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Types Of Expository Writing

Types of Expository Writing - Definition and Examples

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Writing an expository essay is quite more difficult than any other type of essay. Creating an impressive essay requires time, thorough research, skills, and knowledge. 

There are 10 main types of expository writing, each of which has a unique objective. They all are similar in nature but serve a different purpose. 

Read on to learn what are the different types of expository writing and what purpose they serve.

• 1. Expository Writing Definition
• 2. What are the Types of Expository Writing?
• 3. Types of Expository Writing Examples
• 4. Tips for Expository Writing

Expository Writing Definition

Expository writing is a genre of writing that is used to explain, describe, inform, or clarify a particular expository essay topic to the reader. 

Unlike other forms of writing that may involve personal opinions or persuasion, the characteristics of expository writing include a focus on providing factual information in a clear and organized manner.

Expository essay writing is a very common form of writing; journals, newspaper articles, and essays usually demonstrate this type of writing.

While writing an expository essay, you need to explain everything in detail to make the idea clear for the reader. You can take help from  expository essay examples  to see what elements make a perfect expository essay.

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What are the Types of Expository Writing?

There are 10 types of expository essay writing, including:

• Compare and Contrast Essay 

Cause and Effect Essay

• Problem and Solution Essay 

Process Essay

Definition essay.

• Classification Essay 
• Descriptive Writing
• Exploratory Writing
• Anecdotal Evidence
• Sequential Writing

Let’s take a look at common types of expository writing one by one.

Compare and Contrast Essay

The  compare and contrast essay  is a type of essay in which the writer compares and contrasts two things. The writer compares the similarities between the two selected subjects and contrasts the differences in those subjects. The subjects should belong to the same category.

In the  cause and effect essay , the writer tries to find the cause of something; why did something happen? and what effects it might have. This type of essay has built around the reason that caused something to happen and its possible impacts.

There are two ways to structure a cause and effect essay:

• Block structure:  All the causes are presented first, and then all of their effects.
• Chain structure:  Each of the causes is followed by its effect straight away.

This essay could be based on assumptions or could be based on facts, but either way, they should be validated.

Problem and Solution Essay

In the  problem solution essay , the writer identifies a problem and then proposes its solution. The writer examines the particular subject from various aspects and perspectives prior to providing a solution. This essay is somewhat similar to the cause and effect essay.

The process essay refers to the process of something, i.e., how to make an apple pie. This type of writing includes a step-by-step process of making or doing something.

This is how you write a process essay; it provides the complete process of doing something. The goal is to provide the process in such a way that the reader can follow the sequence without any mistakes.

The  definition essay  is a type of expository essay that gives a complete description of the topic. It explains what the term or the topic of the essay exactly means. Some terms have concrete meanings like glass, book, etc. Whereas some have abstract meanings like love, respect, honor, etc.

The definition essay revolves around explaining the purpose, what, why, and how aspects of the topic of the essay. This essay could start with the dictionary definition and ultimately provide the extended definition.

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Classification Essay

Classification essays are a type of expository writing that categorizes and organizes objects, people, ideas, or concepts into distinct groups based on shared characteristics, features, or criteria. The goal is to help readers better understand the relationships and differences between these categories. 

Descriptive Writing 

Descriptive writing is a type of expository writing that aims to paint a vivid picture of a person, place, object, event, or concept in the reader's mind. It uses sensory details and vivid language to create a sensory experience for the audience. 

Exploratory Writing 

Exploratory writing aims to investigate a topic or question from multiple angles, often without taking a definitive stance. It allows the writer and reader to explore various viewpoints and ideas. 

Anecdotal Evidence 

Anecdotal evidence refers to personal stories, individual accounts, or isolated examples that are used to support a claim or argument. While anecdotal evidence can be compelling and relatable, it is based on personal experiences and may not reflect broader trends or realities. 

Sequential Writing 

Sequential writing, also known as chronological writing, involves organising information or events in a clear, time-based order. This approach is often used when presenting a series of actions, or events in a logical sequence, making it easier for readers to understand a process.

Types of Expository Writing Examples

You can use these types of expository writing PDF examples as a guide when writing your own paper. These examples show you what types of information to include and how it all comes together in one cohesive piece.

Expository Writing Examples Pdf

Types of Expository Writing Middle School

Types of Expository Writing Structure

Tips for Expository Writing

The following are some easy types of expository writing strategies and tips. They will help you write an amazing essay.

• Write your introduction in the most interesting way possible. Start with a hook, thesis statement, or exciting detail to make readers want more.
• Make your essay clear and concise so that it doesn't confuse readers.
• There are many ways to support your topic. You can use facts, data, and authentic sources.
• It is important to consider the audience of your paper before you start writing.
• Use authoritative sources to gather data for your paper.
• To avoid any errors in the essay, proofread and edit it before submitting it.

As we've explored various types of expository writing, it's clear that each type serves a unique purpose. 

By choosing the right type, you can engage readers and make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 characteristics of expository text.

The four main characteristics of expository text are;

• Informative
• Organization of the text

What are the five elements of expository writing?

The main five elements of expository writing are;

• Topic sentence
• Organization
• Transitions
• Evidence and examples 

How many types of expository writing are there?

There are generally eight common types of expository writing:

• Process/How-To Writing
• Cause and Effect Writing
• Compare and Contrast Writing
• Problem-Solution Writing
• Definition Writing
• Classification Writing

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Expository Essays: What are the Six Types of Expository Writing?

Expository writing is a crucial communication tool to inform, describe, or clarify a topic. It encompasses 6 types of expository writing , each with its unique structure and purpose. These include cause and effect, which investigates relationships between events; problem and solution, offering potential answers to identified issues; comparison and contrast, highlighting similarities and differences between subjects; definition, providing in-depth explanations; classification, categorizing subjects based on shared traits; and process or “how-to” writing, presenting step-by-step instructions or procedures.

Expository Essay Writing

Writing expository essays involves explaining, describing, or informing about a specific topic in a detailed, logical, and straightforward manner. Non-fictional writing revolves around laying out the facts, devoid of personal opinion or embellishment. The prime objective of expository writing is to impart knowledge and elaborate on a particular subject matter so that even a layman can understand it effortlessly.

An expository essay translates to documentation and written communication in nursing, such as patient care plans, medical histories, case studies, research reports, and educational materials. Through expository writing, nurses often explain a patient’s diagnosis, describe a treatment plan, inform about a procedure, or educate about a health condition or preventive measures.

Expository Writing Definition

This type of writing aims to set forth an explanation about an expository essay topic . It presents a balanced analysis, based on facts, without referencing the writer’s opinions or emotions. Instead, it relies on statistics, examples, and other verified data to explain a concept or a phenomenon. This plays a crucial role in documenting patient information, formulating care plans, and communicating with the rest of the healthcare team in nursing.

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The Purpose of an Expository Essay

In nursing, each type of expository essay serves a few key purposes. First, it aims to explain or describe a specific nursing concept, theory, or practice , enhancing the understanding of both the writer and the reader.

Second, it provides a platform for detailed topic exploration, promoting critical thinking and analytical essay-writing skills . Lastly, through evidence-based practice, nursing expository essays enable the application of research findings to practical nursing care , which is instrumental in improving patient outcomes.

Types of Expository Writing and Examples

Expository writing, which aims to inform, describe, or explain a subject to the reader, comes in several distinct forms. Each type has a unique expository essay outline and purpose. Here are the six main types of expository writing:

Cause and Effect Essay

The cause-and-effect style of expository writing explores the relationship between events or phenomena. The ’cause’ refers to the event or situation that triggers an action or condition, while the ‘effect’ is the outcome or result of that cause. Writers use this form to examine why things happen ( the causes ) and what the results are ( the effects ). 

In nursing, cause-and-effect writing might explore the relationship between prolonged exposure to workplace stress ( cause ) and the increased prevalence of burnout among nurses ( effect ). For instance, the writer might look into the causes of high-stress levels in nursing, such as long working hours, patient death, and inadequate resources. Subsequently, they would articulate the effects of such stress, including physical and mental fatigue, decreased job satisfaction, and increased turnover rates.

Problem and Solution Essay

In problem and solution expository writing, the writer identifies a problem and then proposes one or more potential solutions. The primary purpose is to present a challenge or issue, delve into its implications, and then present a practical solution or a range of options to address the issue. 

A problem and solution essay in nursing might address the issue of medication errors in hospitals, a significant concern affecting patient safety. The writer could first elaborate on the problem, discussing its severity and implications. The solution part might then propose measures such as implementing advanced technology for medication dispensing, enhancing communication among healthcare professionals, and promoting a blame-free culture to encourage error reporting.

Comparison and Contrast Essay

This type of expository writing involves comparing and contrasting two or more different subjects. The comparison aspect highlights the similarities between the subjects, while the contrast aspect emphasizes their differences. 

A comparison and contrast piece in nursing could compare two nursing models , the biomedical and the biopsychosocial models. The writer would highlight the similarities and differences between these models regarding their assumptions, focus areas, and application in nursing practice. They could discuss how the biomedical model primarily focuses on biological factors while the biopsychosocial model also considers psychological and social factors.

Definition Essay

Definition writing is an expository style that explains a term, concept, or phenomenon in-depth. It goes beyond the simple dictionary definition, providing additional context, significance, and examples. For example, a definition piece could explain concepts like palliative care or the nursing process, giving readers a more comprehensive understanding of these terms.

In nursing, a definition essay could delve into a concept like “ patient-centered care .” Beyond merely providing a dictionary definition, the writer would explain the philosophy behind this approach, and its key components, such as respect for patient values and needs, involvement of family and friends, and collaboration among healthcare providers. They could also illustrate with examples or scenarios for a more comprehensive understanding.

Classification Essay

Classification expository writing categorizes or sorts things into groups or classes based on shared characteristics or criteria. The writer breaks down a broad topic into its constituent parts to help readers understand it better.

Classification writing in nursing could involve breaking down a broad topic, like “ nursing roles ,” into distinct categories. The writer might categorize nursing roles into direct care providers (like staff nurses), educators (like nurse educators), managers (like nurse managers), and advanced practitioners (like nurse practitioners). Each category would be elaborated upon, explaining its unique duties, required qualifications, and contributions to healthcare.

Process Essay

Also known as “ how-to ” writing, process expository writing provides a step-by-step guide on how to do something or how something works. It is typically written logically, guiding the reader through the process from start to finish. 

Process or “how-to” writing in nursing could detail a procedure such as wound dressing. The writer would provide a step-by-step guide, from gathering the necessary materials, explaining each step involved in cleaning, applying the dressing, and securing it, to the final step of disposing of used materials and cleaning up. Each step would be described logically and detailed, making it easy to follow.

How to write in an expository style

Writing in an expository style requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Choose your topic:  The first step involves selecting a topic. Ensure the topic is not too broad to keep your essay focused and cohesive.
• Create a thesis: Next, create a clear, concise thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your essay. This statement should guide the development of your entire essay.
• Gather your data: Research extensively on your topic, gathering data from credible sources. Ensure the information aligns with the most current evidence-based practice.
• Outline:  Develop an outline to organize your thoughts and create a logical structure for your essay . This will guide your writing process and ensure all key points are covered.
• Write your paragraphs:  Write your essay, ensuring each paragraph explores a separate idea related to your thesis. Maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing.
• Edit your writing: Finally, review and edit your essay. Check for grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies. Make sure your essay flows well and presents a comprehensive exploration of your topic.

Tips for Expository Writing

• Expository writing should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure your writing is concise.
• All information presented in expository writing should be verified and based on evidence. Use credible sources and ensure your data is up-to-date.
• Maintain a professional, neutral tone in your writing. You aim to inform, not to persuade or entertain.
• Don’t feel constrained to write your essay in order. Sometimes, it’s easier to write the expository essay body paragraphs first and then go back to write the expository essay introduction and the expository essay conclusion .

Final Thoughts on Writing Expository Essays

By understanding and mastering these different types of expository writing, nursing professionals can articulate their ideas and information more effectively and contribute to the wealth of knowledge in the nursing field. Consequently, this results in improved patient outcomes, enhanced teamwork, and the overall progression of nursing.

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FAQS on Types of Expository Writing

What are the five elements of expository writing.

Expository writing involves five crucial elements: A thesis statement : The central idea presented in writing; evidence: Details supporting the central idea; Structure: Logical organization of the content, Clarity: Simple, easy-to-understand language; and a Conclusion: Final recap of the thesis and main points.

How do You End an Expository Paragraph?

An expository paragraph typically ends by summarizing the main point or reinforcing the idea presented in the paragraph. This concluding sentence draws a connection back to the thesis and provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph or section.

What are Examples of Expository Writing?

Examples of expository writing can be found in various forms, such as textbooks, news articles, business reports, and academic essays. These writings aim to inform, explain, or describe a topic. Examples in nursing might include an article explaining the stages of wound healing, a report on the impacts of nurse-to-patient ratios, or an essay on the role of nurses in palliative care.

What is the Main Purpose of Expository Writing?

The main purpose of expository writing is to inform, explain, or describe. It provides clear and concise information about a specific topic to the reader. The writer remains objective, presenting facts and evidence without expressing personal opinions or arguments.

What is an Expository Sentence?

An expository sentence is a statement that conveys information or explains a topic. For example, “ Nurses play a critical role in patient care, acting as the primary point of contact between patients and the healthcare system .”

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Expository Writing: Definition and Examples

By Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

What is expository writing, what is an expository paragraph, expository writing examples, how prowritingaid can help you with expository composition.

One of the most common types of writing is expository writing. Whether you’re a student taking an English class or a professional trying to communicate to others in your field, you’ll need to use expository writing in your day-to-day work.

So, what exactly does this term mean?

The short answer is that expository writing refers to any writing designed primarily to explain or instruct.

Read on to learn the definition of expository writing as well as some examples of what this type of writing can look like.

Before we look at examples of expository writing, let’s start with a quick definition of what this term actually means.

Expository Writing Definition

The term expository writing refers to any writing that’s designed to explain something. We use the word expository to describe any passage of writing that’s supposed to present information and help you understand it in an objective way.

Some common examples of expository writing include academic essays, textbooks, instructional guides, and news reports. Good expository writing should be factual, objective, and clear.

To better understand what this term means, think about the difference between a scientific article, a short story, and an advertisement.

The scientific article is considered expository writing because its primary purpose is to explain a particular topic in more detail. It presents data, analyzes what that data means, and focuses on the facts.  

On the other hand, the short story isn’t considered expository writing, because its core purpose isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s probably trying to entertain you or to take you on a journey. Short stories are narrative writing.

Similarly, an advertisement isn’t expository writing because its core purpose isn’t to explain or inform—instead, it’s trying to persuade you to buy what it’s selling. Advertisements are persuasive writing.   

Here’s a quick rundown of what expository essays should and shouldn’t do.

An expository essay should:

Teach the reader about a particular topic

Focus on the facts

Follow a clearly organized structure

Present information and details from credible sources

An expository essay should not:

Try to change the reader’s mind about something

Present the author’s personal opinions

Include made-up narratives or stories

Follow experimental or nonlinear structures

An expository paragraph is exactly what it sounds like—a paragraph of expository writing.

A well-written expository paragraph should follow a specific format to make it as clear and easy to read as possible. Most expository paragraphs do the following things:

Start with a topic sentence, which explains what the paragraph will be about

Then, include 3 – 5 body sentences that provide supporting details for the topic sentence

Finally, wrap things up with a closing sentence that summarizes what the paragraph has said

Writing an expository paragraph is a great way to practice expository writing. That’s because the paragraph follows the same structure as a more complex expository essay, just on a smaller scale.

Most expository essays should follow this format:  

Start with an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, which tells the reader the core statement of the essay

Then, include 3 – 5 body paragraphs that provide factual evidence to support the thesis statement

Finally, wrap things up with a concluding paragraph that summarizes what the body paragraphs and thesis statement said

You can see the similarities between the two formats. If you can write a fantastic expository paragraph, you’ll be well-prepared to move on to writing a full expository essay.

Example of Expository Paragraph

Here’s an example of an expository paragraph that follows the structure described above.

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, which can be fatal if it leads to heart attack or cardiac arrest. Heart attacks occur when a blockage in the coronary artery prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the heart. Cardiac arrests occur when the heart stops pumping entirely, which prevents the patient from breathing normally. Both of these problems can be deadly, even in seemingly healthy people who don’t have noticeable risk factors. As a result, heart disease is an important problem that many doctors and scientists are researching.

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There are many ways you can present information in an expository essay. Here are four of the most popular ways, along with examples of each one.  

Problem and Solution Essay

A problem and solution essay presents the reader with a problem and then considers possible solutions to that problem. 

Here’s an example passage you might find in a problem and solution essay:

Among the many proposed solutions to rising carbon emissions, one promising possibility is carbon trapping. Scientists are figuring out how to pull carbon emissions out of the atmosphere and trap it in less harmful forms, such as by injecting carbon dioxide underground so it will turn to stone.

Compare and Contrast Essay

This type of essay takes two subjects and compares and contrasts them. It focuses on highlighting the differences and similarities between those two things.

Here’s an example passage of this type of expository writing:

Though country music and R&B music have very different sounds, they also share many similarities. For one thing, both types of music embody a specific cultural identity. For another, both genres trace their roots back to the 1920s, when the Victor Talking Machine Company signed singers from the American South.

Classification Essay

In a classification essay, you describe the categories within a certain group of things.  

Here’s an example passage you might find in a classification essay:

There are three ways in which artificial intelligence might become stronger than humans in the future: high speed, high collective intelligence, and high quality. A speed AI would be able to perform calculations and experience the world much faster than humans. A collective intelligence, like a hive mind, would be able to break down a complex task into several parts and pursue them simultaneously. Finally, a quality AI would simply be able to solve more complex problems than humans could.

Process Essay

In a process essay, you give the reader the steps for completing a specific process. This is similar to a how-to guide or an instruction manual.   

Here’s an example passage you might find in this type of expository writing:

Caramelize the chopped onions in a frying pan. When the onions have caramelized, mix in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes and stir for 4 – 6 minutes or until all the ingredients have softened. If you want to add meat, you can add ground beef and cook for another 4 – 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  

Good expository writing should be easy to read. After all, the purpose of exposition is to explain things to your readers, and you won’t be able to accomplish that if they have trouble understanding your writing.

That’s why ProWritingAid can help you write an expository essay. The grammar checker can help you ensure your sentences flow well, you’re not missing any necessary punctuation, and all your words are precise and clear.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Hannah Yang

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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What is an expository essay?

The expository essay is a genre of 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. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

Please note : This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.

• A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:

• an introductory paragraph
• three evidentiary body paragraphs
• a conclusion