FREE 8+ Sample Expository Essay Templates in MS Word | PDF

An essay is a relatively brief piece of literary work on a specific topic. Most often, one’s first exposure to this type of writing would be during their early days in school when they are introduced to the five-paragraph structure, which contains the following parts:

An essay is a relatively brief piece of literary work on a specific topic. Most often, one’s first exposure to this type of writing would be during their early days in school when they are introduced to the five-paragraph structure, which contains the following parts:

• An introduction that talks of the main idea and opens with a “hook” sentence

• Three paragraphs for the body where evidence are presented. Each paragraph would contain an idea with grounds that support the main idea presented in the introduction.

• A conclusion that restates the main idea and gives a sample brief summary of the supporting evidence. Basically, it wraps up the entire essay.

Check out these Sample Essays for a more in-depth guide on expository writing.

Sample Expository Essay Outline

General Expository Essay Example

Expository Essay Sample

Expository and Narrative Essay

 Expository Essay Outline Form

Expository Essays

Before we begin, be informed that while expository essays are most widely used in the academic setting, this is not the type of essay you write when trying to apply for college or a scholarship. For that, see these Sample Scholarship Essays.

These College Essay Examples are great examples of expository essays. These are similar to a thesis paper that is used in the academic setting. It requires students (or researchers) to explore and investigate ideas, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and come up with an argument or hypothesis concerning the idea in a clear and organized manner. This can be accomplished in these basic steps:

• Select a topic. Make sure that the topic you choose is specific and narrow enough that you would have the time and resources to investigate and study its entire scope. For example, instead of an essay on consumer behavior, consider narrowing your topic down to factors that influence risk-taking in consumers when online shopping.

• Write your thesis statement. This is a one-sentence line you would answer at the conclusion of your essay.

Expository Essay Rubric Format

Social Media Expository Essay

Expository Argumentative Essay

• Select a method of development. Know the different research methods there are and select which one is most appropriate with your chosen topic.

• Organize the essay. Begin by creating an sample outline. Decide which ideas go to which paragraph and fill in the evidences you’ve gathered to support each body paragraph.

• Write a topic sentence for each paragraph. For each paragraph, make sure to have one topic sentence that relates directly to the main topic. Also, remember to find a smooth transition between paragraphs.

• Write a body paragraph for your essay. Each paragraph should have an evidence and explanation that supports your main topic.

• Create your introduction. Now that you have a body and know the contents of your essay, it should be easier to write an introduction. After all, how do you introduce something of which you don’t know?

• Write a concluding paragraph. End your essay with a strong conclusion. Restate your thesis statement and give a quick summary of your supporting grounds. End with a call to action and absolutely avoid leaving your reader hanging.

For other types of essays, we also have Descriptive Essay Samples and more available on site.