Explanatory Essay Writing Guide
An explanatory essay is a common assignment at different academic levels. In every essay assignment, students are expected to first understand the definition, purpose, and what makes it distinct from other papers. In this case, let’s look into explanatory essays, which are also known as expository essays. Most students find it hard to distinguish these essays from other types of essays, it is therefore important to learn the basics of an excellent explanatory essay.
In this guide, we will help you figure out what an explanatory essay is. We will also provide insights on how to write an explanatory essay, explanatory essay outline, explanatory essay topics, explanatory essay examples among others.
What is an Explanatory Essay?
An explanatory essay provides a clear explanation or description of a certain viewpoint, situation, or event. These essays normally maintain objectivity and factual accuracy. Their main emphasis is to educate and inform readers on facts and details on a particular topic, you are hence expected to conduct in-depth research, seek perspective from various researchers, and organize evidence and illustrations to back up your explanation.
Unlike argumentative essays which aim to persuade, explanatory essays simply aim to present information about a topic. Therefore, one is expected to take a neutral stance on the subject matter by providing an analysis. Personal opinions and emotions should be avoided in these types of essays.
What is the format for an explanatory essay?
The basic explanatory essay format consists of five paragraphs, which include the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This does not mean an explanatory essay is limited to five paragraphs; you can make it longer, but you have to ensure the following;
- Include an impactful thesis statement in your introduction
- Ensure the essay is based on factual evidence and not personal opinion.
- Ensure a smooth transition between your paragraphs.
How to Craft an Explanatory Essay Outline
An outline is important in an explanatory essay as it serves as a plan for your ideas and a roadmap to creating a good explanatory essay. An explanatory essay outline includes the following elements;
Outline of an explanatory essay
1.Introduction
A good explanatory essay introduction consists of the following
- Hook statement: the main purpose of a hook statement is to grasp the attention of the reader. It may be a quote or a fact that draws the attention of the audience.
- Background information: include the relevant background information on the subject matter.
- A clear explanatory thesis: a thesis statement presents the main idea. A clear thesis statement aids the audience in understanding the main idea from a summarized point of view.
- Ensure your thesis statement is integrated into the final sentence of your introduction to provide a summary of what is to be examined in the body paragraphs.
- Body paragraphs
The body normally contains three paragraphs but may have more depending on the complexity of the topic. Each paragraph should have a different approach, with the aim of backing up the thesis statement with evidence from various sources. You should also ensure your body paragraphs transition perfectly to enhance the flow of your essay. Finally, remember to incorporate a concluding statement that goes along with your thesis to sum up the significance of your claims for every paragraph.
- Conclusion
An explanatory essay conclusion proposes to give a summary of the core points of an essay and the closing remarks. Here are tips to follow to construct a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers;
How to write a conclusion for an explanatory essay
- Restate your thesis statement: This reminds the reader of the main points of your essay. It also emphasizes your presented point of view.
- Summarise key points: offer a summary of the main points as discussed in the body paragraphs. This aids the reader in remembering your claim and reinforces the message you intend to present.
- Finish up with a strong concluding statement: conclude by providing a captivating closing statement. Remember to give suggestions on how your analysis can be applied in other situations: the aim is to encourage the reader to further research the topic.
- Do not introduce new ideas: the conclusion is not the place to bring in new ideas. The main purpose of a conclusion is simply to give a summary of your essay’s main points and leave a thought stimulating impression on the readers.
Writing conclusions for explanatory essays
Insights on How to Write an explanatory essay
Here are a steps and tips to follow when writing your explanatory essay;
Understand the instructions of your assignment: commence by carefully reading and understanding the requirements of the assignment.
Select a topic: some instructors provide topics and others do not, if the topic is not provided by your instructor you have to be cautious when picking one. Select a topic that interests you, also pick one with enough information for exploration.
Carry out research: conduct a thorough research to get a complete understanding of the topic. Research material should be from credible sources.
Create your layout or outline: An explanatory essay outline serves to organize your results, ideas and thoughts to ensure you meet the requirements of the essay. A well-organized outline guarantees a perfect flow of your essay.
Draft your explanatory essay: write the first draft of your explanatory essay following the outline laid out.
Incorporate transitional words and phrases: to attain a good flow for your essay, you must ensure your paragraphs transition seamlessly, employ transitional words and phrases ensure a flawless transition. Here are a few examples of transitional words and phrases that you can use in your essay;
- However
- For instance
- On the other hand
- Nevertheless
- In conclusion
- In the same way
Maintain a neutral tone: an explanatory essay does not require you to take a stand therefore concentrate on describing the topic without including your personal opinions or arguments.
Revise your essay: read through your essay to ensure it provides a clear and objective analysis of the subject matter.
Edit and proofread your essay: carefully read through your essay to check and correct any punctuation, grammatical or spelling errors.
Citation: give credit to all the sources you used in your research. The citation format depends on the writing style used.
Seek reviews: give your essay to your peers or persons close to you for a review. This helps in discovering mistakes you may have missed for example grammatical errors.
Writing an explanatory essay introduction
Examples of explanatory essay topics
If your instructor has advised you to choose a topic always remember that explanatory topics are fact-based. Therefore, it is always advisable to pick an impartial topic and that can be analysed easily. Controversial and complex topics call for extensive research which can be tiresome and time-consuming, though you don’t have to worry; our experts at Skilled Tutorials can handle such assignments for you. Engage us today.
Here are Explanatory essay topic examples that you can choose from;
Beginners Explanatory essay topic ideas
- Describe your ideal home.
- Describe your dream job.
- Who is your favourite musician and why?
- Who is your Mentor and why?
- What is your favourite kind of food? why?
- What qualities do you think makes a good person in the society?
- What are the best lessons that parents can teach their kids?
- How do day and night occur?
Interesting explanatory essay topics Ideas
- What are the implications of artificial intelligence on original content creation?
- What are the effects of social media on mental health?
- Analyse the negative and positive impacts of working from home.
- What is your perspective on tattoos?
- Discuss the role of fashion in society.
- What is the impact of hip-hop culture on our society?
- Give a comprehensive breakdown of the human immune system.
College-level Explanatory topics and ideas
- Climate change causes and consequences.
- What is globalization? A brief overview.
- What is cybersecurity?
- What is the role of diversity in higher education?
- College students’ mental health and social media.
- What is the importance of internship for college students?
- Write an Essay on Student Loans and College Graduates.
- Describe the role Of School education in personal growth and development.
Other Explanatory topic ideas
- What is the effect of music on mental well-being?
- Genetic Engineering. Is it ethical?
- Does AI hinder or support the film industry?
- What is your favourite sport?
- Which co-curricular activity do you enjoy the most?
- Explain your understanding of living and existing.
- Describe Healthcare Policy: Influences and Consequences.
- Describe Feminism and its influence on modern-day society.
As you learn how to write explanatory essay you should also read How To Write A Synthesis Essay since there is a huge possibi;lity of coming across it in your course work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an explanatory essay requires proper planning, thorough research, and clear communication of your findings, ideas, and analysis. As we reflect on the steps outlined in this guide, it is evident that the art of writing an explanatory essay is about conveying information and fostering understanding and critical thinking. In this essay, we have explored all the necessary steps and insights to writing a compelling explanatory essay.
Our guide will equip you with all the necessary skills to earn a good grade. If you are experiencing difficulties, our academic assignments help experts at Skilled Tutorials are available 24/7 to assist you.