What Is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a piece of writing that aims to inform the reader about a specific idea. It requires the author to find evidence, build a solid argument, and carry out an investigation of the discussed idea. Expository essay writing is also a common assignment that is used in exams and classroom evaluation. Therefore, every student needs to know how to outline and structure this type of essay.

Expository Essay Structure

An effective writing process starts with the understanding of an expository writing structure. It involves careful planning of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each part of your paper is meant to provide specific information that will help you to keep your expository essays clear and logical. The structure of the piece is what facilitates the understanding of the purpose and meaning you put in your writing. This is the main tool that allows you to build a complete argument when writing an expository essay. Specialized essay services https://argumentativeessaywriters.com/ for art criticism help students evaluate visual art through elements like composition, color, and symbolism. These platforms support students in structuring thoughtful critiques that offer insight into the artist’s techniques and intentions.

How to Create an Expository Essay Outline?

Creating an outline for expository essay will make writing much easier. It gives you a clear plan to follow and focuses your attention on the most important points of your essay. Continue reading our article to learn more about the five elements of an effective outline and get an expository essay outline template.

Choose the Right Topic for Your Expository Essay

The success of your expository essays depends on the right choice of a topic. Pick something relevant and useful so it will hook the readers right away. To make the right choice, try to determine your target audience and its area of interest when writing an expository essay.

Expository Essay Outline: Introduction

The first paragraph of an expository writing outline is an introduction. It’s your chance to make a good first impression. Keep it short but informative. Writing an introduction becomes easier if you follow an expository essay template:

 

  1. Hook. The first line of your essay should invite the reader to learn more and grab their attention. It’s also meant to give a general idea of what your essay is going to be about. 

  2. Background. The second major part of an expository writing template is the background of the topic. Make sure you don’t overgeneralize and outline only relevant facts.

  3. Thesis statement. Your essay won’t get a good grade without a solid thesis statement. It reflects the main idea of your paper and makes an assertion concerning your argument. 

Body Paragraphs

The body of your expository essays is the part where you discuss the idea in detail and provide evidential support for your thesis statement. It includes three paragraphs, and each of them should be focused on one particular claim. Use the following expository essay outline for each body paragraph:

  1. Topic sentence. Here you introduce the main idea of the paragraph.

  2. Evidential support. This part entails careful research. Expository essay writing requires the use of statistical, logical, or factual evidence that supports a topic sentence and correlates with the thesis statement. 

Concluding sentence. Summarize the discussed facts and provide a brief conclusion. Don’t forget to make all paragraphs linked and smoothly transitioned.

Expository Essay Outline: Conclusion

The final part of an expository writing outline is a concluding paragraph. It gives you a chance to remind the reader of the main idea and purpose of your piece. Make it convincing and memorable. Use an expository essay template to leave the right impression:

 

  1. Restated thesis statement. Remind the reader of the thesis statement to connect the dots. 

  2. Summary of the most important points. Writing an expository essay conclusion, provide a summary of the main facts. It makes them more memorable for the reader. 

  3. General conclusion. Summarize the idea in 1-2 sentences and outline a perspective for its future development.

Finish Your Outline by Editing It

Even when you’re sure that your outline for expository essay is perfect, don’t forget to edit it. It’s much easier to adjust and polish it now than to make changes when your draft is already done. Here are some tips that will help you make your expository essay example perfect:

 

  • Eliminate irrelevant or redundant information.

  • Get rid of facts that contradict your thesis statement. 

  • Compare your outline to the required expository essay outline template.

  • Check the coherence and logical structure of the plan.

Expository Essay Outline Template

Use this expository essay template as a road map for your paper: 

 

Introduction

Hook

Background information

Thesis statement

Body Paragraph #1

Topic sentence

Evidence

Supporting comments

Concluding sentence 

Body Paragraph #2

Use the above expository writing outline elements again. 

Body Paragraph #3

See above.

Conclusion

Restated thesis statement

Summary

Expository Essay Outline Sample

Take a look at the sample outline for expository essay that discusses anxiety. This is a traditional outline that will work for all expository essay examples.

 

Topic

Anxiety Disorder 

Introduction

  • Interesting fact that emphasizes the importance of the topic and its impact on society

  • Definition, description, general facts, etc.

  • Thesis statement (your assertion about the topic)

Body Paragraph #1

  • Topic sentence

Example: The causes of anxiety are complicated and not fully understood. 

  • Factual, logical, or statistical evidence

Use expository writing examples to determine the exact type of evidence you need to support your claim. 

  • Supporting comments

Each sample of expository essay needs proper analysis of evidence. 

  • Concluding sentence

Body Paragraph #2

  • Topic sentence

Example: Though not always evident, anxiety manifests itself in several symptoms.

  • Factual, logical, or statistical evidence

  • Supporting comments

  • Concluding sentence

Body Paragraph #3

  • Topic sentence

Example: The treatments for people who suffer from anxiety include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication.

  • Factual, logical, or statistical evidence

  • Supporting comments

  • Concluding sentence

Conclusion

  • Restated thesis statement

  • Summary

Useful Tips for Writing Your Expository Essay Outline

Use these tips to write a top-notch expository essay:

 

  1. Stick to a neutral and objective style. The goal of expository essay writing is to investigate the idea and present what you’ve learned without stating your own opinion. 

  2. Conduct thorough research. Even if you think you know the topic like the back of your hand, there’s always something new to learn. 

  3. Expository essays are built on facts and evidence. Use them to prove every claim. 

  4. Avoid fluff. You should choose a narrow topic and be concise. 

  5. Use reliable sources of evidence, and don’t forget to provide a reference list.