Whether you’re a high school student or a university attendee, you’ve probably encountered the task of writing an explanatory essay. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward assignment. However, this type of writing has its quirks that can trip up even the best of us. These nuances often lead to lower grades and a sense of frustration. But fear not! We’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to craft a top-notch explanatory essay.
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What is an Explanatory Essay
An explanatory essay is a piece of writing that breaks down complex ideas into bite-sized, understandable pieces for someone who’s completely new to the topic. Imagine explaining how a car engine works or the process of photosynthesis to a friend or, even better, a child. That’s the essence of an explanatory essay. Its primary goal is to clarify a specific topic or concept in a clear, straightforward manner. You’ll often find these essays in academic settings, but they are also quite common in newspapers, magazines, and online articles.
As with any type of writing, explanatory essays have their standout characteristics. The main one of that they present information objectively without trying to argue a particular viewpoint. Explanatory texts are called to give the reader a thorough understanding of the subject using evidence and logical reasoning.
For this very reason, when writing an explanatory essay, you should avoid including personal opinions or biased statements. Your job is to explain, not persuade. Also, don’t use unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences that might confuse your readers. The goal is to make the information accessible and easy to grasp so that by the end of the essay, your audience can explain the topic to someone else confidently.
Creating an Explanatory Essay Outline
To start your writing right you need to set a foundation, which means creating an outline. And to make a proper draft for your essay, you need to understand its structure. Typically, an explanatory essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Explanatory Essay Introduction
Start with some background information on your topic to set the stage for your readers. This is where you capture their interest with a hook, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Finish your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines what you’ll be explaining.
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis statement. Begin with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by evidence or examples that back it up. Make sure to explain how the evidence relates to your main point and wrap up each paragraph with a concluding statement that ties it all together.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points you’ve covered and restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your argument. Offer a final thought or recommendation to leave your readers with something to ponder.
Now, that you have an understanding of what each of the writing parts should be focused on, you can start creating an outline. Note though, that to make it useful, you need to figure out the topic you are going to explain. Only then will you be able to organize everything effectively. When you settle on the subject, you can use the outline we included below as an example.
How to Write an Explanatory Essay Step-by-Step
You may think that writing an explanatory essay is challenging, but following a clear, step-by-step process can make it manageable, quick, and even enjoyable. Here’s how you can go about it:
Start by picking a topic you’re passionate about or find interesting. This makes the writing process more engaging for you and helps you show off your strong understanding of the subject. If you’re fascinated by how smartphones work, even this could be your topic.
Gather all the necessary information about your topic. Use reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. For instance, if you’re explaining the process of photosynthesis, you’ll need scientific articles and biology textbooks. Take detailed notes and work only with credible sources.
An outline helps organize your thoughts and make your essay flow logically. Start with an introduction that includes a hook and thesis statement. Then, outline your body paragraphs, each focusing on a single point supported by evidence. Finally, plan your conclusion to summarize your main points and restate the thesis. Above we have given you a detailed outline so all you need to do is just fill it out with the details on your specific topic.
Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention with something like interesting fact or question. It should also provide background information and end with your thesis statement.
Example.
“Did you know that plants have their own version of food factories? This process, known as photosynthesis, is essential for life on Earth.”
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by evidence or examples, and an explanation of how this evidence supports your thesis. Each paragraph should smoothly transition to the next.
Example.
If explaining photosynthesis, one paragraph could cover the role of sunlight, another water, and third carbon dioxide.
Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. Offer a final thought or call to action to leave a lasting impression.
Example.
“Understanding photosynthesis not only helps us appreciate the complexity of nature but also highlights the importance of protecting our environment.”
Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and any grammatical errors. Pay attention whether each part of your essay serves its purpose and if your argument flows logically from start to finish.
What to Avoid in Your Explanatory Essay
When writing an explanatory essay, there are certain pitfalls that can undermine your work. Firstly, avoid including personal opinions or bias, as the purpose of an explanatory essay is to inform and explain rather than to persuade. Stick to presenting factual, objective information.
Secondly, try not to use overly complex language or jargon that might confuse your readers. Aim for clarity and simplicity to ensure your essay is accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, do not veer off-topic or include irrelevant details that do not support your thesis statement. Staying focused on your main points keeps your essay cohesive and engaging.
Additionally, avoid choosing an overly broad topic. Selecting a theme that is too broad can make it challenging to cover all necessary aspects in detail. Narrowing down your topic allows for a more focused and detailed discussion. It is also a good idea to keep in mind the level of knowledge and interests of your audience. This will let you tailor the writing to suit your audience’s needs and understanding.
Lastly, avoid neglecting proper citation of your sources. Plagiarism is a serious offense, so always credit the original authors of the information you use. By being mindful of these common errors, you can craft a clear, informative, and effective explanatory essay.
An Example of The Explanatory Essay Format
Now, as we’ve covered all the major steps of the writing process, let’s take a look at how an explanatory essay can look like. We have decided to take the already established topic on the process of photosynthesis and write a brief exemplary text.
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Explanatory Essay “The Process of Photosynthesis” Introduction Consider a scenario where plants can’t synthesize their own food. Such a situation would fundamentally alter life on Earth, as plants are primary producers in the food chain. This essay elucidates the process of photosynthesis, explicating how plants convert sunlight into energy, the role of water, and the significance of carbon dioxide. Body The first indispensable element of photosynthesis is sunlight. Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll, a green pigment found in the leaves of plants. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy. Without sunlight, plants are unable to perform photosynthesis and produce food. Water is another crucial component of photosynthesis. Plants absorb water through their roots. During the light-dependent reactions, water molecules are split into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is subsequently released into the atmosphere, while the hydrogen is utilized in the next stage of photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide constitutes the final key ingredient in the photosynthesis process. Plants intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. Carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen to form glucose, which serves as the plant’s primary source of energy. This process not only sustains the plant but also produces oxygen, essential for animal life. Conclusion Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide are all fundamental to the process of photosynthesis. By understanding photosynthesis, we gain a deeper appreciation of how plants sustain life on Earth. Protecting our environment is imperative to ensure that this vital process continues to support both plant and animal life. |
Possible Topics to Discuss in Your Next Explanatory Essay
You’ve learned everything you need to know to create a compelling and well-organized explanatory essay. Now the writing is in your hands. All you need is an interesting topic. We know that picking out a subject for your explanatory essay can be hard. After all, there are so many different things you could discuss and explain. However, be sure to choose the matter that not only interests you but also provides enough material for research and discussion. Below are some engaging topics that can make your next explanatory essay both informative and intriguing.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| The Mechanism of Global Warming | Explore the scientific principles behind global warming and its impact on the environment. |
| How Social Media Influences Mental Health | Discuss the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health, particularly among youth. |
| The Process of Human Memory Formation | Explain how memories are formed, stored, and recalled in the human brain. |
| Renewable Energy Sources and Their Benefits | Examine different types of renewable energy and their advantages over traditional energy sources. |
| The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Medicine | Discuss how AI is being used to improve diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient care. |
| The Evolution of the Internet | Trace the development of the internet from its inception to its current state. |
| The Impact of Diet on Physical and Mental Health | Explain how various dietary choices affect overall health and well-being. |
| The Basics of Quantum Mechanics | Provide an overview of quantum mechanics and its fundamental principles. |
| The Importance of Sleep for Cognitive Function | Discuss the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive performance. |
| The History and Cultural Significance of Traditional Music | Explore the origins and importance of traditional music in different cultures. |
These topics offer a wide range of information to explore and can serve to engage your readers with interesting and relevant content. Select a topic that resonates with you, do your research, and clearly present all the important findings.
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