Writing an Expository Essay

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines an expository essay as…

a discourse or an example designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand

ex·po·si·tion (noun)

Introduction to Expository Writing

In order to classify as expository, an essay needs:  to explain/discuss a particular subject matter  a thesis statement at the end of the introduction that answers the

prompt  strong evidence that backs up the thesis statement (in the body

paragraphs) 

a conclusion that makes a final thought for the audience 

Literary vs. Expository Writing

o Tells a story

o Includes a setting and

character

o Contains a conflict

o Includes dialogue

o Provides a resolution

o Prompt will include a photo

o Creative

o Explains/discusses a topic

o Includes a thesis statement

o Contains evidence

o Includes commentary (reasoning)

o Provides a conclusion

o Prompt will be completely textual

o Informative

Literary Expository

Just tell me what I need to do to pass!

Well all right then! You’ll need:

A short introductory paragraph A clear, strong thesis (answer to the prompt) Body paragraphs (explain a clear real-life example) A concluding paragraph that restates your thesis using

different wording. Don’t fill up your page with nonsense, but do try to fill

up the page with well thought-out, concise wording. Do Not waste any words!

*The expository prompt page on the STAAR test typically has a lot of text.

Think of expository in this way: It is logical and informative.(You’ll see on the next slide)