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If you think about it, as a student, one of the most challenging prospects you will encounter in school is selecting topics for explanatory essays. Although this task may seem daunting, you can rest easy knowing that we have you covered. To make your work simpler, we have provided more than 220 explanatory essay ideas to choose from or inspire you to develop your own topic. All you have to do is go through the explanation essay topics from college essay writing services and select the one that interests you. Before delving into this list, we would first like to define what explanatory essay topics are, enumerate their characteristics, and clarify the process involved in picking them.

What Are Explanatory Essay Topics?

Explanatory topics refer to research titles that enlighten or explain any confusing situation or information. In other words, topics for an explanatory essay mainly focus on investigating and expounding ideas, evaluating all evidence provided, and forming and defining clear thesis statements. Unlike descriptive writing style, explanatory essays are fact-based. In this respect, they are very similar to exploratory essay topics , where you aklso need to dicuss different facts on the subject. Explanatory essay topics are essential in helping your target readers increase their knowledge of a subject, comprehend a process or procedure, or understand a particular concept. As a student, you must know how and always be ready to write expository essays because they are among the most widely proposed academic papers. Some common examples of explanation papers include cause and effect, definition, and how-to essays.

Characteristics of Good Explanatory Essay Topics

Before you feel excited and rush into selecting a unique title for your paper, you should keep in mind the key characteristics that are integral to valid explanatory writing topics. Having a clear idea of the qualities of good topics for an explanatory essay will get you closer to your goal. Some of those vital features include the following:

Simple It should be easy for your readers to understand.
Clear and precise The language used ought to be unambiguous.
Meaningful The title should add value or have a purpose it seeks to fulfill.
Attractive The topic should capture your reader’s attention.
Expressive It must convey your thoughts and intentions.

How to Choose an Explanatory Essay Topic?

Before writing your essay, you should first come up with an explanatory topic that will interest you and your audience. The title is the first thing that will attract readers to your paper. Deciding on topics for an explanatory essay can be very challenging. Sometimes you may end up experiencing mental blocks, which may prevent you from coming up with creative ideas for your essay. When this happens, the following steps will guide you in choosing unique and exciting explanation writing topics:

Brainstorm ideas and list all topics that interest you and might engage your potential audience.
From your list, evaluate the most appropriate titles and eliminate irrelevant ones.
Narrow down your focus to include only topics that are interesting to you and meaningful to your audience.
Determine the title you can confidently call your favorite.
Ensure that your chosen title adheres to the guidelines set by your professor or school.

Best Topics for Explanatory Essays

Now that you are more familiar with selecting explanatory essay topics , your next job is to actually choose the most suitable one that can guarantee you the highest grade. For your inspiration, check the list of the best topics to write an explanatory essay on that we have provided below:

Public vs. private school: which one is better?
Impacts of higher education on students' future careers.
Significant consequences that will be witnessed if the internet crashes today.
Psychological impacts of teen pregnancies.
How does the brain forget simple things?
What is the meaning of life?
Processes involved in making electronic music.
Reasons why people should aim to prevent air pollution.
Effects of depression on high school students.
Short-term effects of global warming.

Interesting Explanatory Essay Ideas

Refrain from settling for common explanatory essay ideas. To excite your target readers, always seek interesting topics for your paper. Below are stimulating ideas for an explanatory essay.

Negative impacts of America’s space exploration.
How has social media affected socialization?
How do dogs smell fear in humans?
How important is mental health in today’s society?
Impacts of the Cold War on America-Russia relationship.
Importance of having basic IT skills now and in the future.
Advantages that people get from expressing their emotions.
How does a person’s personality change in various stages of development?
Human brain: latest development and impacts in its study.
How teachers can manage school bullying in middle school.
Personal and societal problems brought by obesity.
Impacts of social media on enhancing education.
Why should people embrace gardening as a hobby?
Effective ways to reduce electricity consumption at home.
How America helped end World War II.

Simple Topics for Explanatory Essay

However, if complicated titles are not your everyday cup of tea, you should look at simple explanation writing topics. To get you started, here are examples of topics for an explanatory essay that you can use:

Negative impacts of smartphones on marriages.
Managing gender inequalities in the workplace.
How to write an informative essay.
Ways of preventing racism in America.
How can frequent internet usage negatively affect students?
Negative impacts brought by junk food on people’s health.
How COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted education.
How does music affect people’s moods?
Benefits that people get from being multilingual.
Efficient ways that can be used to maintain an active lifestyle.
Ways in which overpopulation and poverty are related.
How to remain optimistic in the midst of financial hardships.
Effective ways to treat soldiers suffering from PTSD.
How communication has changed in the past 10 years.
How would life be without computers?

Creative Explanatory Essay Topics

Being creative in choosing explanatory topics can ensure you get the highest grades. Inspire yourself with the following innovative explanation essay topics:

Efficient ways in which animals can relieve stress.
Tactics that can be employed to win in a chess match.
How is social media used for income generation?
Using music to boost productivity at work.
Reasons why building a house is more manageable than buying one.
Efficient measures for helping a drowning person.
Effective methods that can help manage gambling addictions.
Effects of social media on people’s subconscious.
What is the correlation between eating disorders and loneliness?
How virtual communication has replaced real one.
How does memory affect people’s personalities?
How technology has contributed to increasing number of divorce cases.
Using various forms of art therapy in managing people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How does the immediate environment affect a person’s perception of racism?
Rise of exam cheating due to the internet.

Good Explanatory Essay Topics

Conducting an online search of ideas for explanatory essay can leave you confused because of the vast number of potential titles. However, you should not be scared by this because we have narrowed down the list of good topics for explanatory essays below to make your work easier:

How did the Civil War impact America?
Key reasons why people should use renewable energy sources.
Factors that have contributed to rising cases of obesity.
Measures that can be taken for treating mental disorders.
Challenges faced by Queen Victoria during her reign.
Dangers brought by military activities in East Asia.
Why is it challenging to fight against the impacts of global warming?
Measures used in preventing early pregnancies among teenagers.
Advantages and disadvantages of eating organic food.
How to prevent the effects of cyberbullying.
Ways that can improve quality of public education.
Effective tactics that can be used in identifying lies.
Impacts of getting bad grades in education.
How does jazz music affect the brain?
Dangerous habits that affect a person’s memory.

Unique Topics for an Explanatory Essay

To stand out from the crowd of other students, you need unique ideas for an explanatory essay. Below is a list of exceptional explanatory writing topics:

Why is being influential better than richness?
Steps involved in learning basic magic tricks.
How do cats manage to land on their feet when falling?
Effective survival techniques that can be used when one is stranded in the forest.
Ways in which age changes people's needs.
Measures that ordinary people may take to help homeless people.
Future challenges that technological advancements may bring into communication.
Is space exploration a viable solution for overpopulation?
How will parental roles change in future?
Are emotions affecting people’s intelligence?
How a teacher’s personality influences students.
Influence of astronomy in Ancient Greece .
Positive impacts of the Great Depression on marriages.
How do antidepressants negatively affect the brain?
How movies have influenced violent tendencies among the youths.

Explanatory Essay Topics & Ideas for Students

Explanatory research essay topics are among the most popular in education. Their popularity means that, in one way or another, high school and college students must encounter such assignments. But you should be chill about it. The next time your professor asks you to write a paper on explanatory essay ideas, visit this article for inspiration. Below we have provided expository titles for high school and college students.

Explanatory Essay Topics for High School

If you are a high school student and are having trouble coming up with suitable explanatory essay topics for your paper, relax and let us help you out. Below we have compiled various examples of topics to write an explanatory essay on:

Types of cognitive bias and how to overcome them.
How can people rebuild relationships with lost friends?
Political recognition of indigenous languages in America.
Ways in which students can use technology to enhance their education.
How Cold War influenced American culture.
Major benefits of art therapy in physical health.
Reasons for the increase in social media addiction among students.
Modern forms of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.
How do pets increase the levels of happiness in people?
Impacts of imperialism and internal colonization in America.
How did Stone Age technology impact farming methods?
Why is it difficult to achieve perpetual motion?
Applications of colloids and suspension in everyday life.
How can people use food waste as a key source of clean energy?
Are high school students focusing more on science and forgetting art?

Explanatory Essay Topics for College Students

Sometimes, getting ideas for an explanatory essay becomes challenging for college students. You will need inspiration upon finding yourself in this situation. As a result, we have come up with a list of explanatory essay topics for college students that can trigger your imagination:

Benefits of using social media as a source of income.
How has communication changed in the past decade?
Adverse effects that social media has on human interaction processes.
Reasons for the rising cases of suicide among college students.
Major achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. in his fight for justice and equality.
Reasons for rising number of divorce cases in America.
Christopher Columbus’ explorations and their impacts on today’s world.
How did Bill Gates' initiative in creating Microsoft change the world?
Effective ways to ensure future financial success.
How childhood experiences impact behavior during adulthood.
What are the major differences between living and existing?
How did Nikola Tesla’s invention of the coil change the world?
Is public speaking an essential tool for college students?
Should there be restrictions on social media usage among teenagers?
Measures that can be taken to prevent early pregnancies.

Explanatory Essay Topics by Subjects

Explanation writing topics can be used to write different papers that cover various issues. However, due to the vast number of subjects to choose from, students may find it challenging to pick a suitable title for their papers. For that reason, we have decided to narrow down and classify these topics for explanatory essays into definite groups: literature, history, social issues, science, technology, business, and health. Go through the list below and select the one you will be able to easily and comprehensively discuss.

Explanatory Essay Topics in Literature

There are many explanatory topics that you can write on different aspects of literature. But to narrow your search, below we have presented the best literature explanatory essay ideas:

How is the theme of change depicted in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart ?
Mood expressions in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita .
Societal roles of women in the 18th century as portrayed in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice .
How the sacrificial gender roles are depicted in A Doll’s House .
In what ways did classic writers' style enhance their credibility?
Effectiveness of literature in managing stress.
Romeo and Juliet : major symbols and their importance.
How does Shakespeare tackle the issue of witchcraft in Macbeth ?
The theme of ‘sexuality’ as depicted in The History Boys .
What is the central theme of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People ?
Which character deserves a happy ending in Oedipus Rex ?
Implications of Bella Swan turning into a vampire.
Did Harry Potter’s life in an abusive home impact his behavior?
How compelling are secondary characters developed in A Song of Ice and Fire ?
Feminist movement of the 18th century and its impact on male authors.

History Explanatory Essay Topics

History topics for an explanatory essay are common subjects that students love writing about. To set you off, here are historical topics for explanatory writing:

How did colonialism negatively affect countries in Africa?
What key factors led to Hitler starting World War II?
Significant contributions that Abraham Lincoln made in the war against slavery.
Causes and impacts of Cuban Revolution.
In what ways have political developments in Western countries impacted other countries?
What factors led to the French Revolution, and what was its impact?
The Soviet Union: causes and consequences of its collapse on the rest of Europe.
Means of transport that took enslaved people to America.
Origin and impacts of Salem Witch trials.
How the invention of gunpowder became significant.
Impacts of major changes during the Middle Ages on the modern world.
Impacts of Japanese Samurai honor on industrial development
How was the first newspaper launched?
Impacts of the Cold War on the relationship between America and Russia.
How Ming Dynasty rule impacted trade in China.

Read more: Historical Research Topics & Ideas for Students

Explanatory Essay Topics on Social Issues

Many studies have been conducted on social issues. For your paper to stand out, you need compelling explanatory essay ideas that can shed some new light on societal matters. Below we have provided some explanation essay topics that can make this task easy for you:

Why is it important for people to learn social values?
How COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the high cost of living in developing nations.
Impacts of gun control laws on how people live.
What impacts have mental illnesses had on society?
Consequences brought by obesity on how people interact with each other.
How have parental roles changed over time?
Causes and prevention of homelessness in the US.
Urbanization: negative consequences for Americans.
Social stratification and its impacts on society.
How to curb rising unemployment cases among American youths.
Effective measures for preventing cases of racism in high school.
Mental health problems brought by social media addiction.
How do online social relationships differ from face-to-face interactions?
Challenges faced in teaching the older generation modern technology.
How poverty contributes to the increased spread of HIV/AIDS.

View more: Sociology Research Topics

Science Topics for Explanatory Essays

Science is a subject that cuts across many areas, including mathematical, social, physical, and biological. As a result, science topics for an explanatory essay are fairly widespread among students. To get you going, here are great science ideas for an explanatory essay:

How do fats and calories relate to one another?
Which part of the brain is responsible for enhancing creativity?
How does the white blood cell fight disease-causing organisms in the body?
Periodic table: its history and development.
Albert Einstein: his biography and scientific contributions.
Biological changes that occur in the body when one is living a sedentary lifestyle.
Human nervous system: its makeup and primary functions.
Processes involved in the synthesis of protein.
How do weather and climate differ?
Mechanisms involved in pumping blood throughout the body.
Similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
How do animals dream?
Physical and chemical properties of mercury as an element of the periodic table.
Roles played by bacteria in human bodies.
How does the law of inertia affect motion?

Read more: Science Topics to Write About

Technology Explanatory Essay Topics

Due to the ever-changing nature of technology and innovation, it is tough to exhaust all explanatory topics that may be written about them. Since technology covers an exceedingly broad scope, simplify your search and consider the ideas for explanatory essay that we have narrowed down for you:

Roles played by robotics in the health industry.
How has virtual reality impacted the world?
Nanotechnology: its impacts on dentistry.
How is it possible for people on Earth to migrate to another planet?
Most efficient alternative sources of energy that can be used instead of electricity.
How has surrogacy affected the concepts of marriage?
Disadvantages associated with artificial intelligence in education.
Advantages and disadvantages of using 3D printers.
How has development of atomic technology impacted world security?
Advantages of having self-parking cars.
How genetic engineering projects changed human life.
Role of quantum physics in comprehending the laws of nature.
Impacts of using drones on modern warfare.
Consequences of cellular technology on electrical engineering.
How technology has contributed to positive growth of the music industry.

>> View more: Technology Topics

Business Explanatory Essay Topics

Business is a broad subject that can provide you with an array of ideas for your explanatory writing topics. However, remember that you must maintain uniqueness in order to stand out. Below are exclusive business explanation essay topics that will keep you at the top:

Methods used by employers to ensure their employees remain physically and mentally healthy.
Negative impacts brought by office politics on staff performance.
Environmental responsibilities performed by an organization.
How can employees report harassment cases by the Human Resources department?
How can a business use social media for advertising its products and services?
Business culture: advantages and disadvantages of having one.
Why do many businesses choose to employ people with experience over recent graduates?
Significant challenges facing the world economy.
How did Brexit affect foreign business relations in Europe?
Negative impacts of poor service on an organization.
How can companies ensure fairness in the allocation of duty?
Steps taken by companies to solve internal conflicts.
How do companies deal with sexual harassment cases in the workplace?
Long-term benefits of non-disclosure agreements to a company.
How can businesses participate in raising awareness of global warming?

Read more: Business Research Topics

Explanatory Essay Topics About Health

One of the contemporary issues that people have taken a keen interest in is their well-being. As a result, explanatory topics about health have risen in popularity among readers. The following are perfect examples of explanatory essay ideas for you to choose from:

Reasons why protecting your health should begin from a young age.
Methods employed to manage flat feet in children.
What are the health risks associated with participation in sports?
Negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on a student's health.
Does heavy school workload impact high school students' health?
Natural ways used in joint pains among the elderly.
How metformin is used in the prevention of diabetes.
Best methods that can protect your heart from cardiovascular complications.
Existing methods used in treating Duchene muscular dystrophy.
Steps involved in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Types and causes of eating disorders that affect a person’s health.
Effective ways that can be employed in managing symptoms of depression.
What is the relationship between obesity and fast foods?
Clinical trials: what are the advantages of participating in them?
Natural ways of managing Huntington's diseases.

Explanatory Writing Prompts

Explanatory writing prompts refer to 1-3 topic sentences that ask a question or raise an issue that can be informatively answered in an essay. Explanatory prompts aim at guiding or centering the contents of your writing on informing your target readers or professors. If you wish to write explanatory essay prompts, you should look at the list below for inspiration:

What is the definition of a family? Who is considered part of the family?
Events that led to the Cold War starting.
What steps are involved in caring for a vegetable garden during the summer?
Are TV advertisements effective in influencing purchasing habits? Why or why not?
Rise of plastic use in the world. Has it had a positive or negative effect on the environment?
Famous inventions that have changed people’s lives in the past five years, and who invented them?
Step-by-step guide on how to play baseball.
Best community to live in between rural, suburban, and urban.
How would the world survive without electricity?
Best book that every person should read in their lifetime.
Easy ways in which people can reduce their carbon footprint.
Best method for dealing with bullies.
What qualities should a good friend possess?
How connecting with people digitally will change in the future.
How sports are important in managing delinquents.

Bottom Line on Explanatory Essay Topics

Now that you know more about topics for explanatory essays, their characteristics, and how to select them, we hope you will never be scared to tackle your expository assignments. We have also provided you with a list of topics for explanatory writing that you can choose from. A catalog of explanatory essay ideas can inspire you to develop a suitable topic for your paper. It is our opinion that selecting a right title for your essay should be able to make the experience of writing your paper enjoyable.

In case you need more suggestions, don't hesitate to look for titles in our blog. From satire essay topics to expository essay topics , you will find ideas for any taste.

Let our academic experts help you. We are eager to provide a smart solution even within a tough deadline without compromising the quality. Give us your idea, pay for essay writing and our writers will craft a great essay for you.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

468 Explanatory Essay Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Explanatory essay topics delve into complex subjects, dissecting them to expose underlying components for better understanding. These themes may range from scientific phenomena, social issues, and technological advancements to historical events. The goal is to clarify obscure aspects, spotlighting how individual elements interact within a broader context. These topics demand detailed research, critical thinking, and clear, comprehensive writing, ultimately striving to inform, educate, and enlighten readers, enhancing their understanding and perspective of the chosen subject. The successful explanation of such topics illuminates intricacies otherwise overlooked, extending the conversation and potentially catalyzing new thought and innovation.

Simple Explanatory Essay Topics

Understanding the Food Pyramid
How Does Photosynthesis Work?
Steps in Making a Peanut Butter Sandwich
Process of Creating a DIY Birthday Card
Elements of a Balanced Diet
Understanding How a Rainbow Forms
How Do Bees Produce Honey?
Unfolding the Journey of a Letter in the Mail System
Elements of a Successful Garage Sale
Breaking Down the Process of Baking Bread
How Day and Night Occur?
Decoding the Concept of Time Zones
Understanding the Water Cycle
Basic Steps to Plant a Seed
How Do Animals Prepare for Winter?
Journey of Milk From Farm to Market
How Does a Bicycle Work?
Understanding Cloud Formation
What Happens During an Eclipse?

Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics

Unraveling Secrets of Domestic Cat Life
Origami: Journey to the Heart of an Ancient Art
Dreaming: Unveiling the Hidden Realm
Magic Tricks and Their Hidden Mechanisms
Bee Communication: A Closer Look
Deep Sea Exploration: What We Know and What We Don’t
Astronaut Training: An Insider’s Perspective
Hummingbird Hover: A Phenomenon Explained
From Larva to Butterfly: The Stages Unfolded
Roller Coasters: The Science of Thrills
The Human Immune System: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Black Holes: Comprehension of the Incomprehensible
Making Movies: The Process Behind the Screen
Northern Lights: An Illuminating Exploration
Ant Colonies: Life Beneath the Surface
Our Solar System: Grasping Its Vast Scale
Coral Reefs: A Dive Into Vibrant Ecosystems
Bermuda Triangle: Unlocking the Mystery
Wine Making: Understanding Its Intricacies
Deja Vu: Decoding the Phenomenon

Explanatory Essay Topics for High School

Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
Creating a Personal Budget: An Overview
The Beauty of Geometry in Architecture
Cryptocurrencies: Understanding Digital Money
Exploring the Biomechanics of Sports
Photosynthesis: A Simple Explanation
Climate Change: Causes and Consequences
Origins and Influences of Pop Art
The Fascinating World of Ants
Artificial Intelligence: A Glimpse Into the Future
Ice Age: Understanding Its Significance
Globalization: A Brief Overview
Sustainable Agriculture: Practices and Benefits
Quantum Physics: A Simplified Introduction
Constitutional Law: Breaking Down Its Complexity
Recycling Process: A Step-By-Step Guide
Modern Robotics: An Exciting Journey
Journey Through the Human Digestive System
Myths and Facts About Space Travel

Explanatory Essay Topics for Middle School

Solar System’s Planets: A Journey Through Space
Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Transformation Stages
Food Pyramid: A Balanced Diet Guide
Volcanoes: A Peek Into Their Formation
Origins of Common Superstitions
Rainbows: A Colorful Phenomenon Explained
Creation of Comic Books: The Behind-the-Scenes
Understanding Tides: Moon’s Effect on Earth’s Waters
Video Games Design: The Creative Process
Saving Money: Importance of Financial Literacy
Earthquake Science: Understanding Seismic Activities
Origami: The Art of Paper Folding
Ecosystems: Exploring Forest Habitats
Tsunamis: Oceanic Waves of Destruction
Why Do Leaves Change Color in Autumn?
Photosynthesis: The Miracle of Plant Life
Internet: How Has This Technology Changed Our Lives?
Understanding the Phases of the Moon
Global Warming: A Simplified Overview
History of Animated Movies: From Drawings to Digital

Explanatory Essay Topics for College Students

Cryptography: Securing Information in the Digital Age
Artificial Intelligence: Disruption in Modern Industry
Sustainability: Strategies for Achieving Green Goals
Climate Change: Decoding Science and Misinformation
Blockchain Technology: Beyond Cryptocurrency
Jazz Music: Roots and Influence on Modern Sound
Machine Learning: Applications in Everyday Life
Public Health: Global Pandemic Response
Cybersecurity: Challenges in the Age of the Internet
Green Architecture: Design for a Sustainable Future
Cultural Appropriation: Navigating the Fine Line
Modern Politics: Intersection With Social Media
Nuclear Energy: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Space Exploration: Future Possibilities and Challenges
Bioethics: Delicate Matters in Modern Medicine
Consumer Behavior: Psychological Perspectives
Urban Planning: Creating Livable Cities
Foreign Language Acquisition: Cognitive Benefits
Quantum Computing: Future of Information Processing

Social Issues Explanatory Topics

Understanding Systemic Racism: An Ongoing Challenge
Gender Inequality: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Poverty: An International Dilemma
Child Labor: Exploitation of Innocence
Religious Intolerance: Barriers to Coexistence
Globalization: Harmonizing Cultures and Economies
Human Trafficking: A Hidden Crisis
Cyberbullying: Virtual Threats, Real Consequences
Refugee Crisis: A Humanitarian Challenge
Euthanasia: Dilemmas at the End of Life
LGBTQ+ Rights: Road to Equality
Mental Health Stigma: Confronting Misunderstandings
Climate Change: A Social and Environmental Issue
Drug Abuse: Understanding Addiction
Education Inequality: Bridging the Gap
Homelessness: Unveiling the Invisible Population
Digital Divide: Access in an Information Age
Racial Profiling: Discrimination in Justice
Internet Privacy: Safeguarding Personal Information
Child Soldiers: Warfare’s Innocent Victims

Explanatory Topics on Technology

Deciphering Quantum Computing: A Revolutionary Leap
Nanotechnology: A New Frontier in Medicine
Artificial Intelligence: Bridging the Gap between Humans and Machines
Interconnected World: Unraveling the Internet of Things
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital Universe
Space Technology: Exploring Extraterrestrial Existence
Machine Learning: An Algorithmic Paradigm
Blockchain Technology: A New Age of Decentralization
Biotechnology: Decoding the Blueprint of Life
Smart Cities: Blueprint for a Sustainable Future
3D Printing: Crafting a New Dimension
Virtual Reality: A Paradigm Shift in Interaction
Augmented Reality: Overlaying Digital on Physical
Renewable Energy Technologies: A Sustainable Power Matrix
Bioinformatics: The Fusion of Biology and Information Technology
Big Data: Unveiling Patterns, Trends, and Associations
Neural Networks: Mimicking the Human Brain
Advanced Robotics: Machines With Human-Like Characteristics
Cryptography: The Science of Secure Communication

Education Explanatory Essay Topics

Bilingual Education: Fostering Multicultural Understanding
Challenges in Special Education: Inclusion and Diversity
Holistic Education: A More Comprehensive Approach
Standardized Testing: Merits and Drawbacks
Homeschooling: An Alternative Educational Route
Innovative Methods in Early Childhood Education
E-Learning: The Future of Education
Curriculum Development: Customizing Learning
Education Funding: Exploring Disparities
Education Technology: Tools for Enhanced Learning
Gifted Education: Catering to Exceptional Learners
Character Education: Building Integrity in Students
Classroom Management: A Key to Successful Learning
Teacher Training: Professional Development in Education
Literacy: Foundation of Learning
Student Motivation: Fuel for Educational Success
Parental Involvement: An Integral Part of Education
Inclusive Education: Equal Opportunities for All
School Nutrition: Influencing Student Health and Performance
Foreign Language Education: The Path to Global Citizenship

Health and Medicine Explanatory Topics

Genomic Medicine: Unfolding Genetic Mysteries
Epidemiology: Tracking Disease Patterns
Precision Medicine: Personalizing Treatments
Bioethics: Navigating Moral Dilemmas in Healthcare
Digital Health: Technology Meets Medicine
Pharmacogenomics: Genetic Influence on Drug Response
Healthcare Policy: Influences and Consequences
Mental Health: Unveiling Invisible Illnesses
Environmental Health: Linking Ecology and Well-Being
Medical Errors: Mitigating Unintended Consequences
Telemedicine: Remote Care Possibilities
Immunotherapy: A Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Treatment
Neuroscience: Unraveling the Mind’s Complexities
Aging and Geriatrics: Understanding Longevity
Pediatric Care: Tailoring Medicine for Children
Alternative Medicine: Beyond Conventional Practices
Chronic Illness Management: Improving Quality of Life
Global Health Disparities: Bridging the Gap
Health Informatics: Data-Driven Care

Science and Technology Explanatory Topics

Artificial Intelligence: Future Prospects
Quantum Computing: Beyond Binary Logic
Space Exploration: Mars and Beyond
Nanotechnology: Manipulating Matter on an Atomic Scale
Renewable Energy: Harnessing Sun, Wind, and Sea
Gene Editing: CRISPR and Its Applications
Virtual Reality: Immerging Experiences in Digital Domain
Climate Change Modeling: Predicting Environmental Future
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Assets
Data Science: Turning Information Into Insights
Biotechnology: Innovations in Medicine and Agriculture
Autonomous Vehicles: Redefining Transportation
3D Printing: From Prototypes to Body Parts
Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Unseen Cosmic Forces
Internet of Things: Interconnecting Everyday Devices
Robotics: Automating the Future
Astrophysics: Probing the Universe’s Secrets
Deep Learning: Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Sustainable Technology: Balancing Progress and Preservation

History and Culture Explanatory Essay Topics

Decoding Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Dance Forms: Expressions of Cultural Identity
Medieval Europe: Feudalism and Power Structures
Graffiti: Artistic Expression or Vandalism?
Silk Road: Trade, Culture, and Conflict
Famous Artists in the Renaissance Period
Architectural Marvels of Ancient Rome
Historical Influence of the Latin Language
Native American Culture: Traditions and Beliefs
French Revolution: Causes and Consequences
African American Music: From Blues to Hip Hop
Cultural Implications of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
History of European Colonization in Africa
Legacy of Greek Philosophy
Civil Rights Movement: Achievements and Aftermath
Harlem Renaissance: Influence on African American Literature
Significance of the Mayan Calendar
Indian Caste System: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Mysteries of Bermuda Triangle

Politics and Government Explanatory Topics

Foreign Policies: An Examination of US-Sino Relations
Decentralization: Swiss Confederation Case Study
Analyzing Iran’s Theocratic Structure
Brexit: A Retrospective Analysis
Cuba’s Socialism: Key Determinants and Outcomes
Exploring the Phenomenon of Populism in Modern Politics
North Korea’s Political System: A Detailed Examination
Influence of Social Media on Political Campaigns
Analysis of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
India’s Political Landscape: A Study of Coalition Politics
Understanding Neoliberalism Through Chile’s Economic Transformation
Political Power Dynamics in the European Union
Russian Federation: The Politics of Autocracy
US Electoral College: Purpose and Criticisms
Political Stability: A Detailed Study of Singapore’s Government
Political Upheavals: A Case Study of Arab Spring
Understanding the Politics of South Africa Post-Apartheid
Feminism in Politics: A Study of Women’s Political Representation
Analyzing Political Corruption: The Case of Brazil

Explanatory Topics About Environmental Issues

Climate Change: Predictive Modelling of Future Scenarios
Decoding the Mystery of Coral Reef Bleaching
Plastic Pollution: Analyzing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Urban Sprawl: Environmental Consequences and Sustainable Solutions
Endangered Species: A Close Look at Sumatran Tigers
Understanding Ocean Acidification and Its Consequences
Forest Conservation: Successful Strategies in Costa Rica
Melting Polar Ice Caps: Implications for Global Sea Levels
Hydraulic Fracturing: An Environmental Perspective
Deforestation in the Amazon: Causes and Consequences
Sustainable Agriculture: A Detailed Study of Permaculture
Biodiversity Loss: Unraveling the Sixth Mass Extinction
Sustainable Energy: The Prospects of Hydrogen Fuel
Air Quality: The Perils of Indoor Air Pollution
Waste Management: Innovative Solutions in Sweden
Freshwater Scarcity: Exploring Solutions in Arid Regions
Unsustainable Fishing Practices: A Case Study of the North Sea
Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion
E-Waste: Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling
Urban Green Spaces: Benefits and Implementation Strategies

Explanatory Essay Topics on Business and Economics

Blockchain Technology: Potential in Streamlining Supply Chains
Demystifying the Concept of Behavioral Economics
Cryptocurrency Market: Analyzing Trends and Predictions
Circular Economy: Probing the Possibility of Zero Waste
Startups: Unraveling the Success Story of Silicon Valley
Digital Marketing: Power of Social Media Platforms
Understanding Financial Crises: Lessons From the Great Depression
Globalization: Case Study on Multinational Corporations
Trade War: Evaluating the US-China Conflict
Inflation: Detailed Study of Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe
Income Inequality: Analyzing Global Disparity
Economic Growth: The Asian Tigers’ Phenomenon
E-Commerce: The Rise and Dominance of Amazon
Sustainable Businesses: Unpacking the Triple Bottom Line
Microfinance: Prospects in Poverty Alleviation
Understanding the Gig Economy: Uber as a Case Study
Market Monopolies: Implications in the Tech Industry
Corporate Social Responsibility: Unraveling the Case of Patagonia
Economic Impact of Climate Change: A Global Perspective
Green Economy: Probing the Growth of Renewable Energy Sector

Literature and Art Explanatory Topics

Unpacking Magical Realism: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and Gabriel García Márquez’s Legacy
Gothic Literature: Edgar Allan Poe’s Influence and “The Fall of the House of Usher”
Narrative Structure in “Mrs. Dalloway”: An In-Depth Look at Stream of Consciousness
Surrealism in Art: Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory”
Postmodernism in Literature: Decoding Don DeLillo’s “White Noise”
Feminist Literature: An Examination of Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”
Harlem Renaissance: Highlighting Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Transcendentalism in Literature: Understanding Thoreau’s “Walden”
Abstract Expressionism in Art: Analyzing Jackson Pollock’s “No. 5, 1948”
Symbolism in Literature: Deciphering Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Modernism: Probing Into Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”
Film Adaptation of Literature: Evaluating Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange”
Beat Generation Literature: Investigating Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”
Dystopian Literature: Delving Into Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Romanticism in Literature: Unveiling the Themes in Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”
Expressionism in Art: Analyzing Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”
Metafiction: Understanding the Intricacies in Barth’s “Lost in the Funhouse”
Epic Poetry: Exploring the World of Homer’s “Iliad”
Graphic Novels: The Art and Narrative in “Maus” by Art Spiegelman

Explanatory Topics About Psychology and Sociology

Social Dynamics in Diverse Communities: An Analytical Approach
Exploring Human Behavior: Understanding the Psychology of Crime
Emotional Intelligence: A Comprehensive Review and Critique
Milgram’s Experiment: The Ethical Implications and Lessons Learned
Child Development: Language Acquisition in Early Childhood
Jungian Archetypes: Their Influence on Personality Development
Cognitive Dissonance: A Detailed Analysis
Intersectionality: Exploring Its Influence on Individual Identity
Psychoanalytic Theory: Revisiting Sigmund Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams
Bystander Effect: A Critical Examination in the Context of Modern Society
Nature Versus Nurture: The Enduring Debate in Personality Development
Cult Behavior: Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Collective Action
False Memories: A Deep Dive Into the Phenomenon and Its Implications
Stereotypes and Prejudice: Deconstructing Social Constructs
Gender Identity: A Comprehensive Look at Its Formation
Neuroplasticity: The Revolutionary Concept in Neuroscience
Attachment Theory: A Review of Its Role in Human Relationships
Operant Conditioning: A Critical Appraisal of B.F. Skinner’s Experiments
Cultural Norms: Their Influence on Social Behavior
Happiness: Exploring the Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Subjective Well-Being

Philosophy and Religion Explanatory Essay Topics

Analyzing Nietzsche’s Assertion of God’s Death: Implications for Modern Philosophy
Descartes and the Cartesian Doubt: An Explanatory Analysis
Eastern Philosophy: Unraveling the Concepts of Taoism
Kierkegaard’s Leap of Faith: An Existentialist Perspective
Just War Theory: An Evaluation in the Context of Modern Conflicts
Aristotle’s Metaphysics: Understanding the Doctrine of Hylomorphism
Reincarnation Concept in Hindu Philosophy: An In-Depth Analysis
Spinoza’s Pantheism: A Critical Examination of Divine Nature
Transcendentalism: Emerson and Thoreau’s Contributions to American Philosophy
Sufism: Understanding the Mystical Branch of Islam
Theodicy Problem: An Exploration of Evil in a World Created by an Omnipotent God
Buddhism: An Investigation Into the Four Noble Truths
Kantian Ethics: Exploring the Categorical Imperative
St. Thomas Aquinas’s Five Ways: Proving the Existence of God
Jain Philosophy: Non-Absolutism and Its Implications
Confucian Ethics: Analyzing the Doctrine of Reciprocity
Zoroastrianism: Tracing the Ancient Persian Religion and Its Impact
Stoicism: Its Relevance in Contemporary Life
Derrida’s Deconstruction: Challenging Traditional Philosophical Concepts

Sports and Leisure Activities Explanatory Topics

Judo Techniques: An Examination of Kuzushi and Tsukuri
Hiking as a Form of Mindfulness Practice: An In-Depth Study
Chess Strategies: Understanding the Sicilian Defense
Scuba Diving: Safety Protocols and Equipment Usage
Marathon Training: Essential Guidelines for Optimal Performance
Soccer Tactics: Analyzing the Tiki-Taka Style
Mountaineering: Necessary Skills for Conquering High Peaks
Origins of Basketball: A Detailed Study of James Naismith’s Invention
Tennis: A Study of Different Court Surfaces and Their Effects on Gameplay
Exploration of Surfing: Understanding Wave Selection and Riding Techniques
Archery: The Science Behind Precision and Accuracy
Yoga: Unraveling the Meaning and Purpose of Different Asanas
Cricket: Appreciating the Nuances of Spin Bowling
Kiteboarding: Techniques and Safety Measures
Pilates: Core Principles and Their Health Benefits
Badminton Footwork: The Key to Effective Game Play
Fishing: An Exploration of Different Techniques and Their Success Rates
Ballet: Understanding the Significance of Pointe Work
Table Tennis: The Importance of Spin in Gameplay
Equestrian Sports: The Art of Dressage Explained

Current Events and News Explanatory Topics

Dynamics of Hybrid Workplaces in the Post-Pandemic World
Cryptocurrency Regulations: Diverse Approaches Around the Globe
Migration Patterns Altered by Climate Change
Decoding China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic Aims and Implications
Brexit: Detailed Examination of Long-Term Economic Consequences
Online Privacy: Discussing Data Protection Laws Across Different Jurisdictions
Vaccine Diplomacy: Covid-19 and Global Health Politics
Influence of Social Media on Contemporary Political Movements
Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Ethical Questions and Future Challenges
Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy Technologies
Global Plastic Waste Crisis: Potential Solutions and Challenges
Digital Currency: Understanding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
The Proliferation of Cybercrime in the Digital Age
Analysis of Refugee Crisis in the Mediterranean: Causes and Responses
Global Disparities in Covid-19 Vaccination Rates and Their Implications
Space Tourism: A New Frontier or a Futile Endeavour?
Decarbonization Strategies in the Global Shipping Industry
Gig Economy: Analyzing Workers’ Rights and Legal Frameworks
Global Rise of Right-Wing Populism: Causes and Consequences

Explanatory Essay Topics About Personal Experiences

Solo Travel Decoded: My Insights and Lessons
Living in a Non-English-Speaking Country: My Story of Overcoming Language Barriers
How I Coped With Loss: Personal Narratives and Healing
Living With a Chronic Illness: My Personal Experience
My Adoption Journey: Insights From an Adoptive Parent
Surviving Unemployment: My Personal Coping Strategies
My Struggle With Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Reflection
From Novice to Mastery: My Journey in Learning a New Skill
One Year in a Monastery: My Journey of Self-Discovery
Moving Across Continents: My Immigrant Experience
My Road to Recovery: Battling Addiction and Finding Sobriety
Parenting in a Digital Age: My Personal Experiences and Observations
Navigating the Loss of a Loved One: My Personal Experience With Grief
Transitioning to a Vegan Lifestyle: My Personal Journey and Lessons
Turning a Hobby Into a Business: My Personal Journey
Mid-Life Career Change: My Insights and Challenges
My Adult Friendship Experiences: Navigating the Dynamics
Resilience After Failure: My Personal Setbacks and Lessons
Entering the World of Self-Publishing: My Personal Journey and Advice
Adapting to the New Normal: My Experience With Remote Work

Explanatory Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Digital Photography: An Exploration of Techniques and Styles
Origins of Scrapbooking: A Creative Form of Personal History
Understanding the Basics of Stamp Collection
Insights Into the World of Amateur Astronomy
Gardening Techniques: A Look Into Sustainable Practices
Knitting Patterns: A Journey Through Textures and Designs
Home Brewing: A Guide to Crafting Your Own Beer
Origami Art: The Beauty of Paper Folding
Underwater Exploration: Basics of Scuba Diving
Vintage Car Restoration: The Allure and Techniques
Numismatics: Unraveling the History of Coin Collecting
Exploring Bird Watching: Species Identification and Habitats
Board Games: Strategy, Skill, and Luck
Cooking Techniques: Exploring Different Cuisines
Piano Playing: An Introduction to Techniques and Styles
Biking Trails: An Overview of Types and Safety Measures
Meditation Practices: A Journey Into Mindfulness
Pottery: A Look Into Clay Molding Techniques
Aquarium Setup: Understanding Fish Care and Aqua Scaping

Travel and Tourism Explanatory Topics

Cultural Nuances: Exploring World Customs Through Travel
Backpacking Through Europe: An In-Depth Overview
Understanding Ecotourism: Balancing Leisure and Sustainability
Tourism in Antarctica: A Unique and Fragile Frontier
Essentials of Planning a Cruise Holiday
Historic Sites in Egypt: A Journey to the Ancient World
Exploring Hospitality Traditions around the World
Intricacies of Wine Tourism in Bordeaux
Wildlife Safari Experience in African Countries
Culinary Tourism: A Taste of Global Cuisines
Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness: A New Dimension to Tourism
Camping Essentials: A Guide to Outdoor Adventures
Journey Through the Silk Road: Historical and Cultural Insights
Revealing the Mysteries of Dark Tourism
World’s Most Scenic Train Rides: A Traveler’s Perspective
Cultural Festivals: An Excursion Into Global Celebrations
Deep Dive Into Underwater Hotels: A New Trend in Tourism
Touring Space: The Future of Tourism?
Navigating the Grand Canyons: Geological Wonders and Tourism
Asia’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Tourist Destinations

Explanatory Essay Topics for Food and Cooking

Understanding Food Pairings in Fine Dining
Sourdough Bread Making: A Detailed Overview
Culinary Traditions of the Mediterranean Diet
Journey through French Pastries: A Sweet Exploration
Demystifying Molecular Gastronomy: A Science or an Art?
Basics of Sushi Preparation: Japanese Culinary Art
Slow Cooking Techniques: Enhancing Flavor and Nutrition
Brewing Techniques: A Guide to Craft Beers
Barbecue Styles Around the World: Smoky Delights
Deconstructing Wine Tasting: Notes, Bouquet, and Terroir
Vegetarian Cuisine: Diverse and Nutrient-Rich Dishes
Exploring the Art of Making Artisan Cheese
Indian Spices and Their Culinary Uses
Culinary Innovations: Food Presentation and Plating Techniques
Understanding the Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
Italian Pasta Varieties: More Than Just Spaghetti
Unfolding the Mysteries of Truffle Hunting
Mexican Street Food: A Tour of Tacos, Tamales, and Tortas
Tea Cultures Around the World: Beyond the Cup
Baking Basics: From Simple Cookies to Elaborate Cakes

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65 Explanatory Essay Topics

Any essay writing meant to define, explain, compare, or present is usually deemed an explanatory essay.

Most commonly an assignment in journalism, history, and civics courses, these essays provide an insight into how something works, how it came to be, its effects on a population/person who created it, or its function and purpose.

There are several different types of explanatory essays that can be written, but the most common include:

biographical
journalistic
instructional/how-to
personal experience
political analysis
product analysis
social guidance

Each type of explanatory essay is employed to answer a specific question about these topics related to a person, event, or situation.

Is Writing an Explanatory Essay Hard?

Writing an explanatory essay may or may not be difficult for students depending on their ability to:

come up with a neutral topic
research and gather relevant information and facts
outline thesis and examples into a logical format
stay unbiased in the writing

If a student has strong research and writing skills, then writing an explanatory essay may be somewhat easier. However, it may be more challenging for students who struggle with these skills to complete this type of assignment.

Regardless of ability level, students need to take the time to plan and organize their thoughts before beginning the writing process. This will help ensure a more successful outcome.

How to Write an Explanatory Essay?

When writing an explanatory essay, many students struggle with the first most crucial step, coming up with a topic. Fortunately, this article concludes with a list of 65 explanatory essay topics perfect for any level of writing ability or grade.

But before students jump to the bottom to check out the list of explanatory essay topics, it’s important to understand how to write an explanatory essay so that they know how to approach their topic and research.

When it comes to explanatory essays, students need to ask three key questions:

What is the best way for me to learn about this?
What information or facts should I gather or find?
How do I structure my explanations and examples into a logical essay format?

Often, asking these questions allows students to more effectively come up with a topic suited to their abilities and interests.

Once a topic is selected, it’s time for students to research their essay. Students should look to history or current news sources for factual information and statistics for topics that deal with people, events, or devices.

To make writing an explanatory essay easier, it’s recommended to choose topics that are non-fiction or can easily be backed up with facts or resources. This is because the overall tone of an explanatory essay should be unbiased and neutral – not a representation of the writer’s personal thoughts or feelings.

Once the research is complete, it’s time for students to start organizing their thoughts and information into a logical format. This is usually done by creating an outline that has three major sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should introduce the topic of the essay with an interesting hook statement such as:

“In the early 1900s, people who wanted to travel from Europe to America would have to board a ship and endure an extremely long journey.”

The hook statement draws readers in by explaining the main topic. After the hook statement, students should include a brief bit of background information on the main topic and define any key terms the reader should know. Continuing the example from above:

“Today, the process of traveling from Europe to America is much easier and can be done in a matter of hours. However, this was not always the case.”

This background information will help set up the rest of the essay by explaining why it is important or relevant to the topic at hand.

After introducing the topic and providing relevant background information, the student should lay out the essay’s thesis statement or overall point. Continuing with the current example, a good thesis statement would be:

“The process of traveling from Europe to America has dramatically changed over the years due to technological advances.”

This thesis statement states the essay’s main point and will be further developed in the body paragraphs.

The body of the explanatory essay is where students will provide detailed explanations and examples to support their thesis statement. Each paragraph should have one main point that is explained and supported with evidence.

The conclusion of the essay should summarize the main points that have been made and leave the reader with a final thought on the topic.

By following this structure while writing an explanatory essay, students can ensure that they can stay on topic and provide the information required in an unbiased, neutral, and informative way.

Any of the following 65 explanatory essay topics will be instrumental in helping students craft a well-written and informative explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Topics About History

What was the cause of the American Civil War?
What were the effects of the Black Plague on medieval Europe?
How did Ancient Greece influence western civilization?
What was the fall of the Roman Empire like?
What caused World War II?
How has terrorism changed over the years?
What caused the Cold War?
What is the impact of the Industrial Revolution?
How did the fall of the Berlin wall impact European governments?
Why was the Treaty of Versaille so important for its time?
What was the significance of The Great Depression in America?
How did World War I impact European countries?
What is the role of the United Nations today, and how has it changed over time?
How did human rights policies change after World War II?

Explanatory Essay Topics About Science

What is the difference between a galaxy and a universe?
How does the human brain work?
What is an element?
What are the three states of matter?
What does photosynthesis do for plants?
How do earthquakes happen?
What are black holes?
Why do we have seasons?
What is the difference between a meteor and an asteroid?
How does light travel from one place to another?
Why do humans need sleep?
How do fireworks operate?
What causes tsunamis?
What are four ways to treat illness or disease in the body?

Explanatory Essay Topics About Literature

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?
What is the difference between a fiction and a non-fiction text?
How does point of view affect a story?
What are the different types of literary devices?
How does symbolism create meaning in a text?
What is the difference between a monologue and a dialogue?
How does the setting impact a story?
What is the difference between plot and theme?
How does genre affect a story?
What is a literary device?
How does character development occur in literature?

Explanatory Essay Topics About Technology

How did social media change the way we communicate?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of new technology?
How has the Internet changed the way we live our lives?
What is the future of technology?
How will artificial intelligence impact the world?
What are the effects of technology on children?
What are five ways that technology can help the environment?
How has social media changed politics?
How has social media impacted local news stations?
Why should students learn how to code?
How did video games change over the years?
What are the effects of technology on our mental health?

Explanatory Essay Topics About Everyday Life

What is the best way to clean a swimming pool?
What are the three best recipes when cooking for one person?
What does it mean to be a successful student?
How can people save money when grocery shopping?
What is the best way to pack for a trip?
How can people stay healthy during the winter?
What is the best way to study for exams?
Why is it important to volunteer in your community?
How can people reduce their stress levels?
What are the best ways to stay organized?
How can people make time for themselves?
What is the best way to develop a budget?
How can people build good credit over time?
What are the three benefits of exercising regularly?

With these topics, any student can research and craft a well-informed explanatory essay that will earn them a good grade.

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

Have you ever been tasked with explaining a complex topic to someone without prior knowledge? It can be challenging to break down complex ideas into simple terms that are easy to understand. That's where explanatory writing comes in! An explanatory essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept clearly and concisely. These essays are often used in academic settings but can also be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

For example, if you were asked to explain how a car engine works, you would need to provide a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. Or, if you were asked to explain the process of photosynthesis, you would need to explain how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

When wondering - 'what is an explanatory essay?', remember that the goal of an explanatory paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the topic at hand. Unlike an opinion essay , this type of paper does not argue for or against a particular viewpoint but rather presents information neutrally and objectively. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand the topic and be able to explain it to others in their own words.

Also, there is no set number of paragraphs in an explanatory essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the topic. However, when wondering - 'how many paragraphs in an explanatory essay?', know that a typical example of explanatory writing will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, some essays may have more or fewer body paragraphs, depending on the topic and the writer's preference. Ultimately, an explanatory essay format aims to provide a clear and thorough explanation of the topic, using as many paragraphs as necessary.

20 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics

Now that we have defined what is explanatory essay, the next step is choosing a good explanatory topic. A well-chosen topic is interesting and relevant to your audience while also being something you are knowledgeable about and can provide valuable insights on. By selecting a topic that is too broad or too narrow, you run the risk of either overwhelming your audience with too much information or failing to provide enough substance to fully explain the topic. Additionally, choosing a topic that is too controversial or biased can lead to difficulty in presenting information objectively and neutrally. By choosing a good explanatory topic, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed, engaging, and effective in communicating your ideas to your audience.

Here are 20 creative explanatory essay topics by our admission essay service to consider:

How does the human brain process emotions?
The benefits and drawbacks of remote work.
The science behind climate change and its effects.
The history and evolution of hip-hop music.
The impact of social media on mental health.
The benefits of learning a second language.
The process of how a computer operates.
The causes and effects of bullying in schools.
The impact of technology on modern education.
The reasons for the decline of bee populations and their importance to the ecosystem.
The effects of caffeine on the human body.
The process of how vaccines work to prevent disease.
The impact of video games on youth behavior and development.
The reasons for the gender pay gap and how to close it.
The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources.
The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
The causes and effects of income inequality in society.
The process of how a book is published.
The impact of social media on political discourse.
The benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy.

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. However, by following a few simple steps, you can effectively kick-start your writing process and produce a clear and concise essay. Here are some tips and examples from our term paper writing services on how to start an explanatory essay:

Choose an engaging topic : Your topic should be interesting, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. For example, if you're writing about climate change, you might focus on a specific aspect of the issue, such as the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
Conduct research : Gather as much information as possible on your topic. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, you might research the psychological and physical benefits of the practice.
Develop an outline : Creating an outline will help you logically organize your explanatory essay structure. For example, you might organize your essay on the benefits of mindfulness meditation by discussing its effects on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
Provide clear explanations: When writing an explanatory article, it's important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you're explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
Use evidence to support your claims : Use evidence from reputable sources to support your claims and arguments. This will help to build credibility and persuade your readers. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of exercise, you might cite studies that demonstrate its positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

By following these tips and examples, you can effectively start your expository essays and produce a well-structured, informative, and engaging piece of writing.

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Explanatory Essay Outline

As mentioned above, it's important to create an explanatory essay outline to effectively organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas logically and systematically, ensuring that you cover all the key points related to your topic. It also helps you identify gaps in your research or argument and allows you to easily revise and edit your essay. In this way, an outline can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Here are some tips from our ' do my homework ' service to create a good explanatory essay introduction that effectively engages your readers and sets the stage for the entire essay:

Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. For example, you might start your essay on the benefits of exercise with a statistic on how many Americans suffer from obesity.
Provide context: Give your readers some background information on the topic you'll be discussing. This helps to set the stage and ensures that your readers understand the importance of the topic. For example, you might explain the rise of obesity rates in the United States over the past few decades.
State your thesis: A good explanatory thesis example should be clear, concise, and focused. It should state the main argument or point of your essay. For example, you might state, ' Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.'
Preview your main points: Give your readers an idea of what to expect in the body of your essay by previewing your main points. For example, you might explain that you'll be discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health, physical health, and longevity.
Keep it concise: Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail or providing too much background information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction to one or two paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

By following the following tips, you can create well-organized, evidence-based explanation essay body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement.

Use credible sources: When providing evidence to support your arguments, use credible sources such as peer-reviewed academic journals or reputable news outlets. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Organize your paragraphs logically: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Organize your paragraphs logically so that each one builds on the previous one. For example, if you're writing about the causes of climate change, you might organize your paragraphs to focus on human activity, natural causes, and the effects of climate change.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to help your readers follow the flow of your ideas. For example, you might use phrases such as 'in addition,' 'furthermore,' or 'on the other hand' to indicate a shift in your argument.
Provide analysis: Don't just present evidence; provide analysis and interpretation of the evidence. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of early childhood education, you might analyze the long-term effects on academic achievement and future earnings.
Summarize your main points: End each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point or argument you've made. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and keep your essay organized. For example, you might end a paragraph on the benefits of exercise by stating, 'Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making it a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.'

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Here are some unique tips on how to write an explanatory essay conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

Offer a solution or recommendation: Instead of summarizing your main points, offer suggestions based on the information you've presented. This can help to make your essay more impactful and leave a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, you might recommend using more eco-friendly products or investing in renewable energy sources.
Emphasize the importance of your topic: Use your concluding statement to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it's relevant to your readers. This can help to inspire action or change. For example, suppose you're writing about the benefits of volunteering. In that case, you might emphasize how volunteering helps others and has personal benefits such as improved mental health and a sense of purpose.
End with a powerful quote or statement: End your explanatory essay conclusion with a powerful quote or statement that reinforces your main point or leaves a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the importance of education, you might end your essay with a quote from Nelson Mandela, such as, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

Explanatory Essay Example

Here is an example of an explanatory essay:

Explanatory Essay Example:

Importance of Basketball

Final Thoughts

Now you understand whats an explanatory essay. However, if you're still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an explanatory essay, don't worry. Our team of experienced writers is here to provide you with top-notch academic assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to explain what is an appendix in your definition essay or rewrite essay in five paragraphs, we've got you covered! With our professional help, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-written, and meets all the academic requirements.

And if you'd rather have a professional craft flawless explanatory essay examples, know that our friendly team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic pursuits. So why not take the stress out of writing and let us help you achieve the academic success you deserve? Contact us today with your ' write paper for me ' request, and we will support you every step of the way.

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Topics, Outline, Example

Have you ever been tasked with writing an explanation essay and wondered where to start? You’re not alone! Many students struggle with the challenge of presenting complex ideas in a concise and engaging manner. Fear not; with the right approach, learning how to write an explanation essay can be a rewarding experience that enhances your understanding of a topic and sharpens your writing skills.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting an exemplary explanation essay. We will explore the definition and purpose of explanatory essays, offer tips on topic selection, outline development, and delve into the essentials of how to write an explanatory essay. By the end of this post, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any explanatory essay assignment that comes your way.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Explanatory essays, akin to expository essays , provide an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic with the aim of informing and clarifying.
Choosing the right topic for your explanatory essay involves selecting a neutral, engaging, and relevant topic supported by ample researchable information.
Writing an explanatory essay requires conducting thorough research, utilizing transitions & linking words judiciously, citing sources accurately & revising/editing to ensure high quality work.

Explanatory Essays: Definition and Purpose

An expository essay, also known as an explanatory essay or an explanatory paper, is a type of explanatory writing wherein one is required to describe and elucidate a particular point of view, incident, event, or situation. Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, the goal of explanation essays, including expository essays, is to offer an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic, aiming to inform and clarify without arguing or persuading. By presenting information in a clear and organized manner, explanatory essays help readers develop a better understanding of the subject matter.

Explanatory essays follow the traditional explanatory essay format, which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The thesis statement, located in the introduction, is a specific and argumentable statement that concisely presents the primary concept of the essay. The body paragraphs provide evidence and explanations to support the thesis, while the conclusion ties everything together and leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the author’s presentation.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Explanatory Essay

Selecting an appropriate topic is a crucial step in crafting a successful explanatory essay. A well-written explanation essay seeks to offer an unbiased and objective analysis of a topic, with the intention of informing and elucidating without trying to convince. Therefore, it is essential to choose a topic that is neutral, engaging, and aligns with your interests and the interests of your target audience.

To generate ideas for an explanation essay, consider topics that you have personal experience with or are genuinely curious about. It is also important to ensure that the topic can be effectively researched and that there is ample information available to compose a comprehensive paper. Once you have a list of potential topics, evaluate them based on their relevance to the assignment and your familiarity with the subject matter. This will help you select a topic that will not only be engaging to your readers but also enjoyable for you to research and write about.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the backbone of your explanation essay, as it sets the stage for the rest of the paper. A strong explanation essay thesis statement should be concise, debatable, and supportable, summarizing the main idea and purpose of the essay. It is important to invest time and effort into crafting a compelling thesis statement, as it will guide your research and shape the overall structure of your essay.

To develop an effective thesis statement, start by identifying the primary concept or argument that you want to convey in your essay. Then refine your statement to ensure that it is succinct and specific, while still being arguable and justifiable.

If you find yourself struggling to create a strong thesis statement, consider drafting a rough version and returning to it after you have completed the rest of the paper. This will allow you to refine your statement based on the evidence and arguments presented in your essay.

Developing an Effective Explanatory Essay Outline

An effective explanatory essay outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and ideas in a logical manner, ensuring a smooth flow throughout your essay. The outline should include an introduction, body, and conclusion, each containing specific information arranged in a logical manner to ensure the continuity of the paper. By creating a detailed outline, you can easily identify any gaps in your research or argumentation and make revisions as needed.

In the following subsections, we will delve into strategies for writing an engaging explanatory essay introduction, structuring body paragraphs, and crafting a compelling conclusion. These techniques will help you create an effective explanatory essay outline that will serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

Introduction Strategies

The introduction is the first part of your essay that your readers will encounter, and it plays a crucial role in grabbing their attention and setting the stage for the thesis statement. To create an engaging introduction, you can employ various hooks, such as rhetorical questions, quotes, or statistics, to capture the reader’s interest and provide a foundation for your thesis statement.

An effective introduction should also provide a concise overview of the subject matter and the primary concepts that the reader will encounter while perusing the essay. This background information helps your readers understand the context of your essay and prepares them for the arguments and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. By crafting an engaging and informative introduction, you set the tone for the rest of your essay and encourage your readers to continue reading.

Structuring Body Paragraphs

Structuring body paragraphs involves presenting evidence to support your thesis statement while ensuring clarity and logical organization. Each body paragraph should focus on a particular aspect of the topic and provide evidence to back it up. This can include facts, quotes, statistics, survey results, and examples that help validate your arguments and substantiate your assertions.

To ensure clarity and logical organization in your body paragraphs, you can employ various techniques, such as utilizing transitions between paragraphs, supplying examples to elucidate points, and employing linking words to connect ideas. Transitions and linking words, such as “however,” “therefore,” “in addition,” and “furthermore,” can help guide your readers through your essay and make it easier for them to follow your ideas and arguments.

By carefully structuring your body paragraphs, you can create a coherent and persuasive explanatory essay that effectively supports your thesis statement.

Crafting a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion of your explanation essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. A compelling conclusion should summarize the main points presented in your essay, restate your thesis statement, and offer recommendations or a call to action. This helps to reinforce the key ideas and arguments in your essay and leaves your readers with something to ponder.

When crafting your conclusion, it is important to avoid introducing new information or arguments, as this can confuse your readers and weaken the overall impact of your essay. Instead, focus on providing a concise and convincing summary of the evidence presented in your essay and how it supports your thesis statement. By doing so, you can leave your readers with a clear understanding of your essay’s purpose and a sense of closure.

Writing Your Explanatory Essay: Step-by-Step Process

Now that you have a solid understanding of the key components of an explanation essay, it is time to embark on the writing process. In this section, we will outline a step-by-step process for writing an explanatory essay, which includes conducting thorough research, utilizing transitions and linking words, and citing sources to avoid plagiarism.

By following this step-by-step process, you can ensure that your explanation essay is well-structured and informative, providing your readers with a clear understanding of the subject matter. With practice and persistence, you can master the art of explanatory essay writing and create engaging, persuasive essays that effectively convey complex ideas.

Conducting Thorough Research

Conducting thorough research is essential for an explanation essay, as it helps gather credible evidence (facts, quotes, statistics, survey results, and examples) to support your thesis statement. Begin by selecting a topic that is of personal interest and has some familiarity. Once you have chosen a topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure that there is sufficient information available to compose a comprehensive paper.

When gathering information for your essay, it is crucial to utilize dependable sources, such as scholarly articles, books, and websites. Be sure to take notes and keep track of the sources you have used, as this will make it easier to reference them in your essay and avoid plagiarism. By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your essay is well-supported and provides a comprehensive analysis of the topic.

Utilizing Transitions and Linking Words

Utilizing transitions and linking words is crucial for ensuring a smooth flow throughout your explanation essay and making it easier for readers to follow your ideas and arguments. Examples of transitions and linking words include phrases such as “however”, “therefore”, “in addition” and “furthermore”.

Incorporating these transitions and linking words in your essay helps guide your readers through the progression of your arguments and enhances the overall readability of your paper. Be sure to use them judiciously and avoid overusing a specific transition or linking word, as this may become repetitive and detract from the flow of your essay.

By employing a variety of transitions and linking words, you can create a cohesive and engaging explanatory essay that effectively conveys your ideas.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

Citing sources accurately and consistently is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and ensuring the credibility of your explanation essay. When composing an explanation essay, sources are typically cited following either MLA, APA, or Harvard formatting. In-text citations generally include the author’s name and the year the source was published, and for direct quotations, the page number must also be specified.

By accurately citing your sources, you not only give credit to the original authors, but also demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity and the credibility of your essay. Be sure to double-check your citations and proofread your essay for any errors or inconsistencies in your referencing style. By doing so, you can avoid plagiarism and ensure that your essay is a credible and accurate representation of your research and ideas.

Analyzing Explanatory Essay Examples

Analyzing explanatory essay examples can provide valuable insights into the structure, style, and content of successful essays, helping you improve your own writing. By examining well-written examples, you can gain a better understanding of the key elements of an explanation essay, such as the thesis statement, the organization of body paragraphs, and the overall flow of the essay.

When analyzing explanatory essay examples, pay close attention to the clarity of the explanations, the use of evidence to support the argument, and the general structure and format of the essay. Also, consider the effectiveness of the thesis statement and the essay in conveying information.

By studying and learning from exemplary essays, you can refine your own writing and create an engaging, informative, and well-structured explanation essay. In fact, knowing how to write an explanation essay is essential for developing your skills in this area.

Tips for Revising and Editing Your Explanatory Essay

Once you have completed your explanation essay, it is essential to revise and edit your work to ensure that it is of high quality and free of mistakes. Start by reviewing your essay for clarity, organization, and logical flow. Check that your thesis statement is clear and concise, and that your body paragraphs effectively support your argument.

During the revision process, ask yourself the following questions: Is the essay organized effectively? Are the transitions between paragraphs seamless? Are there any grammatical or orthographic errors? Are sources referenced accurately? If necessary, make any revisions to improve the overall quality and coherence of your essay.

Finally, proofread your essay for any remaining errors and inconsistencies. Consider presenting your essay to a trusted friend or classmate for feedback, as they may be able to spot mistakes that you may have missed. By revising and editing your essay, you can ensure that it is polished, engaging, and free of errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of an explanatory essay.

An explanation essay format typically consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs with one subtopic per paragraph, and a conclusion. It is a basic essay structure which can be further expanded as needed.

Formal language should be used and the goal is to make a connection with the reader through the text.

What is the best way to start an explanatory essay?

To begin an explanation essay, start with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. This should be written in a formal tone, and include a clear conclusion in the first sentence without an introduction or summary.

What are the main parts of an explanatory essay?

An explanation essay typically consists of an introduction with a hook, some background information, and a thesis statement.

It then progresses to further explain the topic and draw a conclusion.

How do you write a 5 paragraph explanatory essay?

To write a five-paragraph explanatory essay, you must create an introduction that introduces the main topic and states the thesis, three body paragraphs to support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph to wrap up the points made in the essay.

The tone should be formal throughout, with clear connections to the reader.

What is the main difference between an explanatory essay and an argumentative essay?

Explanatory essays seek to explain a topic without presenting an argument, while argumentative essays make an assertion and support it with evidence.

These two types of essays have different goals and require different approaches. Explanatory essays focus on providing information and context, while argumentative essays focus on making a persuasive argument.

When writing an essay, it is important to write an explanation.

In conclusion, writing an exemplary explanation essay requires a clear understanding of the topic, careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this blog post, you can create engaging, informative, and persuasive explanatory essays that effectively convey complex ideas. With practice and persistence, you can master the art of explanatory essay writing and tackle any assignment that comes your way.

30 Great Explanatory Essay Topics

Explanatory essays are one of the most common essay types students are asked to write. Teachers and students may find it hard at first to come up with interesting topics for explanatory essays, and so we have put together this list of explanatory essay topics for students to write about. First, let’s take a look at what exactly an explanatory essay is.

An Explanatory essay is a type of essay in which the author explains a topic, event, or situation in detail and presents a point of view on the subject. This point of view can be based on the author’s own opinion, or from a different point of view as long as the reasons behind it at explained.

Now that you know what an explanatory essay is, here are some great topics for an explanatory essay. If this is the first time your students are writing this type of essay, you may want to provide them with an explanatory essay example to help them understand the style and format of this kind of essay.

30 Great Explanatory Essay Topics For Students

What is the most exciting sport to watch? Write an explanatory essay explaining why you feel that way.
Do you think kids and teenagers should be allowed access to social media ? Provide at least 3 reasons to support your answer.
What’s the best meal or snack you can make at home? Explain step by step how to make it.
What do you think is the most important rule to follow at school and why?
Write an explanatory essay about a tradition or holiday that you do not celebrate.
Which animals make the best pets? Write an essay explaining why you feel that way.
What an explanatory essay about an event that had a big impact on your life.
What is the most helpful piece of technology you own? Write an explanatory essay explaining why you think it is the most useful.
Who is the most influential person in your country? Write an explanatory essay explaining why you think they are so influential.
What does it mean to be ‘responsible’? How does being responsible change with age?
What is ‘cyberbullying’, and what are some things you and your peers can do to prevent cyberbullying.
What are the main differences between your generation and your parents’ generation?
Write about a 21st-century invention or innovation that has significantly changed how we live our lives.
Everyone is different! What makes you unique?
What does it mean to be a good friend? Write at least three qualities a good friend should have.
If you could build your dream home, what would it be like?
Name one thing you are really good at. Write an explanatory essay explaining how you would teach this skill to others.
What’s more important, being rich or being happy? Provide three reasons why you feel the way you do.
Do you think the school lunch in your school is good? Write an explanatory essay explaining why you like or dislike your school lunch.
Has the rise of social media had a positive or negative effect on society? Provide at least three reasons why you feel this way?
What’s the best sandwich you’ve ever had? Write an essay explaining the ingredients and how to make the perfect sandwich.
Should children and teenagers be allowed to play computer games? Write an explanatory essay justifying your answer.
What does freedom mean to you?
Do you think big tech companies have too much power? Write an explanatory essay justifying your answer.
Should advertisers be allowed to target children in their ads? Write an essay explaining and justifying your answer.
What job would you like to do in the future? Write an explanatory essay detailing a typical day at the position you chose.
What important issues would you address if you were the president? Explain why these issues are important to you.
Write an essay explaining the plot of your favorite book or movie and why you like it so much.
Which season do you like the most? Write an explanatory essay explaining what it is like at that time of year and why you like it.
What would you do if you couldn’t use your cellphone for a week? How would your typical day be different?

Download And Print

Download and print these Explanatory Essay Topics.

As you can see, there are lots of interesting explanatory essay topics students can write about. No matter which topic students choose, be sure to let them know the more they write the more they will improve and enjoy writing. Be sure you go, make sure to check out the related writing resources below for many more topic ideas.

Related Writing Resources

Argumentative Writing Topics Adventure Writing Prompts Writing Prompts For Writing About Yourself

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Explanatory Essay Writing Guide for Novice and Established Writers

An explanatory or expository essay is a typical assignment given to students pursuing different courses. When assigned one, you are expected to describe your opinion or point of view on something, a process to follow, an event that has occurred, or the ideas of another person without persuading your audience.

You explain pieces of information to make it easier for your readers to understand. To write one successfully, you need to know how an explanatory essay differs from other essays such as argumentative or persuasive essays.

In this guide, you will learn to write an explanatory essay, from choosing the topic to polishing the paper for submission. Our professional essay writing service can be your first resort if you are otherwise looking for someone who can reliably help you write an expository essay.

Definition of Explanatory Essay

Let?s set out our discussion by defining what an explanatory essay is. An explanatory essay is a formal piece of writing where you present a point of view on a given topic, scenario, phenomenon, event, or situation. To develop the view, you need to conduct in-depth research, logically reason, think critically, and present evidence, whether agreeing or refuting the expected idea. Its other name is an expository essay.

When writing an explanatory essay, it is not mandatory to agree with the point of view you are writing in your paper. Instead, your main aim is to offer an analysis of the topic at hand. Therefore, it is imperative to present arguments, claims, or information of other people in a manner that avoids bias.

You should be objective enough but avoid including any criticisms. You should also desist from persuading your readers while giving explanations. Your primary role is to explain what there is critically and let the readers draw their conclusions about what point of view suits their situation.

An explanatory essay shows the readers your view and gives an account of certain events or situations. You will likely be assigned an explanatory essay if you pursue journalism, English Language, composition, media studies, and history.

You must ensure that you present a neutral position or view on the topic and provide in-depth analysis backed by evidence from research. When you lucidly explain why things happened as they did, you have aced the explanatory essay. That way, your audience can understand your point of view, even if they do not side with you.

In short, explanatory essays present facts, statistics, examples, and information about situations, events, or phenomena without taking sides or persuading the readers to agree with your opinion.

Types of Explanatory Essays you?ll encounter in College and University

Let?s explore the different types of expository or exploratory essays you will most likely encounter in college, high school, or university.

Cause-and-Effect Essay

A cause-and-effect essay explains a situation that leads to a given consequence or set of consequences. For instance, not adhering to building standards could lead to the crumbling of houses. When writing this type of explanatory essay, you should strive to answer the question ?what was the reason for this cause and what are the consequences, repercussions, or outcomes.

You can organize the ideas by explaining the causes first, then the consequences last, or what is referred to as the block format. You can also write it in a chain pattern to explain each cause and its consequences. We have described this in our detailed cause-and-effect essay guide.

Some topics to consider include:

Causes and consequences of PTSD in children
Causes and effects of texting while driving
Cause and consequences of drought
Causes and consequences of global warming
Causes and effects of homelessness in New York
Cause and effect of smoking among teenagers
Causes and consequences of teenage pregnancies

Problem and solution Essay

A problem and solutions or problem-solutions essay entail exploring the problem or issue that affects the society and its corresponding keys. It involves developing appropriate, innovative, and plausible solutions to common social problems.

You can explore the problem from different lenses and brainstorm for appropriate solutions with no deficiencies.

Possible topics include:

How to end corruption in FIFA
Stopping animal abuse in America
How to end political wars
Solving water shortage in India
Solving global hunger
Addressing homelessness and poverty in America

Classification Essay

Another common type of explanatory essay is the classification essay. A classification essay explores different attributes of a subject then categorizes the subject- objects, people, scenarios, and phenomena depending on their characteristics into different classes or categories. While at it, you must explain the reasoning behind the classification. You must illustrate and explain points and ideas when writing a classification essay to attain authority and prowess when writing.

Potential classification topics:

Types of parenting
Types of drugs
Types of television programs
Types of vacation
Types of diets
Types of bosses
Types of leaders

How-to essays

How-to essays are the most common expository essay assignment. It entails writing the process or procedure of doing something. The aim is to provide readers with steps they ought to take to accomplish something.

Potential how-to essay topics include:

How to invest in Bitcoin
How to stay alert when studying
How to bake a banana cake
How to become an entrepreneur
How to join the army
How to drive a manual car
How to plan a trip

Compare and contrast essays

We bet you did not imagine that a compare and contrast essay is a type of explanatory essay. Well, now you know. The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to lay out the similarities and differences between two ideas, phenomena, situations, places, people, periods, and things.

You can begin by writing the similarities than differences or alternate similarities and differences, just like the cause-and-effect essay.

Potential topics to consider:

Twitter vs. TikTok, which is better for education?
iPhone vs. Samsung phones
Men vs. Women
Tiger vs. Cheater
Renting vs. Owning a home, which is better?
RV camping vs. Glamping
Drunk vs. Distracted vs. Speeding Driver
Smartphones vs. Tablets
Blues, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, which is superior?
President vs. Queen

Definition Essay

The last common type of explanatory essay is the definition essay, which entails expounding, expanding, and defining complicated concepts to help the readers digest and internalize them better.

Potential definition essay topics:

What is glamping?
What is bike camping?
What is capitalism?
What is racism?
Define separationist
Define sleep paralysis
Define the circadian rhythm
Define superhero

Explanatory Essay Format

The explanatory paper follows the standard five-paragraph essay format like other formal essays. An explanatory essay should feature the introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and the concluding paragraph.

When assigned to write an exploratory essay, ensure that it follows the format for an academic essay:

Times New Roman font size 12
Double-spaced pages
One-inch margins all-round the paper
Separate cover/title page and the references page
Formatted in MLA, APA, or Harvard styles
Left aligned
Every paragraph should begin with an indentation of five spaces or one tab
Must have a title
Must have your credentials depending on the formatting style

Structure or Outline of Explanatory Essays

An explanatory essay describes an event, scenario, situation, or phenomenon by representing a point of view. To write an excellent explanatory essay, you must understand its structure or outline. Although this information might be repetitive, dedicating it to this section aims at ensuring everyone grasps the main components of an explanatory essay.

It is imperative to state that the length of the explanatory essay outline depends on the amount of information you want to present to your audience and your selected topic.

Just like many academic essays, it has the title page, introduction, body paragraph, conclusion, and reference pages .

The title page of an explanatory essay depends on the formatting style you are using.

For example, the APA title page will contain the title of your essay, your instructor?s name, course code and course name, institution?s name, and date of submission. The title comes three lines from the top margin (pressing enter three times), then you press enter twice or two lines and enter the rest of the details. All the details should be centered.

If you are writing the expository essay in MLA, you will include your name, course code and name, name of the instructor, and date of submission. You will then write and center the title of your explanatory essay before beginning the introduction paragraph on the next page.

Introduction

The three main components of the introduction of an explanatory essay include the hook statement, background information, and thesis statement. Sometimes you can have a sentence of two where you signpost the organization of ideas in your essay.

Body Paragraphs

The main body of an explanatory essay consists of at least three paragraphs that have a well-balanced word count. The body paragraphs comprise 80% of the total word count of your essay.

Each body paragraph focuses on one main point that supports the thesis statement. A complete body paragraph must have a topic statement, facts, evidence, examples, and a concluding sentence.

The claims in an explanatory essay present your point of view that supports the thesis statement. The evidence should be from scholarly resources you yielded during your research.

The concluding sentence should transition the paragraph to the next paragraph and summarize the idea in the paragraph about your thesis statement. Repeat the same until you are done with the body paragraphs.

An excellent way to conclude an explanatory essay is to restate the thesis to reinforce your opinion and draw the attention of the readers. You create a recall value for your markers as well.

The conclusion should also summarize the main points you covered in the main body. Explain and emphasize the main points to show how you have logically defended the thesis and your chosen point of view.

Lastly, offer your readers some call-to-action or conclusive statement that lets them ponder about your essay. You can inspire your readers to take action or think of an issue from a given perspective.

This is the last page of your essay. In MLA, it is called the ?Works Cited? page, while in APA and Harvard, it is the ?References? page.

On this page, arrange the references used in A-Z alphabetic order.

8 Steps for Writing a Perfect Explanatory Essay

Now that you can define, outline, and format an explanatory essay, it is plausible to look into the steps you can take when writing one to score the best grade.

1. Read the instructions

Like any other piece of essay assignment , writing an expository or explanatory essay begins with reading the instructions provided by the instructor. The instructions help you contextualize the paper, know the limit or scope, and understand what your instructor will focus on when marking your essay. As you read through the explanatory essay prompt, remember to take note of words such as analyze, explore, expound, define, synthesize as they define the lens or angle of analysis of your essay. You are writing an essay that explains different concepts to people so that they can understand them better. Therefore, the only way to engage your reader is to understand what is expected of you.? It does not matter whether you agree or disagree with a point of view; you need to provide information without bias.

2. Choose a suitable topic

Having known what is expected of you, you need to develop a neutral perspective, angle, or point of view in your explanatory essay. You are meant to explain or describe and not to persuade. The best way to do this is by choosing a neutral topic.

When picking an expository essay topic, ensure that it is not controversial. Instead, choose a neutral topic that will enable you to prevent facts without drawing criticisms. The topic is usually provided in some instances, or you are given a list to choose from. However, you have to develop the topic, get it approved, and proceed to the next steps in other cases.

Whichever way you arrive at your topic, you must brainstorm on it and only pick something interesting, appealing, and relevant to you and your studies. Narrow down your case to make it specific and targeted to an expository-oriented lens before evaluating the scope of the topic to determine if it can be explored further.

3. Do a preliminary research

After choosing the explanatory essay topic, your next step is to do preliminary research. During the preliminary research stage, your aim is to familiarize yourself with the topic, concepts related to it, and what others are saying or have written about it. Furthermore, you also get the chance to choose the best approach to begin your essay and develop a tentative thesis statement that is useful when outlining.

4. Develop a preliminary thesis statement

With the content of your research, craft a controlling idea for your explanatory essay. Having a solid thesis statement is mandatory for any essay that scores higher grades. It should be either one or two sentences at the end of your introductory paragraph telling your readers your main idea in the expository essay.

An effective expository essay thesis statement is focused, precise, debatable, and supportable. Ensure that you can support the essay using three body paragraphs of your essay. It is a preliminary thesis because you can tweak it when writing the body paragraphs.

5. Research in-depth

After coming up with the thesis, it is now time to research in-depth for facts, statistics, and evidence to support the thesis statement. As you gather the scholarly sources, ensure that you organize them based on the ideas they are supporting. Take notes and keep track of the sources. Your focus should be on any piece of information that can be used to back up your main arguments or claims in the expository essay.

6. Plan your paper

With the thesis done and research organized, you can proceed to the outlining phase. In this stage, write an outline for your paper. An outline is a sketch or skeleton of your paper. Outlining your ideas helps you begin your essay with the end in mind. You organize the thoughts so that there is flow from introduction to conclusion.

As you outline, each body paragraph should focus on its independent idea that supports the thesis and must be connected to other paragraphs using linking words . You will write the points you want to include in the introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs to have some logical flow in your essay.

7. Write your first draft

After outlining the last step of the pre-writing stage, you need to enter the writing stage. During the writing stage, focus on writing first and editing later.

Begin by writing the body paragraphs of your essay so that if you need to tweak the thesis, you can do so without changing the entire paper later. Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that announces what the paragraph is about. It should be followed by a series of evidence that supports the topic sentence. End your paragraphs with a concluding sentence that wraps the paragraph and transitions it to the next paragraph.

The body paragraphs should validate your arguments using facts, examples, and evidence. Devote each paragraph to a separate idea but link them together for a better flow. Have enough evidential statements that justify your arguments and support your claims to strengthen your expository essay. Find the logical connection between the main ideas in a paragraph and your thesis statement. Finally, balance the word count of your essay paragraph to ensure that you are within the word count for your essay.

Once you are done with the body paragraphs, write the introduction paragraph . Begin your expository essay using an enticing hook statement . A hook or an attention grabber is ideal for starting an explanatory essay. You can use a shocking fact or statistic, rhetorical question, anecdote, a quote, metaphor, or anything that can lure your readers into reading your essay longer. The hook can be one or two sentences long and should precede the background information where you explain the significance of the topic. You can then signpost your ideas after writing the thesis statement to alert your readers on what to expect or how you have explained the thesis statement in your explanatory essay.

As a final step of the writing stage, wrap up your paper with a strong conclusion paragraph . A better way to end your expository essay is through writing a vivid conclusion that entices your professor or instructor. Rephrase and restate your thesis statement, write the summary of the major points in your essay, and close the essay using a powerful call to action or words to make your audience think more about the topic.

8. Revise and Proofread your essay

After the writing stage, you enter the post-writing stage, where you polish the essay. Remember when we said you focus on writing when writing the first draft? Well, that?s how it is done so that you can reserve the tedious editing and proofreading step for the last step.

It is best to take this step after taking some break from writing. Editing and proofreading with an objective mind yield an error-free paper. You can use tools such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Ginger, or Hemingway App to edit your work for grammar, syntax, and spelling.

Also, check that the in-text citations and the list of references or bibliography align with the formatting style recommended in the essay prompt. Check to determine that your cover/title page is written as per APA, MLA, or Harvard formats, depending on what your instructor wants. You should also check your arguments, flow of ideas, transition words, vocabulary, tenses, active and passive voice, and general format of the paper. Run the paper through a plagiarism checker to ensure that you turn in a plagiarism-free expository essay.

When everything about your paper is excellent, you can turn in the paper and wait for the grades.

10 Useful Tips when writing an explanatory essay

If you are writing an explanatory essay for the first time or after a series of failures, here are some valuable tips that successful students have used.

Use transitions in your essay. When writing, use effective linking words to ensure a good flow of ideas between words, sentences, and paragraphs.
Cite every borrowed idea as you write. You need to back up your ideas with evidence, examples, and facts from literature. When you do so, ensure that you acknowledge the sources through in-text citations to avoid plagiarism.
Take breaks when done with your first draft. After completing your first draft, take a break to develop an objective mind and resume editing and proofreading the paper. You can always hire someone to edit and proofread your essay for you in case it has gotten into your nerves, or you are just tired.
Polish your paper before submitting it. Before hitting the submit button, ensure that your essay flows and is grammatically correct. Your essay should be error-free and must answer the essay prompt. Follow the Rubric guide on editing your paper because it dictates the marks awarded and what factors the markers focus on.
Create a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis statement signals your readers about what to expect. Ensure your explanatory essay has an arguable, debatable, and precise thesis statement included in the introduction paragraph.
Organize your paragraphs well. Structure and organize the paragraphs of your explanatory essay to establish a good flow. Ensure that each paragraph is clear, coherent, and convent. Each body paragraph must have a topic sentence, supporting facts, and a concluding sentence. Link together the paragraphs using transition words and phrases.
Validate the arguments using examples and facts. Research widely and deeply to get facts, examples, illustrations, and evidence to support the main claims or the thesis of your essay.
Ask for clarifications early enough. When unsure about what to do, write an email to your professor clarifying the instructions, changing the essay topic, or asking for an opinion over your first draft. Do it early enough to avoid inconveniences.
Format your paper appropriately. Ensure that your essay is formatted as per the preferred formatting style. The in-text, cover/title pages and the references page should follow the format. Use APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard format as advised or preferred by your professor.
Keep within the word count. You can either do plus or minus 10% in any academic paper. However, sticking to the word count is always a good idea because, beyond the word count, the instructor ceases to be interested. Outline your paper early enough to know what falls where and the appropriate number of words to use.

130 Explanatory Essay Topics to consider

Below are some creative, innovative, and advanced topics you can consider when writing an explanatory essay. The list is not exhaustive; you can pretty much write about anything that comes to mind provided there is enough evidence and you have an interest in it.

Again, if you need someone to write your expository essay for you, you can always hire one of our professional essay writers. We have the best explanatory essay writers who can write your essay within the shortest turnaround time and desired quality.

How to spot a scam
What is your greatest fear?
Why do people make bad decisions?
Why do jails get full while criminals increase?
Is anyone above the law?
Why do the rich get richer?
How to make life interesting
How to have control over our lives
Idiots vs. Genius
Greatest fear for humans
How to mourn a parent
Happiest recollection of childhood
How to play soccer
Impacts of street graffiti
Consequences of having a tattoo
Advantages of eating healthy meals
Pros and cons of meditation
How to learn a second language faster
How to read a novel in under a week
Causes and consequences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing
Causes and consequences of Ukrainian-Russian war
Impacts of depression among teenagers
Impacts of technology during the pandemic
Impacts of social media on youths
How social media affects productivity
Positive and negative impacts of air transport
Air vs. Train transport modes
Benefits of college education
Reasons to admire Angela Markel
Positive and negative effects of online education
Causes and consequences of nurse shortages
How to deal with bullying in school
How to save the planet from global warming
Causes and consequences of infidelity
Causes and consequences of divorce
Effects of music on our lives
How to write a concert report
How to launch a music career
Jazz vs. Blues music
Why people should go on vacations
Benefits of using solar energy
Causes and consequences of racism
How gun control laws affect American society
Benefits of learning abroad
How to overcome culture shock
Importance of being earnest
Blended learning vs. traditional classes
Causes of global warming
Consequences of dropping out of college
Causes and consequences of high inflation
Process of making electric music
Why people should never fight
How to study for music
Best places to study
How songs can help cope with depression
How to deal with the loss of a loved one
Major stressors in teenager?s lives
Why do many teens commit suicide?
How teens use social media to generate income
Why do teens do drugs?
Effects of marijuana on health
How to maintain a healthy weight
Types of eating disorders
How the environment influences our behavior
Different strategies to reintegrate veterans into society
How to successfully study when working
The best university in the world
Importance of free education
Impacts of gender imbalance on company performance
How diversity improves organizational performance
Link between boredom and trouble
Why the cost of college is going high?
Solutions to rising student loan debt
Impacts of decreasing the consent age
Impacts of reducing the alcohol drinking age
Consequences of drunk driving
Defining neuroanatomy
How to Invest in Bitcoin
Benefits of blockchain technology
The covid-19 pandemic
The great drought in china: causes and consequences
How to develop leadership skills
How to prevent social loafing in the workplace
Reasons to have four workdays instead of 5
Nursing as a noble profession
How to become a nurse
How to become a pilot
The most successful president on earth
Importance of good sleep
Helicopter parenting
Types of parenting styles
Types of bikes for kids
Why paying taxes is good
Why gun control is a great idea
Exploring sky burial practices
How to become culturally competent
Solving the digital divide in the society
The most reliable approach to disciplining kids
How to eradicate discrimination
Why do dogs make better pets?
Strategies to attain financial literacy
Why youths should be taught financial literacy skills
Consequences of postpartum depression among women
Benefits of paternal leave
Best places to visit
How to solve a puzzle
How to develop good habits
What makes a great friend?
How music affects our moods
Consequences of sleep deprivation
Describe a dream home
Define happiness
How can the global community achieve peace?
The person you admire the most
Qualities of a good nurse
Process of becoming a nun
Your favorite teacher
Esports vs. Sports
Impacts of sibling rivalry on growth
Forms of cyberbullying
How to combat financial fraud
How to curb human trafficking
A perfect society
Benefits of professional organizations
Living vs. existing
What makes someone generous?
A perfect wedding you attended
How to process a crime scene
Role of social workers in society

Final Remarks

To write an excellent explanatory essay, you must select a neutral topic, research it, plan, write the first draft, polish the draft, and submit your final draft. In this comprehensive explanatory essay guide, we have explained everything that should set you up for success.

Remember, you should take a neutral point of view while writing on your selected topic because this is not your regular argumentative or persuasive essay. The goal of an explanatory essay is to clearly explain why things are the way they are or the way things happened the way they did. You should choose that pone angle and discuss it, so your readers are informed or knowledgeable in the end.

We have explored the correct format for this type of essay and suggested some topic ideas for your explanatory essay. We wish you the best of luck as you follow the steps we have outlined in this guide.

If, however, you are experiencing difficulties with completing an explanatory essay paper, you can bank on our professional writers. You can order an essay online and get it done within the shortest turnaround time. We also write all other types of essays and have flexible pricing strategies. Get a 100% non-plagiarized essay and get that better grade.

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How to write an expository essay

How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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50 Explanatory Essay Topics for Desperate Students

Explanatory essay topics may be challenging

While the explanatory essay writing may seem like a daunting task, with a little bit of our professional guidance and an extensive list of essay topic examples and geeky tips, you will feel much better in a moment! As the deadline approaches and you already have too much on your plate, you are not alone! Trust me, most students struggle to choose an excellent explanatory essay topic for their paper! Most often, when you try to look for help, you end up with a list of unclear ideas from the countless sources and only waste your time as the deadline is coming up.

Without a doubt, embarking on a quest to pick an explanatory essay topic is like looking for a needle in a haystack! To save you time and nerves, I have consulted with our team of college and university graduates, college professors, and the tutors to make a list of excellent 50 explanatory essay topics to help you jumpstart your brain and deliver the best paper just in time! 👇

Contents (Clickable)

What is an Explanatory Essay?

Explanatory Essay Definition and Examples

So what is really an explanatory essay, you might wonder? Let me tell you that such papers are also known as expository essays. An explanatory article is one of the most common academic requirements in school. Speaking from my experience, it can also appear in your final exams! Depending on your teacher, your task can be in the form of:

Compare and contrast essays
Definition essays
How-to essays
Cause and effect essays

Turning to the Purdue OWL website, we can see that an explanatory article allows a student to:

Investigate and expound on an idea.
Evaluate the evidence.
Form a clear and defined thesis statement.

Let me remind you that your explanatory topic can range from an environmental issue and education struggles in your community to history and the technology. With the thought in mind, I have divided all the themes by subject, so you can get the idea and scroll to what fits your future major or interests you the most! 👇

Topics In the Field of Business

When choosing a business topic, make sure to use a strong argumentation and see if you can compare and contrast the issue to an opinion that you have in mind! See the examples:

Sexual harassment or gender discrimination in the workforce and its impacts.
How do the employers ensure the physical and mental health of their employees?
Discrimination against older job applicants vis-à-vis younger job searchers (ageism).
How do the office politics work? How does an individual handle it?
Compare and contrast business plans from the feasibility studies.
Compare and contrast business organizations (sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation).
How do the businesses benefit from behavioral tracking and marketing strategies?
How can businesses affect (or contribute) to the environment?
How do businesses use social media to promote their goods and services?
How can the businesses manage negative reviews on social media platforms (or incompetent employees)?

History and Politics Explanatory Essay Topics

An explanatory essay is a great chance to discuss and research the conflicts that took place in our history, talk about the laws, and the politics. If something tickles your brain and concerns you, look through the ideas we have to get your topic:

How did the Israel and Palestine conflict ensue? (You also have an option to tackle other inter-state disputes that you may find interesting!)
How are the laws implemented in a state?
Compare and contrast realism, liberalism, globalism/Marxism, and constructivism (Explore the International Relations theories).
Compare and contrast the three waves of feminism.
Discuss the history of the Atlantic slave trade and its impacts.
How is diplomacy used in foreign policy to prevent or de-escalate the war?
How does an international law restrict the behavior of states and their sovereignty in the international arena?
The role of geography in a state (Ex: United States).
An expository essay on the history, functions, and role of the United Nations.
Religion and politics: Explain the role of religion in the political sphere of a state/states.

Do you want to write a paper that will hook up reader’s attention from the very beginning? Check out our Essay Hook Guide with Examples and take your reader’s breath away!

The Internet, Cyberspace, and Technology Related Explanatory Essay Topics

Living in the age of the Internet and technological advancements, there is a lot to choose from when you are interested in the technology related topics:

An explanatory essay on states and cybersecurity.
The deep web and human trafficking/terrorism.
How can the parents safeguard their child’s safety online without infringing on their right to privacy?
How do computer viruses and malware form and spread?
How can the overconsumption of social media contribute to depression and other mental illnesses?
How can social media shape an individual’s perception of beauty?
The dangers of leaving a digital footprint.
How can modern technologies benefit students and their education?
Internet monitoring or censorship in states?
Compare and contrast WhatsApp and Viber (or any other software applications).

Explanatory Essay Topics Related to Science

Even the engineering and science majors do get explanatory essay assignments! I have tried to make it look interesting:

How are astronauts sent into space?
How does the brain impact a person’s decision making process?
The development of the periodic table of the elements.
How do technology and scientific advances curb infectious diseases?
Compare and contrast the animal cells from the plant cells.
How does the body maintain homeostasis?
How does a sedentary lifestyle affect an individual’s health?
An explanatory essay on the nervous system (or any organ system).
A discussion on the water cycle.
The connection between physical and mental health.

Find My Essay

how to write an explanatory essay.

I want to share some helpful explanatory essay tips and tricks that I have found helpful. As you read below, you will find a detailed template to help you see what parts have to be present. Now let us start with the list of things to check and follow:

1 Always Plan Ahead!

One of the most challenging things when writing an essay is meeting your deadline and making sure that you nothing is missed! Therefore, you should learn to manage your time, strength, and workload.

Dedicate time for researching a potential topic for your explanatory essay.
Set a feasible deadline for yourself.
Make sure that you stay away from the things that distract you and if there is something that troubles or irritates you, deal with it first.

Take note: An accurate time management practice helps you to prevent yourself from procrastinating.

2 Find a Good Topic!

As you start looking for a good topic, bear in mind the following topic hunting guidelines:

You can try listing a set of topics that you would like to write about.
You may opt to consult a list of explanatory essay topics online for inspiration (or just do it here!).
If you are a college student, you may find a topic related to your course or a field of study.
Look for relevant social or environmental topics in your local community. Seek for the issues that worry your friends and people in your local area.

Note: Always consider your target audience too! Here are some important reminders to take note of:

Don’t forget to consult your teacher’s essay prompt for more details.
Study the prompt carefully to determine the purpose of your explanatory essay.
Remember to ask your teacher or a college professor about format requirements and the word count in case something is not clear.

3 Research for Potential Sources!

Do not solely rely on the information that you may find online! You should also consider visiting your campus library for help and inspiration. Explore and look for the references on EbscoHost if your school or college have access to it!

When looking for the credible sources for your explanatory essay, remember to use:

Journal articles and academic journal portals
The government, school, or company websites
Official websites of non-government organizations/international organizations
Relevant News articles

Depending on the length of your expository essay, you might need to gather, (and read!) as many sources as you can for your topic to be backed up with information and the evidence. Get ready to be overloaded with information! Most importantly, don’t forget to take helpful notes down or highlight any important information as you read through the sources!

Take note: Do not cut corners and read actively! Avoid skimming through your references!

4 Work with An Outline!

I’m sure you have your notes prepared by now. Hence, you are welcome to draft your outline and construct an interim thesis statement.

Explanatory Essay Writing Template

Writing the Introduction:

Begin your introductory paragraph with an engaging hook . It can be an interesting fact or data.
You should also contextualize your topic in the said paragraph (Ex: Date, author’s name, summary, etc.). This is to help your reader understand your essay!
Narrow your introduction down to a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the main claim in your expository essay. Ideally, it should be one to two sentences long.
Avoid using the pronoun “I” in your essay unless your teacher permits you. Generally, your article should be written in a third-person.

Writing the Body:

Explanatory essays typically consist of five body paragraphs. Nevertheless, it is to best to follow the requirements stated in the prompt.
Be sure to include supporting evidence when writing the details of your paper. Don’t forget to cite with the parenthetical citations. Keep in mind to abide by your teacher’s chosen citation and formatting style.
You may embed direct quotations in your explanatory essay, but you have to cite and format them properly. Direct quotes should not exceed 10% of the word count . However, this percentage may vary from instructor to instructor.
Avoid cramming information in one paragraph! Ideally, you should dedicate at least one paragraph per theme/topic.
Use transition words and topic sentences! They help a lot!

Writing the Conclusion:

Reassert your thesis statement. Your re-stated thesis in the conclusion should not necessarily be a direct copy of the thesis in the introduction.
Summarize the main points of your explanatory essay. No new information should be added to the concluding paragraph!
You may want to write a call to action or a brief insight into your topic to conclude your essay.

Edit and Proofread!

Proofread and edit your explanatory essay for grammatical and mechanical errors.
Make sure that your references/works cited page are formatted properly. Information such as the author’s name and the publishing date should be correct.
Restructure or rephrase any unclear statements in your essay.

When Nothing Works

We all have been through the times when we have to work and study at the same time and the levels of stress and anxiety make it barely possible to finish the task. Just when you need a bit of professional guidance and homework help, our team of professionals in your academic field will happily help you through your assignment by breaking down all of these brain blocks and the mental barriers. It is perfectly fine to ask for help with your task and save your time and the grades. Tell us of your task, fill in the simple form and let us help you do the rest! Never forget that you can always get help here!

I wish you good luck with your academic endeavors and hope you get the best grades! See you next time!

The Subtle Art of Writing an Explanatory Essay

21 July, 2020

10 minutes read

Author: Richard Pircher

When writing an explanatory essay, you may have many questions connected with this paper type. You might wonder how to craft it, structure it, represent your thoughts, and many more. But the main question will refer to the paper type you’re working on. And the first thing you have to remember is that it’s not a persuasive essay. In this paper, you only have to describe some event or subject and explain its major aspects and importance to a reader.

Our article contains exhaustive information on writing explanatory essays. Also, we’ve written the tips that will help you craft an excellent paper. So, keep on reading for more details.

What Is an Explanatory Essay?

Before you start writing your task, it’s necessary to find out what is an explanatory essay. Without a clear understanding of this paper type, it’s impossible to craft a brilliant paper and get excellent grades. An explanatory essay is a work in which you present a point of view on some subject and describe its main features, importance, or simply answer questions, “ Why? ” and “ How? ”

This paper type requires you to research, analyze facts, and explain the opinion of other people. Of course, you’ll have your thoughts concerning the subject, but you’ll have to avoid sharing them in your essay. The writer’s opinion remains neutral, and it doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with the topic. Your goal is to help a reader understand the problem or subject by explaining details.

When crafting an essay, you can also add statistics and examples to become the guide leading the audience through the topic. The analysis of the subject and facts you’ve found during the research will help readers understand why and how things have happened. People don’t have to agree with the information from your article – they will only have to find answers to questions concerning the topic.

6 Types of an explanatory essay

Now that you know the definition of an explanatory essay, it’s necessary to learn its major types. We’ve prepared the list that will help you cope with a task correctly. Here are 6 explanatory essay types you need to know:

Compare and contrast. This essay type requires you to describe differences and similarities between subjects, events, people, etc.
Definition. This essay type is written to explain the idea, term, or subject.
Classification. When crafting this essay type, you have to divide the characteristics of a subject or idea by groups and explain their features in detail.
Cause and effect. It’s necessary to describe the situation that has happened and the event it’s caused.
How-to. The explanation of this paper type is in its name – you have to explain how to do something or how things work.
Problem and solution. This type of essay requires a writer to research, analyze, and evaluate a problem. It’s also necessary to provide suggestions on its solution.

How to Start an Explanatory Essay?

How to write an explanatory essay? If you haven’t ever crafted this paper, this question will disturb you most of all. Before you start writing an explanatory essay, it’s necessary to take a few preparatory steps. Comprehensive research, fact-checking, and analysis are the most important stages of task completion. When exploring the topic, write down all the relevant details because you’ll use them in your article.

Keep in mind that this essay should only contain facts and a few of your thoughts – it’s a perfect combination that will allow you to describe things without persuasion. You’ll have to find several credible resources to come up with truthful information. And our recommendations will help you craft an excellent paper:

If a professor allows you to pick a topic, pick the neutral yet interesting one. For example, you can explain why people should learn more than two languages or how students can improve their writing skills.
Look for credible sources. You can use Wikipedia, JSTOR, or Google Scholar to find the necessary information. Besides, the door of the college library is always open for students.
Note essential details and quotes because you’ll use some of them in your paper.
Create an outline.
After researching the topic, collecting information, and writing an outline, it’s necessary to create a thesis statement. The latter explains what this topic is about. A thesis statement consists of one sentence and thoroughly describes a major idea of your essay.
Check the data you’re planning to use and start writing an essay.

Explanatory Essay Outline

The best way to organize your thoughts and the collected details you’re planning to describe in your essay is to design an outline. It’s basically a summary of a paper and it will only contain major ideas and arguments. Typically, an explanatory essay outline has the following structure:

1) Introduction. This section is a combination of three important ingredients – it should contain a hook, a short explanation of the topic, and a thesis statement. At this stage, a writer engages the reader by adding a relevant quote, joke, fact, or question concerning the subject. A few sentences are enough for the introduction section.

2) Body text. The optimal size of this section is 3 paragraphs. However, it will depend on the complexity of your explanatory essay and the professor’s requirements. Start a new paragraph if you want to describe another thought. Write a topic sentence to explain the main idea of every section. Support your thoughts by adding the facts you’ve found. They will develop the reader’s confidence in the trustworthiness of your statements.

3) Conclusion. In this section, you have to mention your thesis statement again, summarize the information from your essay, and highlight the topic’s value. Finish a paper with a call to action to motivate readers to research the subject in the future.

Explanatory Essay Examples

Here are some online explanatory essay examples:

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~davink/EXPOSITORY/Homesweet.html
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~davink/EXPOSITORY/Housereturn.html

Useful Tips for Successful Explanatory Essay

Since writing an explanatory essay may be challenging, it’s necessary to start with preparation and research. We’ve created some tips on crafting an expository paper to help you impress your professor. Follow our guide to come up with an excellent essay:

1. Pick an understandable topic

If a professor allows you to choose explanatory essay topics, it’s better to focus on subjects that are easy to write about. There’s a thing called the “ writer’s block ” which doesn’t let you craft any sentence. You can’t find the necessary words, and writing turns into the impossible mission. Sometimes a complicated topic is a problem that causes the writer’s block. That’s why you have to pick it carefully. It should be neutral yet interesting to you. Here are a few examples of topics you can select:

Why does everyone need friends?
How to choose a career that is right for you?
How do technologies shape your life?
Why do Chinese people respect the symbol of the Dragon so much?
What are the main stressors in students’ lives?

2. Conduct comprehensive research

It’s necessary to dedicate some time to research, fact-checking, and data analysis to come up with an excellent explanatory essay. Pick reputable resources to avoid providing misinformation. Write down all the relevant details and return to them later to choose the most important ones.

3. Craft an outline

An outline is a brief model of your future paper that will help you organize your ideas. As we’ve mentioned, it will consist of three sections, including an introduction, body text, and a conclusion. Divide your outline by sections, and you’ll see how many paragraphs your piece will have. A traditional explanatory essay format is a paper with 5 paragraphs. They include an introduction and conclusion. The body section usually has 3 paragraphs. However, a number of sections will depend on the complexity of a topic and the professor’s requirements.

4. Check your essay

After you’ve written an explanatory essay, it’s necessary to check it for grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and miswording. We recommend you to read the text aloud to make sure it sounds natural. And you can use online tools like Grammarly and Thesaurus to improve your writing.

Write an Excellent Explanatory Essay with HandmadeWriting

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7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades

Meredith Sell

Writing explanatory essays is hard, even for experienced scholars.

In this post, I want to try to tackle the major challenges students face when writing this type of essay, using examples of successful essays. These challenges include:

Struggling to come up with the right idea . (solution: brainstorming techniques )
Difficulty in organizing the essay. (solution: working on the outline of the essay)
Not having enough evidence or sources to back up points. (solution: doing proper research )
Failing to come up with a conclusion. (solution: following our guide to conclusions )
Not having enough knowledge of the topic. (solution: summarizing key articles on the topic)
Having trouble finding the right words. (solution: writing with Wordtune )
Not having enough time to finish the essay. (solution: working on student time management )
Not being able to present arguments effectively. (solution: learning essay persuasion techniques )

As you can see, for every issue there is the relevant solution, but it takes time to implement it. Another way of tackling this essay is to see other people's essay examples and getting inspiration from them.

Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool > Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool >

What Is an Explanatory Essay?

If you google “explanatory essay”, you’ll find a bunch of sites saying that an explanatory essay is the same as an expository essay, or that it’s totally different, or not even mentioning that expository essays exist. Who’s right?

Answer: Whoever your professor agrees with.

No, seriously. Your professor decides the parameters of your assignment. So if your professor defines an explanatory essay as one that describes a perspective or analyzes the efficacy of, for example, a local housing policy—that’s the definition you should work from.

But if your professor distinguishes between explanatory essays (which simply explain what something is and how it works or was developed) and expository essays (which expose the reality of a person, place, thing, or idea through investigation and evaluation), you should distinguish between them as well.

For the purposes of this piece, we’re going to use explanatory and expository interchangeably. The dividing line that some draw between these essay types is unnecessarily technical. What’s important is that both:

Use an objective perspective
Let the facts speak for themselves

As long as your essay does the same (and includes analysis if required by your professor), you should be in good shape.

Example of explanatory essay

We wrote a whole article on generating essay topic ideas , but here is a good example that can help you get an idea for your own essay:

Why is having a dog as a pet such a wonderful experience?

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are beloved companions that bring joy and happiness into the lives of their owners. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have evolved to become the perfect pet for humans. In this essay, I will explain why having a dog as a pet is a wonderful experience.

One of the primary benefits of having a dog as a pet is the companionship they offer. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human interaction. They are loyal and loving creatures that are always there for their owners. Dogs can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression, and provide comfort and support during difficult times.

Another benefit of having a dog as a pet is the health benefits they offer. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Dogs require daily exercise, which encourages their owners to be more active and can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, having a dog can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Dogs are also great for families with children. They can help teach children about responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Children can learn to care for and nurture their pets, which can be beneficial for their emotional development. Dogs are also great playmates for children and can provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Training and caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience. Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as fetching, obedience, and even therapy work. The process of training a dog can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog and can be a fulfilling experience. Additionally, caring for a dog requires daily attention and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner.

In conclusion, having a dog as a pet can be a wonderful experience. Dogs offer companionship, health benefits, and can be great for families with children. Caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but the rewards far outweigh the effort required.

Example of an explanatory paragraph, generated with AI:

A few subtypes of explanatory essays:

Description or definition essay example

‍ Perhaps the most basic, this subtype does the deceptively simple work of, well, describing or defining a concept, place, person, etc.

Example: How Suspension Bridges Work

This essay explains: The way suspension bridges are constructed and how their design enables them to carry such immense weight.

Cause-and-effect essay example

This type of essay hones in on a particular phenomenon to show what caused it (i.e., where it came from) and how it influences other things.

Example: How Federally Funded Highways Transformed the United States

This essay explains: The history of federally funded highways in the U.S., when federal programs to fund highway construction started, why politicians and others thought highways were important, and what the effect has been on the landscapes, communities, economies, and ecosystems of the country.

Compare-and-contrast essay example

Take two or more things, gather the facts about them, and then write about their similarities and differences.

Example: Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

This essay explains: The various features of hybrid and electric cars, and shows how they are either different or similar in terms of: cost, energy consumption, size, drive time, ease of use, and so on.

‍ How-to essay example

Walk your reader step-by-step through a procedure so they can do it for themselves. (We’re doing this later!)

Example: How to Prepare for an Intercontinental Bike Trip

This essay explains: How to get ready for a bike trip between nations and continents. Readers learn how to research their route, find out what travel documents they need, choose the right gear, and determine how much training they should do before leaving.

Problem and solution essay example

Explain a problem (along with its causes and effects) and then describe one or more potential solutions to that problem. This subtype could also be combined with compare-and-contrast to determine the most effective solution.

Example: How Bike Infrastructure Could Solve American Obesity

This essay explains: How American reliance on motorized vehicles promotes a sedentary lifestyle that drives obesity, whereas building bike lanes and trails could encourage Americans to be more active and improve their health one pedal at a time.

‍ Chronology essay example

Explain the history or backstory of a person, place, thing, or idea in chronological order.

Example: The Evolution of the Bicycle

This essay explains: The initial invention of the bicycle and how its shape, frame, and size changed over the years.

What type of explanatory essay are you writing? Hopefully, this list helped you hone in. Now, let’s start the writing process.

5 Steps to Write Your Essay

Whether you’re writing an explanatory/expository essay or a persuasive essay, the process of researching and writing is pretty much the same. Both genres require research, organization, and thought . But with expository essays, the thought focuses on making sure you understand your topic inside-out and determining the best way to explain it, while with persuasive essays, you’re focused on crafting a convincing argument.

Follow these steps to turn that blank page into a final manuscript:

1. Choose topic and angle.

Do you have free rein to write about the topic of your choice? Make the most of it.

In college, my public speaking professor let us choose all of our own speech topics. A classmate gave an explanatory presentation on how to survive the zombie apocalypse . She brought props and had the class totally enchanted. Our professor encouraged creativity, so I’m sure she earned a winning grade—and had fun in the process.

You can’t use props or sound in a written essay, but you can still work some creative magic. That magic starts with choosing your topic and angle.

To choose well, first make sure you understand the assignment:

What exactly has your professor asked you to write? Which of the subtypes should your piece be?
Are there any parameters for what type of topic you can write about?
What kind of class is this? An English composition class will offer more freedom than, say, a history class focused on the French Revolution.

If you’re allowed to write about anything, brainstorm a list of topics you’re curious about. Then think of smaller topics within that area.

Example: Transportation

Electric cars
The highway system
Engineering

Any of these topics you could easily write volumes about, so next, narrow down to your specific angle. One way I like to come up with angles is to think of how two or three different topics intersect.

Example 1: electric cars + the highway system

Angle: How Much Will It Cost to Update Federal Highways with Charging Stations for Electric Cars

Notice that this angle includes a third element: cost

Example 2: bicycles + bridges

Angle: The Safest Bridges for Bicycles Have One Thing in Common: No Cars

Third element: safety

Example 3: electric cars + buses

Angle: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Third element: environment

Your turn: Make a list of topics you’re interested in. Then, identify some intersecting topics. Based on your assignment parameters, develop an angle that narrows your focus to an intersection that interests you.

Not sure what angle to go with? Do some broad research on your topics and then return to this step.

2. Research, research, research.

Explanatory essays require solid research. These essays exist to lay out the facts for the reader so they can clearly understand the topic. Your opinion—what you think about electric cars or suspension bridges or transportation infrastructure—doesn’t matter. And it doesn’t belong here.

Where you should start your research depends on how much knowledge you already have.

If you’re writing about suspension bridges and you already know the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are suspension bridges, you probably don’t need to start with the encyclopedic entry for “suspension bridges”. But if you don’t know the basic facts about your topic, encyclopedias are a great place to start.

Thanks to the advances of technology—and this marvelous thing called the internet—you don’t have to go to a research library to gain that ground-level knowledge of your topic. But you do still need to make sure you’re drawing from credible sources.

For encyclopedias, try these to start:

Encyclopedia.com

Dictionaries can be helpful too:

Merriam-Webster
Dictionary.com

Once you know your topics’ basic facts, focus on researching those topics in the context of your angle . It may help to make a list of questions you’re trying to answer so you can keep your research focused.

Example: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Are most buses gas-powered or electric?
What’s the average emissions of greenhouse gas from gas-powered buses?
How much energy do electric cars use? What’s the lifespan of their batteries? Are they just using electricity that was produced in a polluting way somewhere else? What about electric buses?
How many people can ride a bus? How many people typically are transported by one car?
What would be the average energy consumption per person in an electric car versus a bus?

Once you know the questions you need to answer, look for sources that address those questions. For an academic essay, you’ll probably want to stick with academic sources : peer-reviewed studies and research papers published by academic journals. But official government databases can also be useful. And news stories from reputable publications can provide some direction as well (check with your professor to see whether or not you can use news publications as sources for your essay). Your educational institution likely provides access to all of these kinds of sources through the university library.

Your turn: Think through your angle and make a list of questions your piece needs to answer. Next, start searching academic databases for the information you need. Take notes as you research, and be sure to save any links, titles, author names, page numbers, and publication information you’ll need to properly cite your sources.

3. Outline your essay.

Call me crazy, but I actually think this is the fun part. I hated writing outlines when I was in school, but since making my living as a professional writer, they’ve become the #1 way I beat writer’s block.

First: Throw out the idea that your outline should be a series of bullet points neatly organized into sections and subsections. Your outline only needs to make sense to you , so play around to find an approach that works with your brain. The idea here is simply to make a map you’ll follow when you sit down to write.

Here’s what I do:

Identify the specific hook I’m going to use to start things off.
List the different examples and details I need to include.
Use the main focus or idea of my piece to order everything in a natural, logical way.

A lot of times, my outline becomes a combination of bullet points and sentences or paragraphs I write as I’m sketching out the piece. I’m basically just thinking the piece through, from beginning to end. Instead of getting stuck while I’m writing, I work through the tough spots in the outlining stage.

This is what my outline looked like for this piece:

Okay, that’s kind of long, so I cut it off early—but you get the point.

A lot of times, my outline starts as bare-bones bullets. As I work on it, ideas pop up that I stick in where they make sense. But when I write, those elements might move around ( notice how the examples of transportation essays got bumped up to the section on subtypes of essays ).

Your outline is just a guide. It’s not an architect’s blueprint that needs to be followed to the exact millimeter. There’s room for things to change.

But an outline keeps you on-track when you’re writing . If you find yourself stuck (or lost) in the writing step, reference your map. You might need to backtrack, move what you’ve written around, or adjust your route.

Your turn: Take a few minutes and sketch out your essay. Where does it start? What points does it hit? Are there any ways you see the different points connecting that should inform how you order them? As you think it through, scribble out any lines or paragraphs that come to you and stick them in the outline where they make the most sense. Even if you don’t use these exact words later, they’ll help prevent that deer-in-the-headlights stare that hits when you see a blank page.

Time to put everything together!

With your outline and research ready, start your intro and set up your piece. Your opening should briefly introduce your readers to the topic(s) you’re writing about and the questions you’re going to answer—but don’t give everything away. You want to stir up readers’ curiosity and give them a reason to keep reading.

Depending on the length of your essay, your intro may be one to three paragraphs long (longer pieces get longer intros). But it should be concise and to the point, and smoothly transition into the body of your essay.

The body is the meat and potatoes of your piece. Answer those questions, flesh out your explanation, and give readers a thorough understanding of your topic. Show off your research! Include those bizarre and fascinating facts you learned along the way. Use a tasteful metaphor or compelling anecdote to explain some of the more difficult aspects of your topic.

As you write, be sure to follow a consistent logic throughout your piece:

If you’re detailing a history or an event, use chronological order: start at the beginning and write about the events in the order that they happened.
Are you explaining how a machine or other invention works? Start with where the movement starts—the pedals of a bicycle, the wind turning the turbines—or with the feature doing the most significant work (e.g., the wires of the suspension bridge).
Other logics include: size (small to large, large to small), significance (greatest to least), or space (left to right, right to left, outside to center, center to outside).

You don’t need to label everything you write about as the “next biggest” or “least significant”, but sticking to a logic helps your readers orient themselves—and helps you determine which paragraph or subtopic should go where. This way, your thoughts clearly flow from one paragraph to the next.

‍ Quick note: If you can’t name the logic that’s guiding your piece, don’t worry. As long as your paragraphs naturally follow each other and all questions raised in the intro are answered by the end, your essay probably follows a logic just fine. But if you feel like your piece bounces around willy-nilly, play with a couple different logics and see if one smoothly orders your sentences and paragraphs.

Your turn: Get writing! If you’re stuck on the intro, try writing a working title for your piece to focus your attention. Then, follow your outline to work all the way from the beginning to a conclusion that sums everything up.

If you can, let your piece sit for at least a day. Then, for the editing process , open up that document and read through with these questions in mind:

Does the essay fulfill the assignment? Review the assignment description from your professor. Does your essay tick all the boxes? If not, what’s missing? Can you weave that element into what you’ve already written? Revise as necessary.
Are the sentences and paragraphs ordered in a way that makes logical sense? If your essay feels clunky in places, you might have switched logics (as explained above) or you might need to insert some more explanation that clearly ties the sentences or paragraphs together. Make sure your essay doesn’t just list facts, but also shows how they relate to each other.
Does the hook catch your eye? The beginning of your piece should grab your reader’s attention. Check out our advice for prize-winning hooks here .
Does the conclusion effectively sum things up? Instead of repeating everything your essay says, your conclusion should briefly distill the main takeaway or core idea for your reader. It should show that you’ve fulfilled the promise made in your intro, without being unnecessarily repetitive or redundant.
Have you cited all your sources? Make sure to cross this off before hitting “submit.” Follow the citation style specified by your professor.
Is spelling and grammar clean and correct? You are writing, after all, and these things matter. A bonus tip to help you catch those sneaky typos: Read your piece backwards. You might be surprised what you spot.

Did We Explain That Well Enough?

This blog was basically a long, non-academic explanatory essay, so hopefully, you’ve learned something new and are feeling less overwhelmed about your essay on medieval literature, transportation infrastructure, Persian history—or whatever you’re writing about.

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Expository Essay Writing

Expository Essay Topics

Good Expository Essay Topics to Impress Everyone

Published on: Apr 30, 2020

Last updated on: Feb 24, 2024

How to Choose an Expository Essay Topic?

The importance of an interesting essay topic can not be overlooked. While reading an essay, it is the first thing that a reader comes across. With this, they would decide whether to continue reading or not.

Deciding on the topic for your writing piece can be challenging. Students often find themselves with writerâs block and cannot think of creative ideas for their essays.

Follow the steps given below to come up with an engaging expository essay topic.

Brainstorm ideas and make a list - Brainstorming is a great way to come up with a topic. Make a list of all the ideas that interest you and your audience. At this point, you do not have to gather only good ideas.
Evaluate the topic - After preparing a list of ideas, analyze which topic is appropriate. For writing an expository essay, make sure that the topic you choose can be explained in detail.
Narrow down the topicâs focus - Once you have chosen a topic, focus on specific aspects. Broad topics will make it difficult for the writer to explain and support the argument.
Check for sources - The last but most important step is to check for credible sources of information for your selected topic. Here, the writer needs strong supporting evidence to explain the topic in detail.

Expository Essay Topics for Students

Have a look at the following list of topics for expository essays to get a better idea.

Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

Explain your first experience in the school?
Describe your perfect place for vacations.
Explain your experience of studying online.
Describe the consequences of Covid-19 on studies.
Explain what influences families have on the personality of an individual?
Describe what productive hobbies a middle school student should have?
Describe the qualities of a good instructor.
Explain how role models can help you become a better person?
Describe the advantages of having a pet in the house.
Describe the meaning of true love.

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

Explain why wearing uniforms can be beneficial for students?
Talk about the things you want to change in the world, and why?
Explain why some girls like wearing makeup in school?
Describe how important it is for the children to spend time with their parents?
Explain the impact of smoking cigarettes on teenâs health.
Describe how a person can stay fit and healthy.
Explain how important it is to have a balanced diet?
Distant learning vs. traditional learning? Which is better?
Explain why students should not be given homework?
Explain how the education quality in public and private schools differs?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 8

Explain the theme of your favorite book.
Explain how a seed becomes a plant?
Explain why we should not consume processed foods?
Explain the effects of social media platforms on our lives.
Describe the effects of pollution on marine life.
Explain how to keep oral hygiene?
Why is being immortal a good thing?
Using strong evidence, explain how to identify if someone is lying?
Explain the things and habits that affect your memory?
Describe the consequences of getting bad grades on academics.

Expository Essay Topics for High School

Explain gunpowder invention.
Describe the French Revolution.
Discuss the causes and effects of the Vietnam War.
How Jazz music affects our brain?
Explain what characteristics make a person famous?
Explain a particular psychological disorder.
How different is it to connect with people online and in person?
Explain how science helps people live a better life?
Explain the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.
Explain the invention of an object of your choice.

Expository Essay Topics for College

Pick a planet and explain what it would be like to live there?
Explain what you want to invent for the world?
Explain how a particular lifestyle or dieting pattern affects the environment?
Explain life in 25 years and the technological advancements that will take over.
Explain why teachers should be available for students after school hours as well?
Explain why there should be some restrictions on the use of social media for teenagers?
Describe why an employee should be a good team player?
Describe the consequences of selling drugs on campus.
Explain why constant fighting between siblings can be alarming?
Explain why the gang culture is spreading drastically?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

Describe the importance of learning social values.
Describe how gun control laws can influence peopleâs lives?
How do the needs of people change with time?
Explain how to help the homeless and prevent homelessness?
Describe a social work you took part in, and how did it make a difference?
Explain how obesity socially affects people and their thinking?
Explain one social issue that largely prevails in your country.
Describe how peopleâs attitudes towards mental illnesses have changed during a decade?
Have parenting roles changed over time? Explain how?
Explain what can be the possible ways to control pollution.

Expository Essay Topics on Health

Describe how dieting for weight loss can be dangerous for health?
Explain why late-night munching is harmful?
What are the causes and effects of obesity?
How is fast food harmful to mental health?
Explain how eating disorders result in disturbed sleeping patterns?
Explain how AIDS and poverty are related?
Explain how a healthy body impacts an IQ level of a person?
How important is the environment for the stability of mental health?
Explain what diet a student should have?
What are the causes and effects of malnutrition?

Expository Essay Topics about Education

Discuss the causes and effects of teaching techniques on learning.
What are the causes and effects of teaching sex education in schools?
Explain how can our education systems are modified?
What is the significance of homeschooling?
Explain why students should be given the liberty to choose their subjects in school?
Should college scholarships be granted based on sports performances?
Explain why higher education is important for a successful career?
Explain how can the quality of education can be improved??
Explain why students should be taught foreign languages in schools?
Describe the qualities of a good teacher.

Expository essay writing can be challenging if your knowledge about the topic is limited. It is important to know that while writing such college papers, a writer has to share his point of view. Only stating the facts will be monotonous for the readers.

Also, keep in mind to follow a defined structure for the content. Moreover, the traditional essay outline of an introduction, body, and conclusion should be included in the document.

The introduction paragraph should be well written and provides a defined thesis statement. Then comes the body paragraphs that present all the explanations and descriptions of the topic. However, make sure to keep the body of your essay informative and organized.

Conclude your essay with strong closing lines to leave a lasting impression on the readers.

If the expository writings give you a hard time, get help from the professionals. They will help you by providing great comparison and contrast along expository essay ideas to score well.

CollegeEssay.org is a custom essay service that provides reliable essay help for your college essay and paper.

Furthermore, our essay writer will help you come up with great topic ideas and provide you with written assignments.

Simply place an order to get assistance at the most affordable price.

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15 Engaging Explanatory Writing Prompts

When you want your students to practice explanatory writing, present them with one or more of the following prompts, grouped by difficulty. You can also introduce students to the PAST strategy to help them understand what each explanatory prompt is asking them to do.

Beginning Explanatory Prompts (Grades 4–5)

The following explanatory prompts are meant for students who are moving from paragraph writing to essay writing.

1. Defining Friendship

Everyone needs friends. What qualities make someone a good friend? How can you be a friend for someone who needs one? Write an essay that explains ways to be a good friend.

2. A Job for Me

People do all kinds of jobs. Some people build. Others serve. Some teach. Others sell. Some people work on ships at sea, and others in skyscrapers in cities. What kind of job would you like to do? As a future worker, write an essay that names a job you would like, describes the work, and tells why you would like it.

3. An Admirable Person

We all have people we admire. They might be family members or friends. They might be singers, dancers, or actors. They might even be fictional characters. Whom do you admire most? Write an essay that names a person you admire and describes the qualities that make you like the person.

4. Sweet or Spicy?

Most people have a favorite food. What is yours? Is the food a common one that most other kids would know about, or a really special type? Is it sweet or spicy? In an essay, name your favorite food and describe to your classmates how it looks, smells, and tastes. Tell why you like it so much.

5. My Ideal Home

Most people can imagine a dream home. What would yours be? Big or small? In the country or in the city? How many floors? Would it be underground or up in a tree? As a young person, write an essay describing your dream home to a parent or guardian.

Intermediate Explanatory Prompts (Grades 6–8)

The following explanatory prompts are meant for students who do regular multi-paragraph writing.

6. Connectivity Culture

Smartphones, tablet PCs, social media, and constant connectivity are changing the ways that people live, think, work, and connect. How do these technologies shape your life? Are you plugged in or tuned out? Why? Write an essay that explains to your fellow students the ways that you connect digitally and predicts how people will connect in the future.

7. Pets vs. People

Pets are not people. After all, dogs don’t go to school and cats don’t hold down jobs. But pet owners often consider their dogs and cats to be members of their families. In what ways are pets like people and in what ways are they not? Write a comparison-contrast essay explaining the similarities and differences between pets and people.

8. Defining Responsibility

A parent is responsible for taking care of children. A criminal is responsible for committing a crime. And teens are encouraged to make responsible choices. Just what does it mean to be “responsible”? Does it mean something different for young people than for adults? As a young person who is taking on more and more responsibilities, write an essay that defines what responsibility means to you, and explain the idea to those older than you.

9. Unique Celebrations

The Chinese celebrate New Year with a dragon dance. How do you celebrate New Year? What other special days do you observe? In an essay, explain a celebration or ritual that you know about. Tell what is usually done and why. Explain it to a reader who is new to the event.

10. Here's How It's Done

What are you really good at? Perhaps you can sink a free throw every time. Maybe you can identify birds by their songs, or make a very delicious homemade pizza. Think of a particular skill you have and could teach others. Then write an essay describing the process you use to accomplish this special feat. Provide enough detail so your reader can learn how to do the same thing.

Advanced Explanatory Prompts (Grades 9–12)

The following prompts are meant for high-school level writers. Students may need to research the topics in order to respond with sufficient depth and complexity.

11. Addressing Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves using technology to harm, intimidate, and embarrass others. One form of cyberbullying called “trolling” occurs when anonymous Internet users intentionally post inflammatory content in an attempt to provoke and upset other users. While much effort has been made to counteract bullying in schools, the online and anonymous nature of cyberbullying makes it difficult to regulate. Write an essay that explains to your fellow students ways to counteract cyberbullying.

12. Moral Dilemmas

Consider a moral dilemma that a character in a novel or other piece of literature must face. It could be an issue you yourself have faced or one that is new to you. Explain what you would do if you were caught in the same situation. Then explain why you would handle it that way.

13. Talking About My Generation

Today’s youth are sometimes perceived as tech savvy, optimistic, and accepting. Other times, they are perceived as spoiled, coddled, and lazy, more interested in checking Instagram than in bearing down and working hard. In an essay, define the general characteristics of your generation. Provide evidence and reasons to support your definition.

14. Fashionable Expressions

Author Sarah MacLean believes “The most confident of women are those who believe in every scrap of fabric they wear.” Indeed, clothing is a form of self-expression for many people. Evaluate the clothing choices that you or someone else (famous or not) makes and explain what these fashion choices express about the person.

15. Comparing Future Career Paths

What do you want to do after you graduate from high school? Attend college? Hone your skills at a trade school? Or go straight into the professional world? Choose two options (college, trade school, job) and write an essay in which you analyze similarities and differences between the two options.

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Explanatory Essay Writing Guide

Before writing any type of assignment, you must understand its definition. For example, students who need to write an argumentative essay should understand its purpose, format, and how it differs from other kinds of papers. The following approach can be applied to any other type of academic writing, including an explanatory essay.

In this article, our write my essay for me service professionals will try to explain what an explanatory essay is, its primary goal, and key features. Even though many people think that there is nothing more simple than writing an explanatory essay, for most students, it can still be a challenge to distinguish explanatory paper from other types of essays.

If you study for example in one of the best colleges for astrophysics need to write an explanatory essay, we highly recommend you read this article till the end. Guidelines outlined in our manual will help you gain new knowledge and enhance your writing skills. Designing explanatory essay will become an easy task for you once you put recommendations from our professional paper writing service into practice.

What is an Explanatory Essay?

An explanatory essay is a type of academic paper in which the author presents some point of view or opinion on a particular topic, subject, event or situation. It’s worth noting that explanatory essay is also known as expository essay.

When completing this kind of assignment you shouldn’t necessarily agree with the point of view you are writing about. Your goal is to report a certain event or situation and offer an analysis of a given subject. Try to present information or arguments of other people impartially. It’s also essential that you do not include any form of criticism in your explanatory essay. You shouldn’t argue or persuade while giving explanations. Let readers make their conclusions rather than persuading them to agree or disagree with the given point of view.

Explanatory essay is all about presenting a neutral view on the set topic by providing analysis from research. Its primary goal is to present a lucid explanation as to why things happened the way they did. After reading your essay, the audience should have a clear understanding of your point of view, even if they don’t pick your side.

Usually, the author of the explanatory essay decides upon a set topic and then approaches the issue from a specific angle. In most cases, this angle is complicated and gives room for discussion. The author presents a point of view of his or her choice that fairly explains why a certain outcome was reached.

Explanatory Essay Topics

In most cases, explanatory essay topics are pre-assigned to students by their teachers or college professors. For instance, you can be asked to explain how your brain works or outline the events that led to the 2008 financial crisis.

If you are asked to select the essay topic by yourself, remember that explanatory papers are based on facts. That’s why our custom essay writing professionals recommend that you choose a neutral topic that can be easily explained. The idea here is that the more controversial the topic, the more points of view you will need to explore in your essay, making it more complicated and time-consuming. Fortunately, we can explain almost everything as long as it falls within the parameters of the given assignment. Here are a couple of explanatory essay topics created by our paper topic generator you can choose from:

Beginner Explanatory Essay Topics

Describe the day you came to school for the first time. How did it make you feel?
What qualities do you believe make someone a good friend?
Explain what makes dogs the best pet for a person.
Who is your favorite superhero or movie/book character? Why?
Describe your dream home.
Who is that person you admire and look up to the most?
Define what happiness means to you.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Tell what kind of food you love most and explain why you love it.
What kind of job do you think will suit you the most?

Intermediate Explanatory Essay Topics

What is the best lesson that parents can teach their kids?
Describe your favorite kind of sport.
What unique traditions does your family have?
Tell about something you are really good at and could teach it to others.
Does the word “responsibility” mean the same thing for adults and children?
Describe what you believe makes a person truly rich.
What is your favorite place on the planet?
Explain how someone you know (a friend, teacher, parent) helped you become a better person.
What is the school subject you enjoy the most?
Describe how having a sibling can affect one’s personality.

Advanced Explanatory Essay Topics

Explain one of the forms of cyberbullying and suggest ways to address it.
Do you believe animals can really feel your fear?
Describe a moral dilemma you have faced. How did you handle it?
Do you believe in UFOs and aliens? Explain your point of view.
Explain how your personality has changed as you were growing up.
How can we measure happiness?
Define your generation. What makes it different from other generations?
Explain how you understand the universe.
How do you imagine your perfect future?
Describe your first work experience ever. What did it teach you, and how did you handle it?

College Level Explanatory Essay Topics

Define the positive and harmful effects the Internet has on a human personality and life.
What real-life lessons do you wish you’d learn 5 years ago?
Tell about someone who has authority in your eyes and explain why.
Do you think expressing the whole spectrum of emotions is better than suppressing them?
Explain what experience was the most life-changing for you.
How to cope with financial difficulties?
Explain the benefits of social networks for modern students.
What makes a person generous?
Describe the technological advancement that took place over the last decade.
Define what difference you see between “living” and “existing”.

Explanatory Essay Format

The typical format for an explanatory paper is the traditional 5-paragraph essay. Usually, this includes an introduction, three body paragraphs (limited to one subtopic each), and a conclusion. This is a basic essay format.

Keep in mind that the explanatory writing doesn’t need to be limited to five paragraphs — you can make it longer. No matter how many paragraphs you decide to include in your essay, be sure that your introduction includes a powerful thesis statement. Also, double-check if the paper is based on facts rather than personal opinion. Last but not least: make sure to connect paragraphs with transitions.

Explanatory Essay Outline

In simple terms, an explanatory essay outline is a plan for your explanatory paper. Usually, it varies based on the length of the topic and the information the author is trying to present. The goal of the outline is to organize the main points into paragraphs — it offers a so-called framework of how to write an explanatory essay. As it was mentioned in the paragraph above, most explanatory essays follow the basic essay structure. They consist of:

Introduction;
Body paragraphs;
Conclusion.

Most explanatory essays tend to be a page or two in length. That's why the overall essay is usually around 5 paragraphs long. Remember that your introduction should present the topic to the audience. Also, it’s vital that you incorporate the thesis statement in the last paragraph. After you are done with it, try to develop the body paragraphs with the information detailed in the thesis statement. Finally, include a conclusion that summarizes your essay's key points after the restatement of the thesis. As you can see, creating an explanatory essay outline is not that difficult as it may seem at first glance. And now let’s dig deeper into the definition of the explanatory essay thesis.

Thesis Statement

When talking about a thesis statement, most people usually mean one or two sentences that summarize the main idea of their academic paper and clearly express what it is they are going to say about the given topic. Overall, your thesis statement identifies what topic will be discussed and the purpose of your essay. As the explanatory essay is tailored to explain or acquaint your readers with something, the goal of the explanatory thesis is to tell readers what it is you are going to explain and what aspects of the topic will be considered.

Introduction

Before you start writing your explanatory essay, there are some crucial tips to follow. The first recommendation is to carry out proper research and data collection. Explanatory essay authors should ensure that the information in their writing is a blend of personal views and ideas acquired from external sources. Explanatory essay relies heavily on solid research, focus on finding external sources that will supplement your personal opinion. Note down all the important information from those sources and use them as evidence in your essay. So, the first thing you should do is find multiple trusted sources that defend your thoughts. We suggest you look to online journals, historical dictionaries, or find relevant books in your college library to use them as trusted sources.

After collecting all the needed information, the next step is to develop a clear explanatory thesis. A concise thesis will make it easier for readers to understand the essence of the topic from a summarized point of view. In other words, explain what you will be showing to your audience. Be neutral — you are not arguing or criticizing, just stating facts. Remember, you are not supposed to take any side as that causes a loss in the outlook of an explanatory essay.

Another recommendation is to choose a neutral topic you'd like to explain. If your teacher or professor didn’t give you a specific topic, select the one that will be understandable for you. Just choose such a topic that is in line with your assignment.

Once you’ve chosen a suitable topic, it’s time to draft an outline of your explanatory essay. The best option here is to stick to five paragraphs that were mentioned above: draft an introduction, three main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The outline helps students ensure that they follow a logical pattern to detail all their trains of thought. After completing all of the above steps - review your material and start writing your explanatory paper.

Each explanatory paper should start with an introduction. Try to capture your audience’s attention. No matter how you decide to do that - it may be a quote, rhetorical question, catchy motto, or anecdote. Feel free to improvise and use your imagination. Picking a hook thesis statement is also important. After presenting a thesis statement, include any necessary information that gives a background of the topic. The last sentence of your introduction should integrate a thesis statement to give a preview of the content in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

No matter how many paragraphs you decide to include in your explanatory essay, they all should follow a similar style. They all should be in-line with each other and maintain a certain flow in the paragraphs. Within each paragraph, you are to include a claim that is linked to the thesis statement. This way, it will be easier to connect all the points.

Try to support your claims with evidence from external sources. Make your readers feel confident about the information you present to them. Don’t forget to integrate a concluding statement that offers a summary of the claim's significance. Concluding statement should go along with the thesis statement. In simple terms, all body paragraphs in your explanatory paper should follow this format.

Conclusion Of Explanatory Essay

The explanatory essay must have a proper conclusion. When finishing your explanatory paper, follow these recommendations:

Restate your thesis. This way you will bring your readers’ attention back to the main point as well as add strength to your presented point of view.
Summarize your supporting points presented in each of the body paragraphs accordingly. Restate the importance of each one. This way you will logically defend your explanatory thesis.
Provide an overall concluding statement. In other words, explain the value of the particular point of view chosen from a global perspective. Your goal here is to captivate your readers to study the subject further on.

How to Write an Explanatory Essay - Writing Tips

Some useful tips will help you write an excellent explanatory essay. Here are some of the most powerful ones:

Take advantage of transitions and linking words

While connecting all your body paragraphs, use transition words and sentences. They will make your explanatory paper flow more smoothly. Some of the words you can use to connect your sentences are:

For instance;
In comparison;
Firstly, secondly, thirdly;
On the other hand;
In conclusion, to summarise.

Cite your sources

This one is an absolute requirement when writing an explanatory essay. You better try hard in this area. A successful explanatory essay will be factual and contain verifiable information. Cite your sources and make it easy for the audience to check where you drew your facts.

Revise your essay

After completing your explanatory paper, it’s always a good tip to revise it a couple of times. To make your revision phase more effective we advise you to answer the following questions:

Does the essay give an objective analysis that unfolds logically? Did I use relevant facts and examples in your essay?
Has the information in my paper been communicated to the audience? Is the word choice precise?
Did I use transitions and linking words in the essay to help the reader’s understanding?
Does the concluding paragraph communicate the value and meaning of the thesis statement and supporting ideas?

Edit your essay

Double-check your paper for different of mistakes and typos. When proofreading your paper, make sure that nobody distracts you. It would be perfect if you revise and proofread your essay in silence. If you notice any kinds of errors - edit your paper to improve both style and clarity. Even though your essay should be clear and concise, also think on how to make it engaging and lively as well.

Share your essay with a close person

Showing your essay to your parent, friend or other readers can be both useful and exciting. They can give you their opinion on what should be changed. They can also notice some grammar or punctual mistakes you missed while writing the essay. Overall, it always good to use the feedback to make your essay even better.

Explanatory Essay Example

Read the following essay sample to understand this type of essay better. If you need more examples, don’t hesitate to buy essay samples from our website.

What are the benefits of social networks for modern students?

According to the World Health Organization, people spend around 6 years and 8 months on various social media in their lifetime. These numbers are both impressive and terrifying. Given that the average lifespan across the world is 72 years, in 2020, the time spent on social networks makes up almost 10% of our entire life. And these figures keep changing and hitting higher points every year. Unsurprisingly, students are the largest group of active social network users. There always have been plenty of controversies concerning this matter. But, there is a belief that social media can actually have quite a few benefits for them.

One of the most obvious benefits of social media is that it keeps people connected. Clearly, many modern students are using these channels to make connections and communicate with their peers. Also, though it may not sound like too big of a deal, it can have a very positive effect on their lives in college. A recent study has shown that social media can play an integral role in the process of adjustment to college. The research found that student-centered networks can provide first-year students with so-needed support and help them adapt to the new environment faster, easier, and more effectively.

Another benefit of social networks for students is that such channels can boost students’ overall literacy and reading skills. Various literacy studies confirm that the general level of literacy and reading skills among younger generations is dropping. The biggest issue behind that is the fact that young people almost never pick up a book when they are outside of the class. They are just no longer interested in books as they make them bored. However, this does not mean that students don’t read at all. In fact, they do. It’s just that they are more inclined to read the information provided in smaller chunks and, preferably, containing some eye-catching animations, videos, or images. In other words, they are much more interested in reading publications on blogs, websites, and, of course, social networks. Keeping all that in mind, it shouldn’t surprise you that, according to the National Literacy Trust, social networks really can (and already do) help modern students enhance their reading skills and overall literacy.

Finally, the last significant benefit of social media is the accessibility of education. Such channels have provided us with plenty of opportunities for distance learning. The global quarantine has shown us that the effectiveness of distance learning can equal the effectiveness of traditional learning. But only if we integrate the right tools in the process. Among such tools are various social network channels. Numerous researches have found that social media can bring extra value in terms of education. It enables students to search for information, collaborate, and stay engaged and motivated through the learning process. Also, such channels make education more accessible. They can have a practical use in creating the right conditions for efficient distance learning. At the same time, they also streamline both learning and teaching processes and help deliver better results.

Based on what has been discussed earlier, we can conclude that social networks do have a number of weighty benefits for modern students. Such channels encourage continuous learning, create new opportunities for distance learning, boost students’ levels of literacy and skills, and also serve as great tools for communication and support. We can’t deny the fact that social media is invading our lives at a rapid pace, so the only thing we can do is to adapt to this and start making the most of it.

We hope we managed to explain how to write a great explanatory essay. Now you know how this type of academic paper differs from other essays and what writing style and topic to choose when preparing such kind of assignment.

We sincerely hope that the tips outlined in our guide will help you enhance your writing and get better grades. However, if you have difficulties with completing this kind of assignment, our team of professional writers is always ready to help you draft a top-notch explanatory essay from scratch. All you need to do is order an essay you need. In addition to helping you create a great informative essay , we can also help you with other types of assignments, such as coursework, dissertation writing, or research paper. If you experience any kind of difficulties writing an explanatory essay — welcome to our first-class service!

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Expository Essay Topics

Expository essay topics to boost your writing

Selecting expository essay topics can turn your paper from a burdensome task into a pleasant and enlightening one. An exposition paper aims to clarify or explain a topic with minimum ambiguity. Its main function is to convey information to the reader's comprehension level with or without prior knowledge of the topic. Choosing an engaging subject makes the writing more fun and keeps the reader interested, making the essay fulfill its purpose most effectively.

Expository essay topics

Are you ready to pick the most essential and captivating expository essay topics? These ideas are not only contemporary but also cover a broad spectrum so that you can select a subject you are interested in or are curious to know about. Picking any topics here means you have a strong basis to build on. So, let's get started.

Social problems expository essay topics

Using social problems as case studies in an expository essay helps clarify the dimensions of problems that impact communities and individuals globally. Exploring this kind can arouse awareness, stimulate debate, and even lead to solving this problem. Below is a list of expository essay topics that cover a range of pressing social problems, offering a variety of angles from which to approach your writing:

The impact of social media on body image.
Homelessness in urban areas.
The role of education in preventing poverty.
Economic and societal implications of the gender wage gap.
Racial discrimination in the workplace.
Environmental racism and its health impacts.
Cyberbullying and its effects on mental health.
The opioid crisis and its solutions.
Gun control laws and their effectiveness.
Immigration policies and their impact on families.
Climate change and its effects on small communities.
The influence of technology on employment opportunities.
Access to healthcare in rural vs. urban areas.
The stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The effects of advertising on consumer behavior.
The digital divide & access to technology.
Youth unemployment and its long-term effects.
Food deserts and their impact on community health.
The criminal justice system and racial inequality.
Single-parent families and societal perceptions.

Jumping into these expository essay topics gives a great opportunity to cast light on the fundamental issues in society, allowing writers to present facts and reflect on their consequences. The involvement in writing on these issues makes critical thinking and empathy possible on both the writer's and the reader's sides. As you can see, your paper should be persuasive.

Ethical issues expository writing topics

Exposing ethical problems through essays can help writers find solutions to moral dilemmas. These expository essay topics cause us to become critical of ourselves and our judgments. By putting this in words, people can assess their ethics, leading readers to reflect on their moral compasses.

Euthanasia and the right to die.
Animal testing: Necessity or cruelty.
The ethics of artificial intelligence.
Privacy in the age of digital surveillance.
Analytical editing: Prospects and concerns.
The morality of war and conflict.
Capital punishment: Justice or inhumanity.
Ethical implications of cloning technologies.
Child labor in global industries.
The ethics of organ donation and transplantation.
Corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Ethical consumption and fast fashion.
Privacy versus security in national policies.
The ethics of stem cell research.
Human trafficking: Global ethical perspectives.
Wealth inequality and ethical considerations.
The ethics of whistleblowing.
Biotechnology and human enhancement.
Media censorship and freedom of speech.
Ethics in sports: Fair play and doping.

Ethical problems as a subject of expository essays add a new dimension to our view of good and bad and underline the vital role of ethical thinking in the decision-making process. Such topics for expository essay papers allow writers to analyze various issues, express different points of view fairly, and attract readers to think about the ethical aspects of modern problems. Besides, you can always check good paper samples on Essaymarket.net or ask them for help.

Health expository writing topics

Writing about health topics in an expository fashion helps writers disintegrate the complexity of healthcare, lifestyle, and medical developments. This project teaches readers about valuable health conditions, stimulates awareness, motivates healthy living, and emphasizes the latest scientific and technological novelties that shape this field. So, check these good topics for an expository essay:

Mental health in the digital era.
The impact of diet on health: an argumentative view.
Vaccinations and public health.
Exercise and mental well-being.
The effects of stress on the body.
Health disparities in different populations.
The future of personalized medicine.
Obesity: Causes, effects, and solutions.
Addiction and society's response.
The role of sleep in health.
Chronic diseases and prevention strategies.
Alternative medicine: Benefits and risks.
The impact of pollution on respiratory health.
Nutritional myths and facts.
The descriptive psychology method.
The benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
Telemedicine and access to care.
The global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Cancer prevention and early detection.
Aging and longevity: Strategies for healthy living.

Health topics for an expository essay can be explained to the readers through expository writing, and this, in turn, gives them the knowledge to make the right decisions about their well-being. That kind of essay is a bridge that connects difficult medical information with the general population, eliminating health concerns and being health-oriented. Besides, you can always ask for help. Just pick reliable writing services like Speedypaper.com, and rest assured!

Science expository essay topics

Expository essays about science serve as a key to the wonders and mysteries of nature. Through these good topics for an expository essay, writers are provided with a platform to dig deeper into the latest scientific breakthroughs and explain complicated concepts in a way everyone can understand. Check this list:

The basics of quantum computing.
Climate change: Causes and mitigation.
The science behind renewable energy sources.
An explanatory mission: Exploring the human genome.
Artificial intelligence: How it works.
The mystery of black holes.
Vaccines and their role in public health.
The physics of time travel theories.
Genetic modification: Ethics and possibilities.
The impact of space exploration.
Nanotechnology and its future applications.
Water scarcity and technological solutions.
The role of science in sustainable agriculture.
The psychology of addiction.
Understanding ecosystems and biodiversity.
The science of emotions and human behavior.
Technological advances in prosthetics.
The chemistry of love and attraction.
The biology of aging and longevity.
Exploring the Earth's oceans and marine life.

These good expository essay topics educate and stimulate a sense of awe and respect for nature and human intelligence. Through their explanation of scientific concepts and the possibility of their future implications, authors can douse the passion for science in the readers, thereby encouraging them to look at the world around them with more appreciation of its beauty and intricacy. But do not hesitate to ask for help if needed. Just read essay writing services reviews and pick the most reliable company.

History expository essay topics

The ability to write expository essays on history allows people to go back in the past, unearthing the events, personalities, and movements that have determined the way we are now. These unique expository essay ideas convert the writers into historians as they examine historical context, evaluate the influence of significant events, and make connections between past and current global concerns. Participation in history through this particular medium causes one to develop an understanding of humanity in its entirety.

The causes and effects of World War I.
The influence of the Renaissance on modern culture.
The rise and fall of ancient civilizations.
The impact of the Industrial Revolution.
Civil rights movements around the world.
The history of the feminist movement.
The Cold War and its global consequences.
The discovery and colonization of the Americas.
Ancient trade routes and their legacies.
The evolution of democracy through history.
The cultural impact of the Silk Road.
The causes of the French Revolution.
Historical pandemics and their impact on society.
The development of writing systems and languages.
The history of money and economic systems.
Ancient philosophies and their influence today.
The partition of India: Causes and effects.
The significance of the Great Wall of China.
Exploration and encounters in the Age of Discovery.
The abolition of slavery and its aftermath.

History expository essays bridge the past and present, inviting the readers to think about how historical events and figures have shaped current social structures, beliefs, and problems. Just try to uncover all unique expository essay angles!

Picking the best expository essay topics

Choosing the most suitable expository essay topic is vital for creating interesting and informative pieces that keep the readers hooked. It all comes down to selecting the best expository essay topics that don't only move you in some way but also have wider appeal to a large group of people. Topics should be covered in such a way that they offer new perspectives or insights into the old issues, and they should cover the topic so that there is the possibility of in-depth analysis. You must consider the accessibility of research resources and the ability to express your opinion engagingly for the best paper.

Explore the key criteria for selecting compelling expository essay topics that captivate readers' attention and provide ample opportunities for exploration and analysis.

Uncover effective strategies and techniques for generating unique and thought-provoking expository essay topics, including mind mapping, freewriting, and utilizing personal experiences and observations.

Discover the latest trends and themes shaping expository writing in 2024, from contemporary social issues and technological advancements to cultural phenomena and environmental concerns.

Best Tips to Write an Essay on Political Topic

By Space Coast Daily // April 1, 2024

Is writing an essay on a political topic the next assignment on your desk? Students taking political courses have to write lots of essays as part of the standard course requirement.

It’s a chance to demonstrate critical thinking skills and deep reflection on political topics. However, crafting a high-quality political essay is not easy. It’s a skill perfected through lots of practice. If you’re struggling with a political essay, there are tips and tricks you can apply to help you write a great essay. Read on to discover top tips for crafting a compelling essay on a political topic.

Tips to write an essay on political topic

Understand the prompt.

To write a high-quality political essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Any confusion can jeopardize the entire essay. A helpful tip is to restructure the essay into a question. However, when you can’t seem to understand the prompt or advanced concepts on the topic, it’s better to ask an expert to write my essay since an essay written on a misunderstood prompt can never be correct.

Use the help of essay writing services

Composing a top-notch political essay can seem impossible when you have little knowledge of subject concepts or the deadline is closing in fast. Rather than submitting a subpar essay, most college students prefer to enlist CustomWritings assistance to ease their stress and anxiety. Working with a real political science expert guarantees a well-written, thoroughly researched, timely, and error-free essay.

Research thoroughly

To form great arguments about a political topic, you need to conduct thorough research to get sufficient supporting evidence. Ensure you rely on evidence from reputable sources, such as books, academic journals, and government reports. The evidence must also be relevant and current.

Create an outline

Before you start writing, sketch an outline of your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and give you a clear idea of what to write. Most essays follow a 5-paragraph essay format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Stay objective and apply theories learned in class

Most political essays require students to apply information from lectures, discussions, and assigned readings. Therefore, ensure you support your arguments with theories and perspectives learned during the semester. Avoid unnecessary information that doesn’t add to the central theme of your essay.

Consider counterarguments

Most political essays are argumentative, meaning there will be two sides to the argument. Therefore, ensure you acknowledge and address the strong and obvious counterarguments in your paper. It demonstrates your nuance of the topic and strengthens your overall argument.

Cite sources

Ensure you substantiate your arguments with facts from credible sources. Adding a proper reference allows the reader to read further on the claim. Make sure you apply the correct citation style specified by the instructor and cite all sources used to avoid plagiarism.

Form your opinion

Political essays are not only about spewing factual information, you must give your opinion on the topic. The ability to present your views on different topics will help you build a successful career in the political scene. Most times, you will express a sophisticated opinion in the conclusion.

Proofread and edit

Before you submit your essay, take time to thoroughly proofread and edit it. The easiest way to identify errors in your paper is to read it aloud. Use the chance to correct structural errors, grammatical mistakes, weak arguments, unclear sentences, and tense errors. You can also use spelling and grammar checker tools to edit your paper.

The basic format of an essay on a political topic

The format of a political essay is similar to other types of essays and consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Let’s delve into what goes into each part of the essay.

Introduction

The introduction paragraph is the first part of the essay, which reveals the intent and position of the writer on the topic. It includes an interesting hook, background information, and a thesis statement. The thesis is the most important part of a political essay because it provides an overview of the key points contained in the paper.

Body paragraphs

The section with body paragraphs is the main part of the essay in which you discuss all the ideas that support your position on the topic. The number of body paragraphs depends on the essay size and ideas. Each paragraph discusses a single idea that proves the thesis’s main idea. Critical analysis also includes credible citations to support the author’s position.

The conclusion restates the thesis and reiterates the supporting ideas made in the main body. Use the conclusion to make a connection between themes discussed in the body section. Also, a conclusion must provide an insight or opinion that demonstrates the implications of the study. Let the reader know why they need to care about the topic.

What to avoid when writing a political science essay?

There are some common mistakes that students commit when writing political essays that could compromise the quality of the paper. The first and obvious thing to avoid is plagiarism. Cite all sources used to avoid damaging the credibility of your essay. Also, avoid using evidence from untrustworthy sources, such as personal blogs and Wikipedia. Such sources can compromise the accuracy and validity of your arguments.

A political essay should relay formal and scholarly arguments, so avoid informal language, passive voice, or first person. In addition, avoid jargon, which includes phrases and words that may sound sophisticated but have little meaning. That way, your arguments are clear, simple, and concise. Pay attention to the entire scope of the essay guidelines.

Political essays have many similarities to other academic papers

Essays on a political topic follow the standard essay structure but require deep analysis of ideas. Before you start writing, understand the prompt and research thoroughly to advance your knowledge on the topic and make strong arguments. With the right pointers, writing a political essay can be as easy as 123.

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The War at Stanford

I didn’t know that college would be a factory of unreason.

collage of stanford university architecture and students protesting

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ne of the section leaders for my computer-science class, Hamza El Boudali, believes that President Joe Biden should be killed. “I’m not calling for a civilian to do it, but I think a military should,” the 23-year-old Stanford University student told a small group of protesters last month. “I’d be happy if Biden was dead.” He thinks that Stanford is complicit in what he calls the genocide of Palestinians, and that Biden is not only complicit but responsible for it. “I’m not calling for a vigilante to do it,” he later clarified, “but I’m saying he is guilty of mass murder and should be treated in the same way that a terrorist with darker skin would be (and we all know terrorists with dark skin are typically bombed and drone striked by American planes).” El Boudali has also said that he believes that Hamas’s October 7 attack was a justifiable act of resistance, and that he would actually prefer Hamas rule America in place of its current government (though he clarified later that he “doesn’t mean Hamas is perfect”). When you ask him what his cause is, he answers: “Peace.”

I switched to a different computer-science section.

Israel is 7,500 miles away from Stanford’s campus, where I am a sophomore. But the Hamas invasion and the Israeli counterinvasion have fractured my university, a place typically less focused on geopolitics than on venture-capital funding for the latest dorm-based tech start-up. Few students would call for Biden’s head—I think—but many of the same young people who say they want peace in Gaza don’t seem to realize that they are in fact advocating for violence. Extremism has swept through classrooms and dorms, and it is becoming normal for students to be harassed and intimidated for their faith, heritage, or appearance—they have been called perpetrators of genocide for wearing kippahs, and accused of supporting terrorism for wearing keffiyehs. The extremism and anti-Semitism at Ivy League universities on the East Coast have attracted so much media and congressional attention that two Ivy presidents have lost their jobs. But few people seem to have noticed the culture war that has taken over our California campus.

For four months, two rival groups of protesters, separated by a narrow bike path, faced off on Stanford’s palm-covered grounds. The “Sit-In to Stop Genocide” encampment was erected by students in mid-October, even before Israeli troops had crossed into Gaza, to demand that the university divest from Israel and condemn its behavior. Posters were hung equating Hamas with Ukraine and Nelson Mandela. Across from the sit-in, a rival group of pro-Israel students eventually set up the “Blue and White Tent” to provide, as one activist put it, a “safe space” to “be a proud Jew on campus.” Soon it became the center of its own cluster of tents, with photos of Hamas’s victims sitting opposite the rubble-ridden images of Gaza and a long (and incomplete) list of the names of slain Palestinians displayed by the students at the sit-in.

Some days the dueling encampments would host only a few people each, but on a sunny weekday afternoon, there could be dozens. Most of the time, the groups tolerated each other. But not always. Students on both sides were reportedly spit on and yelled at, and had their belongings destroyed. (The perpetrators in many cases seemed to be adults who weren’t affiliated with Stanford, a security guard told me.) The university put in place round-the-clock security, but when something actually happened, no one quite knew what to do.

Conor Friedersdorf: How October 7 changed America’s free speech culture

Stanford has a policy barring overnight camping, but for months didn’t enforce it, “out of a desire to support the peaceful expression of free speech in the ways that students choose to exercise that expression”—and, the administration told alumni, because the university feared that confronting the students would only make the conflict worse. When the school finally said the tents had to go last month, enormous protests against the university administration, and against Israel, followed.

“We don’t want no two states! We want all of ’48!” students chanted, a slogan advocating that Israel be dismantled and replaced by a single Arab nation. Palestinian flags flew alongside bright “Welcome!” banners left over from new-student orientation. A young woman gave a speech that seemed to capture the sense of urgency and power that so many students here feel. “We are Stanford University!” she shouted. “We control things!”

“W e’ve had protests in the past,” Richard Saller, the university’s interim president, told me in November—about the environment, and apartheid, and Vietnam. But they didn’t pit “students against each other” the way that this conflict has.

I’ve spoken with Saller, a scholar of Roman history, a few times over the past six months in my capacity as a student journalist. We first met in September, a few weeks into his tenure. His predecessor, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, had resigned as president after my reporting for The Stanford Daily exposed misconduct in his academic research. (Tessier-Lavigne had failed to retract papers with faked data over the course of 20 years. In his resignation statement , he denied allegations of fraud and misconduct; a Stanford investigation determined that he had not personally manipulated data or ordered any manipulation but that he had repeatedly “failed to decisively and forthrightly correct mistakes” from his lab.)

In that first conversation, Saller told me that everyone was “eager to move on” from the Tessier-Lavigne scandal. He was cheerful and upbeat. He knew he wasn’t staying in the job long; he hadn’t even bothered to move into the recently vacated presidential manor. In any case, campus, at that time, was serene. Then, a week later, came October 7.

The attack was as clear a litmus test as one could imagine for the Middle East conflict. Hamas insurgents raided homes and a music festival with the goal of slaughtering as many civilians as possible. Some victims were raped and mutilated, several independent investigations found. Hundreds of hostages were taken into Gaza and many have been tortured.

This, of course, was bad. Saying this was bad does not negate or marginalize the abuses and suffering Palestinians have experienced in Gaza and elsewhere. Everyone, of every ideology, should be able to say that this was bad. But much of this campus failed that simple test.

Two days after the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Stanford released milquetoast statements marking the “moment of intense emotion” and declaring “deep concern” over “the crisis in Israel and Palestine.” The official statements did not use the words Hamas or violence .

The absence of a clear institutional response led some teachers to take matters into their own hands. During a mandatory freshman seminar on October 10, a lecturer named Ameer Loggins tossed out his lesson plan to tell students that the actions of the Palestinian “military force” had been justified, that Israelis were colonizers, and that the Holocaust had been overemphasized, according to interviews I conducted with students in the class. Loggins then asked the Jewish students to identify themselves. He instructed one of them to “stand up, face the window, and he kind of kicked away his chair,” a witness told me. Loggins described this as an effort to demonstrate Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. (Loggins did not reply to a request for comment; a spokesperson for Stanford said that there were “different recollections of the details regarding what happened” in the class.)

“We’re only in our third week of college, and we’re afraid to be here,” three students in the class wrote in an email that night to administrators. “This isn’t what Stanford was supposed to be.” The class Loggins taught is called COLLEGE, short for “Civic, Liberal, and Global Education,” and it is billed as an effort to develop “the skills that empower and enable us to live together.”

Loggins was suspended from teaching duties and an investigation was opened; this angered pro-Palestine activists, who organized a petition that garnered more than 1,700 signatures contesting the suspension. A pamphlet from the petitioners argued that Loggins’s behavior had not been out of bounds.

The day after the class, Stanford put out a statement written by Saller and Jenny Martinez, the university provost, more forcefully condemning the Hamas attack. Immediately, this new statement generated backlash.

Pro-Palestine activists complained about it during an event held the same day, the first of several “teach-ins” about the conflict. Students gathered in one of Stanford’s dorms to “bear witness to the struggles of decolonization.” The grievances and pain shared by Palestinian students were real. They told of discrimination and violence, of frightened family members subjected to harsh conditions. But the most raucous reaction from the crowd was in response to a young woman who said, “You ask us, do we condemn Hamas? Fuck you!” She added that she was “so proud of my resistance.”

David Palumbo-Liu, a professor of comparative literature with a focus on postcolonial studies, also spoke at the teach-in, explaining to the crowd that “European settlers” had come to “replace” Palestine’s “native population.”

Palumbo-Liu is known as an intelligent and supportive professor, and is popular among students, who call him by his initials, DPL. I wanted to ask him about his involvement in the teach-in, so we met one day in a café a few hundred feet away from the tents. I asked if he could elaborate on what he’d said at the event about Palestine’s native population. He was happy to expand: This was “one of those discussions that could go on forever. Like, who is actually native? At what point does nativism lapse, right? Well, you haven’t been native for X number of years, so …” In the end, he said, “you have two people who both feel they have a claim to the land,” and “they have to live together. Both sides have to cede something.”

The struggle at Stanford, he told me, “is to find a way in which open discussions can be had that allow people to disagree.” It’s true that Stanford has utterly failed in its efforts to encourage productive dialogue. But I still found it hard to reconcile DPL’s words with his public statements on Israel, which he’d recently said on Facebook should be “the most hated nation in the world.” He also wrote: “When Zionists say they don’t feel ‘safe’ on campus, I’ve come to see that as they no longer feel immune to criticism of Israel.” He continued: “Well as the saying goes, get used to it.”

Z ionists, and indeed Jewish students of all political beliefs, have been given good reason to fear for their safety. They’ve been followed, harassed, and called derogatory racial epithets. At least one was told he was a “dirty Jew.” At least twice, mezuzahs have been ripped from students’ doors, and swastikas have been drawn in dorms. Arab and Muslim students also face alarming threats. The computer-science section leader, El Boudali, a pro-Palestine activist, told me he felt “safe personally,” but knew others who did not: “Some people have reported feeling like they’re followed, especially women who wear the hijab.”

In a remarkably short period of time, aggression and abuse have become commonplace, an accepted part of campus activism. In January, Jewish students organized an event dedicated to ameliorating anti-Semitism. It marked one of Saller’s first public appearances in the new year. Its topic seemed uncontroversial, and I thought it would generate little backlash.

Protests began before the panel discussion even started, with activists lining the stairs leading to the auditorium. During the event they drowned out the panelists, one of whom was Israel’s special envoy for combatting anti-Semitism, by demanding a cease-fire. After participants began cycling out into the dark, things got ugly.

Activists, their faces covered by keffiyehs or medical masks, confronted attendees. “Go back to Brooklyn!” a young woman shouted at Jewish students. One protester, who emerged as the leader of the group, said that she and her compatriots would “take all of your places and ensure Israel falls.” She told attendees to get “off our fucking campus” and launched into conspiracy theories about Jews being involved in “child trafficking.” As a rabbi tried to leave the event, protesters pursued him, chanting, “There is only one solution! Intifada revolution!”

At one point, some members of the group turned on a few Stanford employees, including another rabbi, an imam, and a chaplain, telling them, “We know your names and we know where you work.” The ringleader added: “And we’ll soon find out where you live.” The religious leaders formed a protective barrier in front of the Jewish students. The rabbi and the imam appeared to be crying.

scenes from student protest; row of tents at Stanford

S aller avoided the protest by leaving through another door. Early that morning, his private residence had been vandalized. Protesters frequently tell him he “can’t hide” and shout him down. “We charge you with genocide!” they chant, demanding that Stanford divest from Israel. (When asked whether Stanford actually invested in Israel, a spokesperson replied that, beyond small exposures from passive funds that track indexes such as the S&P 500, the university’s endowment “has no direct holdings in Israeli companies, or direct holdings in defense contractors.”)

When the university finally said the protest tents had to be removed, students responded by accusing Saller of suppressing their right to free speech. This is probably the last charge he expected to face. Saller once served as provost at the University of Chicago, which is known for holding itself to a position of strict institutional neutrality so that its students can freely explore ideas for themselves. Saller has a lifelong belief in First Amendment rights. But that conviction in impartial college governance does not align with Stanford’s behavior in recent years. Despite the fact that many students seemed largely uninterested in the headlines before this year, Stanford’s administrative leadership has often taken positions on political issues and events, such as the Paris climate conference and the murder of George Floyd. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Stanford’s Hoover Tower was lit up in blue and yellow, and the school released a statement in solidarity.

Thomas Chatterton Williams: Let the activists have their loathsome rallies

When we first met, a week before October 7, I asked Saller about this. Did Stanford have a moral duty to denounce the war in Ukraine, for example, or the ethnic cleansing of Uyghur Muslims in China? “On international political issues, no,” he said. “That’s not a responsibility for the university as a whole, as an institution.”

But when Saller tried to apply his convictions on neutrality for the first time as president, dozens of faculty members condemned the response, many pro-Israel alumni were outraged, donors had private discussions about pulling funding, and an Israeli university sent an open letter to Saller and Martinez saying, “Stanford’s administration has failed us.” The initial statement had tried to make clear that the school’s policy was not Israel-specific: It noted that the university would not take a position on the turmoil in Nagorno-Karabakh (where Armenians are undergoing ethnic cleansing) either. But the message didn’t get through.

Saller had to beat an awkward retreat or risk the exact sort of public humiliation that he, as caretaker president, had presumably been hired to avoid. He came up with a compromise that landed somewhere in the middle: an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’s “intolerable atrocities” paired with a statement making clear that Stanford would commit to institutional neutrality going forward.

“The events in Israel and Gaza this week have affected and engaged large numbers of students on our campus in ways that many other events have not,” the statement read. “This is why we feel compelled to both address the impact of these events on our campus and to explain why our general policy of not issuing statements about news events not directly connected to campus has limited the breadth of our comments thus far, and why you should not expect frequent commentary from us in the future.”

I asked Saller why he had changed tack on Israel and not on Nagorno-Karabakh. “We don’t feel as if we should be making statements on every war crime and atrocity,” he told me. This felt like a statement in and of itself.

In making such decisions, Saller works closely with Martinez, Stanford’s provost. I happened to interview her, too, a few days before October 7, not long after she’d been appointed. When I asked about her hopes for the job, she said that a “priority is ensuring an environment in which free speech and academic freedom are preserved.”

We talked about the so-called Leonard Law—a provision unique to California that requires private universities to be governed by the same First Amendment protections as public ones. This restricts what Stanford can do in terms of penalizing speech, putting it in a stricter bind than Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, or any of the other elite private institutions that have more latitude to set the standards for their campus (whether or not they have done so).

So I was surprised when, in December, the university announced that abstract calls for genocide “clearly violate Stanford’s Fundamental Standard, the code of conduct for all students at the university.” The statement was a response to the outrage following the congressional testimony of three university presidents—outrage that eventually led to the resignation of two of them, Harvard’s Claudine Gay and Penn’s Liz Magill. Gay and Magill, who had both previously held positions at Stanford, did not commit to punishing calls for the genocide of Jews.

Experts told me that Stanford’s policy is impossible to enforce—and Saller himself acknowledged as much in our March interview.

“Liz Magill is a good friend,” Saller told me, adding, “Having watched what happened at Harvard and Penn, it seemed prudent” to publicly state that Stanford rejected calls for genocide. But saying that those calls violate the code of conduct “is not the same thing as to say that we could actually punish it.”

Stanford’s leaders seem to be trying their best while adapting to the situation in real time. But the muddled messaging has created a policy of neutrality that does not feel neutral at all.

When we met back in November, I tried to get Saller to open up about his experience running an institution in turmoil. What’s it like to know that so many students seem to believe that he—a mild-mannered 71-year-old classicist who swing-dances with his anthropologist wife—is a warmonger? Saller was more candid than I expected—perhaps more candid than any prominent university president has been yet. We sat in the same conference room as we had in September. The weather hadn’t really changed. Yet I felt like I was sitting in front of a different person. He was hunched over and looked exhausted, and his voice broke when he talked about the loss of life in Gaza and Israel and “the fact that we’re caught up in it.” A capable administrator with decades of experience, Saller seemed almost at a loss. “It’s been a kind of roller coaster, to be honest.”

He said he hadn’t anticipated the deluge of the emails “blaming me for lack of moral courage.” Anything the university says seems bound to be wrong: “If I say that our position is that we grieve over the loss of innocent lives, that in itself will draw some hostile reactions.”

“I find that really difficult to navigate,” he said with a sigh.

By March, it seemed that his views had solidified. He said he knew he was “a target,” but he was not going to be pushed into issuing any more statements. The continuing crisis seems to have granted him new insight. “I am certain that whatever I say will not have any material effect on the war in Gaza.” It’s hard to argue with that.

P eople tend to blame the campus wars on two villains: dithering administrators and radical student activists. But colleges have always had dithering administrators and radical student activists. To my mind, it’s the average students who have changed.

Elite universities attract a certain kind of student: the overachieving striver who has won all the right accolades for all the right activities. Is it such a surprise that the kids who are trained in the constant pursuit of perfect scores think they have to look at the world like a series of multiple-choice questions, with clearly right or wrong answers? Or that they think they can gamify a political cause in the same way they ace a standardized test?

Everyone knows that the only reliable way to get into a school like Stanford is to be really good at looking really good. Now that they’re here, students know that one easy way to keep looking good is to side with the majority of protesters, and condemn Israel.

It’s not that there isn’t real anger and anxiety over what is happening in Gaza—there is, and justifiably so. I know that among the protesters are many people who are deeply connected to this issue. But they are not the majority. What really activates the crowds now seems less a principled devotion to Palestine or to pacifism than a desire for collective action, to fit in by embracing the fashionable cause of the moment—as if a centuries-old conflict in which both sides have stolen and killed could ever be a simple matter of right and wrong. In their haste to exhibit moral righteousness, many of the least informed protesters end up being the loudest and most uncompromising.

Today’s students grew up in the Trump era, in which violent rhetoric has become a normal part of political discourse and activism is as easy as reposting an infographic. Many young people have come to feel that being angry is enough to foment change. Furious at the world’s injustices and desperate for a simple way to express that fury, they don’t seem interested in any form of engagement more nuanced than backing a pure protagonist and denouncing an evil enemy. They don’t, always, seem that concerned with the truth.

At the protest last month to prevent the removal of the sit-in, an activist in a pink Women’s March “pussy hat” shouted that no rape was committed by Hamas on October 7. “There hasn’t been proof of these rape accusations,” a student told me in a separate conversation, criticizing the Blue and White Tent for spreading what he considered to be misinformation about sexual violence. (In March, a United Nations report found “reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence,” including “rape and gang rape,” occurred in multiple locations on October 7, as well as “clear and convincing information” on the “rape and sexualized torture” of hostages.) “The level of propaganda” surrounding Hamas, he told me, “is just unbelievable.”

The real story at Stanford is not about the malicious actors who endorse sexual assault and murder as forms of resistance, but about those who passively enable them because they believe their side can do no wrong. You don’t have to understand what you’re arguing for in order to argue for it. You don’t have to be able to name the river or the sea under discussion to chant “From the river to the sea.” This kind of obliviousness explains how one of my friends, a gay activist, can justify Hamas’s actions, even though it would have the two of us—an outspoken queer person and a Jewish reporter—killed in a heartbeat. A similar mentality can exist on the other side: I have heard students insist on the absolute righteousness of Israel yet seem uninterested in learning anything about what life is like in Gaza.

I’m familiar with the pull of achievement culture—after all, I’m a product of the same system. I fell in love with Stanford as a 7-year-old, lying on the floor of an East Coast library and picturing all the cool technology those West Coast geniuses were dreaming up. I cried when I was accepted; I spent the next few months scrolling through the course catalog, giddy with anticipation. I wanted to learn everything.

I learned more than I expected. Within my first week here, someone asked me: “Why are all Jews so rich?” In 2016, when Stanford’s undergraduate senate had debated a resolution against anti-Semitism, one of its members argued that the idea of “Jews controlling the media, economy, government, and other societal institutions” represented “a very valid discussion.” (He apologized, and the resolution passed.) In my dorm last year, a student discussed being Jewish and awoke the next day to swastikas and a portrait of Hitler affixed to his door.

David Frum: There is no right to bully and harass

I grew up secularly, with no strong affiliation to Jewish culture. When I found out as a teenager that some of my ancestors had hidden their identity from their children and that dozens of my relatives had died in the Holocaust (something no living member of my family had known), I felt the barest tremor of identity. After I saw so many people I know cheering after October 7, I felt something stronger stir. I know others have experienced something similar. Even a professor texted me to say that she felt Jewish in a way she never had before.

But my frustration with the conflict on campus has little to do with my own identity. Across the many conversations and hours of formal interviews I conducted for this article, I’ve encountered a persistent anti-intellectual streak. I’ve watched many of my classmates treat death so cavalierly that they can protest as a pregame to a party. Indeed, two parties at Stanford were reported to the university this fall for allegedly making people say “Fuck Israel” or “Free Palestine” to get in the door. A spokesperson for the university said it was “unable to confirm the facts of what occurred,” but that it had “met with students involved in both parties to make clear that Stanford’s nondiscrimination policy applies to parties.” As a friend emailed me not long ago: “A place that was supposed to be a sanctuary from such unreason has become a factory for it.”

Readers may be tempted to discount the conduct displayed at Stanford. After all, the thinking goes, these are privileged kids doing what they always do: embracing faux-radicalism in college before taking jobs in fintech or consulting. These students, some might say, aren’t representative of America.

And yet they are representative of something: of the conduct many of the most accomplished students in my generation have accepted as tolerable, and what that means for the future of our country. I admire activism. We need people willing to protest what they see as wrong and take on entrenched systems of repression. But we also need to read, learn, discuss, accept the existence of nuance, embrace diversity of thought, and hold our own allies to high standards. More than ever, we need universities to teach young people how to do all of this.

F or so long , Stanford’s physical standoff seemed intractable. Then, in early February, a storm swept in, and the natural world dictated its own conclusion.

Heavy rains flooded campus. For hours, the students battled to save their tents. The sit-in activists used sandbags and anything else they could find to hold back the water—at one point, David Palumbo-Liu, the professor, told me he stood in the lashing downpour to anchor one of the sit-in’s tents with his own body. When the storm hit, many of the Jewish activists had been attending a discussion on anti-Semitism. They raced back and struggled to salvage the Blue and White Tent, but it was too late—the wind had ripped it out of the ground.

The next day, the weary Jewish protesters returned to discover that their space had been taken.

A new collection of tents had been set up by El Boudali, the pro-Palestine activist, and a dozen friends. He said they were there to protest Islamophobia and to teach about Islam and jihad, and that they were a separate entity from the Sit-In to Stop Genocide, though I observed students cycling between the tents. Palestinian flags now flew from the bookstore to the quad.

Administrators told me they’d quickly informed El Boudali and his allies that the space had been reserved by the Jewish advocates, and offered to help move them to a different location. But the protesters told me they had no intention of going. (El Boudali later said that they did not take over the entire space, and would have been “happy to exist side by side, but they wanted to kick us off entirely from that lawn.”)

When it was clear that the area where they’d set up their tents would not be ceded back to the pro-Israel group willingly, Stanford changed course and decided to clear everyone out in one fell swoop. On February 8, school officials ordered all students to vacate the plaza overnight. The university was finally going to enforce its rule prohibiting people from sleeping outside on campus and requiring the removal of belongings from the plaza between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The order cited the danger posed by the storm as a justification for changing course and, probably hoping to avoid allegations of bias, described the decision as “viewpoint-neutral.”

That didn’t work.

About a week of protests, led by the sit-in organizers, followed. Chants were chanted. More demands for a “river to the sea” solution to the Israel problem were made. A friend boasted to me about her willingness to be arrested. Stanford sent a handful of staff members, who stood near balloons left over from an event earlier in the day. They were there, one of them told me, to “make students feel supported and safe.”

In the end, Saller and Martinez agreed to talk with the leaders of the sit-in about their demands to divest the university and condemn Israel, under the proviso that the activists comply with Stanford’s anti-camping guidelines “regardless of the outcome of discussions.” Eight days after they were first instructed to leave, 120 days after setting up camp, the sit-in protesters slept in their own beds. In defiance of the university’s instructions, they left behind their tents. But sometime in the very early hours of the morning, law-enforcement officers confiscated the structures. The area was cordoned off without any violence and the plaza filled once more with electric skateboards and farmers’ markets.

The conflict continues in its own way. Saller was just shouted down by protesters chanting “No peace on stolen land” at a Family Weekend event, and protesters later displayed an effigy of him covered in blood. Students still feel tense; Saller still seems worried. He told me that the university is planning to change all manner of things—residential-assistant training, new-student orientation, even the acceptance letters that students receive—in hopes of fostering a culture of greater tolerance. But no campus edict or panel discussion can address a problem that is so much bigger than our university.

At one rally last fall, a speaker expressed disillusionment about the power of “peaceful resistance” on college campuses. “What is there left to do but to take up arms?” The crowd cheered as he said Israel must be destroyed. But what would happen to its citizens? I’d prefer to believe that most protesters chanting “Palestine is Arab” and shouting that we must “smash the Zionist settler state” don’t actually think Jews should be killed en masse. But can one truly be so ignorant as to advocate widespread violence in the name of peace?

When the world is rendered in black-and-white—portrayed as a simple fight between colonizer and colonized—the answer is yes. Solutions, by this logic, are absolute: Israel or Palestine, nothing in between. Either you support liberation of the oppressed or you support genocide. Either Stanford is all good or all bad; all in favor of free speech or all authoritarian; all anti-Semitic or all Islamophobic.

At January’s anti-anti-Semitism event, I watched an exchange between a Jewish attendee and a protester from a few feet away. “Are you pro-Palestine?” the protester asked.

“Yes,” the attendee responded, and he went on to describe his disgust with the human-rights abuses Palestinians have faced for years.

“But are you a Zionist?”

“Then we are enemies.”

COMMENTS

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An Explanatory essay is a type of essay in which the author explains a topic, event, or situation in detail and presents a point of view on the subject. This point of view can be based on the author's own opinion, or from a different point of view as long as the reasons behind it at explained.
Explanatory Essay Guide with tips, 130 topic ideas, and Examples
An explanatory essay is a formal piece of writing where you present a point of view on a given topic, scenario, phenomenon, event, or situation. To develop the view, you need to conduct in-depth research, logically reason, think critically, and present evidence, whether agreeing or refuting the expected idea.
How to Write an Expository Essay
The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It's worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
50 Majestic Explanatory Essay Topics
You may opt to consult a list of explanatory essay topics online for inspiration (or just do it here!). If you are a college student, you may find a topic related to your course or a field of study. Look for relevant social or environmental topics in your local community. Seek for the issues that worry your friends and people in your local area.
How to Write an Explanatory Essay
Follow our guide to come up with an excellent essay: 1. Pick an understandable topic. If a professor allows you to choose explanatory essay topics, it's better to focus on subjects that are easy to write about. There's a thing called the " writer's block " which doesn't let you craft any sentence.
How to Write an Explanatory Essay
Begin an explanatory essay with a sentence that defines the topic. Next, write a sentence that includes background information about the subject. Write another sentence with the main idea of the essay. Following that, provide reasons why the reader should care about the topic. To complete your essay, write a conclusion sentence that briefly ...
7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades
But with expository essays, the thought focuses on making sure you understand your topic inside-out and determining the best way to explain it, while with persuasive essays, you're focused on crafting a convincing argument. Follow these steps to turn that blank page into a final manuscript: 1. Choose topic and angle.
22 Explanatory Writing Topics & Prompt Ideas for Students
If additional essay ideas are needed, here are some good expository essay topic ideas for more experienced writers, college students, or anyone who wishes to take their explanatory writing to the next level. Pick a topic and explain or describe: Your favorite hobby; Why space exploration is important; How the internet affects modern day mental ...
135 Exclusive Expository Essay Topics to Try This Year
3 Expository essay topics for high school students. 3.1 New expository essay topics for middle school. 4 90 fresh expository essay topics organized by subject. 4.1 History: 4.2 Culture: 4.3 Social Issues: 4.4 Ethical Issues: 4.5 Health and Wellness: 4.6 Psychology:
140+ Interesting Expository Essay Topics & Ideas for 2024
Expository Essay Topics for Students. 3. Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues. 4. Expository Essay Topics on Health. 5. Expository Essay Topics about Education. An expository essay is a genre that investigates a topic in detail. This paper examines, evaluates, and expounds on an idea, concept, event, object, or subject.
22 Writing Explanatory Essays
The Type of writing is an explanatory essay. Then lead students through the topic-selection strategies. Point them also to pages 44-45 for more topic ideas. Afterward, download and distribute the KWL Chart to help students reflect on their prior knowledge of the topic and organize questions for research.
How to Write an Explanatory Essay
An explanatory essay describes a set of ideas. An explanatory essay focuses on one point of view and supports it with a set of facts. Overview of Explanatory Essay. The purpose of an explanatory essay is to make a topic easier to understand for the reader. An explanatory essay takes the form of a discussion that one might have about this topic.
15 Engaging Explanatory Writing Prompts
The following prompts are meant for high-school level writers. Students may need to research the topics in order to respond with sufficient depth and complexity. 11. Addressing Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying involves using technology to harm, intimidate, and embarrass others.
Explanatory Essay Writing Guide
Explanatory Essay Topics. In most cases, explanatory essay topics are pre-assigned to students by their teachers or college professors. For instance, you can be asked to explain how your brain works or outline the events that led to the 2008 financial crisis.
Expository Essay Topics
Health topics for an expository essay can be explained to the readers through expository writing, and this, in turn, gives them the knowledge to make the right decisions about their well-being. That kind of essay is a bridge that connects difficult medical information with the general population, eliminating health concerns and being health ...
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Essays on a political topic follow the standard essay structure but require deep analysis of ideas. Before you start writing, understand the prompt and research thoroughly to advance your ...
World Health Day 2024
World Health Day 2024 is 'My health, my right'. This year's theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
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Two days after the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Stanford released milquetoast statements marking the "moment of intense emotion" and declaring "deep concern" over "the ...

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