How to write an explanatory essay: a handy guide for students

An explanatory essay outline template helps understand how systems and concepts work, regardless of the selected topic. For instance, if you are required to explain how a car engine works, you can start with a thesis statement that clarifies the purpose of your essay and provides a roadmap for the audience. The statement is followed by an engaging hook, meant to capture attention and pose a problem or a question. It can be a quote, a shocking fact, or even an anecdote to add a personal touch to your story. You can start an explanatory essay body paragraph with evidence and examples and conclude your paper with an insightful summary reiterating the essay’s main points. This format allows you to maintain credibility and express your viewpoint correctly.

What is an explanatory essay? Understanding paper basics

Here's what you need to know first when asking, "What is an explanatory essay?" This essay, sometimes called an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that seeks to clarify, explain, and inform the reader about a specific topic or issue. The primary purpose of this essay is to present a straightforward, objective, and coherent explanation without expressing personal opinions or persuading the reader. It is often assigned to students to assess their understanding of a subject and their ability to convey information clearly and logically.

Explanatory vs expository essays

What is the difference between an explanatory essay introduction and an expository essay intro? If you have been wondering the same thing, search no more: we have a clear explanation to help you write with more intention and academic precision. What makes these two essay types so different is the purpose of each essay. 

An explanatory essay works with a single concept, breaking it down into comprehensive sections for better understanding. Its main goal is to educate the readers, using simple terms and avoiding excessive slang and jargonisms in writing. An expository essay, by contrast, provides complex definitions and offers a more advanced analysis of an idea, object, or theory. It also covers a broader range of subjects and is more generalized compared to its counterpart. Explanatory essays are often considered a subtype of expository texts, but can be also viewed as independent academic papers.

Feature	Explanatory essay	Expository essay
Purpose	Provides a clarification on a specific topic (often very narrow and niche)	Educates the readers on a broad range of themes and is more generalized
Tone	Very neutral and educational - you are sharing an explanation	Neutral, but an occasional argument is allowed within the context
Use of examples	Facts and statistics are provided along with clear definitions	Critical analysis and comparative analysis are included
Structure	Introduction, body, conclusion	Structure identical to the structure of an explanatory essay yet may include thesis based analysis
Common in	Academic writing and explanation tasks	Research papers and informative articles

Writing tip:

Writers should keep in mind that both expository and explanatory essays are educational by definition, yet an explanatory essay may contain a deeper dive into a particular topic to enrich the reader’s understanding of a specific concept or feature. An explanatory essay structure, just like a research paper structure, follows stringent academic standards and expects scholars to adhere to a specific tone of voice. Explanatory essays are frequently considered a subgenre of expository paper types, with a narrower definition and a deeper understanding of the selected premise. Knowing this will help you distinguish between the two and understand your professor’s guidelines.

 

Types of explanatory essays: things you need to know

• Definition essay. A definition essay is centered around a single premise and does not deviate from it to keep the narrative intact. The premise will depend on your tutor’s explanations and guidelines. Typically, definition essays revolve around important historical events or dates targeted at a high school audience or college students.
• Cause and effect essay. While cause and effect essays are wrongfully considered the most complicated out of all explanatory essay types, they are simple in execution. The cause requires you to provide sufficient reasons on why something happened, and the effect is you explaining what followed the cause (the consequences of an event, action, premise, etc.).
• Compare-and-contrast essay. Compare-and-contrast essays in academic writing are good for educational purposes on a larger scale. For instance, if you want to compare the cost of living in two cities, this will create a clear picture of what to expect in terms of affordability and allow for a more transparent evaluation..
• How-to essay. A how-to essay is often described as a substitute for a technical instruction or a manual. It is incredibly concise, informative, and purely educational - no personal opinions or background data in sight. How-to essays follow a specific structure, such as providing a step-by-step guide on how to complete assignments / do homework / achieve a goal. If you are majoring in tech, a how-to essay can be your creative playground to help you introduce a new or concept in a non-threatening, transparent way that is not filled with specialized terms and definitions.
• Classification essay. Classification essays are all about categorization. They are meant to help the audience understand complex terms without browsing through pages of specialized manuals. A classification essay takes a broad definition and breaks it down into more comprehensive sections. For instance, a classification essay topic (movies) can be divided into movie genres (fantasy, comedy, romance) or period.
• Problem and solution essays. Problem and solution essays identify a problem and provide realistic, practical solutions to help the audience find an escape route out of a challenging situation or a pressing issue. The problem range is diverse, starting from the lack of substitute teachers to the absence of health classes in high schools. However, writers have to make sure they offer practical explanations that can be applied in real life, as most readers use problem and solution essays as their guides.

Good explanatory essay topics for everyone

Before diving into specific categories, let's explore general explanatory essay topics that can pique your interest and inspire your explanatory writing. Here are ten engaging topics to consider:

1. The impact of social media on mental health.
2. The history and significance of a particular cultural tradition.
3. The role of renewable energy in combating climate change.
4. The importance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining overall health.
5. The process of creating a successful business plan.
6. The benefits and challenges of online education.
7. The influence of technology on interpersonal relationships.
8. The factors contributing to income inequality.
9. The development and use of artificial intelligence in daily life.
10. The consequences of deforestation on global ecosystems.

These topics offer a starting point for your research and allow you to delve into contemporary issues, cultural phenomena, and scientific advancements.

Explanatory essay topics for high school students

High school students can benefit from choosing topics relevant to their academic curriculum or personal interests. Here are ten explanatory essay topics suitable for high school students:

1. The role of the electoral college in the US presidential elections.
2. The effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance.
3. The principles of the scientific method and its applications.
4. The impact of the industrial revolution on society.
5. The causes and consequences of the Great Depression.
6. The significance of a specific historical event or figure.
7. The factors influencing teenage substance abuse.
8. The importance of effective communication skills.
9. The process of photosynthesis and its role in the ecosystem.
10. The benefits and drawbacks of standardized testing.

These topics allow high school students to explore various subjects while demonstrating their analytical and writing skills.

Explanatory essay topics for college students

College-level explanatory essays often require a deeper level of analysis and understanding. Here are ten thought-provoking topics for college students:

1. The ethical implications of genetic engineering and cloning.
2. The role of gender in language development and communication.
3. The impact of globalization on cultural identity.
4. The relationship between religion and science.
5. The factors contributing to the rise of populist movements.
6. The significance of a specific artistic movement or style.
7. The role of whistleblowers in promoting transparency and accountability.
8. The influence of the gig economy on traditional employment structures.
9. The implications of neuroscientific research on the understanding of human behavior.
10. The role of media bias in shaping public opinion.

These topics invite college students to engage in extensive research and critical thinking, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of complex issues and concepts.

Other catchy topics for six main explanatory essay subtypes

Mastering the explanatory essay outline

An effective explanatory paper follows a clear and logical structure, which allows for a smooth flow of ideas and easy comprehension by the reader. A well-structured explanatory essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

• Introduction: The introduction (including your explanatory thesis) is the opening section of your essay and sets the stage for your discussion. It should include a hook to grab the reader's attention, some background information to provide context for the topic, and a clear and concise explanatory essay thesis statement that outlines the main points you will cover in the essay.
• Body: In the explanatory essay outline, the body of the essay is where you present your main ideas, arguments, or explanations. It is usually divided into several paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific point or aspect of the topic. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main idea of that section, followed by supporting details, evidence, or examples to support your claim. Ensure your arguments are organized logically and maintain a smooth transition between paragraphs to help the reader follow your thought process.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final section of your essay, where you summarize the main points, restate your explanatory thesis, and bring your discussion to a close. It is essential to emphasize the significance of your findings and provide a sense of closure for the reader. Avoid introducing new ideas or arguments in this section, as it may confuse the reader and weaken your essay's overall coherence.

By following your explanatory essay format, outlining, and ensuring that each section contains the necessary elements, you can create a well-organized and compelling explanatory paper that effectively conveys your understanding of the topic and engages your reader.

Example of Explanatory Essay Outline

Introduction

• Hook: Start with a shocking fact or an anecdote to draw the readers.
• Background: Explain the subject background but make it concise.
• Thesis: Make sure the audience understands your main idea and purpose in the thesis statement.

Body Paragraph I

• Topic sentence: Provide your readers with a strong supporting point.
• Evidence: Give them data, examples, and facts to keep interest.
• Analysis: Explain how the facts support your intro point.
• Transition: Transition smoothly into the next paragraph. 

Body Paragraph II

• Topic sentence: Give the audience your second idea.
• Evidence: Present supporting facts for the idea.
• Analysis: Explain how your idea correlates with the thesis.
• Transition: Transition logically into the next paragraph.

Body Paragraph III

• Topic sentence: Present your third supporting point.
• Evidence: Include facts and examples that support the point.
• Analysis: Give evidence to confirm your argument.
• Transition: Wrap up your thoughts before the conclusion.

Conclusion

• Restate thesis: Paraphrase the main argument.
• Provide summary: Recap key supporting ideas.
• Provide closing thought: Finish with a final insight.

How to write an explanatory essay in five steps

Writing an explanatory essay can be a straightforward process when approached systematically. This five-step guide will help you craft a well-structured and informative essay that effectively conveys your understanding of the topic.

Step 1: Choose a suitable topic

Select a topic that aligns with your interests, the assignment requirements, and the target audience. Ensure that the topic is relevant and engaging and allows for in-depth exploration.

Step 2: Conduct source research

Gather information and evidence to support your essay by conducting thorough research. Use reputable sources such as encyclopedias like Britannica, Encyclopedia.com, or World Book, and dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, or Oxford English Dictionary. Remember to keep track of your sources for citation purposes.

Step 3: Create an outline

Develop a clear and logical outline for your essay, which includes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Organize your main points and supporting details coherently to ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Step 4: Write body paragraphs

Compose the body paragraphs of your essay, dedicating each paragraph to a specific point or aspect of the topic. Begin with a topic sentence, followed by supporting details, evidence, and examples. Ensure that your arguments are well-organized and maintain a logical flow.

Step 5: revise!

Once you have completed the initial draft, it's time to revise and refine your essay. Carefully review your work to ensure that it meets the following criteria:

• Assignment fulfillment: Does your essay address the assignment's requirements and expectations?
• Logical organization: Are your sentences and paragraphs arranged in a coherent order?
• Engaging introduction: Does the hook effectively capture the reader's attention?
• Strong conclusion: Does the conclusion provide a satisfactory summary and sense of closure?
• Proper citation: Have you accurately cited all sources used in your essay?
• Grammar and spelling: Is your essay free of grammatical and spelling errors?

By addressing these questions and making necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your essay is polished, well-structured, and effectively conveys your understanding of the topic. Remember that revision is essential to the writing process, and refining your work will help you create a compelling and informative explanatory paper.

Picking explanatory essay topics to stand out

Choosing the right topic is the first step toward creating a strong academic paper, whether it is an explanatory or definition essay. For explanatory essays in particular, these are the tips that will make your story stand out among other papers:

• Follow your curiosity. Choose a subject that makes you genuinely curious. Sure, you can pick the path of least resistance and follow in the footsteps of your predecessors, but the true exploration begins once you take time to select your true passion.
• Check the details of your assignment. You should always double-check your professor’s guidelines. Just like a compare-and-contrast essay, an explanatory essay might have a different focus depending on your tutor’s requirements - science, psychology, sociology, or humanities.
• Think about your audience. You cannot write in isolation and disregard your readers’ opinions for the sake of storytelling. People who read your essay need to understand the practical solutions that you offer and grasp complex definitions from having read your text alone. Knowing your demographic like the back of your hand helps efficient communication.
• Pick something that has depth. Explanatory essays are indeed informative by nature and must not contain personal views - only relevant facts that your readers can rely on to get information from. However, you have to make sure that the topic that you have selected has been discussed previously and offers sufficient depth for further exploration.
• Stay relevant. Do not settle for mediocre topics if you are not sure they will resonate with your audience and have the desired effect on your target demographic (people who will be reading and quoting your essay). Make sure that you are only working with subjects that keep coming up in TikTok streams and YouTube shorts - no niche topics that don’t have enough background information to support them.
• Scan textbooks. Oftentimes, students refuse to look for relevant information in their course materials and textbooks, considering them outdated and uninspired. However, the very same textbooks can contain a lot of juicy information and theoretical background that you can use to select the essay topic wisely.
• Use tools for academic support. You can use relevant quotes from experts as a way to maintain credibility and lend academic weight to your research. Data and facts pulled from reputable sources can also provide concrete examples.
• Pull ideas from real life. You can use real-world examples as essay inspiration. Personal experiences, daily observations, and YouTube documentaries are all valid sources to keep you motivated and maintain a connection with the real world while writing.

Final words

Now you know how to write an explanatory essay like a professional. This process involves selecting a suitable topic, conducting thorough research, creating a well-structured outline, composing engaging body paragraphs, and revising your work to ensure its quality. By following the step-by-step guide in this article, you will be well-equipped to craft a compelling and informative essay showcasing your understanding of the subject matter.

However, we understand that sometimes even the most detailed guide can fall short if a student is stressed, overwhelmed, or unprepared to write an explanatory essay. So our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you by crafting an exceptional paper tailored to your needs and requirements. With our support, you can feel confident submitting an outstanding essay that your professor will appreciate. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on other essential aspects of your academic journey.