Expository Essay Writing

Expository Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Good Expository Essay Topics to Impress Everyone

Published on: Apr 30, 2020

Last updated on: Feb 24, 2024

Expository Essay Topics

People also read

Expository Essay Writing - Types, Format, Topics & Examples

Expository Essay Outline - Format Guide with Samples

Types of Expository Writing - Tips & Examples

Expository Essay Examples for Students

Share this article

On This Page On This Page -->

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. Writing this essay type is an important component of academic assignments.

If you are a high school or a college student, writing an expository essay will be mandatory for you. The first thing to make your essay impressive is to choose an amazing title. After that, it is the writer’s first attempt to motivate the audience to read the entire document.

In case you are assigned to write an essay and are looking for some amazing themes. Continue reading this blog to get sample expository essay topics.

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 writer’s 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 topic’s 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 teen’s 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 people’s 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 people’s 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.

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

Expository Essay Topics

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

expository essay topics for grade

61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing

David Schaffer/Getty Images

  • Teaching Resources
  • An Introduction to Teaching
  • Tips & Strategies
  • Policies & Discipline
  • Community Involvement
  • School Administration
  • Technology in the Classroom
  • Teaching Adult Learners
  • Issues In Education
  • Becoming A Teacher
  • Assessments & Tests
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Homeschooling
  • M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
  • B.A., History, University of Florida

Expository essays discuss topics by using facts rather than opinions, requiring students to evaluate and investigate while setting forth their arguments clearly and concisely. Teachers often include expository essays as part of assessments , especially in college-level courses, so students can help themselves succeed by practicing writing these types of essays. When teachers are integrating writing throughout the curriculum, students can use expository essays to demonstrate what they've learned in other courses.

Sample Expository Essay Topics From Students

Tenth-graders wrote the following general expository essay topics. Students can practice writing these topics or use the list to come up with topics of their own. The important thing to remember is that these expository essays are based on facts rather than the writer's beliefs or feelings.

  • Explain why you admire a particular person.
  • Explain why someone you know should be regarded as a leader.
  • Explain why parents are sometimes strict.
  • If you had to be an animal, which would you be and why?
  • Explain why you especially enjoy a particular teacher.
  • Explain why some cities have curfews for teens.
  • Explain why some students are forced to leave school once they are sixteen.
  • Explain how moving from place to place affects teens.
  • Explain why getting a driver's license is an important event in the lives of many teenagers.
  • Describe the major stressors in teens' lives.
  • Explain why you like or don't like working in a team.
  • Describe some nonmaterial things that make you happy.
  • Explain why some teens commit suicide.
  • Explain how music affects your life.
  • Explain the impact of different music genres on society.
  • Explain why students listen to a particular type of music.
  • Explain why some teens skip school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping school.
  • Describe the likely consequences of doing poorly in school.
  • Explain why teens do drugs.
  • Describe the likely consequences of selling drugs.
  • Describe the likely consequences of taking drugs.
  • Explain why teens smoke cigarettes .
  • Explain the likely consequences of being kicked out of school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping classes.
  • Explain the likely consequences of brothers and sisters constantly fighting.
  • Explain why teens wear makeup.
  • Explain the consequences of having alcohol on the school campus.
  • Explain the likely consequences of being sexually active without using protection.
  • Explain why some teens' parents do not like to be alone with their child's boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • Explain the likely consequences of increasing the time between classes from five to 15 minutes.
  • Explain why some teens join gangs.
  • Explain the difficulties some teens have once they are in gangs.
  • Explain how life for a teenager changes once she has a baby.
  • Describe what you feel a boy should do if he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant.
  • Explain why you should or should not laugh at embarrassing moments.
  • Describe the effects of marijuana.
  • Explain the likely consequences of teens becoming sexually active.
  • Explain why it is helpful to organize your materials and activities.
  • Explain why your schoolwork is important.
  • Describe the ways you help out at home.
  • Explain the likely consequences of abolishing capital punishment.
  • Explain the consequences of adopting a pass/fail grading system.
  • Explain the likely consequences of enforcing an 11:00 p.m. curfew.
  • Explain the likely consequences of ending forced busing.
  • Explain why some teenagers dislike saying the pledge to the flag.
  • Explain why some schools don't have open lunch policies.
  • Explain why most teenagers are materialistic.
  • Explain why some teens get jobs.
  • Explain the consequences of having a job while in high school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of dropping out of school.
  • Describe some productive ways students can spend their leisure time.
  • Explain why dealing with their parents' divorce can be difficult for many teens.
  • Explain why teens love their parents even when family situations are difficult.
  • Describe the things that bring you the greatest happiness.
  • Describe three things you would like to change the world and explain why you would change them.
  • Explain why you prefer living in an apartment (or house).
  • Describe the likely consequences of requiring a childbearing license.
  • Describe three objects that symbolize our culture and explain why you selected them.
  • Explain why you are interested in a particular career.
  • Explain the likely consequences of requiring students to wear school uniforms.
  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
  • Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
  • Writing Prompts for 7th Grade
  • Topical Organization Essay
  • Halloween Lesson Plan Ideas
  • Understanding What an Expository Essay Is
  • 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
  • Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders
  • ACT Writing Sample Essay Topics
  • Common Topics for Graduate School Admissions Essays
  • Second Grade Writing Prompts
  • 30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
  • First Grade Writing Prompts
  • A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice

Expository Essay Guide

Expository Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Expository Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Apr 7, 2020

Expository Essay Topics

“Expository” comes from the word explanatory. It means explaining everything in depth, increasing the reader’s understanding, and effectively conveying the writer’s message.

Expository writing is not subjective like a persuasive essay. It doesn't just state opinions and beliefs but rather uses authentic facts to support your argument objectively.

For a good essay, you need a great essay topic. Therefore, continue reading this blog and get a complete list of the best expository essay topics.

Expository Essay Topics

On this Page

Expository Essay Topics for Students

Before writing an essay, you need to have an interesting topic, and an expository essay is no different.

Some professors assign the same topic for the expository essay to the entire class. However, if you have the liberty to choose a topic, this is the right place for you.

We have gathered a list of good expository essay topics for students of all levels.

Expository Essay Topics for University Students

  • Is it important to read the book before watching the movie?
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping classes.
  • Express your understanding of morality.
  • Explain why teens smoke cigarettes.
  • The causes of terrorism in modern times.How to be a smart consumer.
  • What qualities make someone popular?
  • Why is diversity in a workplace important?
  • How do the stages of personality develop in childhood?
  • Cost of living on the moon.

Expository Essay Topics for College Students

  • Should people work on artificial intelligence?
  • Why are college papers so tough?
  • What are some useful ways that students can utilize their free time?
  • Can youngsters learn something useful from playing video games?
  • Is there a way to decrease the influence of social media on our lives?
  • Does our emotional state affect our memory?
  • How can you improve your life in a year?
  • Do you ever plan on changing the world? And how?
  • What are some ways to find out if someone is lying? How can you spot a liar?
  • How can one be a wise consumer?

Expository Essay Topics for High School

  • Why is it necessary to create the expository essay outline?
  • What is the role of the family in our lives? How important is family?
  • Does science help improve the human lifespan?
  • How to write your paper like professionals?
  • What are the benefits of working out?
  • What stages do you go through before making a decision?
  • Is a good essay prompt a sign of a successful essay?
  • What are some benefits of knowing multiple foreign languages?
  • What are the different types of essays?
  • Why are teenagers fascinated by alcohol and drugs?

Order Essay

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Does another person’s point of view matter?
  • The person I admire and why?
  • What are the effects of global warming?
  • What do you want to become and why?
  • How can we save the planet?
  • Should there be uniforms in schools?
  • What is your favorite sport, and what do you enjoy most about it?
  • How does essay writing service work?
  • Describe your first memory, and what makes it memorable?
  • What is your favorite subject at school?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 6

  • Explain why teens wear makeup.
  • What makes a good friend?
  • How might your upbringing affect your personality?
  • Global warming and its solutions.
  • What's the worst way to study for finals?
  • Write a report about your trip to the museum.
  • How does pop music influence our way of living?
  • Explain how modern advertising is a danger to our society.
  • How do you plan to change your school?
  • Which strong points do you have?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • How to become a leader?
  • Explain why you admire a particular person.
  • Types of eating disorders.
  • How can you stop racism?
  • How to study?
  • What is your favorite cartoon?
  • What poem had a profound effect on you and why?
  • Steps to saving the planet.
  • How does a coffee house help run away from school?
  • How real is fusion power?

Funny Expository Essay Topics

  • How can you make a gloomy person smile?
  • What can you do to kill time at work?
  • How to stop being a hoarder?
  • How to stop being an impulse shopper?
  • How can one stop binge-watching random shows?
  • What is the most ineffective way to prepare for a big test?
  • The worst profession there is, and why do people choose it?
  • Is China the cause of overpopulation in the world?
  • What are some weird superstitions that someone you know has?
  • The most ridiculous fashion trends of all time.

Interesting Expository Essay Topics

  • An author(s) who changed the way people think.
  • Do geeks become successful adults?
  • What is an interesting website idea, and how to make it?
  • How can the internet be used for combating unemployment?
  • Will space travel ever become commercialized?
  • What are some pros and cons of having a part-time job in high school?
  • Why do writers create the thesis statement?
  • What is the best treatment for mental health illnesses like anxiety, depression, etc.?
  • Can people get over their fear of heights?
  • Is art effective in curing psychological issues?

Expository Essay Topics About Education

  • Explain why it is important to learn to read.
  • Why do some students drop out of school?
  • What do you think are the benefits of studying math?
  • Why do great topics make the essay perfect?
  • How does one get a college scholarship?
  • What is the history of your college?
  • How to write a compare and contrast essay?
  • Is there a need for higher education to be free for every child?
  • The role of education in national development.
  • How do you choose great topic ideas for an essay?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

  • Hobbies for teenagers to avoid.
  • Are teenagers materialistic?
  • Why do teens run away from home?
  • Why is depression on the rise in America?
  • Why do some teens get jobs while others don’t?
  • Poverty and social life.
  • Does Instagram change the way we perceive our lives?
  • What phenomena can be considered social issues?
  • Forced migration.
  • Why do parents lie?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Controversial Expository Essay Topics

  • Are females better students than males?
  • Why are siblings constantly fighting?
  • Why do students decide to join gangs?
  • Will banning free soda refills help to fight obesity?
  • Live under the poverty line.
  • Killing animals for their fur
  • Psychological causes of racism
  • Explain why parents are sometimes strict.
  • People are supporting other country’s leaders.
  • What symbolizes your culture?

Expository Essay Topics Consumer Culture

  • The positive and negative effects of consumer culture.
  • Understanding the modern consumer culture.
  • Consumer culture in China and the middle class.
  • Consumer culture is central to understanding contemporary identities.
  • Consumerism in consumer culture.Advertising and consumer culture.
  • Explain consumer culture.
  • Consumption, and consumption’s role in our everyday life.
  • Urban consumer culture.
  • The Chinese consumer culture.

Expository Essay Topics 2022

  • Why is it so important to have friends while you are at school?
  • Describe the relationship between dogs and people.
  • Pros and cons of getting financial aid.The many benefits of exercising regularly.
  • What is your brightest dream about the future?
  • Define the latest developments in human brain study.
  • Which religion will you introduce to your children?
  • Describe the ways you help out at home.
  • Which voting system is the fairest?
  • Why is writing an expository essay difficult?

Expository Essay Topics on Health

  • How does advertising influence healthy food choices?
  • Explain how doctors train to become qualified.
  • What makes a good psychotherapist?
  • What is life?
  • Discuss the importance of mental health.
  • Fibromyalgia: is it a disease?
  • Does music affect our state of health?
  • Does expressing your emotions help?
  • What are some effective ways to stay healthy?
  • Does mental health matter?

Need more topics for your essay?

Use our essay topic generator and get unique ideas for your essay!

These were some sample expository essay topics that can help you get an idea of a good topic.

However, do you still need help in the topic-selection phase? Don’t worry; just contact 5StarEssays.com and get professional writers’ help. All your ‘write my essay’ requests answered by expert essay writers.

So, contact us now and get the well-written essay on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 types of expository writing.

Here are the 5 types of expository writing.

  • Descriptive essay
  • Comparison essay
  • Problem solution essay
  • Process essay
  • Cause and effect essay

What is an example of an expository essay?

Expository writing is the most popular type of academic and non-academic writing. Common examples are:

  • Newspapers articles
  • Assembly instructions
  • How to manuals

Donna C.

Marketing, Literature

Donna has garnered the best reviews and ratings for her work. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics but is particularly interested in social issues, current events, and human interest stories. She is a sought-after voice in the industry, known for her engaging, professional writing style.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

  • Expository Essay - A Complete Guideline to Help You Write

Expository Essay Topics

  • 5+ Expository Essay Examples to Help you Get Started

Expository Essay Topics

  • How to Write an Expository Essay Outline - Complementary Template Added

Expository Essay Topics

People Also Read

  • qualitative vs quantitative research
  • poetry writing
  • expository essay topics
  • critical essay writing
  • book report outline

Burdened With Assignments?

Bottom Slider

Advertisement

  • Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Facebook Social Icon

expository essay topics for grade

How to Write an Expository Essay: Definition, Outline, Writing Tips, and Examples

expository essay topics for grade

In the realm of academic writing, this type of essay stands as a beacon of clarity, demanding writers to illuminate a subject with precision and objectivity. Whether you're a seasoned essayist or a student embarking on your first exploration of this genre, mastering the art of expository writing is a valuable skill that transcends disciplines. This form of essay invites you to delve into expository essay topics, dissect their intricacies, and present your findings in a straightforward manner. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the terrain of expository writing, unraveling the techniques and strategies that transform a mere composition into a beacon of insight. From understanding the fundamental principles to honing your ability to craft a compelling thesis, join us on a journey that promises to demystify the process of writing, empowering you to articulate ideas with clarity and purpose. Or, you can get our essay writing help and take care of other important tasks set for today.

What Is an Expository Essay

An expository essay is a form of academic writing that aims to elucidate, clarify, and present a balanced analysis of a particular topic or idea. Unlike other essay types that may delve into personal opinions or narratives, the expository essay emphasizes objectivity and factual accuracy. The primary objective is to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation of the chosen subject, exploring its various facets, presenting evidence, and ensuring a logical progression of ideas. 

What Is an Expository Essay

According to an expository essay definition, this genre requires the writer to delve into research, organize information systematically, and deliver a coherent and informative piece that educates the reader on the chosen topic. Whether investigating a scientific concept, historical event, or literary work, it serves as a vehicle for conveying knowledge in a concise, lucid manner.

Expository Essay Examples

An expository essay example serves as a valuable tool for students, offering a concrete illustration of the structure, style, and depth expected in this genre of writing. By studying examples, students gain insights into effective thesis formulation, organizing ideas within paragraphs, and integrating supporting evidence to bolster arguments. 

Additionally, examples showcase how to balance factual accuracy and engaging prose, providing a model for clear and concise communication. Students can draw inspiration from the content and presentation of well-crafted expository essays, honing their own skills in research, analysis, and effective expression. By the way, we have an interesting autobiography example , so check it out!

Example 1: “The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence”

This expository essay explores the multifaceted evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), examining its historical roots, contemporary applications across various industries, and the consequential societal impact. It provides a comprehensive overview of AI's journey from philosophical debates and early computational developments to its current role as a transformative force in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and entertainment. Additionally, the essay addresses ethical considerations surrounding the widespread adoption of AI, including concerns related to job displacement, privacy, and responsible development. Ultimately, it navigates the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, shedding light on its remarkable advancements and its challenges to our ever-changing society.

Example 2: “The Benefits of Outdoor Education for Children”

This essay highlights the advantages of outdoor education for children, emphasizing its positive impacts on their physical, mental, and social development. It argues that outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and team sports not only promote physical health by encouraging movement and reducing sedentary behavior but also contribute to mental well-being by providing a respite from everyday stressors and fostering a connection with nature. Furthermore, it suggests that exposure to outdoor environments cultivates environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship among children.

Need some help with your homework? 

Get help from our expository essay writing service ! Leave us a notice and we'll make your tasks asap.

Types of Expository Essay

Expository essays come in several distinct types, each serving a unique purpose and requiring specific approaches to convey information effectively. One common categorization includes:

  • Descriptive Expository Essay. This type focuses on painting a vivid picture of a subject, using sensory details to engage the reader's imagination. It aims to create a clear and sensory-rich portrayal of a person, place, object, or experience.
  • Process Expository Essay. Here, the writer breaks down a complex process or procedure into manageable steps, providing a detailed and sequential explanation. This type of essay is instructional, guiding readers through a series of actions to achieve a specific outcome.
  • Comparison and Contrast Expository Essay. This form involves analyzing similarities and differences between two or more subjects, offering insights into their shared characteristics or divergent qualities. It requires a careful examination of the chosen elements to highlight their relationships.
  • Cause and Effect Expository Essay. Focused on exploring the reasons behind an occurrence and its subsequent consequences, this type delves into the cause-and-effect relationships within a given topic. Writers elucidate the connections between actions and outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • Problem and Solution Expository Essay. Addressing real-world issues, this essay type identifies a specific problem, analyzes its root causes, and proposes viable solutions. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, compelling readers to consider alternative approaches to challenges.
  • Definition Expository Essay. This essay seeks to clarify and explain the meaning of a particular term, concept, or idea. Writers provide a comprehensive definition, often including examples and illustrations to ensure readers grasp the essence of the subject.
  • Cause and Effect Expository Essay. This type of essay examines the reasons behind a particular phenomenon or event and explores its subsequent effects. It aims to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, allowing readers to comprehend the interconnected elements of the topic.

Understanding these diverse types of essays empowers writers to choose the most suitable approach for effectively conveying information and achieving their communicative goals. Our experts can rewrite essay that you already did according to any of the above-mentioned types.

Expository Essay Topics

Selecting compelling expository essay topics requires thoughtful consideration of both personal interest and the potential engagement of the intended audience. Start by identifying subjects that genuinely captivate your curiosity or align with your expertise, as this enthusiasm will naturally infuse vigor into your writing. Additionally, assess the topic's relevance in the broader context, ensuring it addresses contemporary issues or timeless themes. 

Consider the audience's interests, aiming for subjects that resonate with their experiences or evoke a sense of shared relevance. Striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility is key—opt for topics that allow you to offer fresh perspectives while ensuring there is ample research material available. Ultimately, the best topics seamlessly blend your passion, the audience's interests, and the broader significance of the chosen subject, ensuring a captivating and informative exploration for both writer and reader alike. Here are expository essay ideas from our writers for your inspiration:

Expository Essay Topics

  • The influence of art on human emotions.
  • Exploring the life cycle of a star.
  • Tips for sustainable living in urban areas.
  • The impact of social media on political awareness.
  • How to cultivate a positive mindset in challenging times.
  • The history and cultural significance of tattoos.
  • The process of recycling electronic waste.
  • Benefits of incorporating meditation into daily routines.
  • The role of laughter in maintaining mental health.
  • Understanding the psychology of decision-making.
  • The impact of fashion on individual expression.
  • Tips for effective conflict resolution in relationships.
  • The science behind the sense of taste.
  • The significance of biodiversity in ecosystems.
  • Exploring the history of traditional folk music.
  • How to foster a sense of community in a neighborhood.
  • The benefits of learning a musical instrument.
  • The evolution of communication technologies.
  • The process of seed germination in plants.
  • Tips for creating a productive home office space.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets.
  • Understanding the concept of emotional intelligence.
  • The benefits of practicing gratitude daily.
  • The history and cultural importance of tea.
  • How to develop effective public speaking skills.
  • Exploring the world of virtual reality technology.
  • The significance of water purification methods.
  • Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • The process of making sustainable food choices.
  • The role of literature in shaping societal norms.

Expository Essay Outline

An outline for expository essay is a structured plan that serves as a roadmap for organizing the main ideas and supporting details of the essay in a logical and coherent manner. While the specific structure may vary based on the assignment or preferences, a typical outline generally includes the following components, beginning with how to start an expository essay:

expository essay outline

Expository Essay Introduction

  • Hook or attention-grabbing statement.
  • Background information on the topic.
  • Clear thesis statement that presents the main idea.

Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

  • Topic sentence for each paragraph, presenting a main point or supporting idea.
  • Supporting evidence, facts, or examples to illustrate and explain the topic sentence.
  • Analysis or interpretation of the evidence to connect it back to the thesis.

Expository Essay Conclusion

  • Restatement of the thesis in different words.
  • Summary of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
  • Concluding thoughts or insights, possibly suggesting implications or future considerations.

Transitions

  • Smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure a cohesive flow of ideas.
  • Clear connections between sentences and paragraphs to guide the reader through the essay.

Revising and Editing

  • Space for notes on areas that may need revision or improvement.
  • Consideration of clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.

By creating an expository essay outline, a college essay writer can organize their thoughts, ensure a logical progression of ideas, and maintain a clear and concise structure. This framework helps writers stay focused on the main purpose of the essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a particular subject – while providing a roadmap for readers to follow and comprehend the information presented.

How to Write an Expository Essay Step by Step

Writing an expository essay involves a systematic process that ensures clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in conveying information. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft an expository essay:

Choose a Topic

  • Select a topic that interests you and aligns with the purpose of an expository essay – to inform, explain, or analyze a subject.

Conduct Research

  • Gather relevant and credible information to support your chosen topic. 
  • Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites.

Create an Outline

  • Develop a clear and organized outline that includes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Each section should have a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of the essay.

Write the Introduction

  • Start with an attention-grabbing hook that relates to your topic. 
  • Provide background information and context, leading to a concise and focused thesis statement that outlines the main idea.

Develop Body Paragraphs

  • Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point. 
  • Support the topic sentence with evidence, facts, or examples. 
  • Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, using transitions to guide the reader.

Provide Evidence

  • Support your points with credible evidence and examples. 
  • Ensure that each piece of evidence directly relates to the topic sentence and supports the overall thesis of the essay.

Analyze and Interpret

  • After presenting evidence, analyze and interpret it. 
  • Explain the significance of the evidence and how it relates to your thesis. 
  • This step helps to ensure that your audience understands the relevance of the information presented.

Write the Conclusion

  • Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs without introducing new information. 
  • Restate the thesis in different words and offer concluding insights or implications related to the topic.

Revise and Edit

  • Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. 
  • Check for grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. 
  • Consider feedback from others or take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
  • Carefully proofread your essay to catch any remaining errors, typos, or issues. 
  • Pay attention to grammar and punctuation.

By following these steps, you can systematically approach the writing process and create a well-organized and informative expository essay. Remember to stay focused on the purpose of informing, explaining, or analyzing the chosen topic throughout the entire writing process.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write an expository essay offers students several important advantages. First off, it helps them express their thoughts clearly and organize ideas effectively, skills that are useful not only in academics but also in various professional situations where clear communication is key. 

Moreover, writing expository essays improves critical thinking as students practice analyzing information, connecting ideas, and presenting well-supported arguments. This skill is valuable in everyday decision-making and problem-solving scenarios. 

Additionally, the process of crafting such essays enhances research abilities, teaching students how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. Overall, mastering expository writing equips students with practical, transferable skills that can positively impact their academic and professional pursuits. You can use our research paper service to cope with assignments better and faster.

Want to Ace Your Expository Writing? 

Your wish is our command - order now and experience the excellence of our expert writers!

What are the Different Types of Expository Essays?

What is the most important part of the expository essay structure, what is the main idea in expository writing.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

expository essay topics for grade

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

statement of purpose

Literacy Ideas

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

' data-src=

WHAT IS AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY?

An Expository essay ‘exposes’ information to the reader to describe or explain a particular topic logically and concisely.

The purpose of expository writing is to educate or inform the reader first and foremost.

Though the term is sometimes used to include persuasive writing , which exposes us to new ways of thinking, a true expository text does not allow the writer’s personal opinion to intrude into the text and should not be confused.

Expository Writing follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting information and examples, and a conclusion summarising key points and reinforcing the thesis. Common expository essays include process, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and informative essays.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY STRUCTURE

TEXT ORGANIZATION Organize your thoughts before writing.

CLARITY Use clear and concise wording. There is no room for banter.

THESIS STATEMENT State position in direct terms.

TOPIC SENTENCE Open each paragraph with a topic sentence.

SUPPORTING DETAIL Support the topic sentence with further explanation and evidence.

LINK End each body paragraph by linking to the next.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY TYPES

PROCESS Tell your audience how to achieve something, such as how to bake a cake.

CAUSE & EFFECT Explore relationships between subjects, such as climate change and its impact.

PROBLEM & SOLUTION Explain how to solve a problem, such as improving physical fitness.

COMPARE & CONTRAST Compare and contrast two or more items, such as life in China life vs life in the United States or Australia.

DEFINITION Provides a detailed definition of a word or phrase, such as self-confidence.

CLASSIFICATION Organizes things into categories or groups, such as types of music.

STRUCTURE & FEATURES OF EXPOSITORY WRITING

While there are many types of expository essays, the basic underlying structure is the same. The Hamburger or 5-Paragraph Essay structure is an excellent scaffold for students to build their articles. Let’s explore the expository essay outline.

INTRODUCTION:

This is the top bun of the burger, and here the student introduces the exposition topic. This usually consists of a general statement on the subject, providing an essay overview. It may also preview each significant section, indicating what aspects of the subject will be covered in the text. These sections will likely relate to the headings and subheadings identified at the planning stage.

If the introduction is the top bun of the burger, then each body paragraph is a beef patty. Self-contained in some regards, each patty forms an integral part of the whole.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS

Each body paragraph deals with one idea or piece of information. More complex topics may be grouped under a common heading, and the number of paragraphs will depend on the complexity of the topic. For example, an expository text on wolves may include a series of paragraphs under headings such as habitat, breeding habits, what they eat, etc.

Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence indicating to the reader what the paragraph is about. The following sentences should further illuminate this main idea through discussion and/or explanation. Encourage students to use evidence and examples here, whether statistical or anecdotal. Remind students to keep things factual – this is not an editorial piece for a newspaper!

expository essays | BlueandCreamSimpleExpositoryGraphicOrganizer | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Expository writing is usually not the place for flowery flourishes of figurative imagery! Students should be encouraged to select a straightforward language that is easy for the reader to understand. After all, the aim here is to inform and explain, and this is best achieved with explicit language.

As we’ve seen, several variations of the expository essay exist, but the following are the most common features students must include.

The title should be functional. It should instantly inform the reader what they will learn about in the text. This is not the place for opaque poetry!

A table of contents in long essays will help the reader locate helpful information quickly. Usually, the page numbers found here will be linked to headings and subheadings to be found in the text.

HEADINGS / SUBHEADINGS:

These assist the reader in finding information by summarizing the content in their wording.

expository essays | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Usually listed alphabetically, the glossary defines unusual or topic-specific vocabulary and is sometimes accompanied by pictures, illustrations etc.

The index lets the reader identify where to find specific information in longer texts. An index is much more detailed than a table of contents.

VISUAL FORMS OF INFORMATION

Expository essays sometimes support the text with visuals, such as:

  • Pictures / Illustrations / Photographs:

These can be used to present a central idea or concept within the text and are often accompanied by a caption explaining what the image shows. Photographs can offer a broad overview or a close-up of essential details.

expository essays | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Diagrams are a great way to convey complex information quickly. They should be labelled clearly to ensure the reader knows what they are looking at.

  • Charts and Graphs:

These are extremely useful for showing data and statistics in an easy-to-read manner. They should be labelled clearly and correspond to the information in the nearby text.

Maps may be used to explain where something is or was located. 

THE ULTIMATE NONFICTION WRITING TEACHING RESOURCE

expository essays | nonfiction writing unit | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

  • 270  pages of the most effective teaching strategies
  • 50+   digital tools  ready right out of the box
  • 75   editable resources  for student   differentiation  
  • Loads of   tricks and tips  to add to your teaching tool bag
  • All explanations are reinforced with  concrete examples.
  • Links to  high-quality video  tutorials
  • Clear objectives  easy to match to the demands of your curriculum

Types of expository essay

There are many different types of expository texts (e.g. encyclopaedias, travel guides, information reports , etc.), but there are also various expository essays, with the most common being.

  • Process Essays
  • Cause and Effect Essays
  • Problem and Solution Essays
  • Compare and Contrast Essays
  • Definition Essays
  • Classification Essays

We will examine each of these in greater detail in the remainder of this article, as they have slight nuances and differences that make them unique. The graphic below explains the general structure for all text types from the expository writing family.

THE PROCESS ESSAY

expository essays | expository essay types1 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

This how-to essay often takes the form of a set of instructions. Also known as a procedural text , the process essay has very specific features that guide the reader on how to do or make something.

To learn more about this type of writing, check out our information-packed article here .

Features of a process essay

Some of the main features of the process essay include:

  • ‘How to’ title
  • Numbered or bullet points
  • Time connectives
  • Imperatives (bossy words)
  • List of resources

Example Expository Process Essay:

The cause and effect essay.

expository essays | expository essay types4 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

The purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to explore the causal relationships between things. Essays like this often bring the focus back to a single cause. These essays frequently have a historical focus.

The text should focus on facts rather than assumptions as an expository essay. However, cause-and-effect essays sometimes explore hypothetical situations too.

There are two main ways to structure a cause-and-effect essay.

The Block Structure presents all the causes first. The writer then focuses on the effects of these causes in the second half of the essay.

The Chain Structure presents each cause and then immediately follows with the effects it created.

expository essays | expository essay template4 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Example Expository Cause and Effect Essay:

The problem and solution essay.

expository essays | expository essay types5 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

In this type of essay, the writer first identifies a problem and then explores the topic from various angles to ultimately propose a solution. It is similar to the cause-and-effect essay.

While the problem and solution essay can use the block and chain structures as outlined above – substitute cause with problem and effect with a solution – it will also usually work through the following elements:

  • Identifies a problem
  • Contains a clear thesis statement
  • Each paragraph has a topic sentence
  • Supports with facts, examples, evidence
  • The conclusion summarizes the main points

Suggested Title: What Can Be Done to Prevent Bullying in Schools?

Example Expository Problem and Solution Essay:

The compare and contrast essay.

expository essays | expository essay types6 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

In this type of essay, students evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more things, ideas, people, etc. Usually, the subjects will belong to the same category.

The compare-and-contrast expository essay can be organized in several different ways. Three of these are outlined below.

In the three structures outlined, it is assumed that two subjects are being compared and contrasted. Of course, the precise number of paragraphs required in the text will depend on the number of points the student wishes to make and the number of subjects being compared and contrasted.

Suggested Title: In-Class or Remote Learning: Which Is Best?

expository essays | expository essay template1 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

DEFINITION ESSAYS

expository essays | expository essay types2 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

This type of essay provides a detailed description and definition of a word or phrase. It can be a concrete term, such as car or glass, or a more abstract concept, such as love or fear .

A definition essay comprehensively explains a term’s purpose and meaning. It will frequently contain some or all of the following elements:

  • A definition of the term
  • An analysis of its meaning
  • The etymology of the term
  • A comparison to related terms
  • Examples to illustrate the meaning
  • A summary of the main points

Example Expository Definition Essay:

CLASSIFICATION ESSAYS

expository essays | expository essay types3 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Like definition essays, a classification essay sorts or organizes things into various groups or categories and explains each group or category in detail.

Classification essays focus on:

  • Sorting things into functional categories
  • Ensuring each category follows a common organizing principle
  • Provides examples that illustrate each category.

Example Expository Classification Essay:

expository essays | what is an expository essay | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

One of the best ways to understand the different features of expository essays is to see them in action. The sample essay below is a definition essay but shares many features with other expository essays.

expository essays | expository essay example | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPTS

expository essays | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

Examples of Expository Essay Titles

 Expository essay prompts are usually pretty easy to spot.

 They typically contain keywords that ask the student to explain something, such as “define,” “outline,” “describe,” or, most directly of all, “explain.”

 This article will examine the purpose of an expository essay and its structure. It will also examine the primary language and stylistic features of this vital text type.

 After this, we’ll explore five distinct tips for helping your students get the most out of writing their expository essays.

Expository Essays vs Argumentative Essays

 Expository essays are often confused with their close cousin, the argumentative essay. Still, it’s easy to help students distinguish between the two by quickly examining their similarities and differences.

 In an expository essay, students will attempt to write about a thing or a concept neutrally and objectively, unlike an argumentative essay where the writer’s opinions permeate the text throughout. Simple as it sounds, this may take some doing for some students as it requires the writer to refine their personal voice almost out of existence!

 Luckily, choosing the correct viewpoint from which to write the essay can go a long way to helping students achieve the desired objectivity. Generally, students should write their expository essays from the third-person perspective.

Contrastingly, argumentative essays are subjective in nature and will usually be written from the first-person perspective as a result.

 In an expository essay, the text’s prime focus is the topic rather than the writer’s feelings on that topic. For the writer, disassociating their personal feelings on a topic is much easier when they’re a step removed from the narration by using the third-person POV rather than the first-person POV.

Expository Essay Tips

Follow these top tips from the experts to craft an amazing expository essay.

expository essays | img 60ffaf0c39e69 | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

 Tip #1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

writing-tools

Surprising as it may seem, not all expository essays are created equal.

 In fact, there are several different types of expository essays, and our students must learn to recognize each and choose the correct one for their specific needs when producing their own expository essays.

 To do this, students will need to know the 5 types of expository essays:

  • The Cause and Effect Essay : This type of essay requires that the writer explain why something happened and what occurred due to that event and subsequent events. It explores the relationship between people, ideas, events, or things and other people, ideas, events, or things.
  • The Compare and Contrast Essay: In a compare and contrast essay, the writer examines the similarities and differences between two subjects or ideas throughout the body of the piece and usually brings things together in an analysis at the end .
  • The Descriptive Essay: This is a very straightforward expository essay with a detailed description or explanation of a topic. The topic may be an event, place, person, object, or experience. This essay’s direct style is balanced with the freedom of the writer can inject some of their creativity into the description.
  • The Problem and Solution Essay : In this expository essay, the student will work to find valid solutions to a specific problem or problem.
  • The Process Essay : Also called a how-to essay, this essay type is similar to instruction writing, except in essay form. It provides a step-by-step procedure breakdown to teach the reader how to do something.

 When choosing a specific topic to write about, students should consider several factors:

 ●      Do they know the topic well enough to explain the ins and outs of the subject to an unfamiliar audience?

 ●      Do they have enough interest in this topic to sustain thorough research and writing about it?

 ●      Is enough relevant information and credible sources available to fuel the student’s writing on this topic?

Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly

Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

A common problem for students while researching is that sometimes they don’t have a clear understanding of the objective of their research. They lack a clear focus on their efforts.

Research is not mindlessly scanning documents and scrawling occasional notes. As with any part of the writing process, it begins with determining clear objectives.

Often, students will start the research process with a broad focus, and as they continue researching, they will naturally narrow their focus as they learn more about the topic.

Take the time to help students understand that writing isn’t only about expressing what we think; it’s also about discovering what we think.

When researching, students should direct their efforts to the following:

REad our complete guide to researching here

  • Gather Supporting Evidence : The research process is not only for uncovering the points to be made within the essay but also the evidence to support those points. The aim here is to provide an objective description or analysis of the topic; therefore, the student will need to gather relevant supporting evidence, such as facts and statistics, to bolster their writing. Usually, each paragraph will open with a topic sentence, and subsequent sentences in the paragraph will focus on providing a factual, statistical, and logical analysis of the paragraph’s main point.
  • Cite Sources : It’s an essential academic skill to be able to cite sources accurately. There are several accepted methods of doing this, and you must choose a citation style appropriate to your student’s age, abilities, and context. However, whatever style you choose, students should get used to citing any sources they use in their essays, either in the form of embedded quotations, endnotes, or bibliography – or all three!
  • Use Credible Sources: The Internet has profoundly impacted knowledge sharing as the Gutenberg Press did almost 600 years ago. It has provided unparalleled access to the sum total of human knowledge as never before, with each student having a dizzying number of sources available at their fingertips. However, we must ensure our students understand that not all sources are created equal. Encourage students to seek credible sources in their research and filter out the more dubious sources. Some questions students can ask themselves to help determine a source’s credibility include:

●      Have I searched thoroughly enough to find the most relevant sources for my topic?

●      Has this source been published recently? Is it still relevant?

●      Has the source been peer-reviewed? Have other sources confirmed this source?

●      What is the publication’s reputation?

●      Is the author an expert in their field?

●      Is the source fact-based or opinion-based?

Tip #3: Sketch an Outline

Every kid knows you can’t find the pirate treasure without a map, which is true of essay writing. Using their knowledge of the essay’s structure, students start whipping their research notes into shape by creating an outline for their essay.

The 5-paragraph essay or ‘Hamburger’ essay provides a perfect template for this.

Students start by mapping out an appealing introduction built around the main idea of their essay. Then, from their mound of research, they’ll extract their most vital ideas to assign to the various body paragraphs of their text.

Finally, they’ll sketch out their conclusion, summarize their essay’s main points, and, where appropriate, make their final statement on the topic.

Tip #4: Write a Draft

Title chosen? Check! Topic researched? Check! Outline sketched? Check!

Well, then, it’s time for the student to begin writing in earnest by completing the first draft of their essay.

They’ll already have a clear idea of the shape their essay will take from their research and outlining processes, but ensure your students allow themselves some leeway to adapt as the writing process throws up new ideas and problems.

That said, students will find it helpful to refer back to their thesis statement and outline to help ensure they stay on track as they work their way through the writing process towards their conclusions.

As students work through their drafts, encourage them to use transition words and phrases to help them move smoothly through the different sections of their essays.

Sometimes, students work directly from an outline as if on a checklist. This can sometimes be seen as the finished essay resembling Frankenstein. That is an incongruous series of disparate body parts crudely stitched together.

Learning to use transitions effectively will help students create an essay that is all of a whole, with all the joins and seams sanded and smoothed from view.

Tip #5: Edit with a Fresh Pair of Eyes

eagle-owl-fresh-eyes.jpg

Once the draft is complete, students enter the final crucial editing stage.

But, not so hasty! Students must pencil in some time to let their drafts ‘rest’. If the editing process occurs immediately after the student finishes writing their draft, they’ll likely overlook much.

Editing is best done when students have time to gain a fresh perspective on their work. Ideally, this means leaving the essay overnight or over a few nights. However, practically, this isn’t always possible. Usually, though, it will be possible for students to put aside their writing for a few hours.

With the perspective that only time gives, when returning to their work, students can identify areas for improvement that they may have missed. Some important areas for students to look at in the editing process include:

  • Bias : Students need to remember the purpose of this essay is to present a balanced and objective description of the topic. They need to ensure they haven’t let their own personal bias slip through during the writing process – an all too easy thing to do!
  • Clarity : Clarity is as much a function of structure as language. Students must ensure their paragraphs are well organized and express their ideas clearly. Where necessary, some restructuring and rewriting may be required.
  • Proofread: With stylistic and structural matters taken care of, it’s now time for the student to shift their focus onto matters of spelling , vocabulary choice, grammar, and punctuation. This final proofread represents the last run-through of the editing process. It’s the students’ final chance to catch mistakes and errors that may bias the assessor (aka You! ) against the effectiveness of the piece of writing. Where the text has been word-processed, the student can enlist inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers to help. Still, they should also take the time to go through each line word by word. Automatic checkers are a helpful tool, but they are a long way from infallible, and the final judgement on a text should employ the writer’s own judgement.

Expository essays are relatively straightforward pieces of writing. By following the guidelines mentioned above and practising them regularly, students can learn to produce well-written expository essays quickly and competently.

Explaining and describing events and processes objectively and clearly is a useful skill that students can add to their repertoire. Although it may seem challenging at first, with practice, it will become natural.

To write a good expository essay, students need a good understanding of its basic features and a firm grasp of the hamburger essay structure. As with any writing genre, prewriting is essential, particularly for expository writing.

Since expository writing is designed primarily to inform the reader, sound research and note-taking are essential for students to produce a well-written text. Developing these critical skills is an excellent opportunity for students through expository writing, which will be helpful to them as they continue their education.

Redrafting and editing are also crucial for producing a well-written expository essay. Students should double-check facts and statistics, and the language should be edited tightly for concision.

And, while grading their efforts, we might even learn a thing or two ourselves!

expository essays | HOW TO WRITE EXPOSITORY ESSAYS | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

ARTICLES RELATED TO EXPOSITORY ESSAY WRITING

expository essays | how to start an essay 1 | How to Start an Essay with Strong Hooks and Leads | literacyideas.com

How to Start an Essay with Strong Hooks and Leads

expository essays | how to write a 5 paragraph essay | How to write a perfect 5 Paragraph Essay | literacyideas.com

How to write a perfect 5 Paragraph Essay

expository essays | 7 top 5 essay writing tips | Top 5 Essay Writing Tips | literacyideas.com

Top 5 Essay Writing Tips

expository essays | 1 research strategies for students | Top Research strategies for Students | literacyideas.com

Top Research strategies for Students

Crunch Gradedsds

  • Online Calculus Tutors
  • Online Geometry Tutors
  • Online Algebra Tutors
  • Online Trigonometry Tutors
  • Online Statistics Tutors
  • Online Chemistry Tutors
  • Online Macroeconomics Tutors
  • Online English Tutors
  • Online Physics Tutors
  • Online Computer Science Tutors
  • Online Accounting Tutors
  • Online Biology Tutors
  • Online Business Studies Tutors
  • Online Finance Tutors
  • Online Programming Tutors
  • Online Management Tutors
  • Online Science Tutors
  • Year 2 Maths
  • Year 3 Maths
  • Year 4 Maths
  • Year 5 Maths
  • Year 6 Maths
  • Year 2 English
  • Year 3 English
  • Year 4 English
  • Year 5 English
  • Year 6 English
  • Year 7 Maths
  • Year 8 Maths
  • Year 9 Maths
  • Year 10 Maths
  • Year 10 Advance Maths
  • Year 7 English
  • Year 8 English
  • Year 9 English
  • Year 10 English
  • Year 11 General Maths
  • Year 11 Chemistry SA,NT
  • Year 11 General Mathematics VIC
  • Year 11 Mathematical Methods
  • Year 11 Mathematics Standard
  • Year 11 Chemistry ACT
  • Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1
  • Year 11 Mathematical Methods SA, NT
  • Year 11 Mathematical Methods VIC
  • Year 11 Mathematical Applications
  • Year 11 Chemistry QLD
  • Year 11 Literature ATAR
  • Year 11 English - QLD
  • Year 11 English Advanced NSW
  • Year 11 EALD Level 3
  • Year 11 English Language
  • Year 11 Essential English M
  • Year 11 Essential Skills TAS
  • Year 11 Essential English
  • Year 11 Bridging EAL
  • Year 11 EALD Level 1
  • Year 11 Stage 1 Essential English
  • Year 11 English General
  • Year 11 Mathematics Advanced
  • Year 11 EAL
  • Year 11 English Standard
  • Year 11 EALD ATAR
  • Year 12 Mathematics Standard
  • Year 12 Further Mathematics
  • Year 12 Mathematics Applications
  • Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1
  • Year 12 Mathematics Methods
  • Year 12 Mathematics Advanced
  • Year 12 Mathematics Methods VIC
  • Year 12 Mathematics Methods - TAS
  • Year 12 General Mathematics TAS
  • Year 11 English T
  • Year 12 Mathematical Methods - QLD
  • Year 12 General Mathematics SA, NT
  • Year 11 Foundation English
  • Year 11 English Studies
  • Year 11 Literacy Short Course
  • Year 11 English Preliminary
  • Year 12 English ATAR
  • Year 11 EAL/D
  • Year 12 English Extension 2
  • Year 12 EAL/D
  • Year 12 EALD ATAR WA
  • Year 12 English Foundation
  • Year 12 English Extension 1
  • Year 12 Literature
  • Year 12 Stage 2 Essential English
  • Year 12 English Literature ATAR
  • Year 12 Stage 2 English
  • Year 12 EALD Level 2 - TAS
  • Year 12 English Advanced NSW
  • Year 12 Chemistry VIC
  • Year 12 English Language
  • Year 12 English Literature T - ACT
  • Year 12 English Foundation WA
  • Year 12 English Standard NSW Learning Programs
  • Year 11 Chemistry WA
  • Year 11 Chemistry - VIC
  • Year 12 Chemistry - QLD
  • Year 12 Chemistry - TAS
  • Year 12 Chemistry - WA
  • Year 12 Chemistry - NSW
  • Year 12 Chemistry - ACT
  • Online Tutors in Sydney
  • Online Tutors in Melbourne
  • Online Tutors in Brisbane
  • Online Tutors in Gold Coast
  • Online Tutors in Perth
  • Online Tutors in Canberra
  • Online Tutors in Adelaide
  • Online Tutors in Newcastle
  • HSC Papers 2019
  • HSC Papers 2018
  • HSC Papers 2017

25 Expository essay topics for Middle School by Category

expository-essay-topics-middle-school-crunchgrade

Expository Essays explain a particular topic in a detailed, logical and straightforward manner. These types of essays are completely informative. They do not include any references or any opinion of the writer. The tone of an expository essay is kept neutral. Hence, while writing an expository essay you will be expected to illustrate, define, explain or clarify the topic in a way that the readers can easily understand it completely. You may provide arguments, conduct an investigation or evaluate things in order to provide a clear explanation to your readers.

Essay writing is an art. It is an essential skill to have which is why you’re going to require essay topics for Grade 7 , 8, 9, and 10. You may have to do a lot of creative writing in middle school . Writing is a must-have school and these activities in school prepare you for it.

Types of Expository Essays

  • Descriptive Essay – describes a place, thing or an experience
  • Problem-Solution Essay – presents a problem and its solution
  • Cause-Effect Essay – finds the cause of something and its impact
  • Comparison Essay – compares and contrasts two things
  • Process Essay – explains a process

How to Choose a Topic for your Expository Essay?

The most difficult and important aspect of essay writing is choosing the ‘right topic’. Many times students choose a difficult topic for which they need to conduct a lot of research which however makes essay writing difficult. Here are 4 quick tips on picking up the right topic –

  • Understand the purpose of writing the essay
  • Brainstorm some ideas and hence make an informed choice
  • Always conduct background research on the topic that you choose to understand its scope
  • Start with an outline first! Do not start writing straight away.

Expository Essay Samples

To help you get a better idea of what an expository essay is, consider the samples given below –

Topic: How Students can spend Their Leisure Time

Students have got a lot to handle! From attending classes to completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities, the small amount of leisure time that remains for them should be utilized in the best way possible. Students must choose their activities wisely as the way they spend their leisure time can reflect upon their physical and mental well-being.

Sports and Exercises

With most activities being sedentary nowadays, students should find some time to indulge in any kind of sports activity or a workout routine of their choice. Studies have shown that continuous sitting can lead to adverse effects on the health of students. Hence exercise and sports are good choices for students.

Developing Hobbies

Gardening, reading, writing, drawing, painting, or even cooking, there are numerous hobbies to choose from. Students should find some time for pursuing their hobbies, exploring new ones and enhancing their skills as a part of their leisure activity. No one knows when your hobby becomes your passion and hence gives a pathway to your success!

Time to Relax!

It is essential for us to learn to quiet our minds in this busy world. Hence students should develop a habit to relax and practice mindfulness every day. They can pick up any activity for this like meditation, yoga, listening to music, or even sitting with their family and friends. It is crucial for students to stay calm and find time, particularly for them for their mental and spiritual well-being.

These activities can help students take control of their lives. Picking up an activity that does not involve intellect, that is unlike school activities, can help students find a balance in their life. They can relax, play, grow and discover their true potential only through proper utilization of their leisure time.

Expository Essay Topics

Got a gist of how to write an expository essay? Let us have a look at some easy yet interesting expository essays that you can use –

Descriptive Essay

1. Describe your School 2. Describe your Pet 3. How Diversity can affect a Classroom? 4. Why do we Celebrate Christmas? 5. When you saw Snow for the first time

Problem-Solution Essay

1. Many students do not watch the news. How can this be a matter of concern for them? Are there any solutions to this issue? 2. Animal Abuse and Its Solutions 3. Global Warming and Its Solutions 4. What is Deforestation? Why is it a serious issue? How can this issue be solved? 5. How can we make our Community a Better Place?

Cause-Effect Essay

1. How air Pollution is affecting our Health? 2. Bullying in Schools – Causes and Effects 3. Peer Pressure and its Effects 4. Effects of Using Social Media 5. How Poverty affects urban and rural areas

Comparison Essay

1. Compare your two favourite sportspersons 2. Compare your current house to your dream home 3. Compare your two favourite TV shows 4. Watches – then and now! 5. Compare a place you visited recently with your city

Process Essay

1. How to Make Friends 2. How to Study 3. How to Take Care of your Dog 4. How to Fix a Table Fan 5. How to Write a Diary Entry

Got some inspiration to start with your own essay? So why delay? Start wiring your essay today itself. We hope that these topics would have given you a fair idea of what topic you can choose for your expository essay. Happy Writing!

If you need help in writing essays or in the preparation for NAPLAN , you can find online English tutors  and  online Math tutors  on CrunchGrade .

Don’t be shy! you don’t have to make a decision right away. The first  30 Minutes are absolutely FREE!

Book a Session Now!

  • homeworkhelp
  • Student life

Book a Free Demo

Math Calculus Geometry Algebra Trigonometry Statistics Chemistry Economics Macroeconomics English Physics Computer Science Accounting Biology Business Studies Finance Programming Management Science Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 College

Search Here

Recent posts.

  • General Achievement Test Australia
  • ESL vs English Tutoring – What Makes Them Different?
  • Know the Grading System in Australia
  • GED vs HiSET: All You Need To Know
  • HSPT vs PSAT: Which One Is Beneficial For You?
  • WordPress.org
  • Documentation
  • Support Forums

reThink ELA LLC

  • About Michelle Waters
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Tools I Use
  • Podcast Episodes
  • How To Be Our Podcast Guest
  • Member Login
  • Member Helpdesk
  • Support Portal
  • Resource Partners
  • Writing Partners
  • Certificate Verification
  • How To Contribute

Author Image

by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.  

28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in  Pedagogy

Expository Writing Prompts Middle School

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

  • Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
  • Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
  • Write an essay describing a rainy night.
  • Write an essay describing your first pet.
  • Write an essay describing your first memory.
  • It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
  • Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
  • Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
  • You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
  • Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
  • Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • Tell how you wash your hair.
  • Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

  • Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
  • Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
  • Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
  • Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

  • Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
  • Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

  • Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
  • Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
  • Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
  • Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

Author Image

About the author 

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

  • Pingback: Writing in the Middle School-Thoughts and Ideas | Teachers Pondering

the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

Comments are closed.

  • Grades 6-12
  • School Leaders

Don't Miss the Grand Prize: A $2,500 Office Depot/OfficeMax Card!

The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

  • Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
  • Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
  • Descriptive Essay Topics
  • Expository and Informative Essay Topics
  • Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

  • Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
  • Personal Essay Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • The best country in the world is …
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

WeAreTeachers

  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

  • Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
  • Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
  • What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
  • Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

  • How does playing sports affect people?
  • What are the effects of loving to read?
  • Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
  • What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
  • Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
  • Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

  • Public and private schools
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Monarchy or democracy
  • Dogs vs. cats as pets

Dogs vs. cats as pets

  • Paper books or e-books
  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • iPhone or Android
  • Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

  • Who is the funniest person you know?
  • What is your happiest memory?
  • Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
  • Write about your favorite place.
  • When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
  • What is your earliest memory?

What is your earliest memory?

  • What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
  • Describe your favorite pet.
  • What is the most important item in the world to you?
  • Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
  • Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
  • Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
  • What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
  • Describe how the internet changed the world.
  • What does it mean to be a good teacher?

What does it mean to be a good teacher?

  • Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
  • Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
  • Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
  • What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

  • What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
  • What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
  • Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
  • Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

  • Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
  • Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

  • Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
  • Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
  • Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

  • Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
  • Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
  • Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
  • Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
  • Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

  • Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
  • Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
  • Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
  • Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
  • Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

  • Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
  • Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
  • Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
  • Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
  • Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
  • What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
  • Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  • Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
  • Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
  • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
  • The best music genre is …

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

  • Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
  • Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
  • Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
  • Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
  • What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

  • Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
  • Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
  • Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
  • Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

We Are Teachers

You Might Also Like

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

  • Essay vocabulary
  • Literature essay manual
  • Where to find a topic
  • Can you trust online services?
  • Marijuana in Ohio sample essay
  • Sources with essay topics
  • Finding literature essay examples
  • Hiring writing company
  • US education problems sample
  • Tips to write a persuasive essay
  • Lack of sleep: essay sample
  • Nursing paper samples
  • Choosing an essay topic
  • How not to start an essay
  • How to write 10 pages in 1 night
  • Analytical essay ideas
  • Rogerian argument essay ideas
  • How not to get scammed
  • Essay examples value
  • Choosing argumentative topics
  • Writing about yourself
  • Comparative essay example
  • Character analysis essay
  • Research essay topics
  • Analytical essay writing tips
  • Compare/contrast essay topics
  • Rewriting essay samples
  • Top 20 reflective essay topics
  • Picking a persuasive essay topic
  • Comparative essay topics
  • A stunning introduction
  • Curious definition essay topics
  • An essay sample on technology
  • Use examples to perfect your style
  • Social psychology topics
  • 7 steps to write a great essay
  • Political science topics
  • Ideas for essay on Pygmalion
  • Topics for a narrative essay
  • Writing about child abuse
  • Evaluation essay topics
  • Descriptive writing basics
  • Concluding a literary piece
  • Writing a narrative paper
  • Crafting a comparative essay
  • Expository writing prompts
  • Deconstructing Hamlet
  • Process analysis paper topics
  • Ideas for literary essays
  • Critical analysis essay writing
  • Expository writing basics
  • Creating a response paper
  • Essay on water technology
  • Concluding an informative paper
  • Writing a paper on birds
  • Composing an evaluative paper
  • Crafting a paper on love
  • Composing history papers
  • Writing an opinion essay
  • Rhetorical analysis secrets
  • APA format samples
  • Informative essay prompts

best ideas for your essay

A List of Unique 8th Grade Expository Essay Writing Prompts

Expository writing tests the ability of an 8th grader to understand a scenario, idea or event and describe it. Prompts are used to provide a scenario or context which the 8th grader is supposed to expound. Prompts for 8th graders should revolve around imagination and things that they come into contact with on regular basic.

Here is a list of prompts that would enable 8th graders to produce excellent expository essays.

  • You have been invited to a basketball event that will be graced by your favorite NBA star. Describe how you would prepare when given the opportunity to shake his hand.
  • Describe your favorite spot in town to a friend who has never visited the area.
  • What is your favorite sport and why?
  • You have woken up in the middle of the desert. You have no idea where you are. Describe how you would find your way around.
  • It is 1500 and you are the king of your territory. Describe the one weapon you would recommend to your army to ensure that you are adequately protected.
  • Imagine you are in front of the crowd at the United Nations plenary hall. You have been invited to speak on how to improve the education standards for grade 8. What issues would top your agenda?
  • If you were to return to grade five, what things would you do more and better?
  • Assume that you are living in a society that has no law. What thing would you enjoy doing that is prohibited for now?
  • If you had a chance to become a pet, what would your favorite animal be and why?
  • Write an essay explaining to a friend how to learn riding a bicycle
  • You have been given an opportunity to become a teacher today. Which teacher would you become and why?
  • One morning you wakeup and you have a button in front of you. The button is used to decide which weather will prevail for the day. Explain the weather you would choose and why.
  • You have been given an opportunity to organize an event that will be enjoyed by everyone in your neighborhood. What event would you organize and how will you make sure that everyone enjoys?
  • If today was your last day alive, what would you do?
  • Who is your favorite musician and what do you like about him/her?

Writing Manuals

  • Indian education problems
  • Foot Care Among Patients With Diabetes: essay example
  • A proper exploratory essay topic
  • Smart using of essay examples
  • Making an essay about leadership
  • Persuasive essay writing prompts
  • Animal rights essay sample
  • Cyber law essay sample
  • St. Anselm essay sample
  • An essay sample on autism
  • How to make a good essay
  • College essay topic tricks
  • Where to look for a topic
  • Business essay writing tips
  • Social networking: essay sample
  • Getting to know the APA format
  • Hints on a persuasive essay
  • US government peruasive topics
  • Pros/cons essay topics
  • Family values and gender roles
  • Tips to write essay on dreams
  • An essay sanple on social networks
  • Energy sources sample essay

Online Help

  • Essay writing services

Copyright (c) 2011-2024 AskWriter.com. Find New Ways To Progressive Writing.

Enago Academy

Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

' src=

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.  

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

expository essay topics for grade

Provides factual information without bias

expository essay topics for grade

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

expository essay topics for grade

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

expository essay topics for grade

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

  • Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
  • Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
  • Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

  • Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
  • Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
  • Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
  • Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

  • Maintain an impartial and informative tone
  • Avoid personal opinions or biases
  • Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

  • Summarize the key points
  • Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

expository essay topics for grade

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

expository essay topics for grade

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

expository essay topics for grade

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

expository essay topics for grade

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

  • Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
  • Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

  • Set the scene and provide the context
  • Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

  • Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
  • Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
  • Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

  • Provide a final impression or insight
  • Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

expository essay topics for grade

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

expository essay topics for grade

Based on real personal experiences

expository essay topics for grade

Uses an informal and expressive tone

expository essay topics for grade

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

  • Choose a significant personal experience or event
  • Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

  • Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

  • Advance   the  plot and character development through body paragraphs
  • Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
  • Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

  • Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
  • Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

expository essay topics for grade

Logical and well-structured arguments

expository essay topics for grade

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

expository essay topics for grade

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

expository essay topics for grade

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue 

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

  • Choose a debatable and controversial issue
  • Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

  • Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
  • Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

  • Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
  • Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

  • Adopt a formal and objective tone
  • Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

  • Summarize the main points
  • Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

expository essay topics for grade

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

expository essay topics for grade

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

expository essay topics for grade

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability 

expository essay topics for grade

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform  for editorial review 

expository essay topics for grade

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

expository essay topics for grade

Enago Academy's Most Popular Articles

What is Academic Integrity and How to Uphold it [FREE CHECKLIST]

Ensuring Academic Integrity and Transparency in Academic Research: A comprehensive checklist for researchers

Academic integrity is the foundation upon which the credibility and value of scientific findings are…

AI vs. AI: Can we outsmart image manipulation in research?

  • AI in Academia

AI vs. AI: How to detect image manipulation and avoid academic misconduct

The scientific community is facing a new frontier of controversy as artificial intelligence (AI) is…

AI in Academia: The need for unified guidelines in research and writing

  • Industry News
  • Publishing News

Unified AI Guidelines Crucial as Academic Writing Embraces Generative Tools

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are advancing at an accelerating pace, their…

Diversify Your Learning: Why inclusive academic curricula matter

  • Diversity and Inclusion

Need for Diversifying Academic Curricula: Embracing missing voices and marginalized perspectives

In classrooms worldwide, a single narrative often dominates, leaving many students feeling lost. These stories,…

PDF Citation Guide for APA, MLA, AMA and Chicago Style

  • Reporting Research

How to Effectively Cite a PDF (APA, MLA, AMA, and Chicago Style)

The pressure to “publish or perish” is a well-known reality for academics, striking fear into…

How to Optimize Your Research Process: A step-by-step guide

How to Improve Lab Report Writing: Best practices to follow with and without…

Digital Citations: A comprehensive guide to citing of websites in APA, MLA, and CMOS…

expository essay topics for grade

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

  • 2000+ blog articles
  • 50+ Webinars
  • 10+ Expert podcasts
  • 50+ Infographics
  • 10+ Checklists
  • Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

I am looking for Editing/ Proofreading services for my manuscript Tentative date of next journal submission:

expository essay topics for grade

As a researcher, what do you consider most when choosing an image manipulation detector?

COMMENTS

  1. 33 Excellent Expository Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    This form of writing is a method of writing in which the author describes, informs, or explains a topic to the reader. Learning how to write an expository paper (or essay) is one of the most important skills that students can develop from an early age. Of course, it is also a skill one may develop or refine at any age or stage in school or life.

  2. 200+ Excellent Expository Essay Topics for Students

    Topics for Expository Essays about High School. Navigating the Jungle: Demystifying High School Cliques and Finding Your Tribe. Test Anxiety Terror: Conquering High-Stakes Exams and Finding Calmness. Lunchroom Legends and Locker Drama: Unveiling the Unwritten Rules of the High School Social Scene.

  3. 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.

  4. A List of General Expository Essay Topics

    Sample Expository Essay Topics From Students . Tenth-graders wrote the following general expository essay topics. Students can practice writing these topics or use the list to come up with topics of their own. The important thing to remember is that these expository essays are based on facts rather than the writer's beliefs or feelings.

  5. 100 Expository 7th Grade Writing Prompts for Your Students

    Spark your students' interest with these 100 7th grade expository writing prompts, including compare and contrast prompts, descriptive writing ideas, and more. Dictionary Thesaurus Sentences ... From compare and contrast essays to detailing problems and solutions, kids will be motivated to explain their thinking with these age-appropriate ...

  6. 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.

  7. 30 Expository Essay Topics for an Outstanding Paper

    Here are 30 expository essay topics to get you started. #1. How to eat healthy while living on a college student's budget. Waiting for mom or dad to transfer money into your account or living off your part-time gig at the bookstore might leave your pockets and your stomach empty.

  8. 100+ Expository Essay Topics to Impress Your Teacher

    Expository Essay Topics Consumer Culture. The positive and negative effects of consumer culture. Understanding the modern consumer culture. Consumer culture in China and the middle class. Consumer culture is central to understanding contemporary identities. Consumerism in consumer culture.Advertising and consumer culture. Explain consumer culture.

  9. Expository Writing Prompts: 30 Writing Prompts for School and College

    These topics require a bit more research and test the writer's expository writing skills. They are best used for high school students, although secondary students in advanced writing classes can also benefit from them. 1. There is a strong parent-led campaign in your city to curb down on homework assignments given to students.

  10. 100 Expository Essay Topic Ideas, Writing Tips, and Sample Essays

    Follow these three easy steps: Choose a great topic: Scan the list of topics below, or pick something you either know a lot about or would like to learn about. Writing is always easier if you are interested in the topic. Pre-write: Use my pre-writing worksheet questions at the bottom of this article to help guide you through the process of ...

  11. Topics, Outline, Examples

    Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft an expository essay: Choose a Topic. Select a topic that interests you and aligns with the purpose of an expository essay - to inform, explain, or analyze a subject. Conduct Research. Gather relevant and credible information to support your chosen topic.

  12. 143 Exemplary Expository Essay Topics

    Expository essays empower students to become experts on a topic, fostering in-depth understanding and analytical prowess. This carefully-curated collection of 143 topics covers a broad range of subjects, from cultural traditions to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Students will be challenged to examine the complexities of ...

  13. How to write Excellent Expository Essays

    Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly. Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

  14. 25 Best Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

    Expository Essays explain a particular topic in a detailed, logical and straightforward manner. These types of essays are completely informative. ... It is an essential skill to have which is why you're going to require essay topics for Grade 7, 8, 9, and 10. You may have to do a lot of creative writing in middle school. Writing is a must ...

  15. 28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

    Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need. Descriptive. Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student. Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows. Write an essay describing a rainy ...

  16. Expository Essay Examples for Middle and High School

    Get past the thesis statement with two examples of expository essays. Learn more about the format, requirements, and types of expository writing for middle and high school.

  17. 120+ Fascinating Essay Topics for High School Students

    The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here.) Public and private schools. Capitalism vs. communism. Monarchy or democracy. Dogs vs. cats as pets. WeAreTeachers. Paper books or e-books. Two political candidates in a current race.

  18. Middle School Expository Essay Writing Prompts: Top Ideas

    A List of Unique 8th Grade Expository Essay Writing Prompts. Expository writing tests the ability of an 8th grader to understand a scenario, idea or event and describe it. Prompts are used to provide a scenario or context which the 8th grader is supposed to expound. Prompts for 8th graders should revolve around imagination and things that they ...

  19. PDF Grade&5& Expository&and&Opinion&Writing&&

    Remember, the main ideas should be different from each other. If your main ideas are distinct enough, it will be clear which paragraph the detail belongs in. Write the number of the paragraph the detail sentence belongs in. TOPIC: CAVING BLURB: _____ _____ _____ MAIN IDEA SENTENCES:

  20. Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade: 41 Terrific Ideas

    expository writing prompts for 4th grade. 16. Explain to a student in the grade level under you what he or she needs to do in order to be successful in your grade next year. 17. Give tips for completing homework in as little time as possible. 18. Think about any holiday tradition that you enjoy. Explain why we celebrate holidays with traditions.

  21. Expository Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade: 43 Great Ideas

    3. Explain the reasons why people should avoid junk food. 4. Think of a person that you admire a lot. Explain why he or she is so special to you. 5. Explain to your teacher why you deserve to pass to the next grade level. 6. Think about the strategies that good readers implement as they read.

  22. Types of Essays in Academic Writing

    Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively. 1. Expository Essay. 2. Descriptive Essay. 3. Narrative Essay. 4. Argumentative Essay. Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly.