and guide the reader’s understanding of the writer’s argument. It should be located at the end of the introductory paragraph to set the direction and focus for the rest of the essay. Revising and refining the thesis statement may be necessary as the essay develops.

What is a Thesis Statement in an Essay?

An Essay thesis statement is a sentence or two that presents the main argument or point of the essay. It typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph and sets the direction and focus for the rest of the essay.

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement could be a sentence or two that summarises the main point or argument of an essay, research paper, or other academic or persuasive writing. It typically appears at the end of the introduction paragraph and sets the tone for the rest of the paper.

What are the Three Types of Thesis Statements?

Mainly, There are three types of thesis statements .

Argumentative Thesis Statement – Present an argument with evidence

Expository Thesis Statement – Explains your topic to the reader 

Analytical Thesis Statement – Present a particular aspect of the essay

How to Write a Thesis Statement?

Writing a thesis statement can be easy if you follow the given steps. 

• Decide your topic and the type of essay. 
• Formulate a question 
• Write an initial answer. 
• Provide Logical reasoning in the answers.

How Long is an Undergraduate Essay?

An undergraduate essay is usually between 1000 to 5000 words . However, this is just the average number of words. The length of an undergraduate essay may vary according to the institute and subject. It also depends on what type of essay your instructor has asked you to work on. Make sure to check with your teacher or tutor before writing.

What is the Minimum Word Count for an Essay?

The length of an essay is usually shorter than other academic writing. The minimum word count for an essay varies depending on the assignment and the level of education. For example, the minimum word count in high school or undergraduate studies may be around 300-1000 words for a short essay or response paper. In contrast, a graduate-level or research-based essay may have a minimum word count of 2500-6000 words or more. 

It is important to note that while meeting the minimum word count is necessary, it is not the only factor determining the essay’s quality. The focus should always be on effectively communicating your ideas and arguments clearly and concisely, regardless of the word count.

What is Thought Organisation in Essay Writing?

Thought organisation is a crucial step in essay writing . It refers to organising and structuring the essay in your mind before penning it down. This could include a mindmap or creating an essay outline in your mind. Thought organisation in an essay helps in adding all the relevant information and not missing out on any important points. It helps you in designing an essay that will be easier to read.

How do you Start Mind Mapping in an Essay?

Mind mapping is a useful technique for organising ideas and concepts in an essay. First, you should identify your essay’s main topic or theme. Write it down in the centre of a blank sheet of paper and circle it. Then, brainstorm related ideas and subtopics, writing them down and connecting them to the central theme with lines. 

Continue to add ideas and subtopics, branching out and creating connections between them. You can use keywords, phrases, or images to represent the ideas in your mind map. Once you have completed your mind map, you can use it to guide your writing process, ensuring that your ideas are included in your essay and presented logically and coherently.

How to Reference the 6cs of Nursing in Harvard Referencing Style?

In Harvard referencing style, the 6Cs of nursing can be referenced in the following format:

Department of Health. (2012). Compassion in Practice: Nursing, Midwifery and Care Staff – Our Vision and Strategy. London: Department of Health.

How do I Reference the 6cs of Nursing?

Jane Cunnings, The chief nursing officer of the national health service (NHS), in England, established the 6 Cs of nursing essay in 2017. 

The 6Cs of nursing can be referenced using the following citation format:

Department of Health (2012). Compassion in Practice: Nursing, Midwifery and Care Staff – Our Vision and Strategy. London: Department of Health.

How do Communication and Commitment Help in Writing an Essay?

Communication:

• Helps to clearly convey ideas and information to the reader.
• Improves the structure and organisation of the essay, making it easier to follow.
• Helps to clarify any doubts or questions the reader may have.
• Contributes to the professionalism and credibility of the essay.

Commitment:

• Helps to maintain focus and ensure that the essay meets the required standards.
• Contributes to the quality of the content by motivating students to conduct thorough research and analysis.
• Helps to identify and address any weaknesses or gaps in the essay.
• Shows dedication and passion for the subject matter, which can make the essay more compelling and engaging for the reader.

What are the 6cs of a Nursing Essay?

By following the 6Cs of the nursing essay , you will be able to write a compelling nursing essay. The 6 Cs are stated below.

• Communication – for better collaboration with the team and patients. 
• Commitment – dedication towards the patients and nursing profession. 
• Compassion – to give patients a sense of reliability 
• Care – constantly caring through every phase of a patient’s treatment. 
• Courage – to act in the patient’s best interest 
• Competence – processing all the nursing expertise and knowledge successfully.

Why are Interpersonal Skills Important for Nurses?

• Patients feel more comfortable and trust nurses who exhibit strong interpersonal skills.
• Interpersonal skills help nurses build rapport with patients, leading to better communication and improved patient outcomes.
• Effective communication skills help nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, leading to better teamwork and coordinated care.
• Interpersonal skills are essential for conflict resolution, which is crucial in high-pressure situations.
• Good interpersonal skills help nurses provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
• Nurses with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to succeed in leadership roles and advance their careers.

You have to show these interpersonal skills in your nursing essay to demonstrate that you can deal with different people and situations successfully. 

How to Improve your Interpersonal Skills as a Nursing Student?

You can follow the given tips to improve your interpersonal skills , which are required in dealings with patients and co-workers, and also while writing your reflective essay. 

• Practice Active Listening
• Develop Empathy
• Improve Your Communication Skills
• Be Open-Minded
• Develop Your Teamwork Skills
• Learn Conflict Resolution Skills
• Develop Your Leadership Skills
• Attend Workshops And Training Sessions
• Seek Feedback

What Interpersonal Skills are Required in a Nursing Essay?

You should have the following interpersonal skills in a nursing essay :

• Good Communication 
• Teamwork Expertise 
• Upbeat Attitude 
• Negotiation 
• Listening 
• Leadership 
• Empathy 
• Conflict Management 

How to Showcase Interpersonal Skills in a Nursing Essay?

• Highlight the importance of interpersonal skills in nursing practice.
• Describe specific instances where you demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Provide examples of how you established rapport with patients and made them feel comfortable and heard.
• Discuss how you communicated effectively and empathetically with patients and families, especially during difficult situations.
• Explain how you collaborated with healthcare professionals from different disciplines to ensure the best patient outcomes.
• Describe how you actively listened to patients and families and responded to their needs and concerns.
• Discuss how you maintained professional boundaries while building trusting relationships with patients.
• Highlight any training or continuing education you have completed improving your interpersonal skills.
• Emphasise the impact your interpersonal skills had on patient care and outcomes.
• Conclude by reiterating the importance of interpersonal skills in nursing practice and how you will continue to develop and utilise them in the future.

How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay in Nursing?

• Select a topic relevant to nursing practice that aligns with your interests.
• Conduct extensive research on the topic, using credible sources such as academic journals and textbooks.
• Identify the key themes and issues related to the topic.
• Use critical thinking to analyse the information gathered, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence presented.
• Create an outline that includes an introduction , body , and conclusion.
• In the introduction, provide background information on the topic and state your thesis or main argument.
• In the body, present your analysis and supporting evidence using examples from your research.
• Consider counterarguments and address them in your essay.
• Draw a conclusion that summarises your analysis and restates your thesis.
• Edit and proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

How to Write a Case Study Nursing Essay?

Writing a case study nursing essay can be difficult for a few students considering the depth of the topics. Here are a few steps that you can take to write the perfect case study nursing essay. 

• Identify a patient and obtain consent to use their case study for educational purposes.
• Collect all relevant patient data and medical history.
• Identify the patient’s health issues and formulate a nursing diagnosis.
• Develop a nursing care plan to address the patient’s needs.
• Discuss the nursing interventions implemented and their effectiveness.
• Analyse the patient’s response to the interventions.
• Reflect on the overall effectiveness of the nursing care plan.
• Conclude by summarising the case study and the key findings.
• Cite all sources used in the essay.
• Follow the proper academic writing format and guidelines.

How to Write a Good Reflective Nursing Essay?

Follow these simple steps to write a good reflective nursing essay. 

• Choose a topic or experience to reflect on
• Start by describing the experience in detail
• Identify and explore your thoughts and feelings about the experience
• Analyse how the experience impacted your learning or practice as a nurse
• Consider what you would do differently in a similar situation
• Use nursing models and theories to support your reflections
• Write a clear and concise introduction and conclusion
• Follow the essay structure and include an engaging hook and thesis statement
• Use first-person narrative and reflective language to express your personal experiences and insights

What is the Main Body of a Nursing Essay?

The main body of a nursing essay is where you develop and present the ideas and arguments that support your thesis statement. The main body should be well-structured and organised into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point or argument. In a nursing essay , the main body typically includes:

• Background information on the topic
• Literature review of relevant studies and research
• Discussion of the key points and arguments supporting your thesis statement
• Analysis and evaluation of the evidence presented
• Examples of case studies to illustrate your points
• Recommendations or conclusions based on your findings.

How to Write a Compelling Introduction to a Nursing Essay?

Here are the most crucial steps required to write a compelling nursing essay introduction.

• Start with a strong, clear and concise opening statement 
• Provide background information to show the context. 
• Write a thesis statement indicating the boundaries of your research. 
• Proofread and Finalise for any errors. 

How Long Should a Nursing Essay Introduction Be?

The length of a nursing essay introduction can vary, but typically it should be concise and to the point. A good nursing essay introduction should provide enough background information to contextualise the topic and engage the reader’s interest. A general guideline is that the introduction should be around 10% of the total essay length, which means for a 1500-word essay, the introduction would be about 150 words. 

However, it is important to remember that the length of the nursing essay introduction is not as important as its content, clarity, and ability to capture the reader’s attention.

Where do I Find a Nursing Essay Example?

You can find professionally written nursing essay examples on Essays UK. Here is a sample nursing essay . 

How Long is a Nursing Essay?

The length of a nursing essay can vary depending on the assignment instructions and requirements. Nursing essays can typically range from 500 to 1500 words, but sometimes can be longer, such as 2000 to 3000 words. It is important to review the assignment instructions carefully to determine the required length and formatting guidelines.

What Steps are Involved in Writing a Nursing Essay?

Following are the steps required to write an engaging nursing essay .

• Go through the assignment brief thoroughly.
• Choose an engaging topic.
• Do your research
• Write a compelling introduction
• Write 1 – 5 body paragraphs
• Conclude with a strong paragraph
• Proofread and edit

How to Start a Nursing Essay?

It can be a complicated step for a few students to start a nursing essay. Just follow these tips to start writing your nursing essay now.

• Conduct research
• Develop a thesis statement
• Write an engaging introduction
• Hook the reader with a strong opening statement
• Provide some background information
• Present your thesis statement
• Preview the main points of the nursing essay
• Use a clear and concise writing style.

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How to Write an Expository Essay: Definition, Outline, Writing Tips, and Examples

In the realm of academic writing, this type of essay stands as a beacon of clarity, demanding writers to illuminate a subject with precision and objectivity. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a student embarking on your first exploration of this genre, mastering the art of expository writing is a valuable skill that transcends disciplines. This form of essay invites you to delve into expository essay topics, dissect their intricacies, and present your findings in a straightforward manner. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the terrain of expository writing, unraveling the techniques and strategies that transform a mere composition into a beacon of insight. From understanding the fundamental principles to honing your ability to craft a compelling thesis, join us on a journey that promises to demystify the process of writing, empowering you to articulate ideas with clarity and purpose. Or, you can get our essay writing help and take care of other important tasks set for today.

What Is an Expository Essay

An expository essay is a form of academic writing that aims to elucidate, clarify, and present a balanced analysis of a particular topic or idea. Unlike other essay types that may delve into personal opinions or narratives, the expository essay emphasizes objectivity and factual accuracy. The primary objective is to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation of the chosen subject, exploring its various facets, presenting evidence, and ensuring a logical progression of ideas. 

According to an expository essay definition, this genre requires the writer to delve into research, organize information systematically, and deliver a coherent and informative piece that educates the reader on the chosen topic. Whether investigating a scientific concept, historical event, or literary work, it serves as a vehicle for conveying knowledge in a concise, lucid manner.

Expository Essay Examples

An expository essay example serves as a valuable tool for students, offering a concrete illustration of the structure, style, and depth expected in this genre of writing. By studying examples, students gain insights into effective thesis formulation, organizing ideas within paragraphs, and integrating supporting evidence to bolster arguments. 

Additionally, examples showcase how to balance factual accuracy and engaging prose, providing a model for clear and concise communication. Students can draw inspiration from the content and presentation of well-crafted expository essays, honing their own skills in research, analysis, and effective expression. By the way, we have an interesting autobiography example , so check it out!

Example 1: “The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence”

This expository essay explores the multifaceted evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), examining its historical roots, contemporary applications across various industries, and the consequential societal impact. It provides a comprehensive overview of AI's journey from philosophical debates and early computational developments to its current role as a transformative force in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and entertainment. Additionally, the essay addresses ethical considerations surrounding the widespread adoption of AI, including concerns related to job displacement, privacy, and responsible development. Ultimately, it navigates the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, shedding light on its remarkable advancements and its challenges to our ever-changing society.

Example 2: “The Benefits of Outdoor Education for Children”

This essay highlights the advantages of outdoor education for children, emphasizing its positive impacts on their physical, mental, and social development. It argues that outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and team sports not only promote physical health by encouraging movement and reducing sedentary behavior but also contribute to mental well-being by providing a respite from everyday stressors and fostering a connection with nature. Furthermore, it suggests that exposure to outdoor environments cultivates environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship among children.

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Types of Expository Essay

Expository essays come in several distinct types, each serving a unique purpose and requiring specific approaches to convey information effectively. One common categorization includes:

• Descriptive Expository Essay. This type focuses on painting a vivid picture of a subject, using sensory details to engage the reader's imagination. It aims to create a clear and sensory-rich portrayal of a person, place, object, or experience.
• Process Expository Essay. Here, the writer breaks down a complex process or procedure into manageable steps, providing a detailed and sequential explanation. This type of essay is instructional, guiding readers through a series of actions to achieve a specific outcome.
• Comparison and Contrast Expository Essay. This form involves analyzing similarities and differences between two or more subjects, offering insights into their shared characteristics or divergent qualities. It requires a careful examination of the chosen elements to highlight their relationships.
• Cause and Effect Expository Essay. Focused on exploring the reasons behind an occurrence and its subsequent consequences, this type delves into the cause-and-effect relationships within a given topic. Writers elucidate the connections between actions and outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Problem and Solution Expository Essay. Addressing real-world issues, this essay type identifies a specific problem, analyzes its root causes, and proposes viable solutions. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, compelling readers to consider alternative approaches to challenges.
• Definition Expository Essay. This essay seeks to clarify and explain the meaning of a particular term, concept, or idea. Writers provide a comprehensive definition, often including examples and illustrations to ensure readers grasp the essence of the subject.
• Cause and Effect Expository Essay. This type of essay examines the reasons behind a particular phenomenon or event and explores its subsequent effects. It aims to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, allowing readers to comprehend the interconnected elements of the topic.

Understanding these diverse types of essays empowers writers to choose the most suitable approach for effectively conveying information and achieving their communicative goals. Our experts can rewrite essay that you already did according to any of the above-mentioned types.

Expository Essay Topics

Selecting compelling expository essay topics requires thoughtful consideration of both personal interest and the potential engagement of the intended audience. Start by identifying subjects that genuinely captivate your curiosity or align with your expertise, as this enthusiasm will naturally infuse vigor into your writing. Additionally, assess the topic's relevance in the broader context, ensuring it addresses contemporary issues or timeless themes. 

Consider the audience's interests, aiming for subjects that resonate with their experiences or evoke a sense of shared relevance. Striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility is key—opt for topics that allow you to offer fresh perspectives while ensuring there is ample research material available. Ultimately, the best topics seamlessly blend your passion, the audience's interests, and the broader significance of the chosen subject, ensuring a captivating and informative exploration for both writer and reader alike. Here are expository essay ideas from our writers for your inspiration:

• The influence of art on human emotions.
• Exploring the life cycle of a star.
• Tips for sustainable living in urban areas.
• The impact of social media on political awareness.
• How to cultivate a positive mindset in challenging times.
• The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
• The process of recycling electronic waste.
• Benefits of incorporating meditation into daily routines.
• The role of laughter in maintaining mental health.
• Understanding the psychology of decision-making.
• The impact of fashion on individual expression.
• Tips for effective conflict resolution in relationships.
• The science behind the sense of taste.
• The significance of biodiversity in ecosystems.
• Exploring the history of traditional folk music.
• How to foster a sense of community in a neighborhood.
• The benefits of learning a musical instrument.
• The evolution of communication technologies.
• The process of seed germination in plants.
• Tips for creating a productive home office space.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets.
• Understanding the concept of emotional intelligence.
• The benefits of practicing gratitude daily.
• The history and cultural importance of tea.
• How to develop effective public speaking skills.
• Exploring the world of virtual reality technology.
• The significance of water purification methods.
• Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• The process of making sustainable food choices.
• The role of literature in shaping societal norms.

Expository Essay Outline

An outline for expository essay is a structured plan that serves as a roadmap for organizing the main ideas and supporting details of the essay in a logical and coherent manner. While the specific structure may vary based on the assignment or preferences, a typical outline generally includes the following components, beginning with how to start an expository essay:

Expository Essay Introduction

• Hook or attention-grabbing statement.
• Background information on the topic.
• Clear thesis statement that presents the main idea.

Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

• Topic sentence for each paragraph, presenting a main point or supporting idea.
• Supporting evidence, facts, or examples to illustrate and explain the topic sentence.
• Analysis or interpretation of the evidence to connect it back to the thesis.

Expository Essay Conclusion

• Restatement of the thesis in different words.
• Summary of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Concluding thoughts or insights, possibly suggesting implications or future considerations.

Transitions

• Smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure a cohesive flow of ideas.
• Clear connections between sentences and paragraphs to guide the reader through the essay.

Revising and Editing

• Space for notes on areas that may need revision or improvement.
• Consideration of clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.

By creating an expository essay outline, a college essay writer can organize their thoughts, ensure a logical progression of ideas, and maintain a clear and concise structure. This framework helps writers stay focused on the main purpose of the essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a particular subject – while providing a roadmap for readers to follow and comprehend the information presented.

How to Write an Expository Essay Step by Step

Writing an expository essay involves a systematic process that ensures clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in conveying information. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft an expository essay:

Choose a Topic

• Select a topic that interests you and aligns with the purpose of an expository essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a subject.

Conduct Research

• Gather relevant and credible information to support your chosen topic. 
• Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites.

Create an Outline

• Develop a clear and organized outline that includes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Each section should have a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of the essay.

Write the Introduction

• Start with an attention-grabbing hook that relates to your topic. 
• Provide background information and context, leading to a concise and focused thesis statement that outlines the main idea.

Develop Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point. 
• Support the topic sentence with evidence, facts, or examples. 
• Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, using transitions to guide the reader.

Provide Evidence

• Support your points with credible evidence and examples. 
• Ensure that each piece of evidence directly relates to the topic sentence and supports the overall thesis of the essay.

Analyze and Interpret

• After presenting evidence, analyze and interpret it. 
• Explain the significance of the evidence and how it relates to your thesis. 
• This step helps to ensure that your audience understands the relevance of the information presented.

Write the Conclusion

• Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs without introducing new information. 
• Restate the thesis in different words and offer concluding insights or implications related to the topic.

Revise and Edit

• Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. 
• Check for grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. 
• Consider feedback from others or take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
• Carefully proofread your essay to catch any remaining errors, typos, or issues. 
• Pay attention to grammar and punctuation.

By following these steps, you can systematically approach the writing process and create a well-organized and informative expository essay. Remember to stay focused on the purpose of informing, explaining, or analyzing the chosen topic throughout the entire writing process.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write an expository essay offers students several important advantages. First off, it helps them express their thoughts clearly and organize ideas effectively, skills that are useful not only in academics but also in various professional situations where clear communication is key. 

Moreover, writing expository essays improves critical thinking as students practice analyzing information, connecting ideas, and presenting well-supported arguments. This skill is valuable in everyday decision-making and problem-solving scenarios. 

Additionally, the process of crafting such essays enhances research abilities, teaching students how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. Overall, mastering expository writing equips students with practical, transferable skills that can positively impact their academic and professional pursuits. You can use our research paper service to cope with assignments better and faster.

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What are the Different Types of Expository Essays?

What is the most important part of the expository essay structure, what is the main idea in expository writing.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Types of Essays and Expository Essay Structure

Study Flashcards

5 Questions

What is the main focus of expository essays.

Presenting information objectively

In expository writing, what type of pronouns are typically avoided?

First and second person pronouns

How many paragraphs typically make up a traditional expository essay?

Five paragraphs

What is the recommended structure for compare and contrast expository essays?

Explain each topic individually before discussing their relation

How are cause and effect expository essays typically structured?

One paragraph introducing the topic, one discussing the effect, and one discussing the cause

Study Notes

• There are four main types of essays: expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative, with expository essays focusing on teaching and explaining information objectively.
• Expository passages are written in the third person, avoiding pronouns like "I" or "you," and are structured chronologically to present information clearly and quickly.
• A typical expository essay consists of five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion, with each body paragraph relating back to the main ideas introduced in the introduction.
• In compare and contrast expository essays, equal numbers of paragraphs are usually dedicated to each topic being compared, with a recommended structure of explaining each topic individually before discussing their relation.
• For cause and effect expository essays, a similar approach can be taken with one paragraph introducing the topic, the second discussing the cause, and the third explaining the effect, with the inclusion of factual evidence and quotations to support claims.

Learn about the four main types of essays: expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative, with a focus on expository essays that teach and explain information objectively. Explore the typical structure of an expository essay, consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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Essay Structure – Format, Layout & Outline With Examples

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At the heart of every essay lies a structured framework that ensures the conveyance of ideas in a coherent and logical manner. The essay structure is the backbone of academic writing , guiding readers through the essay. A well-structured essay helps convey information seamlessly and enhances the reader’s comprehension of the topic. This article will delve into the essential components of essay structure and will answer frequently asked questions about essay structure.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Essay structure in a nutshell
• 2 Definition: Essay structure
• 3 Parts of the essay structure
• 4 Essay structure examples
• 5 Different types

Essay structure in a nutshell

An essay structure is the organized way in which the writer’s ideas are presented in writing, ensuring that the reader can follow and understand the main points easily. Think of it like a skeleton that holds and shapes the content of the essay. The parts every essay includes are the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Definition: Essay structure

Essay structure has a lot to do with the way you have presented your thoughts and logic in an academic essay . For instance, you want to ensure that you present one idea at a time, and then support them with facts to convince your readers. A good essay structure should also use an active voice and conclude with thoughts that are focused on summarizing the aforementioned ideas. Furthermore, in the concluding paragraph, let your readers know your ground based on the subject.

To write a strong essay, you need to come up with coherent ideas and use them to create a striking argument. Your essay structure should be one that lures the reader into following what you have to say closely. In this bit, we have shared valuable tips to help you learn and use the right essay structure in your next creative writing.

Imagine you’re telling a friend a story.

• Beginning (introduction) : You set the scene. “Hey, I want to tell you about the time I went camping.”
• Middle (body) : You give the main details and events. “First, we set up the tent. Then, at night, we heard a strange noise…”
• End (conclusion) : You wrap up the story. “So, it turned out to be just a squirrel! But it was a memorable trip.”

The structure of nearly every single essay is simply like this:

• Introduction : Introduce your topic.
• Body : Explain the main points and details.
• Conclusion : Sum up everything you’ve said.

That’s the basic essay structure!

Parts of the essay structure

As mentioned above, the essential parts of a strong essay include the introduction, body, and conclusion. Below you will find a quick overview of the basic structure of an essay along with the content of each part.

Introduction

To give your essay a good introduction, you want to make it broad, but be careful not to go too broad. Moreover, this is the part in which you should share some background information related to the topic. However, you want to be careful not to start your argument just yet. Toward the end of your introduction, drop a thesis statement . This is also called the topic sentence and the most important part of your basic essay structure. Some writers also prefer throwing their thesis in the last sentence, but that relies greatly on your style of writing.

The body is the term used to refer to the paragraphs that come after the introduction but before the conclusion of the essay structure. A well-structured essay should feature multiple academic body paragraphs and include transition words . However, the overall length of the body of your academic essay is determined by the number of ideas you have to share. The details you use to back up your thoughts also have an impact on the overall length of the body of the essay structure. Make sure that you present one idea after the other, and then support them with substantial facts to convince your readers.

Your conclusion might look a bit similar to the introductory paragraph of the essay structure. In this section, make sure to restate your thesis because your readers might have lost it while reading the body. Furthermore, in the conclusion, you need to create a summary of the main points your essay touches. Do not forget to remind the readers of what you think about the entire subject in discussion of the essay structure.

Number of paragraphs

The number of paragraphs in an essay largely depends on the essay’s length, complexity, and specific requirements set by the instructor or the assignment. There is no set requirement for college essays. However, there are some general guidelines.

• Short essays: 500 words or fewer
• Standard college essays: 1,000 to 1,500 words
• Long essays: 1,500 words and above

Note: Be sure to use transition words when writing your paragraphs to enhance the flow and readability of your academic essay.

Essay structure examples

Several methods exist for organizing information in an essay. Typically, your assignment will specify the style to adopt. If uncertain about the appropriate approach, it’s wise to consult your instructor. However, these are all solid essay structures. In the following, you will learn about the basics of essay structure along with templates for essays.

Chronological essay structure

A chronological essay structure is an organization method where a series of events or steps are presented in the order they occurred in time, from the earliest to the latest or vice versa. It’s particularly useful for recounting events, like historical events, narrating stories, or detailing processes.

Note: It’s crucial to provide clear transitions and explanations, so the reader can easily follow the progression and understand the significance of each step or event.

• Introduction 1.1 Hook 1.2 Background 1.3 Thesis statement
• Body 2.1 First Event (the earliest in time) 2.1.1 Discussion 2.1.2 Consequences 2.2 Second Event 2.2.1 Discussion 2.2.2 Consequences
• Conclusion 3.1 Recap 3.2 Significance or impact of the topic 3.3 Closing statement (concluding thoughts or perspectives)

Topic: The development of personal computers over time.

• Introduction 1.1 Hook: From massive room-sized machines to sleek devices that fit in our pockets, personal computers have undergone a radical transformation in just a few decades.” 1.2 Background: Brief history of early computing devices and their initial applications. 1.3 Thesis statement: “The evolution of personal computers, from their inception to the present, has not only revolutionized technology but also drastically altered our daily lives.”
• Body 2.1 First Event (the earliest in time):** Introduction of the first personal computer. 2.1.1 Discussion: Description of the first personal computer, its creators, its design, capabilities, and its reception by the public. 2.1.2 Consequences: How the introduction of this computer paved the way for future technological developments and impacted industries. 2.2 Second Event: The graphical user interface (GUI) and the mouse. 2.2.1 Discussion: Origin of GUI, its integration into personal computers, and the invention of the mouse. 2.2.2 Consequences: The transformation of user experience, making computing more accessible and user-friendly, sparking wider adoption.
• Conclusion 3.1 Recap: A brief overview of the main events discussed in the essay. 3.2 Significance: Reflection on how the evolution of personal computers has affected work, education, communication, and entertainment. 3.3 Closing statement: “As we witness the relentless march of technological progress, it’s vital to appreciate the humble beginnings of personal computers and recognize their profound influence on modern society.”

Problems methods solution essay structure

A problems methods solution essay structure is designed to identify an issue, present a method to address it, and then propose potential solutions. This format is particularly effective for topics that involve challenges or issues that need addressing.

• Introduction 1.1 Introducing the problem 1.2 Background 1.3 Description of solution approach
• Problem 2.1 Precise definition 2.2 Causes 2.3 Effects
• Method 3.1 Previous approaches to the problem 3.2 New approach and why it’s better
• Solution 4.1 Application of the new method to the problem 4.2 Solution after doing so
• Conclusion 5.1 Effectiveness of solution 5.2 Description of implications 5.3 Closing statement

Topic: Plastic pollution in the oceans.

• Introduction 1.1 Problem: “Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is an escalating crisis.” 1.2 Background: Overview of the scale of plastic waste dumped into the ocean annually and its sources 1.3 Description: “By employing innovative waste management and biodegradable alternatives, we may start to reverse this tidal wave of pollution.”
• Problem 2.1 Definition: “Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of discarded plastic products in marine environments, leading to habitat destruction and harm to marine life.” 2.2 Causes: Indiscriminate disposal of plastic, lack of recycling initiatives, single-use plastic products, and ineffective waste management systems. 2.3 Effects: Entanglement and ingestion by marine animals, disruption of marine ecosystems, microplastics entering the human food chain.
• Method 3.1 Previous approaches: Use of ocean cleanup projects, awareness campaigns, and certain bans on plastic items. 3.2 New approach: “Promoting the mass adoption of biodegradable plastics and enhancing global waste management infrastructure, offering a more holistic and sustainable solution.”
• Solution 4.1 Launch of global initiatives promoting the use of biodegradable plastics, incentives for industries to adopt better waste practices, and establishment of international waste management standards. 4.2 Significant reduction in new plastic waste entering oceans, gradual cleanup of existing pollutants, and restoration of marine ecosystems.
• Conclusion 5.1 Effectiveness: “Early results from regions that have adopted these methods show a 40% reduction in marine plastic waste.” 5.2 Implications: Healthier marine ecosystems, safeguarded marine species, reduced health risks for humans, and a model for addressing other environmental challenges. 5.3 Closing statement: “The battle against oceanic plastic pollution, while daunting, showcases humanity’s capacity to innovate and protect our blue planet.”

Compare-and-contrast essay structure

A compare-and-contrast essay structure is designed to evaluate the similarities and differences between two subjects. This can be a literary analysis essay that compares two texts, but it can also be an argumentative essay that compares the strengths of arguments. This structure helps readers understand and analyze the two subjects in relation to one another.

There are two primary methods of the compare-and-contrast essay structure for organizing a compare-and-contrast essay: the block method and the point-by-point method . The choice of structure often depends on the complexity of the subjects, the length of the essay, and the writer’s preference.

Point-by-point method

In this method of the essay structure, you alternate between points about the first subject and comparable points about the second subject. For example, if comparing cats and dogs, you might discuss the fur of cats, then the fur of dogs, followed by the temperament of cats, then the temperament of dogs, and so on.

• Body 2.1 First point of comparison 2.1.1 Subject 1 2.1.2 Subject 2 2.2 Second point of comparison 2.2.1 Subject 1 2.2.2 Subject 2
• Conclusion 3.1 Summary of arguments (synthesis) 3.2 Relevance of topic 3.3 Closing statement

The topics “traditional schooling” (subject 1) and “online learning” (subject 2) will be compared and contrasted.

• Introduction 1.1 Hook: “In the age of technology, the blackboard, and chalk classroom finds itself competing with screens and keyboards.” 1.2 Background: Brief overview of the rise of online learning platforms and their increasing popularity recently. 1.3 Thesis statement: “While both traditional schooling and online learning offer unique educational experiences, they differ significantly in terms of interaction, flexibility, and learning environment.”
• Body 2.1 First point of comparison: Interaction 2.1.1 Traditional schooling: Emphasizes face-to-face interactions, providing students immediate feedback and promoting social skills through group activities. 2.1.2 Online learning: Relies mostly on digital communication, which might delay feedback but also offers a wider network of international peers. 2.2 Second point of comparison: Flexibility 2.2.1 Traditional schooling: Generally follows a fixed schedule, with set times for classes, which might not cater to everyone’s personal schedule. 2.2.2 Online learning: Often allows for a self-paced learning experience, offering students the flexibility to learn at their preferred times.
• Conclusion 3.1 Synthesis: Both traditional schooling and online learning have their merits, with the former offering a rich interactive experience and the latter granting unparalleled flexibility. 3.2 Relevance: In today’s evolving educational landscape, understanding the pros and cons of both learning methods is vital for educators, parents, and students alike. 3.3 Closing statement: “As the future of education unfolds, the blend of traditional and online methods might just be the key to fostering a holistic learning experience.”

Block method

In the block method of the essay structure, you discuss one subject in its entirety before moving on to the second subject. Using the same example, you’d first discuss cats (fur, temperament, care, etc.) and then move on to discuss dogs.

• Body 2.1 First subject 2.1.1 Point 1 2.1.2 Point 2 2.2 Second subject 2.2.1 Point 1 (compare) 2.2.2 Point 2 (compare)
• Conclusion 3.1 Summary of arguments (synthesis) 3.2 Importance of topic 3.3 Closing statement

The topics “living in the city” (subject 1) and “living in the countryside” (subject 2) will be compared and contrasted.

• Introduction 1.1 Hook: “The hustle and bustle of city streets versus the serenity of open fields—where does one truly find peace?” 1.2 Background: A brief description of urban and rural living and the age-old debate about which is better. 1.3 Thesis statement: “City life and countryside living present contrasting lifestyles, each with its unique benefits and challenges.”
• Body 2.1 First subject: Living in the city 2.1.1 Point 1: Cities offer a plethora of services, entertainment venues, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities right at one’s doorstep. 2.1.2 Point 2: City life is often characterized by its bustling nature, with people always on the move and a never-ending list of things to do. 2.2 Second subject: Living in the countryside 2.2.1 Point 1 (compare): While the countryside might lack some modern facilities, it offers residents a close connection to nature, with fresh air and open spaces. 2.2.2 Point 2 (compare): The countryside provides an escape from the rush of urban areas, with its calm, laid-back lifestyle and fewer distractions.
• Conclusion 3.1 Synthesis: While city life offers modern conveniences and a dynamic environment, the countryside provides tranquility and a deep connection with nature. 3.2 Importance: The decision between city and countryside living can significantly impact one’s quality of life, mental health, and overall well-being. 3.3 Closing statement: “Whether amidst skyscrapers or wheat fields, true contentment lies in finding a balance between modern comforts and nature’s embrace.”

Different types

There are different types of essays. While they could take different formats, the structure remains the same. Your essay, despite its nature, must have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Other details might come in, but they should not interfere with the recommended basic essay structure.

Narrative essay

In the narrative essay , the writers communicate to the readers while sharing a real-life experience. Though this might sound straightforward, the students are usually challenged to tell a story about themselves.

Descriptive essay

A descriptive essay is more of painting a picture. It has a close relationship with the narrative essay. In this case, the writers are expected to use words to create clear, descriptive images.

Expository essay

An expository essay is an informative piece that mainly presents a well-balanced analysis of a given topic. In this case, the writer is expected to use facts, examples, and statistics to define a topic.

Persuasive essay

Persuasive essays are a tool used by writers to convince readers to agree with their perspective. Facts and logic must be used strategically in this case.

Argumentative essay

An argumentative essay is a type of writing where the author takes a stance on a particular issue and provides evidence and reasoning to support that position. The main goal is to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s viewpoint.

What is the basic essay structure?

The general essay structure contains three main parts. These include the introduction, body, and conclusion. Using this format, you can easily write and ensure that your academic essay is perfectly organized. With this basic academic essay structure in mind, you should stick to the topic to guide your ideas and their sequence.

Why is the essay structure important?

The basic essay structure is not only crucial to the writer but also to the readers. It helps them comprehend the logic and flow of your thoughts as a writer. The main intention of the academic essay should be clearly stated in the essay introduction . The readers should get detailed information about the topic in the body of the academic essay. Summarize everything and share your thoughts with your readers in the concluding paragraph.

What are the different types of essay structures?

There are four main types of essay structures . However, the structure stays the same for the most part:

• Expository essays, descriptive essays and narrative essays
• Argumentative essay or persuasive essay
• Compare and contrast essays
• Analysis, or cause and effect essay structures

Each one of these essays will still have an introduction, followed by body paragraphs with a conclusion at the end.

How does an essay structure look at university?

While you learn about the five-paragraph essay in high school, an essay in university is a tad bit more complicated. You should always create an essay outline before you begin writing. The outline also helps you to come up with elaborate arguments. At a minimum, your essay structure should include the three main parts, namely, introduction, body, and conclusion.

How many sentences should you have in each paragraph?

There is no specification for the number of sentences you should have in each of your paragraphs. For neatness and readability, make sure that each paragraph has a maximum of four sentences. You need to ensure that every paragraph is long enough to cover everything, but also short enough to be interesting.

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4.1: Expository Essays

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the function and use of expository essays
• Identify eight types of expository essays
• Apply expository essay structure

What Is an Expository Essay?

An essay that explains a writer’s ideas by defining, explaining, informing, or elaborating on points to allow the reader to clearly understand the concept.

Many of your future academic workplace writing assignments will be expository–explaining your ideas or the significance of a concept or action. An expository essay allows the writer the opportunity to explain his or her ideas about a topic and to provide clarity for the reader by using:

• Explanations
• Definitions

It may also include the writer outlining steps of a procedure in a way that is straightforward for the reader to follow. It is purely informative and often contains elements of summary.

Imagine you need to verbally explain a concept to your classmates, maybe a behavioural theory. What are the key elements on which you would focus? How would you organize the information? You could explain who came up with the theory, the specific area of study to which it is related, its purpose, and the significant details to explain the theory. Telling these four elements to your classmates would give them a complete, yet summarized, picture of the theory, so they could apply the theory in future discussions.

Although you did this verbally, you were still fulfilling the elements of an expository essay by providing definition, details, explanations, and maybe even facts if you have a really good memory. This is the same process that you would use when you write an expository essay. You may actually be doing this all the time; for example, when you are giving someone directions to a place or explaining how to cook something. In the following sections of the chapter, you will practise doing this more in different expository written forms.

The Structure of an Expository Essay

Sections versus paragraphs.

Before looking at the general structure of an expository essay, you first need to know that in your post-secondary education, you should not consider your essay as writing being constructed with five paragraphs as you might have been used to in high school. You should instead think of your essay in terms of sections (there may be five), and each section may have multiple paragraphs.

To understand further why you need to think beyond the five-paragraph essay, imagine you have been asked to submit a six-page paper (approximately 1,500 words). You already know that each paragraph should be roughly 75 to 200 words long. If you divide the required word count by five paragraphs (1,500 by 5), you end with 300 words per paragraph, way above the number you should have in a paragraph. If your paragraphs are too long, they likely have too many ideas and your reader may become confused. Your paragraphs should be two-third of a page at most, and never longer than a page.

Instead, if you think of your essays being divided into sections (with possibly more than one paragraph per section), your writing will likely be more organized and allow your reader to follow your presentation of ideas without creating too much distance between your paragraph’s supporting points and its topic sentence.

As you will see in Section 4.5, some essay forms may require even more than five paragraphs or sections because of how many points are necessary to address. For the rest of this chapter, the term paragraph will also imply section.

Sections of an Expository Essay

An expository essay, regardless of its purpose, should have at least five sections, which are:

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

The introduction should state the topic of your paper: your thesis statement as well as brief signposts of what information the rest of the paper will include. That is, you only want to mention the content of the body paragraphs; you do not want to go in to a lot of detail and repeat what will be in the rest of the essay.

The first body section or paragraph should focus on one of your main points and provide evidence to support that point. There should be two to three supporting points: reasons, facts, statistics, quotations, examples, or a mix of these. Both the second and third body sections should follow the same pattern. Providing three body sections with one point each that supports the thesis should provide the reader with enough detail to be convinced of your argument or fully understand the concept you are explaining. However, remember that some sections will require more explanation, and you may need to separate this information into multiple paragraphs.

You can order your sections in the most logical way to explain your ideas. For example, if you are describing a process, you may use chronological order to show the definite time order in which the steps need to happen. You will learn about the different ways to organize your body paragraphs in the next chapter.

The concluding paragraph , or conclusion, can be a little tricky to compose because you need to make sure you give a concise summary of the body paragraphs, but you must be careful not to simply repeat what you have already written. Look back at the main idea of each section/paragraph, and try to summarize the point using words different from those you have already used. Do not include any new points in your concluding paragraph.

Consider Your Audience: How Much Do They Know?

Later in this chapter, you will work on determining and adapting to your audience when writing, but with an expository essay, since you are defining or informing your audience on a certain topic, you need to evaluate how much your audience knows about that topic (aside from having general common knowledge). You want to make sure you are giving thorough, comprehensive, and clear explanations on the topic. Never assume the reader knows everything about your topic (even if it is covered in the reader’s field of study). For example, even though some of your instructors may teach criminology, they may have specialized in different areas from the one about which you are writing; they most likely have a strong understanding of the concepts but may not recall all the small details on the topic. If your instructor specialized in crime mapping and data analysis for example, he or she may not have a strong recollection of specific criminological theories related to other areas of study. Providing enough background information without being too detailed is a fine balance, but you always want to ensure you have no gaps in the information, so your reader will not have to guess your intention. Again, we will practise this more in Section 4.9.

What Comes Next?

In the next eight sections (4.2 through 4.9), we will look at different expository modes, or rhetorical modes, you will often be assigned. These are:

• Illustration
• Description
• Classification
• Process analysis
• Compare and contrast
• Cause and effect

Rhetorical modes refers simply to the ways to communicate effectively through language. As you read about these modes, keep in mind that the rhetorical mode a writer chooses depends on his or her purpose for writing. Sometimes writers incorporate a variety of modes in any one essay. In this chapter, we also emphasize the rhetorical modes as a set of tools that will allow you greater flexibility and effectiveness in communicating with your audience and expressing your ideas.

In a few weeks, you will need to submit your first essay–an expository sample–and you will be given the choice of topic: one from each of the modes. Think about which types of expository essays are easier and which are more challenging for you. As mentioned, as you progress through your studies, you will be exposed to each of these types. You may want to explore a mode you find more challenging than the others in order to ensure you have a full grasp on developing each type. However, it is up to you. As you work through the sections, think about possible topics you may like to cover in your expository essay and start brainstorming as you work through the self-practice exercises.

After we explore each of the individual modes in the eight sections that follow, we will look at outlining and drafting; it is at this point you will want to fine tune and narrow the topic you will write about, so you can focus on that when doing the exercises.