A Great Explanatory Essay – Write Like a Pro

An explanatory essay is an essay in which you should present a certain issue, situation, or event. It doesn’t mean that you should agree with the point of view, but all the facts should be clear and logical.

The main goal of an explanatory essay is to show what other people think about the topic or to report about a situation or event. Usually, these essay types are given to history and journalism students, where you need to explore facts and situations, give an objective explanation based on evidence.

Remember, the explanatory essay should have a neutral tone and present arguments no matter what you think on the topic. You should conduct research and create a logical and well-structured picture of the issue. When readers finish the essay, they should have an understanding of the things you were trying to render.

Today we’ll tell you everything about an explanatory essay and the ways to make it logical, smooth, and interesting.

Topics for an explanatory essay

Unlike many other assignments, the explanatory essay topic is usually assigned by a tutor. For example, you may be asked to tell about the events of the Civil War or to explain how smart phones work.

However, sometimes students have the freedom to choose the issue on their own. We recommend selecting a neutral topic that can be easily explained. If the subject is controversial, it will be harder to cover all points of view.

The good news is that almost any event or topic can be covered in an explanatory essay, so the only limit is your imagination. Here are a few ideas to boost it:

• What were the main causes of World War II?
• How does anxiety influence suicide rates among teenagers?
• Technology development and its influence on children;
• The positive impact of social media on our society.

Writing an explanatory essay: a step-by-step guide

Before starting writing, you should remember about conducting thorough research and collecting data properly. Remember that an explanatory essay relies on detailed research and reliable information. Don’t forget to note down all the facts and source details to use them as evidence in the future essay.

Once the data is collected, you should work on the thesis. Many students skip this stage even though it greatly influences the final grade. The thesis is a brief version of the general point, and it should intertwine with the main arguments.

A weak thesis fails to present the point of discussion. If it is written properly, the main idea of your explanatory essay will be clear even without getting familiar with the key arguments. Once the above stages are completed, it is the right time to start writing.

Craft an outline

Depending on the chosen topic and the length of the future essay, your outline may differ. However, most explanatory essays are one or two pages long, so there will be around five paragraphs in it.

The introduction will give readers a brief insight into the topic, the body paragraphs will give information on the main arguments, and conclusion will sum everything up. Below we will talk about each of the elements in more detail.

Here is an example of an explanatory essay outline:

1. Introduction:

• A hook sentence;
• Basic information that presents all aspects of the argument;
• Thesis statement.

2. Body paragraphs (three to five):

• The first argument starting with a topic sentence;
• Give evidence that supports the topic sentence using collected information;
• Explain evidence and relate it to the argument;
• Conclude every paragraph by explaining why the argument is important;
• Use transition words to make the flow smooth and easy.

3. Conclusion:

• Restating thesis statement;
• Summing up arguments and claims of the explanatory essay;
• Finishing the essay with a conclusion and motivating the audience to explore the subject deeper.

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Introduction

The introduction of an explanatory essay consists of three parts: a hook, basic information, and thesis statement. It acts as a door to the heart of your future work.

You should start by making the audience interested in the topic. This can be a fact, statistics, quote, or even a joke if it is appropriate. Afterward, you should give background details that will help readers understand the topic you are going to cover.

Finally, add a thesis statement that will help to focus on the main question or issue. It helps to avoid confusion on what is discussed in the main paragraphs.

Body paragraphs

Usually, the main part of an explanatory essay consists of three paragraphs. You may add more paragraphs if there are lots of arguments to be discussed. Remember, one argument – one paragraph.

Start with a topic sentence, which explains the key features of the argument. Don’t forget that this sentence also serves as a transition between paragraphs. Then provide a claim or position that will support your thesis. Make sure the connection is obvious, and the audience can understand your point of view.

Afterward, the present found evidence. It will back the claim and strengthen your positions. Finally, add a concluding sentence, which summarizes the importance of the claim. Follow the above rules for every argument in the body section.

Conclusion

When working on the final section of the future explanatory essay, there are three components you should consider. First, restate the thesis. This will remind the audience of the main subject and strengthen the presented arguments.

Then summarize the claims you have made in body paragraphs. Restate the importance of each of them. This will show that you are logical and are able to defend the chosen thesis statement.

Finally, add the last statement. It should explain the importance of the topic in a broad perspective. Add a call to action and encourage readers to explore the topic.

Additional tips

Many students think that writing is enough. However, tutors always pay attention to the style and quality of writing, so apart from coming up with strong arguments, you should also think about the way your explanatory essay looks. We have gathered a few important tips that will increase your chances of getting an A.

1. Always polish the essay

Before submitting the work, it’s important to make sure whether the text is smooth, clear, and appealing. It should be easy to read, interesting, and simple.

One of the most important features of an explanatory essay is clarity. You need to make sure that your style and arguments clearly explain the event or topic so that readers can relate. There is nothing worse for a reader than seeing that the audience is confused and has more questions than answers.

2. Reread the essay and edit it

We understand that you want to submit the essay as quickly as possible but take some time and check whether there are no grammar or spelling mistakes in the text. Reread the explanatory essay as many times as necessary to make sure that there are no errors and typos. If you find this stage challenging, ask a friend or a professional editor for help.

3. Ask someone to read the essay

Your work may make clear sense to you, but it doesn’t mean that the teacher or classmates will understand it. Thus, we recommend asking your friends or relatives to read the final draft and add comments if necessary.

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