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Expository Essay Writing

Expository Essay Topics

Good Expository Essay Topics to Impress Everyone

Published on: Apr 30, 2020

Last updated on: Sep 1, 2023

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Good Expository Essay Examples for All Academic Levels

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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 an essay writing company that provides reliable writing services 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.

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• How to write an expository essay

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

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

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

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

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Expository Essay

Expository Essay Topics

Interesting Expository Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

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Published on: Aug 2, 2018

Last updated on: Nov 14, 2023

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If you are going to write an expository essay, you have to spend your valuable time hitting books. Writing an  expository essay  is quite a different task as compared to other types of essays.

College students usually get to write an expository essay as a college paper. For that reason, it is important to know some ‘A’ worthy expository essay prompts for your essay. A good topic allows you to express your point of view.

Here we have listed some fantastic expository writing prompts for you. Read them and choose one of them for your college paper.

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To write a good essay, you need to start with an outstanding topic. And for that, you must spend some time exploring expository essay ideas.

Check out the list of essay topics given below for creating a good expository essay.

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 5

• The Life of Bees and Their Importance to Nature
• How to Stay Safe While Exploring the Internet
• Exploring the Wonders of the Rainforest
• The Journey of a Water Droplet in the Water Cycle
• My Favorite Season and Why I Love It
• The Role of Martin Luther King Jr. in Civil Rights
• How Do Plants Grow From Seeds?
• The Intriguing World of Dinosaurs
• The Story of Ancient Egypt and Its Pyramids
• The Adventures of a Fictional Character I Love

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 6

• Understanding the Solar System and Its Planets
• The Influence of Technology on Our Daily Lives
• The Impact of Global Warming on Polar Ice
• How to Develop Healthy Study Habits
• The Effects of Bullying on School Communities
• The Life Cycle of Stars and Their Evolution
• The Art of Ancient Greece and Its Legacy
• The Role of Government in Shaping Society
• The Journey of a River from Source to Sea
• The Impact of Role Models on Young People

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

• The Consequences of Deforestation on the Environment
• The Scientific Method: A Path to Discovery
• How the Industrial Revolution Transformed Society
• Cybersecurity: Protecting Personal Information Online
• The Human Respiratory System and Its Functions
• The Importance of Voting in a Democracy
• The Formation and Impact of Earthquakes
• The Power of Literature to Shape Perspectives
• Genetic Inheritance and Family Traits
• Social Media's Influence on Communication and Relationships

 Expository Essay Topics for Grade 8

• The Industrialization of the 19th Century and Its Consequences
• The Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Their Applications
• Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• The Impact of Cell Phones on Modern Society
• The American Civil War: Causes and Outcomes
• The Earth's Climate System and the Greenhouse Effect
• The Influence of Art Movements on Modern Art
• The Role of Government in Healthcare Access
• The Water Cycle and Its Crucial Role in Nature
• The Effects of Peer Pressure on Teenagers

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 9

• The Evolution of Language and Communication
• The Digital Revolution: Its Impact on Work and Society
• Exploring Renewable Energy Sources and Their Future
• The Origins of World Religions and Their Beliefs
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Cloning
• The Impact of Literature on Societal Values and Norms
• The History and Consequences of World Wars
• Environmental Conservation and the Role of Youth
• Social Media's Influence on Political Discourse
• The Effects of Stress on Mental and Physical Health

Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

• How was your first day at school?
• Describe your favorite vacation place
• Describe your first work experience and what knowledge you gained during it
• Explain how growing up with a sibling influenced your personality
• Describe living a life with a pet
• Define the meaning of true friendship
• Describe your favorite hobby
• Explain how your favorite teacher helped you become a better person.
• Who was your first teacher?
• What is your favorite school subject?

Expository Essay Topics for High School Students

• What is an acceptable level of sadness?
• Can dogs smell fear?
• Is it important to read the book before watching the movie?
• Do aliens exist?
• Do people really change with time?
• How big is the universe?
• How can we develop our imagination?
• How can one measure happiness?
• Consequences of having a job while in high school
• Describe your first day at school

Expository Essay Topics for College Students

• The positive and negative effects of the Internet
• Steps to saving the planet
• List of things to make people happy
• How to deal with financial problems?
• How to admire a particular person?
• Describe the advancement in communication over the last 20 years
• Describe the benefits of social media
• What book would you like to read, and why?
• How to deal with bullying in school?
• Is expressing your emotions helpful?

Expository Essay About Music

• Explain the effects of music on your life
• What’s your favorite music album, and why?
• What music genre do you like?
• Would you like to be a musician?
• Which music genre is better: jazz or pop?
• How to become a musician?
• How to launch a music album
• What effect does music have on people's minds?
• Why do youngsters like rock music more than any other music genre
• Why do people listen to sad songs in depressing situations?

Easy Expository Essay Topic

• Difference between psychology and psychiatry?
• Is bibliophobia considered as a mental disorder?
• Differences between the right and left halves of the brain
• Define the significance of technical progress in US history
• Effect of newspaper invention
• Describe the period of the Great Depression in the United States
• Describe the change of communication in the Era of Technology
• How are humans searching for extraterrestrial life?
• Are heroic people mentally healthy?
• Discuss the stages of personality development

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Interesting Expository Essay Topic

• Why do people need to continue space exploration?
• Discuss the importance of mental health
• Explain the consequences of World War II
• How social media is affecting the course of studies
• Latest developments in the study of the human brain
• How to avoid depression?
• Why is the basic knowledge of IT important nowadays?
• Discuss how to cure a cold fast
• A recent study of black holes
• Effects of the french revolution

Good Expository Essay Topic

• Latest developments in the study to cure cancer
• Why is there a startling increase in people with allergies?
• Define the precursors of the Civil War
• Discuss the dangers of military activities in Eastern Asia
• Can one treat mental disorders oneself?
• Factors that contribute to depression
• Reasons people must use solar energy
• Discuss the long-term effects of global warming
• The role of astronomy in ancient Greece
• Describe the invention of the first newspaper
• Analyze the effects of Queen Victoria’s reign

Best Expository Essay Topic

• What is your dream about the future?
• Describe your first memory.
• What would you do if you could live forever?
• Describe what it is like to live with a pet
• Define the meaning of life to you
• Describe the hobby you enjoy doing.
• Describe the next great invention
• Why do people forget things?
• How is electronic music made?
• What are the types of schizophrenia?

Controversial Expository Essay

• Importance of negotiations during military operations
• Explain why some countries implement Communism
• Art practices in treating mental disorders
• Nationwide prohibition of the 1920s: causes and effects
• Discuss the key aspects of the political activity of John’s Kennedy.
• What makes a good psychotherapist?
• How does the IQ score reflect the mental capacity of a person?
• Psychological causes of racism
• The crusaders: villains or heroes?

Expository Essay About Education

• Is Homework important? Explain Why?
• Why is teaching considered a noble profession?
• Benefits of learning foreign languages
• Online schooling vs. traditional schooling
• Higher education and its impacts on future career
• What impact education has on people's mind
• How literate people are different from illiterate people
• Why is a higher degree important for getting good jobs?
• How to write a compare and contrast essay?
• How to choose a topic for a cause and effect essay?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

• Why do children lie?
• Difference between fat and overweight
• Why do people commit suicide?
• Causes of global warming
• What is wrong with our species
• How to take care of yourself?
• Are we money hungry?
• How to talk to mentally exhausted people?
• What is the connection between being hungry and being lonely?
• Cost of living on the moon
• Hobbies for teenagers to avoid
• What do you think about double standards?
• Gender inequality at work
• Reasons for the rise in teenage pregnancy rate
• Consequences of dropping out of college
• Tolerance in a workplace is crucial; why?

Funny Expository Essay Topics

• Effects of not voting in the elections
• Discuss memory work in a human brain
• Does technology affect relationships?

Cause and Effect Expository Essay Topics

• The Causes and Effects of Air Pollution
• How Bullying Affects the Well-being of Students
• The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Health
• The Causes and Consequences of Deforestation
• The Effects of Video Games on Children's Behavior
• The Influence of Parental Divorce on Children
• The Causes and Effects of the American Revolution
• How Social Media Impacts Personal Relationships
• The Consequences of Inadequate Sleep on Academic Performance
• The Effects of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making

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Expository Essay Writing Tips

Once you have the topic idea, the next step is to write the essay. Here are some amazing tips that can help you improve your writing style and write a flawless essay:

• The first thing that you need to do is to define the structure of your essay.
• Come up with an informative hypothesis
• Find evidence from credible sources to support your main idea
• Present strong arguments to back up your hypothesis
• Read  expository essay examples ; they will help you organize your information.
• Demonstrate a selected paper topic in a way that makes sense and logic.
• The essay starts with an effective introduction, providing an informative thesis statement.
• Provide substantial evidence to describe and illustrate your topic
• End with an instructive conclusion.
• Organize it accurately and write it in proper order
• Proofread, Revise, and edit. Enlist other’s help to make your essay flawless.

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