Monday, June 22, 2015

Writing an Expository Essay




    1.      Choose a subject for your essay
You'll be investigating a topic and presenting an argument about the topic based on evidence.
  • For example, you could write an expository essay arguing that embryonic stem cell research can lead to cures for spinal cord injuries and illnesses like Parkinson's or diabetes.
  • Expository essays differ from persuasive essays because you aren't stating an opinion. You're stating facts that you can back up with research

    2.      Select your strategy and structure
Some common strategies and for expository writing include:
  • Definitions. Definition essays explain the meaning of terms or concepts.
  • Classification. Classification essays organize a topic into groups starting with the most general group and narrowing down to more specific groups.
  • Compare and contrast. In this type of essay, you'll describe either the similarities and differences (or both) between ideas or concepts.
  • Cause and effect. These essays explain how topics affect each other and how they are interdependent.
  • How-to. How-to essays explain the steps required for completing a task or a procedure with the goal of instructing the reader.

    3.      Keep your views unbiased
Expository essays aren't about opinions. They are about drawing a conclusion based on verifiable evidence. This means keeping your perspective balanced and focusing on what the facts tell you.
  • You might even find that, with new information, you'll have to revise your essay. If you started out writing about the scarcity of information regarding global warming, but came across a bunch of scientific evidence supporting global warming, you at least have to consider revising what your essay is about.

    4.      Use the facts to tell the story
The facts will tell the story itself if you let them. Think like a journalist when writing an expository essay. If you put down all the facts like a reporter, the story should tell itself.
  • Don't mess with structure in expository essays. In narrative essays, you can twist and turn the structure to make the essay more interesting. Be sure that your structure in expository essays is very linear, making it easier to connect the dots.

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