How to Write: Expository Essays

Welcome to the first entry in the How to Write series. I'm really excited to start this series. I'm writing this series because over the years I've written many different types of essays, so I've developed just a little bit of knowledge on how to write them. I'm here to share that knowledge and help some people out with their essays because I know that essay writing can a struggle. Trust me, I know. The amount of times I've sat and stared at a computer screen without a single clue on how to write an essay is ludicrous. I would search how to write the essay on google and all the answers I found were just overly complicated. They confused me even further. Here is how I formatted each of the entries: First, a definition of the essay. Second, some quick tips. Third, the explanation on to actually write. Finally, an example essay in MLA format and using the essay template I posted earlier.

Definition:

An expository essay, according to a quick google search, is an essay that "requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner." Sometimes they are even called definition essays.

Quick Tips:

You should write these essays as directly as possible. Do not make an argument in the essay. Expository essays are supposed to be completely neutral unless the topic is asking you for your opinion. A topic like "Write about someone who consider is a leader" is one where you can be subjective, for example. Your writing should be clear and ensure that you have a strong thesis statement. If research is needed, remember to cite your sources!

Example Essay (in MLA format):

I wrote this essay in about 20 minutes, so it is by no means my best work. It's just to give you an idea of what an expository essay can look like. The prompt I used for this essay is "Explain why parents are sometime strict."