How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Guide with Examples & Topics

The hardest part about writing often isn’t the grammar or the word count, it’s figuring out how to explain something clearly without sounding like a robot or without boring the reader out of their mind. That’s the purpose of an explanatory essay: breaking down a complicated topic so your reader walks away with information they didn’t have before. This type of writing doesn’t require arguing or personal opinions. Just hard facts and clarity. 

Before you jump into writing, take a breath and review the most important steps of creating an explanatory essay:

1. Understand the task
2. Pick a focused topic
3. Do your research
4. Create an outline
5. Write the first draft
6. Revise and rewrite 
7. Proofread

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about writing a solid explanatory essay together. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to organize your ideas and choose topics that make for strong papers. You’ll also take a look at solid explanatory essay examples to get a better idea of what such works should look like. 

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What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

Have you ever been tasked with explaining a complex topic to someone without prior knowledge? It can be challenging to break down complex ideas into simple terms that are easy to understand. That's where explanatory writing comes in! An explanatory essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept clearly and concisely. These essays are often used in academic settings but can also be found in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

For example, if you were asked to explain how a car engine works, you would need to provide a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. Or, if you were asked to explain the process of photosynthesis, you would need to explain how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

When wondering - 'what is an explanatory essay?', remember that the goal of an explanatory paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the topic at hand. Unlike an opinion essay, this type of paper does not argue for or against a particular viewpoint but rather presents information neutrally and objectively. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand the topic and be able to explain it to others in their own words.

Also, there is no set number of paragraphs in an explanatory essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the topic. However, when wondering - 'how many paragraphs in an explanatory essay?', know that a typical example of explanatory writing will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, some essays may have more or fewer body paragraphs, depending on the topic and the writer's preference. Ultimately, an explanatory essay format aims to provide a clear and thorough explanation of the topic, using as many paragraphs as necessary.

Characteristics of a Good Explanatory Essay Topic

Flashy doesn’t automatically mean good. Choosing a topic for an explanatory essay calls for finding something that you can actually explain. A proper topic, first of all, gives you room to lay the facts out clearly, follow them up with real examples, and back up everything with credible sources. At the end, your reader should feel like they genuinely learned something. Here’s what makes a topic worth writing about:

• It’s something that can be broken down into clear, logical parts.
• You can stick to facts without arguing or debating.
• The topic is neutral and doesn’t ask for your opinion.
• It’s manageable: you can fully explain it within the word count.
• It works even if your reader isn’t already familiar with it.
• It gives you space to include examples, stats, or definitions.

How to Choose an Explanatory Essay Topic?

Sometimes, choosing the topic you’ll be writing about takes you longer than actually writing about it. But does it have to be that way? No, not necessarily. Although you’ll need a well-thought-out plan to skip all the headaches. If you start with what you know and keep your audience in mind, you’ll land on something that’s both solid and easy to write about. You don’t need the most unique topic in the world, just one you can explain well. 

To choose a topic you need to:

• Think about things you already understand well because it’ll be easier to explain them clearly.
• Look through class notes, past assignments, or news stories for inspiration.
• Avoid super technical topics unless you’re writing for people who already know the subject.
• Browse a few explanatory essay examples to spark ideas.
• Choose a topic that allows you to pull in real facts, examples, or stats.
• Make sure your topic is focused but not too narrow. You want enough material to work with.

30 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics 

Now that we have defined what is explanatory essay, the next step is choosing a good explanatory topic. A well-chosen topic is interesting and relevant to your audience while also being something you are knowledgeable about and can provide valuable insights on. By selecting a topic that is too broad or too narrow, you run the risk of either overwhelming your audience with too much information or failing to provide enough substance to fully explain the topic. Additionally, choosing a topic that is too controversial or biased can lead to difficulty in presenting information objectively and neutrally. By choosing a good explanatory topic, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed, engaging, and effective in communicating your ideas to your audience.

Here are 30 creative explanatory essay topics by our admission essay service to consider:

1. The Impact of Social Media on Modern Communication
2. Exploring the Rise of Renewable Energy Sources Worldwide
3. The Role of Genetics in Personalizing Medicine
4. How Blockchain Technology is Transforming Finance
5. The Influence of Globalization on Local Cultures
6. The Science Behind the Human Body’s Circadian Rhythms
7. Understanding the Causes and Effects of Global Warming
8. The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Its Future
9. The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation
10. The Mechanisms of Dreaming: What Happens While We Sleep?
11. The History and Cultural Significance of Coffee
12. How Does the Stock Market Work? An Introductory Guide
13. The Importance of Bees in Ecosystem Maintenance
14. Exploring the Various Forms of Government Around the World
15. The Process of DNA Replication and Its Importance
16. How Personal Finance Trends Are Shaping the Future of Banking
17. The Effects of Music on Human Emotion and Brain Function
18. Understanding Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
19. The Role of Antioxidants in Human Health
20. The History of the Internet and Its Impact on Communication
21. How 3D Printing is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
22. The Significance of Water Conservation in the 21st Century
23. The Psychological Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
24. The Importance of Vaccinations in Public Health
25. How Autonomous Vehicles Will Change the Future of Transportation
26. Exploring the Concept of Minimalism and Its Benefits
27. The Role of Robotics in Healthcare
28. The Economic Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries
29. How Urban Farming is Helping to Solve Food Security Issues
30. The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Workplace Dynamics

Explanatory Essay Topics for Students

A strong topic will make your explanatory essay feel smoother, and it will also help you stay focused without being forced to hit the brakes halfway through. We’ve sorted the sections below by subject and educational level so you can find something engaging to write about no matter what stage of school you’re in.

Explanatory Essay Topics for College Students

Higher education deals with complex issues, so if your essay is for a college assignment, the topic should reflect that. Let’s take a look at some solid prompts that give you plenty to explain without requiring a PhD.

1. In what ways is social media changing how we connect with each other?
2. Why are college students mentally drained?
3. Why is student debt becoming such a big issue?
4. Do internships really help students after college?
5. What’s the real environmental cost of fast fashion?
6. Why does emotional intelligence matter so much at work now?
7. Can a lack of sleep really mess with your ability to remember things?
8. What pushes people to leave one career behind and start fresh in another?
9. How are young people dealing with the stress of climate change?
10. How do student clubs and campus groups help you succeed in college?

Explanatory Essay Topics for High School

High school essays shouldn’t feel like a chore. You can choose topics based on stuff you’ve seen or experienced, the ones that you and the reader can both relate to. The prompts below will help you find something that challenges you a little but still feels real. 

1. Why do so many teens spend hours on their phones every day?
2. What happens when high school students take on part-time jobs?
3. How can joining a school club or team actually make a difference?
4. Do school uniforms help with focus or just limit how students express themselves?
5. What’s behind the stress so many students feel before a big test?
6. Why should teens learn about managing money before graduating?
7. How does peer pressure show up in everyday choices?
8. Are online high school classes helping students or making things harder?
9. Can volunteering really give you an edge with college admissions?
10. What makes learning a second language valuable in high school?

Explanatory Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle schoolers’ essays require topics that are simple enough to manage but still leave some space to think and explain. Writing about the topics below will feel less like homework and more like telling a story that matters.

1. How do school rules help students?
2. What does being a good friend really mean?
3. How can exercise make you feel better?
4. What is it about video games that makes them so fun?
5. Why is your favorite book one you’d recommend to someone else?
6. How can having a pet make people feel less alone?
7. Why do birthday celebrations look different in every family?
8. What can students learn by taking art or music in school?
9. How does the food or atmosphere in the cafeteria affect your day?
10. Why should your community care about recycling?

Explanatory Essay Topics by Subjects

A good idea will come to you way easier once you know what subject you prefer to focus on. This section is for you if you already have a favorite class or simply feel more confident about something specific. If not, keep reading to find inspiration in different fields. 

Explanatory Essay Topics in Literature

Literature essays don’t ask you to retell what happened in a book. They’re about really digging into the characters and their decision to figure out what it all means. A good literature essay will help your reader understand why a piece matters and what it says about life in general. These prompts are perfect for breaking that down.

1. How does the setting shape the mood of a story?
2. What makes a character a tragic hero?
3. How do authors use symbols to add deeper meaning?
4. Why are unreliable narrators so fun to read?
5. Can conflict help a character grow?
6. What books say about the time they were written in
7. Why do some characters stay popular for decades?
8. How can dialogue show who a character really is?
9. What’s the difference between the tone and mood of a story?
10. How do coming-of-age themes influence a book’s message?

Explanatory Essay Topics in History

Beyond a list of old dates, history is full of people, their decisions, and the cause-and-effect analysis of the moments that shaped the world we live in now. Keep reading to find topics that explain how those moments still echo today. 

1. What caused the Roman Empire to fall apart over time?
2. How did the printing press end up changing how people shared ideas?
3. How did the Civil Rights Movement shift American history?
4. What made the Industrial Revolution such a big deal?
5. In what ways did women step up and contribute during World War II?
6. What started the tension that turned into the Cold War?
7. Why did the Great Depression spread so quickly?
8. How did colonization change life for native communities?
9. What kind of long-term changes came out of the French Revolution?
10. How did the Space Race shake up global politics and power?

Science Topics for Explanatory Essays

Science shows up in everything, that’s what makes it such a fun and engaging subject to write about. The topics below are all about looking closely at how the world around us works. 

1. How do plants use sunlight to grow?
2. What happens in your body when you catch a cold?
3. Why do some animals sleep all winter?
4. How do vaccines keep people healthy?
5. What does climate change do to our weather?
6. Why do earthquakes happen and how do we measure them?
7. How does your brain hold onto memories?
8. What’s the point of the scientific method?
9. How do ecosystems stay balanced in nature?
10. What makes renewable energy a cleaner choice?

Explanatory Essay Topics in Business

There’s a lot of interesting stuff going on behind the scenes of the business world. These topics can help you give the reader a front-row seat into how the top companies in the world operate and how trends drive our decision-making. 

1. How do small businesses support communities?
2. What makes a brand unique in today’s market?
3. Is customer service really that important?
4. How do companies use social media to connect with people?
5. What causes inflation?
6. Why is honest marketing getting more attention?
7. How has remote work changed the way teams operate?
8. What does a budget really do for a business?
9. How do franchises work differently from independent shops?
10. What does a successful product launch actually look like?

Technology Explanatory Essay Topics

Tech is part of almost everything we do. It is also constantly evolving, which makes it one of the best subjects for explanatory essays. These topics help you explain some of the coolest (and weirdest) things going on in the digital world right now.

1. How do algorithms decide what you see online?
2. What makes 5G different from earlier phone networks?
3. How do smart homes actually function?
4. Why is cybersecurity such a big deal in everyday life?
5. How do self-driving cars figure out when to stop or slow down?
6. What’s going on with digital privacy, and why are people talking about it more now?
7. How do video games make you feel like you’re really part of the story?
8. What exactly is blockchain, and how is it being used beyond just cryptocurrency?
9. In what ways has technology changed how people learn new things?
10. What should we be thinking about when it comes to using AI in healthcare?

Simple Topics for Explanatory Essay

If you think you need a complicated subject to write a solid essay, think again. Some of the best papers come from simpler topics that, in reality, have more going on than you’d expect. Take a look at the list below if you’re just getting started. 

1. Why do people need sleep to feel good and stay focused?
2. How does brushing your teeth keep them healthy over time?
3. What causes the seasons to change during the year?
4. How does Wi-Fi actually connect your phone or laptop to the internet?
5. What helps plants grow strong and healthy?
6. Why is drinking enough water important for your body?
7. How does recycling help reduce waste in your community?
8. What’s a typical day like for a firefighter?
9. Why do people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
10. How do libraries keep track of all their books?

Creative Explanatory Essay Topics

Step outside of the box and make your essay a little more fun with these creative topics. They’re different yet not complicated, offering you ideas that aren’t usually covered in class. 

1. How do theme parks stay organized and running all day?
2. What makes some YouTube videos go viral?
3. What kind of training does an astronaut need before going to space?
4. Why do certain songs get stuck in your head for hours?
5. How does movie makeup create scary or realistic effects?
6. What makes escape rooms so fun to solve?
7. How do athletes get ready for a big game?
8. What’s going on backstage during a live concert?
9. How do animators turn sketches into moving characters?
10. What steps are involved in making a board game from scratch?

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory essay can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. However, by following a few simple steps, you can effectively kick-start your writing process and produce a clear and concise essay. Here are some tips and examples from our term paper writing services on how to start an explanatory essay:

1. Choose an engaging topic: Your topic should be interesting, relevant, and meaningful to your audience. For example, if you're writing about climate change, you might focus on a specific aspect of the issue, such as the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
2. Conduct research: Gather as much information as possible on your topic. This may involve reading scholarly articles, conducting interviews, or analyzing data. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, you might research the psychological and physical benefits of the practice.
3. Develop an outline: Creating an outline will help you logically organize your explanatory essay structure. For example, you might organize your essay on the benefits of mindfulness meditation by discussing its effects on mental health, physical health, and productivity.
4. Provide clear explanations: When writing an explanatory article, it's important to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon. For example, if you're explaining the process of photosynthesis, you might use diagrams and visual aids to help illustrate your points.
5. Use evidence to support your claims: Use evidence from reputable sources to support your claims and arguments. This will help to build credibility and persuade your readers. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of exercise, you might cite studies that demonstrate its positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

By following these tips and examples, you can effectively start your expository essays and produce a well-structured, informative, and engaging piece of writing.

Explanatory Essay Outline

A solid explanatory essay outline can save you a ton of stress down the line. It’s something that helps you stay focused and way less likely to hit a writing wall halfway through. You don’t need anything fancy, but giving yourself a clear structure before you start typing will make your essay flow so much better. Here’s what your outline should include:

Sometimes, your essay might include extra stuff, maybe a graph, some data, or a list of terms. That’s where the appendix comes in. So if you're wondering what is an appendix, check out this guide.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

Here are some tips from our 'do my homework' service to create a good explanatory essay introduction that effectively engages your readers and sets the stage for the entire essay:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that draws your readers in. For example, you might start your essay on the benefits of exercise with a statistic on how many Americans suffer from obesity.
2. Provide context: Give your readers some background information on the topic you'll be discussing. This helps to set the stage and ensures that your readers understand the importance of the topic. For example, you might explain the rise of obesity rates in the United States over the past few decades.
3. State your thesis: A good explanatory thesis example should be clear, concise, and focused. It should state the main argument or point of your essay. For example, you might state, ' Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.'
4. Preview your main points: Give your readers an idea of what to expect in the body of your essay by previewing your main points. For example, you might explain that you'll be discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health, physical health, and longevity.
5. Keep it concise: Your introduction should be brief and to the point. Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail or providing too much background information. A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction to one or two paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

By following the following tips, you can create well-organized, evidence-based explanation essay body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement.

1. Use credible sources: When providing evidence to support your arguments, use credible sources such as peer-reviewed academic journals or reputable news outlets. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet, you might cite a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
2. Organize your paragraphs logically: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Organize your paragraphs logically so that each one builds on the previous one. For example, if you're writing about the causes of climate change, you might organize your paragraphs to focus on human activity, natural causes, and the effects of climate change.
3. Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to help your readers follow the flow of your ideas. For example, you might use phrases such as 'in addition,' 'furthermore,' or 'on the other hand' to indicate a shift in your argument.
4. Provide analysis: Don't just present evidence; provide analysis and interpretation of the evidence. For example, if you're writing about the benefits of early childhood education, you might analyze the long-term effects on academic achievement and future earnings.
5. Summarize your main points: End each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point or argument you've made. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and keep your essay organized. For example, you might end a paragraph on the benefits of exercise by stating, 'Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making it a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.'

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

Here are some unique tips on how to write an explanatory essay conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

1. Offer a solution or recommendation: Instead of summarizing your main points, offer suggestions based on the information you've presented. This can help to make your essay more impactful and leave a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the effects of pollution on the environment, you might recommend using more eco-friendly products or investing in renewable energy sources.
2. Emphasize the importance of your topic: Use your concluding statement to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it's relevant to your readers. This can help to inspire action or change. For example, suppose you're writing about the benefits of volunteering. In that case, you might emphasize how volunteering helps others and has personal benefits such as improved mental health and a sense of purpose.
3. End with a powerful quote or statement: End your explanatory essay conclusion with a powerful quote or statement that reinforces your main point or leaves a lasting impression on your readers. For example, if you're writing about the importance of education, you might end your essay with a quote from Nelson Mandela, such as, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

Explanatory Essay Example

It helps to review a real example of an explanatory essay before you start writing your own paper. Take a look at the sample essay below and use it as a guide for structure, tone, and flow. 

The Final Takeaway

By now, you’ve got the full picture of what goes into writing a strong explanatory essay. You know that you don’t need to make believable arguments or share personal opinions, but rather break down a topic very clearly so your readers get an actual understanding of it. Here’s a quick recap of what a solid essay should include:

• Introduction: Opens the essay, provides background, and ends with a clear thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Usually three, each focused on one main point, backed by facts, examples, or definitions.
• Conclusion: Restates the thesis and wraps up the main points without adding anything new.

If you ever feel overwhelmed before you even start, thinking, ‘Can someone just write paper for me?’ EssayPro is here so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our professional team can give you all the support and guidance you need to turn in papers that sound like you.

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