The Secret to Writing Good Expository Essays
By WR!TERS@WORK
By WR!TERS@WORK
Secondary school students may feel overwhelmed and confused about the many types of essays they need to know how to write. There are personal reflective essays, narrative essays, argumentative essays, discursive essays, expository essays, descriptive essays, and even hybrid essays! This article will focus on how to write a good expository essay.
In an expository essay, students are writing to inform readers about a particular subject or issue. All arguments in an expository essay must be supported by examples and evidence.
Sample question: Write about some of the challenges youths face.
1. Paragraph 1: Introduction
The introduction paragraph should provide an overview of how the main topic or idea of the expository essay question will be addressed. Furthermore, the student should include a thesis statement to set the parameters within which the main ideas will be discussed.
2. Paragraph 2: 1st Main Point
Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL format: (1) the main point sentence, (2) the elaboration, (3) the example or evidence, and (4) the link to the essay question/ next point.
Students should remember that each paragraph should explain and elaborate on one key point which corresponds to the essay question – students should not try to include more than one point in each paragraph to avoid the paragraph becoming unfocused and unwieldy.
3. Paragraph 3: 2nd Main Point
This paragraph should follow the same PEEL format: (1) the main point sentence, (2) the elaboration, (3) the example or evidence, and (4) the link to the essay question/ next point.
4. Paragraph 4: 3rd Main Point
PEEL format: (1) the main point sentence, (2) the elaboration, (3) the example or evidence, and (4) the link to the essay question/ next point.
5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion
In the conclusion, the entire essay should be summed up to get readers thinking about the topic which has been previously discussed in the essay.
Firstly, it goes without saying that students should have good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure in writing any essay. The examiner wants to see that a student not only knows about the essay genre and its attendant points, but that the student has a good command of the English language and its technicalities.
Secondly, before a student starts writing their essay, they should make an essay map like the one shown above to plan their main points. As there are only 3 points discussed, students are reminded to choose the strongest arguments so that the essay has more weight, as compared to an essay with only secondary or very minor points made.
Moreover, students who lack inspiration about what elaboration or evidence to write in their expository essay must be more widely read. Students should read either Model Compositions addressing similar essay questions or other informative texts such as newspapers, op-ed articles, or books to gain more experience about how the world works around them. As a bonus, students may pick up new ways of writing or vocabulary from the things that they read, which they can use to improve their future essays.
After writing their essays, students should remember to proofread for any errors made during writing. Double checking before submitting an essay is a highly essential skill as students should always remember that no one is immune to making careless mistakes when writing. Students should read paragraph by paragraph to see whether there are any inconsistencies or errors in their writing, or read for particular mistakes such as spelling or grammar mistakes first, followed by leaps in logic or sentences which do not “flow” well together.
Regardless of the essay genre, students should remember that practice makes perfect – students will be familiar with the different genres of essays if they have had the opportunity to practice writing them many times first.
At WR!TERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your primary or secondary school child sitting for their English exam. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write, your child will be able to craft well-written essays in any genre with good grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
English tuition and writing courses are instrumental for students not only in school, but to prepare them for their future undertakings as good writing is a universal necessity. Enjoy a smoother learning process with WR!TERS@WORK as we reinforce your child’s language skills and provide them with a strong foundation for academic success. For more exam tips, parents and students can explore our website and watch our YouTube videos.
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1. How Do You Write a Good Secondary School Essay?
Firstly, you need a strong introduction which engages the audience. Secondly, you need appropriate content which is balanced on both sides if you are making an argument for and against something. Lastly, your conclusion must be synthesised and weigh the benefits or disadvantages of the essay subject, or provide another viewpoint about the topic.
2. How Do You Structure an English Essay?
Firstly, you need a good hook as an introductory paragraph. Next, the body of content follows, which will answer the essay question provided. Lastly, a strong conclusion which “comes down on one side” is needed.
3. What Is a Good Paragraph Starter?
It depends on the essay. For narrative writing, the student can start in media res. For argumentative essays or discursive essays, a thesis statement is needed which outlines the central tenet of your argument.
4. What Should You Not Do in an Essay?
You should not ramble with run-on sentences in an essay. Furthermore, students should always answer the essay question and not address points which are unrelated. Good grammar and vocabulary, along with robust sentence structure, is a must.
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