Explanatory essays are some of the most important essays that a person should know about. Since time immemorial, they have been a crucial part of our college assignments.
Explanatory essays are also known as expository essays. An explanatory essay delves deep into explaining and describing your opinions on something.
As you have clicked on the link to my blog, I am going to presume that you are looking to write a solid explanatory essay, but you are not sure of the steps and guidelines.
If that is the case, then I would highly suggest you read this article to the end as through this article, I will tell you the complete process of writing an explanatory essay. This article is going to serve as a beginner’s guide to you.
But before we get into writing an explanatory essay, let us look at the different types of explanatory essays and all the nitty-gritty of it.
What Are The Different Categories Of Explanatory Essays?
Down below are the different types of explanatory essays that you can consider writing.
1. The Problem And Solution Type
While writing this type of essay, you will have to address a particular problem. As an essay writer, you have to come up with the solution to the problem.
2. The Classification Type
This is one of the most interesting types of explanatory essays. In this kind of essay, you will be a broad category. As an essay writer, it will be your job to classify the essay into smaller sections.
3. The Cause and Effect Type
The cause and effect types of essays are also very popular when it comes to explanatory essays. In this essay, you have to delve deep into knowing the reason for the cause of something and its probable effects.
4. The Process Type
The process-type explanatory essay explains the process of doing something. These mainly include step-by-step guides and ‘how to’ essays, This one of the most popular types of explanatory essays as well.
5. The Comparison Type
These kinds of explanatory essays focus on the differences and the similarities between the two subject matter. While writing this kind of explanatory essay, you have to maintain a chart. Following the proper structure is a must while writing this kind of essay.
So above were the different categories of an explanatory essay. Now take a look at the process of writing it.
How To Write an Explanatory Essay?
Below are the steps you need to follow to successfully write an explanatory essay.
Step 1: Topic Selection
Picking the right topic is very important in writing a good explanatory essay. It should be something that:
- Interests you and your audience.
- Has enough research material available.
- It is neither too wide nor too narrow.
- It can be discussed objectively without personal bias.
Students who find it hard to come up with topics may try brainstorming with current events, famous personalities in the past, science, etc.
Step 2: Researching
When you have finally settled on a topic, conduct thorough research. Try to get firsthand information through the following:
- Books and academic Journals
- Websites established by the government and institutes of learning
- News Source worthy of merit
- Interviews and Opinions of Experts
Then, organize your research notes into organized writing notes. Lastly, confirm that you have used the precise information collected, not anything useless.
Step 3: Create an Outline
An outline proves to be the guide for your essay; effectively, the logical order in which ideas flow is also maintained by an outline. Thus, a well-formulated outline consists of:
Introduction:
- Hook: good grabbing statement acquiring the initial attention
- Background information on the topic
- Thesis statement: the clear line that summarizes, at least, the essay’s purpose.
Body Paragraphs:
- Each paragraph must deal with a different aspect of the topic.
- Support evidence, examples, and explanations are presented together.
- It still flows smoothly through transitions in each of the paragraphs.
Conclusion:
- Cohesively caps all the different ideas presented in the body.
- Restates the thesis but in different terms from the one used above.
- Ends with a final thought, perhaps a reflection.
Step 4: The Introduction
The introduction can be the first strong impression you give. It should contain:
- A Hook: A question, quote, statistic, or anecdote that captured the reader’s interest.
- Background Information: An overview of the topic.
- Thesis Statement: A clear statement that somewhat states the essay’s primary argument.
Example of a strong introduction: “The Internet has changed the very structure of human communication, allowing easier connections between those separated by geography. But while the digital age has enabled convenience in our lives, it also raises privacy and security issues. This essay will examine the effects of the Internet on personal privacy, their challenges, and possible solutions.”
Step 5: Write the Body Paragraph
Let the body paragraph speak of one idea concerning the topic. The arrangement is as follows:
- Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
- Explanation: A detailed consideration of the topic sentence with pertinent information.
- Evidence: Facts/examples/statistics/expert opinions supporting your explanation.
- Analysis: Connects evidence back to the topic.
- Transition Sentence: Provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph.
An example of a well-written body paragraph is: “Another area of concern in online privacy has to do with corporate data collection. Companies have tracked user actions through uses of cookies and personalized advertisements. A 2023 study by XYZ Research revealed that 87% of users do not know how much data is being collected on them. This, in turn, calls for stricter laws on privacy and greater awareness on the part of users.”
Step 6: Writing the Conclusion
A proper conclusion should finalize the essay. It must:
- Restate the Thesis: Give a recap of the central argument or aim of the essay.
- To Summarize Key Points: Give pointers regarding the main conclusions drawn from the body paragraphs.
- Final Thought: Include something for readers to consider, such as a question, a prediction, or a call for action.
A good conclusion example: “With the development of technology comes the concern surrounding online privacy-who collects data on what and how. Given this knowledge, individuals have to think about their privacy in an informed and active way. Both the user and lawmaker have the responsibility to create a safe environment for all in the online space.”
Step 7: Edit and Revise
After completing a first draft, give time for review and revision of your essay. Look for:
- Clarity and coherence of ideas.
- Grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- To keep a consistent tone and style.
- Smooth transitions between paragraphs.
You may also read the essay aloud or have someone else review it to identify improvement points.
Step 8: Proofread
Proofreading is the last process of the essay before submission. Look for:
- Typo and minor error.
- Format and citation style.
- Use of vocabulary and sentence structure.
Tips on Completing an Explanatory Essay
- Keep a Neutral Tone: Avoid informing the audience with your insertions of bias or opinion.
- Simplicity in Language: Be sure to make explanations lucid and comprehensible.
- George Orwell: Argument Need Notes: Involve credible sources to strengthen your points.
- Follow the Guidelines: MLA, APA, and similar citation styles require an individual to follow the requirements.
Write It Down Often: A practice of writing explanatory essays that nearly always improved for everyone.
Final Thoughts
There you go; I hope this article has provided you some insights into writing an explanatory essay. In this modern-day and age, everybody must learn how to write an explanatory essay. If you have some queries or feedback in regards to writing an explanatory essay, kindly consider leaving a comment in the comment section down below.
