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6th Grade Essay Topics – Best 100 Essay Ideas for Sixth Graders

6th grade essay topics don’t have to be boring and uninspiring. With the right essay topics, sixth graders can express themselves in depth and descriptively. This article aims to highlight 100 amazing essay topics for 6th graders that’ll enhance their writing skills and improve their mental performance. These essay topics all meet the Common Core Standards.

100 Great 6th Grade Essay Topics

Since the 6th grade is the bridge to middle school, teachers will ensure students are prepared for middle school. The emphasis will be laid on the quality of writing and frequent writing assignments and tasks. The key to boosting the writing creativity of 6th graders is allowing them to research essay topics in advance. This will enable you to be more prepared and organised. To find the perfect 6th-grade essay topics, you have to allow your students to sift through the list of essay topics and select the one they feel interested in.

Narrative Essay Topic for 6th Grade 

Whether you want your students to recount an event that happened shortly or an adventure that need them to fuel their imaginative spirit, narrative essays tell a story. The narrative essay is structured with a plot, which organizes it into beginning, middle and end.

Here are some narrative essay topic for 6th graders:

  • Think about the best day of your life. What made it so great?
  • Who is the oldest person you know?
  • Describe a friend situation that changed over only one day.
  • Write about how it feels when you’re alone.
  • Describe your favourite vacation.
  • Has a book, movie, or album ever changed your life?
  • Think about your future self. Write about a day in your life, one year from today.
  • Tell a family story from your perspective.
  • Describe a memory you have of extreme weather.
  • Think about a time you had to work hard to learn something.
  • Your first day of school.
  • Your most exciting day of school
  • A field trip that your class took.
  • Your favourite summer vacation.
  • A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
  • A time that you experienced something spooky.
  • A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
  • A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
  • The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
  • The day that you got your first pet.
  • A move from one place to another.
  • Something funny that happened to you.
  • Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
  • Something embarrassing that happened to you.
  • Your favourite birthday party.
  • A birthday that was disappointing.
  • A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
  • A time that the power went out.
  • A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park
  • A time when you got lost somewhere.
  • A memorable experience with a favourite family member
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports
  • Your most exciting moment is performing in a play, singing, playing music, or dancing.
  • An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
  • An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
  • A time that you experienced rejection.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger
  • A random act of kindness.
  • A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
  • Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
  • Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
  • A time when you experienced a historic event.
  • Where were you when a major event happened? (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
  • A dangerous experience.
  • A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
  • A difficult decision that you had to make.
  • The end of a friendship or relationship.
  • The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
  • A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
  • A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
  • A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
  • A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you
  • A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
  • An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Expository essay topic for the 6th Grade

Expository essays are informative. They are fantastic tools you can use to teach your 6th graders about the method of exploring and researching. You’d want to build their writing skills. So here are some Expository essay topic for the 6th graders:

  • Write an extended  definition essay  on one of your vocabulary words.
  • Pretend a friend hasn’t seen your favorite TV show. And what is it about?
  • Compare and contrast two of your friends.
  • Describe your school year so far. And what have been the most important events?
  • Choose a problem at your school. And what’s the best solution?
  • What was the cause of a recent argument you had? And what was the effect?
  • Compare and contrast two of your favorite sports or activities.
  • Discuss a conflict in a movie you like. And how was it resolved?
  • Write a definition essay about the concept of empathy.
  • Explain how to send a friendly text message.
  • Teach a reader how to play your favorite board or card game.
  • Write about the steps needed to tie a shoe.
  • Create a user manual for something you use a lot (e.g., hair straightener or cell phone).
  • Describe how you get home after school.
  • Tell a younger reader how to do homework without wasting time.
  • How do you get to the library from your classroom?
  • How do you choose what to watch on a streaming service?
  • Explain how to pass a difficult level in a video game.
  • Write about the steps you follow to listen to your favourite music.

Argumentative essay topic for the 6th Grade

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The argumentative essay is about debating. It is formal writing that aims to persuade readers to the writer’s line of thought or point of view. It is one way of spurring curiosity in your 6th grader, allowing them to passionately research and boost their writing skills.

Here are some argumentative essay topics for the 6th grade:

  • Would you rather get or give a gift?
  • If you were anybody when you grow up, who’d you be?
  • What is the most selfless thing that you have ever done?
  • Do you believe that there are things that only men or only women can perform? Why or why not?
  • Do you think that astrological horoscopes are true?
  • What are some of the problems faced by immigrants to a new country? How did this experience make you feel?
  • What was the funniest moment you’ve ever experienced? Why?
  • How do you talk to somebody who has political or spiritual beliefs which are different than your own?
  • What is the longest time that you have ever kept a secret? What was the key?
  • Write about an experience where you thought you knew something for certain, but were later turned out to be wrong.
  • Name and explain somebody that has been a inspiration to your life.
  • In 20 years, where do you think you’ll be? What will you do?
  • How do you start a conversation with somebody that you do not know?
  • What is your deepest, darkest fear?
  • What would you believe at the most? How can you create this belief? What’s it about?
  • What is your favorite thing to do after school or on this weekend?
  • Have you ever been lost? How did you end up finding your way?
  • Should kids have homework?
  • Is your city a good place to live?
  • Is it important to learn math?
  • Should school start later?
  • What’s the best way to eat an ice cream cone?
  • Should skateboarding be allowed in private parking lots?
  • Is Monday through Friday the best school schedule?
  • Does pizza make a good breakfast?
  • Are hamsters fun pets?
  • Should students be allowed to go anywhere they want on the Internet?

Narrative essay topic for the 6th Grade

The Narrative essay is used to motivate students to tell a beautiful story and craft pictures in the mind of readers. Here are some Narrative essay topic for the 6th graders,

  • Your favorite summer vacation.
  • Your favorite birthday party.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park.
  • A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports.
  • Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
  • Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.

Descriptive essay topic for the 6th Grade

Here are some fun and inspiring essay topic for 6th graders:

  • Describe your favourite place.
  • Describe your ideal bedroom.
  • Describe the house in which you grew up.
  • Describe what the first house on the moon would look like.
  • Describe some of your favourite places in your hometown.
  • Describe a peaceful place that you’ve visited.
  • Describe a place that exists only in your imagination.
  • Describe a friend’s or family member’s house where you enjoy spending time.
  • Describe your perfect fantasy vacation destination.
  • Describe your favourite store.
  • Describe your favourite teacher’s classroom.
  • Describe a museum that you’ve visited recently.
  • Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist in real life.
  • Describe a place where your pet likes spending time.
  • Describe an outdoor place that you know well.
  • Describe your favourite person.
  • Describe each of your family members.
  • Describe a famous person that you would like to meet.
  • Describe one of your friends.
  • Describe one aspect of someone that you like (for example laugh, style of dress, words that the person likes to use, etc.)
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Describe the average human to an alien who has never before seen a person.
  • Describe your pet.
  • Look at some old family photos and describe an older family member as he or she was when at your age.
  • Describe someone whom you miss.
  • Describe an object that is special to you.
  • Give a tour of one room in your house by describing the most important objects in that room.
  • Describe one of your favorite outfits.
  • Describe your favorite toy as a child.
  • Describe how you get around (for example: a bicycle, skateboard, sneakers, your parents’ car, the school bus).
  • Describe your favorite piece of furniture where you like to spend time and relax.
  • Describe something that you would bury in a time capsule to tell people about what life is like today.
  • Describe an object that has been in your family for a long time.
  • Choose a piece of food to eat; then, write a description of it that includes the way it looks, smells and tastes.
  • Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.
  • Describe your oldest memory.
  • Describe your best summer vacation.
  • Describe a memorable concert you attended.
  • Describe a memorable trip you took.
  • Describe a special time that you and your family had together.
  • Describe the first time you met one of your friends.
  • Describe a time you met someone famous.
  • Describe one of your happiest memories.
  • Describe one of your saddest memories.
  • Describe a time that you felt scared.
  • Describe a time that you felt excited.
  • Describe a time that something totally unexpected happened.
  • Describe a memory of someone whom you miss.
  • Describe one of your most memorable first days of school.
  • Describe one of your most embarrassing moments.

Creative Essay Topics for 6th Grade

  • What is the best thing someone has ever given to you?
  • What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
  • Write about what you can teach others. Everyone is good at something. This question helps children think about what they’re good at and how they can help others.
  •  Did you ever get into an argument with a friend or family member? How did that make you feel?
  • Did you ever hurt someone’s feelings? Explain what happened and how it made you feel.
  •  Did someone ever hurt your feelings? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to that person about it?
  •  Is there anyone you would like to switch places with? who and why?
  • What does it mean to be loyal?
  •  When was a time you were loyal to a friend or a friend who was loyal to you?

Self-Esteem Essay Topics for 6th Grade

  • Has a friend ever betrayed you? How did it make you feel? What do you think your friend should have done differently.
  • Have you ever been friends with someone who was unpopular or not part of the group? This is a great question to ask children when teaching them about acceptance and how it feels not to be part of a group.
  • When was a time you felt you were treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?
  • Is it fair to give someone a head start in a race? When is it fair? When is it not fair?
  • Write about a time when you had a strong opinion about something? Why did you feel so strongly about it?
  • Write about a time you made a big mistake. How did you fix it? Everyone makes mistakes. This writing topic helps children understand that mistakes are part of the learning experience.
  • Write about a time when you were very angry. What happened? How did being angry make you feel? I find that many times children will feel sad when they are angry. Did I make a good choice when I was angry?
  •  If you heard a rumour about a friend that you knew wasn’t true, what would you do? How would it make you feel?
  • \Write about a time when you cheered someone up. What did you do? How did it make you feel? How did it make that person feel?
  • Write about a time when you used your inner strength to get through a tough situation.
  •  Write about 3 things that are hard for you and why.
  • When was the last time you were afraid? What scared you? How did you react?
  •  What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
  •  Who is your hero and why?
  • What do you think risk-taking is? Have you ever taken a risk?
  • Write about your best friend. Who are they, how long have you known them, why are they your best friends?
  • What does it mean to have good character? Do you think you have a good character? Why?

Compare and contrast essays for grade 6

  • Group work and individual work
  • Only child vs. having siblings
  • Nature vs. nurture
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Old friends and new friends
  • Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
  • Car ownership and public transportation
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Elementary school and high school
  • Learning to read vs. learning to write
  • The importance of any two school subjects
  • Wearing glasses vs. having braces
  • You and your best friend
  • Friendship vs. romantic love
  • Public and private schools
  • Online school and in-person school
  • Any two schools or colleges
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time

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50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

Victory Ihejieto

  • February 22, 2024

Table of Contents Hide

Table of contents, personal narratives:, creative stories:, opinion pieces:, descriptive essays, expository essays, book reviews, research projects, journal entries:, exclusive 6th grade writing prompts , 6th-grade writing prompts , creative writing topics for grade 6 , 6th grade writing prompts with reading passages , recommendations.

For sixth graders, imagination can be the key to creative expression. It’s a strong weapon. With specialized 6th Grade Writing Prompts, you can have an insight into the distinctive thoughts of these young authors and inspire a wide range of creative and inventive ideas.

As a student, every prompt offers you the chance to use narrative to explore new aspects of yourself, from ones that take them to far galaxies to those that delve deeply into your feelings and experiences.

In this article, we will take you through 50 exclusive 6th grade writing prompts that are printable for free. Carefully read through!

  • Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts
  • 6th-grade Writing Prompts
  • Creative Writing Topics for Grade 6
  • 6th Grade Writing Prompts with Reading Passages

What Should a 6th Grader Write about?

A sixth grader’s writing can cover a wide range of subjects, contingent upon their experiences, interests, and the particular assignment or goal of the writing work. Some possibilities for topics a sixth grader could write about are as follows:

Students are encouraged to explore their own experiences and share them with others through the use of personal narratives.

They can relive with vivid detail special occasions, like the time they overcame their fear of heights by scaling a mountain, obstacles they’ve overcome, like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, or memorable times spent with loved ones, like a touching holiday celebration or an adventure that strengthened their bond with siblings.

Students acquire insight into their own lives and ideals by thinking back on these experiences and expressing them in writing, in addition to honing their storytelling abilities.

Students can express their imagination and ingenuity via creative stories. Authors can showcase their storytelling skills by creating inventive stories with captivating characters, compelling narratives, and unique settings.

Students are free to let their imaginations run wild, whether they go on an exhilarating journey through a magical kingdom, solve a mystery in a chilling haunted mansion, or explore the depths of space in a futuristic starship.

They hone their narrative abilities, create gripping stories, and bring their imaginative ideas to life on paper via the process of storytelling.

Students can express their opinions on a variety of subjects that are important to them through opinion pieces. Students can use persuasive writing to communicate their ideas, advocate for their beliefs, and express their perspectives on a variety of topics, from pop cultural phenomena to environmental issues to school laws.

Students gain the ability to effectively express their thoughts, provide evidence to back up their claims, engage in critical thinking, and debate—whether they are advocating for tighter environmental rules, defending their favorite book or movie, or suggesting changes to school procedures.

Descriptive essays require students to use language to conjure up vivid images in the readers’ minds and arouse their senses. They can paint a detailed picture of a location they have been to, such a busy city street, a calm beach at dusk, or a comfortable lodge in the woods.

As an alternative, individuals can use rich descriptions and striking pictures to delve into the sensory nuances of a beloved memory, a favorite dish, or an interesting object. Students who practice descriptive writing are better able to arouse readers’ emotions, appeal to their senses, and produce immersive writing.

Expository essays educate students how to present facts and provide a clear, structured explanation of difficult subjects.

They can delve into a variety of topics, including historical events, cultural customs, how-to manuals, and scientific ideas.

Whether they’re breaking down a cultural ritual, exploring the history of ancient civilizations, or explaining how photosynthesis works, students learn how to effectively research, analyze, and present information. This helps them improve their writing, research, and critical thinking abilities.

Through the skillful use of language and images, poetry provides students with a unique means of expression, enabling them to explore themes such as nature, emotions, friendship, and identity. They can play around with various poetry forms, including limericks, sonnets, haikus, or free verse, and investigate the lyrical and rhythmic aspects of language.

Students learn how to use words to express emotions, generate images, and build meaning in their poetry, whether they’re writing a whimsical limerick, a heartfelt sonnet, or a haiku that captures the majesty of a sunset.

By giving students a platform to express their ideas and opinions about books they’ve read, book reviews support the growth of their analytical and critical thinking abilities.

They can assess the book’s advantages and disadvantages, character and topic analysis, and storyline summary.

Students gain the ability to engage with literature thoughtfully, express their opinions clearly, and participate in literary discussions and debates—whether they are analyzing a classic work of literature, suggesting a favorite novel to their peers, or delving into the themes of a recent bestseller.

Research projects allow students to explore interesting subjects in-depth, gather data, and present their results in an orderly and systematic manner. They can delve into a variety of topics, such as social issues, cultural customs, historical events, and scientific occurrences.

Whether they’re looking into the origins of climate change, studying the past of ancient civilizations, or examining how social media affects society, students gain important research skills from these projects.

These skills include how to collect data from trustworthy sources, assess the validity of the data, and effectively and persuasively present their findings.

Keeping a journal gives students a private place to consider their feelings, ideas, experiences, and observations. Journaling allows them to keep track of their daily activities, examine their feelings and responses to situations, and think back on their development and education.

Regular journaling helps kids develop self-awareness, introspection, and mindfulness. This can be done by having them write down their ideas before going to bed, reflect on their experiences after a difficult day, or capture moments of inspiration and insight.

Read ALSO:  107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

  • Write a tale about a time-traveling excursion to a significant historical occasion.
  • Describe a world in which all people’s dreams come true.
  • Which historical figure, and why, would you want to meet if you could?
  • Ten years from now, write a letter to yourself.
  • Consider being able to teleport to any location on Earth. Which place would you visit first?
  • Describe a superhero’s typical day in the life of a neighborhood resident.
  • If you could communicate with animals, how would you respond?
  • Write a story about a magical item that, although granting desires, has drawbacks.
  • Describe a future society in which all aspects of existence are governed by technology.
  • What superpower, if any, would you choose to have, and how would you use it?
  • Write a tale about a bunch of pals figuring out a mystery in their community.
  • Describe an unruly world. How would that feel?
  • What exactly does being a good friend entail? Write about an instance where you showed friendship.
  • Which disciplines would you include in your own curriculum, if you could create one?
  • Write a letter expressing your admiration for the writing of your favorite author.
  • Tell about a moment when you had to make a tough choice and how you came to an answer.
  • Consider being able to travel to any fictitious place from a book. To what place would you go?
  • Write about a moment when, despite the difficulty, you stood up for what you believed in.
  • What would you alter, and why, if you could, in the world?
  • Write a tale that takes place in a bleak future when humanity is about to perish.
  • Write about a day in the life of your favorite movie or book character.
  • For you, what does success mean? Write about a moment when you felt accomplished.
  • Consider being able to speak with extraterrestrials on a different world. How would you respond?
  • Write a letter expressing your admiration for your role model.
  • Describe a society in which mind reading is a common skill.
  • What new technology, and how might it help civilization, if you could create it?
  • Write about a failure you’ve had and the lessons you took away from it.
  • Describe a civilization that is utopian and in balance with the natural world.
  • What would you change if you could travel back in time to alter one particular historical event?
  • Write a tale about a party of adventurers finding a lost culture.
  • Describe a world in which magic exists but is kept out of the public eye.
  • What does being brave really mean? Write about a brave moment in your life.
  • Which historical period—past or future—would you like to live in, and why?

Read ALSO:  140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

  • A Magical Land : Describe a world where magic is real and part of everyday life.
  • Time Travel Adventure : Write a story about traveling back in time to a significant historical event.
  • Superhero Origins : Create the origin story of a new superhero, including their powers and motivations.
  • Mystery Mansion : Describe a spooky mansion and the mysteries hidden within its walls.
  • Animal Kingdom : Imagine a world where animals can talk and interact with humans.
  • Dream Vacation : Describe your ideal vacation destination and what you would do there.
  • Invent a New Planet : Design a planet with unique geography, inhabitants, and customs.
  • Lost in the Wilderness : Write about being lost in the wilderness and the adventures that follow.
  • Sports Star : Imagine becoming a professional athlete in your favorite sport. Describe your journey to success.
  • School of Magic : Enroll in a school for wizards and witches. Describe your experiences learning spells and potions.
  • Alien Encounter : Describe an encounter with an alien species and the impact it has on Earth.
  • Underwater Adventure : Dive deep into the ocean and explore an underwater world full of wonders and dangers.
  • Robot Revolution : Write about a future where robots have become sentient and demand equal rights.
  • Time Capsule : Imagine burying a time capsule with items representing your life. What would you include and why?
  • A Day in the Life of a Celebrity : Describe a day in the life of a famous celebrity of your choice.
  • The Quest for a Magical Artifact : Write a story about a quest to find a powerful magical artifact and the challenges faced along the way.
  • Haunted House : Explore a haunted house and uncover its dark secrets.
  • Space Exploration : Describe a journey to explore a distant planet in search of new life forms.
  • Future Career : Imagine your future career and what a typical day in that profession would be like.
  • Invisible Friend : Write about having an invisible friend and the adventures you have together.

Read ALSO:  50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

  • Prompt : Imagine you are one of the characters in the passage below. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings about the events that unfolded.

Reading Passage : “The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. As Sarah packed her bag, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of dread. She knew she had to face her bully on the bus ride home.”

  • Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not schools should implement a dress code policy like the one described.

Reading Passage : “As students entered the school gates, they were greeted by the sight of their peers dressed in a rainbow of colors and styles. Some wore jeans and T-shirts, while others donned skirts and blazers. There was no uniform requirement, allowing students to express their individuality through their clothing choices.”

  • Prompt : Use the information from the passage to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your opinion on the issue discussed.

Reading Passage : “The town council is considering banning plastic bags in an effort to reduce pollution and protect the environment. Many residents are divided on the issue, with some arguing that it would inconvenience shoppers and hurt businesses, while others believe it is a necessary step towards a greener future.”

  • Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a narrative describing a day in the life of the protagonist, using details from the passage to inspire your story.

Reading Passage : “Jake woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. As he stretched and yawned, he glanced at the clock and realized he was running late for school. He quickly dressed, grabbed his backpack, and raced out the door, eager to start the day.”

  • Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a summary of the main arguments presented by each side of the debate.

Reading Passage : “The school cafeteria is considering replacing unhealthy snacks with nutritious options. Proponents of the change argue that it will improve student health and academic performance, while opponents worry about increased costs and decreased student satisfaction.”

  • Prompt : Use the passage below as inspiration to write a descriptive essay about your favorite outdoor activity.

Reading Passage : “As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Sarah and her friends gathered around the campfire. They roasted marshmallows, told stories, and gazed up at the starry sky, feeling at peace in the great outdoors.”

  • Prompt : After reading the passage below, write a compare and contrast essay discussing the similarities and differences between the two characters.

Reading Passage : “Emily was outgoing and adventurous, always eager to try new things and meet new people. In contrast, her sister Olivia was shy and reserved, preferring to spend her time lost in books or exploring nature alone.”

  • Prompt : Using the information provided in the passage, write a persuasive speech arguing for or against the proposed changes.

Reading Passage : “The city council is considering implementing a curfew for teenagers in an effort to reduce crime and keep young people safe. Supporters believe it will decrease juvenile delinquency, while opponents argue it will unfairly restrict the freedoms of law-abiding teenagers.”

  • Prompt : Write a narrative inspired by the passage below, imagining yourself as the protagonist navigating the challenges described.

Reading Passage : “Mark stared at the blank page in front of him, feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. He had a history essay due tomorrow, but he had no idea where to begin. With a sigh, he picked up his pen and started writing, determined to conquer his writer’s block.”

  • Prompt : Based on the information provided in the passage, write a response discussing your opinion on the topic and providing evidence to support your viewpoint.

Reading Passage : “The debate over homework continues to divide educators, parents, and students alike. Some argue that it reinforces learning and teaches responsibility, while others believe it causes stress and detracts from family time. What is your stance on the issue?”

Yes, these writing prompts are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for all 6th graders.

Yes, these writing prompts have been carefully crafted to align with common core standards for 6th grade writing.

It’s recommended to introduce a new prompt regularly, such as once a week, to keep your students inspired and practicing their writing skills consistently.

Engaging with a variety of creative and thought-provoking prompts can definitely help enhance your students’ writing abilities over time.

These varied subjects for sixth-grade writing assignments are sure to stimulate young writers’ creativity and critical thinking. Teachers and parents can easily include these prompts in their lesson plans or home-schooling activities because they are free to print.

Students will be able to convey their own views and perspectives while practicing a variety of writing abilities by responding to these prompts.

These writing prompts can be used as homework assignments, daily warm-ups, or creative writing exercises. They are an invaluable tool for supporting the development of young writers.

  • Journalbuddies.com
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  • 140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults
  • 107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students
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Expository essays discuss topics by using facts rather than opinions, requiring students to evaluate and investigate while setting forth their arguments clearly and concisely. Teachers often include expository essays as part of assessments , especially in college-level courses, so students can help themselves succeed by practicing writing these types of essays. When teachers are integrating writing throughout the curriculum, students can use expository essays to demonstrate what they've learned in other courses.

Sample Expository Essay Topics From Students

There is no best topic for an expository essay since everyone is inspired by different subjects. Tenth-graders wrote the following general expository essay topics. Students can practice writing these topics or use the list to come up with ideas of their own. The important thing to remember is that these expository essays are based on facts rather than the writer's beliefs or feelings.

  • Explain why you admire a particular person.
  • Explain why someone you know should be regarded as a leader.
  • Explain why parents are sometimes strict.
  • If you had to be an animal, which would you be and why?
  • Explain why you especially enjoy a particular teacher.
  • Explain why some cities have curfews for teens.
  • Explain why some students are forced to leave school once they are sixteen.
  • Explain how moving from place to place affects teens.
  • Explain why getting a driver's license is an important event in the lives of many teenagers.
  • Describe the major stressors in teens' lives.
  • Explain why you like or don't like working in a team.
  • Describe some nonmaterial things that make you happy.
  • Explain why some teens commit suicide.
  • Explain how music affects your life.
  • Explain the impact of different music genres on society.
  • Explain why students listen to a particular type of music.
  • Explain why some teens skip school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping school.
  • Describe the likely consequences of doing poorly in school.
  • Explain why some teens do drugs.
  • Describe the likely consequences of selling drugs.
  • Describe the likely consequences of taking drugs.
  • Explain why some teens smoke cigarettes or vape.
  • Explain the likely consequences of being kicked out of school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping classes.
  • Explain the likely consequences of siblings constantly fighting.
  • Explain why some teens wear makeup.
  • Explain the consequences of having alcohol on the school campus.
  • Explain the likely consequences of being sexually active without using protection.
  • Explain why some teens' parents do not like to be alone with their child's boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • Explain the likely consequences of increasing the time between classes from five to 15 minutes.
  • Explain why some teens join gangs.
  • Explain the difficulties teens have once they are in gangs.
  • Explain how life for a teenager changes once they have a baby.
  • Describe what you feel a boy should do if he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant.
  • Explain why you should or should not laugh at embarrassing moments.
  • Describe the effects of marijuana.
  • Explain the likely consequences of teens becoming sexually active.
  • Explain why it is helpful to organize your materials and activities.
  • Explain why your schoolwork is important.
  • Describe the ways you help out at home.
  • Explain the likely consequences of abolishing capital punishment.
  • Explain the consequences of adopting a pass/fail grading system.
  • Explain the likely consequences of enforcing an 11:00 p.m. curfew.
  • Explain the likely consequences of ending forced busing.
  • Explain why some teenagers dislike saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Explain why some schools don't have open lunch policies.
  • Explain why some teenagers are materialistic.
  • Explain why some teens get jobs.
  • Explain the consequences of having a job while in high school.
  • Explain the likely consequences of dropping out of school.
  • Describe some productive ways students can spend their leisure time.
  • Explain why dealing with divorce can be difficult for many teens.
  • Explain why teens love their parents even when family situations are difficult.
  • Describe the things that bring you the greatest happiness.
  • Describe three things you would like to change about the world and explain why you would change them.
  • Explain why you prefer living in an apartment (or house).
  • Describe the likely consequences of requiring a childbearing license.
  • Describe three objects that symbolize your culture and explain why you selected them.
  • Explain why you are interested in a particular career.
  • Explain the likely consequences of requiring students to wear school uniforms.
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28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in  Pedagogy

Expository Writing Prompts Middle School

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

  • Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
  • Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
  • Write an essay describing a rainy night.
  • Write an essay describing your first pet.
  • Write an essay describing your first memory.
  • It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
  • Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
  • Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
  • You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
  • Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
  • Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • Tell how you wash your hair.
  • Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

  • Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
  • Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
  • Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
  • Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
  • Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

  • Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
  • Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

  • Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
  • Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
  • Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
  • Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

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About the author 

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

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the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

Comments are closed.

Expository Essay Guide

Expository Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Expository Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Apr 7, 2020

Expository Essay Topics

“Expository” comes from the word explanatory. It means explaining everything in depth, increasing the reader’s understanding, and effectively conveying the writer’s message.

Expository writing is not subjective like a persuasive essay. It doesn't just state opinions and beliefs but rather uses authentic facts to support your argument objectively.

For a good essay, you need a great essay topic. Therefore, continue reading this blog and get a complete list of the best expository essay topics.

Expository Essay Topics

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Expository Essay Topics for Students

Before writing an essay, you need to have an interesting topic, and an expository essay is no different.

Some professors assign the same topic for the expository essay to the entire class. However, if you have the liberty to choose a topic, this is the right place for you.

We have gathered a list of good expository essay topics for students of all levels.

Expository Essay Topics for University Students

  • Is it important to read the book before watching the movie?
  • Explain the likely consequences of skipping classes.
  • Express your understanding of morality.
  • Explain why teens smoke cigarettes.
  • The causes of terrorism in modern times.How to be a smart consumer.
  • What qualities make someone popular?
  • Why is diversity in a workplace important?
  • How do the stages of personality develop in childhood?
  • Cost of living on the moon.

Expository Essay Topics for College Students

  • Should people work on artificial intelligence?
  • Why are college papers so tough?
  • What are some useful ways that students can utilize their free time?
  • Can youngsters learn something useful from playing video games?
  • Is there a way to decrease the influence of social media on our lives?
  • Does our emotional state affect our memory?
  • How can you improve your life in a year?
  • Do you ever plan on changing the world? And how?
  • What are some ways to find out if someone is lying? How can you spot a liar?
  • How can one be a wise consumer?

Expository Essay Topics for High School

  • Why is it necessary to create the expository essay outline?
  • What is the role of the family in our lives? How important is family?
  • Does science help improve the human lifespan?
  • How to write your paper like professionals?
  • What are the benefits of working out?
  • What stages do you go through before making a decision?
  • Is a good essay prompt a sign of a successful essay?
  • What are some benefits of knowing multiple foreign languages?
  • What are the different types of essays?
  • Why are teenagers fascinated by alcohol and drugs?

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Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Does another person’s point of view matter?
  • The person I admire and why?
  • What are the effects of global warming?
  • What do you want to become and why?
  • How can we save the planet?
  • Should there be uniforms in schools?
  • What is your favorite sport, and what do you enjoy most about it?
  • How does essay writing service work?
  • Describe your first memory, and what makes it memorable?
  • What is your favorite subject at school?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 6

  • Explain why teens wear makeup.
  • What makes a good friend?
  • How might your upbringing affect your personality?
  • Global warming and its solutions.
  • What's the worst way to study for finals?
  • Write a report about your trip to the museum.
  • How does pop music influence our way of living?
  • Explain how modern advertising is a danger to our society.
  • How do you plan to change your school?
  • Which strong points do you have?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • How to become a leader?
  • Explain why you admire a particular person.
  • Types of eating disorders.
  • How can you stop racism?
  • How to study?
  • What is your favorite cartoon?
  • What poem had a profound effect on you and why?
  • Steps to saving the planet.
  • How does a coffee house help run away from school?
  • How real is fusion power?

Funny Expository Essay Topics

  • How can you make a gloomy person smile?
  • What can you do to kill time at work?
  • How to stop being a hoarder?
  • How to stop being an impulse shopper?
  • How can one stop binge-watching random shows?
  • What is the most ineffective way to prepare for a big test?
  • The worst profession there is, and why do people choose it?
  • Is China the cause of overpopulation in the world?
  • What are some weird superstitions that someone you know has?
  • The most ridiculous fashion trends of all time.

Interesting Expository Essay Topics

  • An author(s) who changed the way people think.
  • Do geeks become successful adults?
  • What is an interesting website idea, and how to make it?
  • How can the internet be used for combating unemployment?
  • Will space travel ever become commercialized?
  • What are some pros and cons of having a part-time job in high school?
  • Why do writers create the thesis statement?
  • What is the best treatment for mental health illnesses like anxiety, depression, etc.?
  • Can people get over their fear of heights?
  • Is art effective in curing psychological issues?

Expository Essay Topics About Education

  • Explain why it is important to learn to read.
  • Why do some students drop out of school?
  • What do you think are the benefits of studying math?
  • Why do great topics make the essay perfect?
  • How does one get a college scholarship?
  • What is the history of your college?
  • How to write a compare and contrast essay?
  • Is there a need for higher education to be free for every child?
  • The role of education in national development.
  • How do you choose great topic ideas for an essay?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

  • Hobbies for teenagers to avoid.
  • Are teenagers materialistic?
  • Why do teens run away from home?
  • Why is depression on the rise in America?
  • Why do some teens get jobs while others don’t?
  • Poverty and social life.
  • Does Instagram change the way we perceive our lives?
  • What phenomena can be considered social issues?
  • Forced migration.
  • Why do parents lie?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Controversial Expository Essay Topics

  • Are females better students than males?
  • Why are siblings constantly fighting?
  • Why do students decide to join gangs?
  • Will banning free soda refills help to fight obesity?
  • Live under the poverty line.
  • Killing animals for their fur
  • Psychological causes of racism
  • Explain why parents are sometimes strict.
  • People are supporting other country’s leaders.
  • What symbolizes your culture?

Expository Essay Topics Consumer Culture

  • The positive and negative effects of consumer culture.
  • Understanding the modern consumer culture.
  • Consumer culture in China and the middle class.
  • Consumer culture is central to understanding contemporary identities.
  • Consumerism in consumer culture.Advertising and consumer culture.
  • Explain consumer culture.
  • Consumption, and consumption’s role in our everyday life.
  • Urban consumer culture.
  • The Chinese consumer culture.

Expository Essay Topics 2022

  • Why is it so important to have friends while you are at school?
  • Describe the relationship between dogs and people.
  • Pros and cons of getting financial aid.The many benefits of exercising regularly.
  • What is your brightest dream about the future?
  • Define the latest developments in human brain study.
  • Which religion will you introduce to your children?
  • Describe the ways you help out at home.
  • Which voting system is the fairest?
  • Why is writing an expository essay difficult?

Expository Essay Topics on Health

  • How does advertising influence healthy food choices?
  • Explain how doctors train to become qualified.
  • What makes a good psychotherapist?
  • What is life?
  • Discuss the importance of mental health.
  • Fibromyalgia: is it a disease?
  • Does music affect our state of health?
  • Does expressing your emotions help?
  • What are some effective ways to stay healthy?
  • Does mental health matter?

Need more topics for your essay?

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These were some sample expository essay topics that can help you get an idea of a good topic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 types of expository writing.

Here are the 5 types of expository writing.

  • Descriptive essay
  • Comparison essay
  • Problem solution essay
  • Process essay
  • Cause and effect essay

What is an example of an expository essay?

Expository writing is the most popular type of academic and non-academic writing. Common examples are:

  • Newspapers articles
  • Assembly instructions
  • How to manuals

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15 Engaging Explanatory Writing Prompts

Explanatory Writing Prompts

When you want your students to practice explanatory writing, present them with one or more of the following prompts, grouped by difficulty. You can also introduce students to the PAST strategy to help them understand what each explanatory prompt is asking them to do.

Beginning Explanatory Prompts (Grades 4–5)

The following explanatory prompts are meant for students who are moving from paragraph writing to essay writing. 

1. Defining Friendship

Everyone needs friends. What qualities make someone a good friend? How can you be a friend for someone who needs one? Write an essay that explains ways to be a good friend.

2. A Job for Me

People do all kinds of jobs. Some people build. Others serve. Some teach. Others sell. Some people work on ships at sea, and others in skyscrapers in cities. What kind of job would you like to do? As a future worker, write an essay that names a job you would like, describes the work, and tells why you would like it.

3. An Admirable Person

We all have people we admire. They might be family members or friends. They might be singers, dancers, or actors. They might even be fictional characters. Whom do you admire most? Write an essay that names a person you admire and describes the qualities that make you like the person.

4. Sweet or Spicy?

Most people have a favorite food. What is yours? Is the food a common one that most other kids would know about, or a really special type? Is it sweet or spicy? In an essay, name your favorite food and describe to your classmates how it looks, smells, and tastes. Tell why you like it so much.

5. My Ideal Home

Most people can imagine a dream home. What would yours be? Big or small? In the country or in the city? How many floors? Would it be underground or up in a tree? As a young person, write an essay describing your dream home to a parent or guardian.

Intermediate Explanatory Prompts (Grades 6–8)

The following explanatory prompts are meant for students who do regular multi-paragraph writing. 

6. Connectivity Culture

Smartphones, tablet PCs, social media, and constant connectivity are changing the ways that people live, think, work, and connect. How do these technologies shape your life? Are you plugged in or tuned out? Why? Write an essay that explains to your fellow students the ways that you connect digitally and predicts how people will connect in the future.

7. Pets vs. People

Pets are not people. After all, dogs don’t go to school and cats don’t hold down jobs. But pet owners often consider their dogs and cats to be members of their families. In what ways are pets like people and in what ways are they not? Write a comparison-contrast essay explaining the similarities and differences between pets and people.

8. Defining Responsibility

A parent is responsible for taking care of children. A criminal is responsible for committing a crime. And teens are encouraged to make responsible choices. Just what does it mean to be “responsible”? Does it mean something different for young people than for adults? As a young person who is taking on more and more responsibilities, write an essay that defines what responsibility means to you, and explain the idea to those older than you.

9. Unique Celebrations

The Chinese celebrate New Year with a dragon dance. How do you celebrate New Year? What other special days do you observe? In an essay, explain a celebration or ritual that you know about. Tell what is usually done and why. Explain it to a reader who is new to the event.

10. Here's How It's Done

What are you really good at? Perhaps you can sink a free throw every time. Maybe you can identify birds by their songs, or make a very delicious homemade pizza. Think of a particular skill you have and could teach others. Then write an essay describing the process you use to accomplish this special feat. Provide enough detail so your reader can learn how to do the same thing.

Advanced Explanatory Prompts (Grades 9–12)

The following prompts are meant for high-school level writers. Students may need to research the topics in order to respond with sufficient depth and complexity. 

11. Addressing Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves using technology to harm, intimidate, and embarrass others. One form of cyberbullying called “trolling” occurs when anonymous Internet users intentionally post inflammatory content in an attempt to provoke and upset other users. While much effort has been made to counteract bullying in schools, the online and anonymous nature of cyberbullying makes it difficult to regulate. Write an essay that explains to your fellow students ways to counteract cyberbullying.

12. Moral Dilemmas

Consider a moral dilemma that a character in a novel or other piece of literature must face. It could be an issue you yourself have faced or one that is new to you. Explain what you would do if you were caught in the same situation. Then explain why you would handle it that way.

13. Talking About My Generation

Today’s youth are sometimes perceived as tech savvy, optimistic, and accepting. Other times, they are perceived as spoiled, coddled, and lazy, more interested in checking Instagram than in bearing down and working hard. In an essay, define the general characteristics of your generation. Provide evidence and reasons to support your definition.

14. Fashionable Expressions

Author Sarah MacLean believes “The most confident of women are those who believe in every scrap of fabric they wear.” Indeed, clothing is a form of self-expression for many people. Evaluate the clothing choices that you or someone else (famous or not) makes and explain what these fashion choices express about the person.

15. Comparing Future Career Paths

What do you want to do after you graduate from high school? Attend college? Hone your skills at a trade school? Or go straight into the professional world? Choose two options (college, trade school, job) and write an essay in which you analyze similarities and differences between the two options.

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  • 110.7.b.12.B
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  • 110.36.c.10.B
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  • LA 12.2.1.b
  • LA 12.2.2.a

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6th Grade Writing Prompts: Unlocking Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: March 27, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

6th Grade Writing Prompts are a valuable tool for educators and parents alike, allowing young students to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through creative writing exercises. These prompts can cover various topics, from personal experiences and emotions to thought-provoking scenarios and ethical dilemmas. The aim is to encourage students to think critically and express themselves effectively while developing their writing skills.

At this crucial stage of development, providing a supportive and engaging environment for students to practice and improve their writing abilities is vital. Numerous resources offer a wealth of compelling writing prompts specifically designed for 6th graders. The prompts you’ll find below in this article can inspire students to ponder real-world issues, reflect on their personal experiences, and imagine creative solutions to hypothetical situations.

The Importance of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts play a crucial role in developing the writing skills of 6th-grade students. They provide a starting point for students to begin expressing their thoughts and ideas, helping them overcome the common challenge of “writer’s block.” As students engage with various writing prompts, they learn to think critically, express their opinions, and dive into imaginative storytelling.

By offering a diverse range of topics, such as prompts that focus on procedural writing, students are exposed to different genres and styles of writing. This variety expands their writing horizons and helps them become well-rounded, versatile writers.

Introducing writing prompts at the 6th-grade level also enhances students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities. They learn to use evidence, logic, and reasoning to support their viewpoints and persuade readers. Additionally, writing prompts allow students to explore their creativity and foster a sense of self-discovery.

Lastly, engaging with writing prompts helps 6th graders develop crucial communication skills that serve as a foundation for future academic success and life experiences. Writing prompts encourage active participation in the learning process, promote self-expression, and cultivate a lifelong love for writing.

25 6th Grade Writing Prompts

  • Imagine you’ve discovered a hidden door in your home that leads to a secret room. Describe the room and what you find inside.
  • Write a story about a day when everyone’s dreams come true. How does this change the world?
  • If you could switch lives with any historical figure for a day, who would you choose and why? Describe your day in their shoes.
  • Imagine you have a time machine that can only be used once. Where and when would you go, and what would you do?
  • Write a letter to your future self ten years from now. What advice would you give, and what questions would you ask?
  • Create a new holiday and explain its celebration, including unique traditions or activities.
  • Write an opinion essay on whether or not students should be required to wear uniforms in school. Provide reasons to support your argument.
  • Imagine you can communicate with animals. What would you talk about, and which animal would you be most excited to speak with?
  • Write a short story where the main character finds a mysterious map that leads to a hidden treasure.
  • You’ve been chosen to represent Earth in an intergalactic council. What would you share about our planet and its inhabitants?
  • Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against using technology in the classroom.
  • Create a new superhero and describe their powers, backstory, and how they use their abilities for good.
  • Imagine you are the president for a day. What would be your top priorities, and how would you address them?
  • Write a story that starts with the sentence: “It was a dark and stormy night…”
  • Create a fictional island and describe its geography, culture, and inhabitants. What makes this island unique?
  • If you could invent a new gadget or tool to make life easier, what would it be, and how would it work?
  • Write a personal narrative about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
  • Imagine you could create a new class or elective for your school. What would the class be about, and why would students benefit from it?
  • Write a descriptive essay about your favorite place to visit. Use vivid sensory details to make the reader feel like they are with you.
  • You wake up one day to find you’ve gained the ability to read minds. How do you use this power, and what challenges or moral dilemmas do you face?
  • Create a fictional holiday and write a short story about a family celebrating it for the first time.
  • Write a persuasive essay about the importance of conserving natural resources and the steps that should be taken to protect our environment.
  • Imagine you are a detective solving a mysterious crime. Write a story that details your investigation and how you uncover the truth.
  • If you could converse with any famous author, who would it be, and what would you ask them?
  • Write a personal narrative about a memorable experience with a friend and what it taught you about friendship.

Understanding the 6th Grade Writing Curriculum

The transition from elementary to middle school.

As students enter 6th grade, they transition from elementary to middle school. This brings new challenges and expectations in their writing skills. They will be expected to write more complex content and use more sophisticated vocabulary. This includes writing for extended periods, such as long-term research or expressive pieces that may take a week, and writing for shorter durations in one sitting.

Emphasis on narrative writing

In 6th grade writing curriculum, there is a strong emphasis placed on narrative writing. This requires students to develop their storytelling abilities and write in a manner that engages the reader. They will focus on creating a clear narrative structure, developing characters, setting, and plot, and using vivid descriptive language to engage their audience.

Introduction to essay writing and personal narratives

Another vital part of the 6th grade writing curriculum is the introduction to essay writing and personal narratives. Students will learn how to effectively organize their thoughts and ideas coherently and logically. They will gain experience writing various essay types, such as persuasive, informative, and argumentative. Personal narratives will also play a key role, encouraging students to write about personal experiences and emotions and helping them build their voice and style as writers.

Role of reading comprehension and vocabulary development

Reading comprehension and vocabulary development are crucial in the 6th grade writing curriculum. Students must be able to understand complex texts, as this will inform their writing. Students will be exposed to new words and phrases to improve their vocabulary through reading assignments and class discussions. Building a strong vocabulary allows students to express their ideas more accurately and clearly, ultimately leading to more effective writing.

Types of 6th Grade Writing Prompts

Narrative prompts.

Narrative prompts encourage students to tell a story, real or imagined. These prompts can range from personal experiences to creating stories based on given scenarios. For example, a narrative prompt could be “Describe the hardest thing you have ever learned to do.”

Short Story Ideas

Short story ideas are prompts that invite students to create a fictional story with characters, settings, and a plot. These writing activities push students to develop their writing skills, storytelling abilities, and creativity. An example of a short story idea might be to “Write a story about a magical forest.”

Personal Narratives

Personal narrative prompts ask students to write about their own experiences or thoughts. These types of prompts encourage reflection, introspection, and the exploration of personal feelings. A personal narrative prompt might be “Write about a time you overcame a fear.”

Story Starters

Story starters are prompts that provide the beginning of a story, challenging students to continue and develop the narrative. They help spark students’ imaginations and encourage them to think creatively. For example, “In a world where animals could talk, a young girl made a surprising discovery…”

Descriptive Prompts

Descriptive writing prompts ask students to describe a specific object, place, or situation in detail, using vivid language and sensory details. This type of prompt helps students practice their creative writing and observation skills. An example of a descriptive prompt could be “Describe your dream vacation destination.”

Persuasive Prompts

Persuasive writing prompts require students to convince the reader of a particular opinion or point of view. Students practice building strong arguments, using evidence and facts, and addressing opposing viewpoints. An example of a persuasive prompt might be “Convince your readers why cell phones should or should not be allowed in school.”

Expository Prompts

Expository writing prompts ask students to explain, evaluate or analyze a topic, providing information and facts to support their position. This style of writing promotes critical thinking and research skills. A sample expository prompt might be “Explain the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources.”

Creative Writing Prompts

Encourage your students to express their emotions and creativity through poetry. Here are some poetry prompts to inspire them:

  • Write a poem about the changing seasons.
  • Describe your favorite place using vivid imagery and sensory details.
  • Compose a haiku about an everyday object.
  • Create a poem from the perspective of an animal.

Imaginative Stories

Imagination is a powerful tool for developing writers. Provide these creative story prompts to spark their ideas:

  • Write a story about a school where magic is real.
  • Imagine you are a time-traveling scientist. Describe your adventures.
  • Develop a story that revolves around a mysterious key.
  • Create a tale where the main character’s best friend is a talking animal.

Scriptwriting

Scriptwriting can build dialogue and narrative skills. Suggest these engaging scriptwriting prompts for your students:

  • Write a short script about two friends with a deep secret.
  • Develop a scene featuring an unexpected encounter.
  • Create a script that mixes elements of reality and fantasy.
  • Compose a dialogue-rich scene set in a public place.

Using these creative writing prompt categories, 6th grade students can develop their writing abilities while letting their imagination soar.

Essay Writing Prompts

In this section, we explore a variety of essay writing prompts for 6th-grade students. These prompts are categorized under opinion essays, informative essays, and persuasive essays.

Opinion Essays

Opinion essays allow students to express their thoughts on a specific subject. Here are some prompts for 6th graders:

  • What is your favorite hobby, and why?
  • Which is better, traditional books or e-books? Explain your choice.
  • What’s the best (or worst) birthday you’ve ever had?
  • What is your greatest aspiration? Or, your darkest fear?

Informative Essays

Informative essays help students develop research and presentation skills. They should provide factual information about a topic. Here are some informative essay prompts:

  • Describe your favorite short story in your own words.
  • Write about the life cycle of a butterfly.
  • Explain the process of photosynthesis in plants.
  • Describe the history and importance of a famous landmark.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays help students to develop their argumentative skills. They should present clear reasons and evidence to support their opinion. Here are some persuasive essay prompts:

  • Should school uniforms be mandatory? Why or why not?
  • Is it essential to learn a foreign language? Explain your view.
  • Do video games have a positive or negative impact on children?
  • Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school? Provide reasons for your opinion.

Subject-Specific Prompts

Integrating subject-specific writing prompts can help students connect their writing skills to various subjects. This section will explore writing prompts for Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, and Life Skills.

Language Arts

Language Arts writing prompts encourage students to analyze literature, express their thoughts, and improve their vocabulary. Examples include:

  • Write a character analysis of the protagonist in your favorite book.
  • Create a poem describing a historical event.
  • Compose a short story inspired by a well-known myth.

Science writing prompts assist students in describing experiments, explaining scientific concepts, and making real-world connections. Examples include:

  • Describe the steps of the water cycle and its importance to Earth.
  • Explain the theory of evolution and provide examples of natural selection.
  • Write about the role of technology in reducing the environmental impact of humans.

Social Studies

Social Studies writing prompts help students to explore historical events, cultural perspectives, and global issues. Examples include:

  • Write an essay comparing the government systems of two countries.
  • Discuss the significance of a famous historical figure’s actions.
  • Analyze the impact of a specific geographical feature on human settlement.

Math writing prompts challenge students to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts and describe the logic behind problem-solving. Examples include:

  • Explain how to solve a given math problem using the order of operations.
  • Describe a real-world scenario where fractions are used and explain how to solve it.
  • Discuss the role of geometry in architecture and provide examples.

Life Skills

Life Skills writing prompts encourage students to reflect on their personal experiences, goals, and values. Examples include:

  • Write a letter to your future self, discussing the lessons you’ve learned and the goals you hope to accomplish.
  • Discuss the importance of effective communication in relationships and provide examples.
  • Explain the steps to achieving a specific personal goal and the challenges you may encounter.

Framework for Developing Prompts

When developing 6th grade writing prompts, balancing challenging and engaging topics is crucial. This allows students to explore new concepts while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. The framework presented in this section offers a few guiding principles for crafting effective prompts for this age group.

First, consider the interests and experiences of 6th grade students. Choosing topics related to their lives and what they care about will increase their motivation to write. For example, you might create prompts about the school, friendships, hobbies, or current events.

Next, design prompts that encourage a variety of writing genres, such as narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive. This helps students develop skills in different writing styles and formats. For example, a narrative prompt might ask students to tell a story about a memorable experience, while an expository prompt might ask them to explain how a particular invention works.

Ensure to include prompts requiring students to practice critical thinking and problem-solving. These prompts often involve solving a given situation, analyzing a topic, or comparing and contrasting ideas. This helps 6th graders develop analytical and evaluative skills essential for academic and personal success.

Lastly, incorporate opportunities for reflection and self-expression. Reflective prompts allow students to examine their feelings, beliefs, and ideas. For example, ask students to consider how they would handle a specific dilemma or what they appreciate most about their family or friends.

Following these guiding principles, you can create a diverse collection of 6th-grade writing prompts that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Techniques to Engage Students

Creating meaningful and engaging writing prompts for sixth-grade students involves considering their interests, skills, and development stage. Several techniques can help achieve this.

First, one can use creative prompts to encourage students to think outside the box and express their unique perspectives. Some examples of creative writing prompts for sixth graders include writing a poem about feeling outraged or imagining a day from a cell phone’s perspective.

Next, incorporating argumentative and persuasive prompts can help students learn to articulate their opinions and support them with strong evidence. This is particularly useful in developing research and critical-thinking skills. Examples include writing a persuasive essay on a current issue or debating the merits of a controversial book or movie.

Another effective technique involves using real-world connections in prompts to make them more relevant and applicable to students’ lives. For instance, ask students to write about their first hospital experience or discuss how technology has impacted their daily routines.

Lastly, integrating different writing styles like narrative, expository, and descriptive prompts will allow students to experiment with various writing techniques and improve their writing skills. Examples include composing a personal narrative about overcoming a challenge, writing an expository essay on a historical event, or crafting a descriptive piece about a favorite place or object.

Assessing and Providing Feedback

One of the key aspects of 6th Grade Writing Prompts is the assessment and provision of constructive feedback to students. Assessing their writing skills helps teachers identify strengths and weaknesses and guide future instruction tailored to student needs.

When evaluating student writing, it’s essential to consider various aspects, such as content, organization, word choice, sentence structure, and grammar. Providing specific and actionable feedback allows students to improve their skills and better understand writing concepts.

A helpful approach for grading and feedback is to use rubrics. Rubrics offer a structured way to outline the expectations for a writing assignment and help students understand the evaluation criteria. There are different types of rubrics, such as analytic, holistic, grid, numeric, and hybrid, which can be customized to suit a variety of writing prompts.

Another strategy for providing effective feedback is ensuring students know the learning objectives and quality expectations for their writing assignments. Explicitly discussing the writing goals and criteria helps students focus their efforts and self-assess their progress.

Lastly, integrating student-teacher conferences or peer review sessions can benefit the feedback process. These sessions allow for dialogue, clarification, and additional insights from different perspectives.

Literacy Ideas

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

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WHAT IS AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY?

An Expository essay ‘exposes’ information to the reader to describe or explain a particular topic logically and concisely.

The purpose of expository writing is to educate or inform the reader first and foremost.

Though the term is sometimes used to include persuasive writing , which exposes us to new ways of thinking, a true expository text does not allow the writer’s personal opinion to intrude into the text and should not be confused.

Expository Writing follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting information and examples, and a conclusion summarising key points and reinforcing the thesis. Common expository essays include process, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and informative essays.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY STRUCTURE

TEXT ORGANIZATION Organize your thoughts before writing.

CLARITY Use clear and concise wording. There is no room for banter.

THESIS STATEMENT State position in direct terms.

TOPIC SENTENCE Open each paragraph with a topic sentence.

SUPPORTING DETAIL Support the topic sentence with further explanation and evidence.

LINK End each body paragraph by linking to the next.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY TYPES

PROCESS Tell your audience how to achieve something, such as how to bake a cake.

CAUSE & EFFECT Explore relationships between subjects, such as climate change and its impact.

PROBLEM & SOLUTION Explain how to solve a problem, such as improving physical fitness.

COMPARE & CONTRAST Compare and contrast two or more items, such as life in China life vs life in the United States or Australia.

DEFINITION Provides a detailed definition of a word or phrase, such as self-confidence.

CLASSIFICATION Organizes things into categories or groups, such as types of music.

STRUCTURE & FEATURES OF EXPOSITORY WRITING

While there are many types of expository essays, the basic underlying structure is the same. The Hamburger or 5-Paragraph Essay structure is an excellent scaffold for students to build their articles. Let’s explore the expository essay outline.

INTRODUCTION:

This is the top bun of the burger, and here the student introduces the exposition topic. This usually consists of a general statement on the subject, providing an essay overview. It may also preview each significant section, indicating what aspects of the subject will be covered in the text. These sections will likely relate to the headings and subheadings identified at the planning stage.

If the introduction is the top bun of the burger, then each body paragraph is a beef patty. Self-contained in some regards, each patty forms an integral part of the whole.

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS

Each body paragraph deals with one idea or piece of information. More complex topics may be grouped under a common heading, and the number of paragraphs will depend on the complexity of the topic. For example, an expository text on wolves may include a series of paragraphs under headings such as habitat, breeding habits, what they eat, etc.

Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence indicating to the reader what the paragraph is about. The following sentences should further illuminate this main idea through discussion and/or explanation. Encourage students to use evidence and examples here, whether statistical or anecdotal. Remind students to keep things factual – this is not an editorial piece for a newspaper!

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Expository writing is usually not the place for flowery flourishes of figurative imagery! Students should be encouraged to select a straightforward language that is easy for the reader to understand. After all, the aim here is to inform and explain, and this is best achieved with explicit language.

As we’ve seen, several variations of the expository essay exist, but the following are the most common features students must include.

The title should be functional. It should instantly inform the reader what they will learn about in the text. This is not the place for opaque poetry!

A table of contents in long essays will help the reader locate helpful information quickly. Usually, the page numbers found here will be linked to headings and subheadings to be found in the text.

HEADINGS / SUBHEADINGS:

These assist the reader in finding information by summarizing the content in their wording.

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Usually listed alphabetically, the glossary defines unusual or topic-specific vocabulary and is sometimes accompanied by pictures, illustrations etc.

The index lets the reader identify where to find specific information in longer texts. An index is much more detailed than a table of contents.

VISUAL FORMS OF INFORMATION

Expository essays sometimes support the text with visuals, such as:

  • Pictures / Illustrations / Photographs:

These can be used to present a central idea or concept within the text and are often accompanied by a caption explaining what the image shows. Photographs can offer a broad overview or a close-up of essential details.

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Diagrams are a great way to convey complex information quickly. They should be labelled clearly to ensure the reader knows what they are looking at.

  • Charts and Graphs:

These are extremely useful for showing data and statistics in an easy-to-read manner. They should be labelled clearly and correspond to the information in the nearby text.

Maps may be used to explain where something is or was located. 

THE ULTIMATE NONFICTION WRITING TEACHING RESOURCE

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  • 270  pages of the most effective teaching strategies
  • 50+   digital tools  ready right out of the box
  • 75   editable resources  for student   differentiation  
  • Loads of   tricks and tips  to add to your teaching tool bag
  • All explanations are reinforced with  concrete examples.
  • Links to  high-quality video  tutorials
  • Clear objectives  easy to match to the demands of your curriculum

Types of expository essay

There are many different types of expository texts (e.g. encyclopaedias, travel guides, information reports , etc.), but there are also various expository essays, with the most common being.

  • Process Essays
  • Cause and Effect Essays
  • Problem and Solution Essays
  • Compare and Contrast Essays
  • Definition Essays
  • Classification Essays

We will examine each of these in greater detail in the remainder of this article, as they have slight nuances and differences that make them unique. The graphic below explains the general structure for all text types from the expository writing family.

THE PROCESS ESSAY

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This how-to essay often takes the form of a set of instructions. Also known as a procedural text , the process essay has very specific features that guide the reader on how to do or make something.

To learn more about this type of writing, check out our information-packed article here .

Features of a process essay

Some of the main features of the process essay include:

  • ‘How to’ title
  • Numbered or bullet points
  • Time connectives
  • Imperatives (bossy words)
  • List of resources

Example Expository Process Essay:

The cause and effect essay.

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The purpose of a cause-and-effect essay is to explore the causal relationships between things. Essays like this often bring the focus back to a single cause. These essays frequently have a historical focus.

The text should focus on facts rather than assumptions as an expository essay. However, cause-and-effect essays sometimes explore hypothetical situations too.

There are two main ways to structure a cause-and-effect essay.

The Block Structure presents all the causes first. The writer then focuses on the effects of these causes in the second half of the essay.

The Chain Structure presents each cause and then immediately follows with the effects it created.

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Example Expository Cause and Effect Essay:

The problem and solution essay.

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In this type of essay, the writer first identifies a problem and then explores the topic from various angles to ultimately propose a solution. It is similar to the cause-and-effect essay.

While the problem and solution essay can use the block and chain structures as outlined above – substitute cause with problem and effect with a solution – it will also usually work through the following elements:

  • Identifies a problem
  • Contains a clear thesis statement
  • Each paragraph has a topic sentence
  • Supports with facts, examples, evidence
  • The conclusion summarizes the main points

Suggested Title: What Can Be Done to Prevent Bullying in Schools?

Example Expository Problem and Solution Essay:

The compare and contrast essay.

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In this type of essay, students evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more things, ideas, people, etc. Usually, the subjects will belong to the same category.

The compare-and-contrast expository essay can be organized in several different ways. Three of these are outlined below.

In the three structures outlined, it is assumed that two subjects are being compared and contrasted. Of course, the precise number of paragraphs required in the text will depend on the number of points the student wishes to make and the number of subjects being compared and contrasted.

Suggested Title: In-Class or Remote Learning: Which Is Best?

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DEFINITION ESSAYS

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This type of essay provides a detailed description and definition of a word or phrase. It can be a concrete term, such as car or glass, or a more abstract concept, such as love or fear .

A definition essay comprehensively explains a term’s purpose and meaning. It will frequently contain some or all of the following elements:

  • A definition of the term
  • An analysis of its meaning
  • The etymology of the term
  • A comparison to related terms
  • Examples to illustrate the meaning
  • A summary of the main points

Example Expository Definition Essay:

CLASSIFICATION ESSAYS

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Like definition essays, a classification essay sorts or organizes things into various groups or categories and explains each group or category in detail.

Classification essays focus on:

  • Sorting things into functional categories
  • Ensuring each category follows a common organizing principle
  • Provides examples that illustrate each category.

Example Expository Classification Essay:

expository essays | what is an expository essay | How to Write Excellent Expository Essays | literacyideas.com

One of the best ways to understand the different features of expository essays is to see them in action. The sample essay below is a definition essay but shares many features with other expository essays.

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EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPTS

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Examples of Expository Essay Titles

 Expository essay prompts are usually pretty easy to spot.

 They typically contain keywords that ask the student to explain something, such as “define,” “outline,” “describe,” or, most directly of all, “explain.”

 This article will examine the purpose of an expository essay and its structure. It will also examine the primary language and stylistic features of this vital text type.

 After this, we’ll explore five distinct tips for helping your students get the most out of writing their expository essays.

Expository Essays vs Argumentative Essays

 Expository essays are often confused with their close cousin, the argumentative essay. Still, it’s easy to help students distinguish between the two by quickly examining their similarities and differences.

 In an expository essay, students will attempt to write about a thing or a concept neutrally and objectively, unlike an argumentative essay where the writer’s opinions permeate the text throughout. Simple as it sounds, this may take some doing for some students as it requires the writer to refine their personal voice almost out of existence!

 Luckily, choosing the correct viewpoint from which to write the essay can go a long way to helping students achieve the desired objectivity. Generally, students should write their expository essays from the third-person perspective.

Contrastingly, argumentative essays are subjective in nature and will usually be written from the first-person perspective as a result.

 In an expository essay, the text’s prime focus is the topic rather than the writer’s feelings on that topic. For the writer, disassociating their personal feelings on a topic is much easier when they’re a step removed from the narration by using the third-person POV rather than the first-person POV.

Expository Essay Tips

Follow these top tips from the experts to craft an amazing expository essay.

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 Tip #1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

writing-tools

Surprising as it may seem, not all expository essays are created equal.

 In fact, there are several different types of expository essays, and our students must learn to recognize each and choose the correct one for their specific needs when producing their own expository essays.

 To do this, students will need to know the 5 types of expository essays:

  • The Cause and Effect Essay : This type of essay requires that the writer explain why something happened and what occurred due to that event and subsequent events. It explores the relationship between people, ideas, events, or things and other people, ideas, events, or things.
  • The Compare and Contrast Essay: In a compare and contrast essay, the writer examines the similarities and differences between two subjects or ideas throughout the body of the piece and usually brings things together in an analysis at the end .
  • The Descriptive Essay: This is a very straightforward expository essay with a detailed description or explanation of a topic. The topic may be an event, place, person, object, or experience. This essay’s direct style is balanced with the freedom of the writer can inject some of their creativity into the description.
  • The Problem and Solution Essay : In this expository essay, the student will work to find valid solutions to a specific problem or problem.
  • The Process Essay : Also called a how-to essay, this essay type is similar to instruction writing, except in essay form. It provides a step-by-step procedure breakdown to teach the reader how to do something.

 When choosing a specific topic to write about, students should consider several factors:

 ●      Do they know the topic well enough to explain the ins and outs of the subject to an unfamiliar audience?

 ●      Do they have enough interest in this topic to sustain thorough research and writing about it?

 ●      Is enough relevant information and credible sources available to fuel the student’s writing on this topic?

Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly

Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

A common problem for students while researching is that sometimes they don’t have a clear understanding of the objective of their research. They lack a clear focus on their efforts.

Research is not mindlessly scanning documents and scrawling occasional notes. As with any part of the writing process, it begins with determining clear objectives.

Often, students will start the research process with a broad focus, and as they continue researching, they will naturally narrow their focus as they learn more about the topic.

Take the time to help students understand that writing isn’t only about expressing what we think; it’s also about discovering what we think.

When researching, students should direct their efforts to the following:

REad our complete guide to researching here

  • Gather Supporting Evidence : The research process is not only for uncovering the points to be made within the essay but also the evidence to support those points. The aim here is to provide an objective description or analysis of the topic; therefore, the student will need to gather relevant supporting evidence, such as facts and statistics, to bolster their writing. Usually, each paragraph will open with a topic sentence, and subsequent sentences in the paragraph will focus on providing a factual, statistical, and logical analysis of the paragraph’s main point.
  • Cite Sources : It’s an essential academic skill to be able to cite sources accurately. There are several accepted methods of doing this, and you must choose a citation style appropriate to your student’s age, abilities, and context. However, whatever style you choose, students should get used to citing any sources they use in their essays, either in the form of embedded quotations, endnotes, or bibliography – or all three!
  • Use Credible Sources: The Internet has profoundly impacted knowledge sharing as the Gutenberg Press did almost 600 years ago. It has provided unparalleled access to the sum total of human knowledge as never before, with each student having a dizzying number of sources available at their fingertips. However, we must ensure our students understand that not all sources are created equal. Encourage students to seek credible sources in their research and filter out the more dubious sources. Some questions students can ask themselves to help determine a source’s credibility include:

●      Have I searched thoroughly enough to find the most relevant sources for my topic?

●      Has this source been published recently? Is it still relevant?

●      Has the source been peer-reviewed? Have other sources confirmed this source?

●      What is the publication’s reputation?

●      Is the author an expert in their field?

●      Is the source fact-based or opinion-based?

Tip #3: Sketch an Outline

Every kid knows you can’t find the pirate treasure without a map, which is true of essay writing. Using their knowledge of the essay’s structure, students start whipping their research notes into shape by creating an outline for their essay.

The 5-paragraph essay or ‘Hamburger’ essay provides a perfect template for this.

Students start by mapping out an appealing introduction built around the main idea of their essay. Then, from their mound of research, they’ll extract their most vital ideas to assign to the various body paragraphs of their text.

Finally, they’ll sketch out their conclusion, summarize their essay’s main points, and, where appropriate, make their final statement on the topic.

Tip #4: Write a Draft

Title chosen? Check! Topic researched? Check! Outline sketched? Check!

Well, then, it’s time for the student to begin writing in earnest by completing the first draft of their essay.

They’ll already have a clear idea of the shape their essay will take from their research and outlining processes, but ensure your students allow themselves some leeway to adapt as the writing process throws up new ideas and problems.

That said, students will find it helpful to refer back to their thesis statement and outline to help ensure they stay on track as they work their way through the writing process towards their conclusions.

As students work through their drafts, encourage them to use transition words and phrases to help them move smoothly through the different sections of their essays.

Sometimes, students work directly from an outline as if on a checklist. This can sometimes be seen as the finished essay resembling Frankenstein. That is an incongruous series of disparate body parts crudely stitched together.

Learning to use transitions effectively will help students create an essay that is all of a whole, with all the joins and seams sanded and smoothed from view.

Tip #5: Edit with a Fresh Pair of Eyes

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Once the draft is complete, students enter the final crucial editing stage.

But, not so hasty! Students must pencil in some time to let their drafts ‘rest’. If the editing process occurs immediately after the student finishes writing their draft, they’ll likely overlook much.

Editing is best done when students have time to gain a fresh perspective on their work. Ideally, this means leaving the essay overnight or over a few nights. However, practically, this isn’t always possible. Usually, though, it will be possible for students to put aside their writing for a few hours.

With the perspective that only time gives, when returning to their work, students can identify areas for improvement that they may have missed. Some important areas for students to look at in the editing process include:

  • Bias : Students need to remember the purpose of this essay is to present a balanced and objective description of the topic. They need to ensure they haven’t let their own personal bias slip through during the writing process – an all too easy thing to do!
  • Clarity : Clarity is as much a function of structure as language. Students must ensure their paragraphs are well organized and express their ideas clearly. Where necessary, some restructuring and rewriting may be required.
  • Proofread: With stylistic and structural matters taken care of, it’s now time for the student to shift their focus onto matters of spelling , vocabulary choice, grammar, and punctuation. This final proofread represents the last run-through of the editing process. It’s the students’ final chance to catch mistakes and errors that may bias the assessor (aka You! ) against the effectiveness of the piece of writing. Where the text has been word-processed, the student can enlist inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers to help. Still, they should also take the time to go through each line word by word. Automatic checkers are a helpful tool, but they are a long way from infallible, and the final judgement on a text should employ the writer’s own judgement.

Expository essays are relatively straightforward pieces of writing. By following the guidelines mentioned above and practising them regularly, students can learn to produce well-written expository essays quickly and competently.

Explaining and describing events and processes objectively and clearly is a useful skill that students can add to their repertoire. Although it may seem challenging at first, with practice, it will become natural.

To write a good expository essay, students need a good understanding of its basic features and a firm grasp of the hamburger essay structure. As with any writing genre, prewriting is essential, particularly for expository writing.

Since expository writing is designed primarily to inform the reader, sound research and note-taking are essential for students to produce a well-written text. Developing these critical skills is an excellent opportunity for students through expository writing, which will be helpful to them as they continue their education.

Redrafting and editing are also crucial for producing a well-written expository essay. Students should double-check facts and statistics, and the language should be edited tightly for concision.

And, while grading their efforts, we might even learn a thing or two ourselves!

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Expository Essay Writing

Expository Essay Topics

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Good Expository Essay Topics to Impress Everyone

Published on: Apr 30, 2020

Last updated on: Feb 24, 2024

Expository Essay Topics

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An expository essay is a genre that investigates a topic in detail. This paper examines, evaluates, and expounds on an idea, concept, event, object, or subject. Writing this essay type is an important component of academic assignments.

If you are a high school or a college student, writing an expository essay will be mandatory for you. The first thing to make your essay impressive is to choose an amazing title. After that, it is the writer’s first attempt to motivate the audience to read the entire document.

In case you are assigned to write an essay and are looking for some amazing themes. Continue reading this blog to get sample expository essay topics.

How to Choose an Expository Essay Topic?

The importance of an interesting essay topic can not be overlooked. While reading an essay, it is the first thing that a reader comes across. With this, they would decide whether to continue reading or not.

Deciding on the topic for your writing piece can be challenging. Students often find themselves with writer’s block and cannot think of creative ideas for their essays.

Follow the steps given below to come up with an engaging expository essay topic.

  • Brainstorm ideas and make a list -  Brainstorming is a great way to come up with a topic. Make a list of all the ideas that interest you and your audience. At this point, you do not have to gather only good ideas.
  • Evaluate the topic -  After preparing a list of ideas, analyze which topic is appropriate. For writing an expository essay, make sure that the topic you choose can be explained in detail.
  • Narrow down the topic’s focus -  Once you have chosen a topic, focus on specific aspects. Broad topics will make it difficult for the writer to explain and support the argument.
  • Check for sources -  The last but most important step is to check for credible sources of information for your selected topic. Here, the writer needs strong supporting evidence to explain the topic in detail.

Expository Essay Topics for Students

Have a look at the following list of topics for expository essays to get a better idea.

Expository Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Explain your first experience in the school?
  • Describe your perfect place for vacations.
  • Explain your experience of studying online.
  • Describe the consequences of Covid-19 on studies.
  • Explain what influences families have on the personality of an individual?
  • Describe what productive hobbies a middle school student should have?
  • Describe the qualities of a good instructor.
  • Explain how role models can help you become a better person?
  • Describe the advantages of having a pet in the house.
  • Describe the meaning of true love.

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • Explain why wearing uniforms can be beneficial for students?
  • Talk about the things you want to change in the world, and why?
  • Explain why some girls like wearing makeup in school?
  • Describe how important it is for the children to spend time with their parents?
  • Explain the impact of smoking cigarettes on teen’s health.
  • Describe how a person can stay fit and healthy.
  • Explain how important it is to have a balanced diet?
  • Distant learning vs. traditional learning? Which is better?
  • Explain why students should not be given homework?
  • Explain how the education quality in public and private schools differs?

Expository Essay Topics for Grade 8

  • Explain the theme of your favorite book.
  • Explain how a seed becomes a plant?
  • Explain why we should not consume processed foods?
  • Explain the effects of social media platforms on our lives.
  • Describe the effects of pollution on marine life.
  • Explain how to keep oral hygiene?
  • Why is being immortal a good thing?
  • Using strong evidence, explain how to identify if someone is lying?
  • Explain the things and habits that affect your memory?
  • Describe the consequences of getting bad grades on academics.

Expository Essay Topics for High School

  • Explain gunpowder invention.
  • Describe the French Revolution.
  • Discuss the causes and effects of the Vietnam War.
  • How Jazz music affects our brain?
  • Explain what characteristics make a person famous?
  • Explain a particular psychological disorder.
  • How different is it to connect with people online and in person?
  • Explain how science helps people live a better life?
  • Explain the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.
  • Explain the invention of an object of your choice.

Expository Essay Topics for College

  • Pick a planet and explain what it would be like to live there?
  • Explain what you want to invent for the world?
  • Explain how a particular lifestyle or dieting pattern affects the environment?
  • Explain life in 25 years and the technological advancements that will take over.
  • Explain why teachers should be available for students after school hours as well?
  • Explain why there should be some restrictions on the use of social media for teenagers?
  • Describe why an employee should be a good team player?
  • Describe the consequences of selling drugs on campus.
  • Explain why constant fighting between siblings can be alarming?
  • Explain why the gang culture is spreading drastically?

Expository Essay Topics on Social Issues

  • Describe the importance of learning social values.
  • Describe how gun control laws can influence people’s lives?
  • How do the needs of people change with time?
  • Explain how to help the homeless and prevent homelessness?
  • Describe a social work you took part in, and how did it make a difference?
  • Explain how obesity socially affects people and their thinking?
  • Explain one social issue that largely prevails in your country.
  • Describe how people’s attitudes towards mental illnesses have changed during a decade?
  • Have parenting roles changed over time? Explain how?
  • Explain what can be the possible ways to control pollution.

Expository Essay Topics on Health

  • Describe how dieting for weight loss can be dangerous for health?
  • Explain why late-night munching is harmful?
  • What are the causes and effects of obesity?
  • How is fast food harmful to mental health?
  • Explain how eating disorders result in disturbed sleeping patterns?
  • Explain how AIDS and poverty are related?
  • Explain how a healthy body impacts an IQ level of a person?
  • How important is the environment for the stability of mental health?
  • Explain what diet a student should have?
  • What are the causes and effects of malnutrition?

Expository Essay Topics about Education

  • Discuss the causes and effects of teaching techniques on learning.
  • What are the causes and effects of teaching sex education in schools?
  • Explain how can our education systems are modified?
  • What is the significance of homeschooling?
  • Explain why students should be given the liberty to choose their subjects in school?
  • Should college scholarships be granted based on sports performances?
  • Explain why higher education is important for a successful career?
  • Explain how can the quality of education can be improved??
  • Explain why students should be taught foreign languages in schools?
  • Describe the qualities of a good teacher.

Expository essay writing can be challenging if your knowledge about the topic is limited. It is important to know that while writing such college papers, a writer has to share his point of view. Only stating the facts will be monotonous for the readers.

Also, keep in mind to follow a defined structure for the content. Moreover, the traditional essay outline of an introduction, body, and conclusion should be included in the document.

The introduction paragraph should be well written and provides a defined thesis statement. Then comes the body paragraphs that present all the explanations and descriptions of the topic. However, make sure to keep the body of your essay informative and organized.

Conclude your essay with strong closing lines to leave a lasting impression on the readers.

If the expository writings give you a hard time, get help from the professionals. They will help you by providing great comparison and contrast along expository essay ideas to score well.

CollegeEssay.org is a custom essay service that provides reliable essay help for your college essay and paper.

Furthermore, our essay writer will help you come up with great topic ideas and provide you with written assignments.

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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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Expository Essay Topics, Ideas & Writing Tips

Updated 21 Aug 2024

Short Expository Essay Characteristic

The name ”expository” comes from the verb ”to expose”, meaning that in such an essay, you should dwell on something, define, and describe it. On the same note, it can be an examination or analysis of a particular issue, depending on expository essay topics you may choose. Generally speaking, an expository essay is a general term for a group of pieces that includes: cause and effect paper, descriptive essays, comparison, problem and solution and also process essay .

Expository Essay Topics

Expository Essay Tips

Please note that the above list is just an example for you to have a better understanding of an expository essay, feel free to invent something of your own! Once you’ve decided on an expository essay topic, you will probably need several tips on how to organize the process of writing as well as skilled help with an essay in general. So, here are several pieces of advice to make the process of how to write an expository essay easier.

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Outline the Structure

To begin with, you should think about the structure of your expository paper. For this type of work, the basic structure (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) is the most appropriate. It's better to start with the body, where your primary thoughts are going to be placed. Then, you can think of creating a gripping introduction that would make readers keep reading your paper. Finally, compose a conclusion that will summarize your write-up. It would be a good idea if you restated your main idea thus signaling that you've either solved the problem or described it (depending on the expository writing topics and purpose of your paper).

If you're seeking further guidance and examples, you can find expository essay examples online to gain a better understanding of the structure and writing style.

Expository Essay Outline

Most college students in the United States get stuck thinking about how to start an expository essay or what parts should be included. Considering that it’s basically a research paper, it uses classic 5 paragraph style, which is recommended by most educational institutions in the country. This structural pattern helps to disclose all aspects of the specific topic, so essay maker will use this standard by default when you order this type of paper.

  • Introduction - start with brief discussion of subject in question. No matter what kind of narration will be chosen, it’s crucial to include brief explanation of what is to follow. Do not make it overly complex, but do best to explain why topic is relevant, why it makes sense within particular paper. Final sentence is thesis statement, which makes strong, yet careful argument without taking sides. Make it meaningful and informative, not as an assumption why something is so!
  • Body Paragraphs - this is where most details relate while writing an expository essay. Include descriptions, statistics, interesting facts, charts, quotes, visually appealing images, just anything, which will help explain specific concepts or ideas to your audience. If applicable, sort content by criteria of importance or difference, especially if it’s compare and contrast essay. Depending on type, provide analysis, explaining why given research method has been chosen.
  • Conclusion - final essay paragraph represents wrapping up of all important facts in more accessible language. Task here is to help reader memorize everything that matters and guide him or her towards further information, which can be used for additional, deeper research. Make strong call to action if it fits within essay requirements, make personal assumption or give voice to your writing by using famous quote. This is your chance to liven up narration, adding emotional touch to scientific research.

Thesis Statement

This is probably the most critical part of the expository writing. You should aim at making readers understand what you are going to discuss as well as keep them interested; they need to understand your expository writing topic. For instance, if you are going to address the illiteracy of adults, it can be like:

“It is hard to imagine that today, there are illiterate adults even in developed countries. So what are the causes of this issue? Let’s find out.”

Create the Draft

After you’ve structured your thoughts, it is time to create your first draft of expository essay. Be ready that you will rewrite it several times, though. Anyway, you’d like to expose a problem or an issue, wouldn’t you?

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Give it to somebody to Proofread

When you have been writing for a long time, you might miss some silly mistakes, typos, etc. Some ideas might be formulated more concisely, too. Thus, you should find someone to proofread your paper for you (by the way, this person should evaluate the choice of expository essay topics). You might also want to put it away for one day at least and take a fresh look at it later. You will be surprised at how many things you might want to change.

Excellent Essay Writing Steps

  • Choose Topic - Narrow it down while choosing something that reflects the necessary essay type. The topic should remain neutral, allowing the audience to make their own conclusions. When a task requires a comparison of two articles, it’s necessary to specify everything in the title to let readers see the original information for possible reference. Expository essay topics should be reflecting like “Environmental Issues in New Jersey Suburbs” or “Genetically Modified Foods Popular Myths”.
  • Do Research — One of the most frequent tips that experienced writing experts share is sounding confident when exposing something. Sufficient research and information achieve high self-esteem and clear language, which allows the author to expose certain data to a full degree, especially if both sides of the same issue should be mentioned. Research academic journals, news reports, and publications on the  topic to provide as much detail as possible.
  • Find Suitable Materials —Regardless of how large or complex your assignment is, it’s extremely important to search for suitable materials that can be utilized as sources to support diverse arguments or facts. This way, the paper becomes reliable, as the inclusion of statistics, news references, or even basic scientific facts helps to convince the audience.
  • Define Exposition Method —Another crucial part is defining the required exposition method, which means that students should choose a particular research method unless already specified. The method can be descriptive, comparative, cause-and-effect, classification,  or any other method that fits within exposure writing guidelines.
  • Compose Outline — Always start with an outline that contains key points about the particular idea, a thesis statement, and a list of strong arguments. It should serve as a guide for what is included during the draft stage. Moreover, an outline helps ensure  unbiased exposure as information is sorted and structured by order of significance.
  • Brainstorm Thesis Statement — This part, usually the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, is similar to the expository essay definition in that it helps readers connect with the author's main idea, unknown concept, or claim. Keep brainstorming ideas out loud to see which makes more sense and fully reveals the  assumption or claim without leaning to either side. Remember that a key to success is presenting information, not taking sides!
  • Check Paragraphs for Topic Sentences - pay attention to how each paragraph is structured by using a relevant topic sentence, which either reflects solutions or speaks about facts that help reveal or explain specific points. This way expository essay becomes more logical and to the point. Additionally, if there is any information that is not your own thought or something commonly known, always support it with reliable sources to avoid plagiarism issues.
  • Proofread & Edit Final Paper - do not underestimate careful editing for grammar, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, wordiness, logic, and general clarity of ideas. Take enough time for editing where you leave the best parts, cutting out all what seems weak. Make sure to only correct mistakes during the proofreading part. These are two separate tasks that should not be crossed for best results!
  • Check Sources, Citation, and Formatting —Once all other points have been met, it is recommended that you check the Works Cited or References page for sorting issues and the accuracy of citations. Remember to check format and page layout to ensure  that nothing is missed.

Get Professional Help

However, it might happen that you don’t feel like you can cope with the task on your own. In this case, of course, you could address professionals to help you out. All you need to do is to find the right ones. Whether you can’t pick up one of the topics for expository essays or just don’t know how to structure your thoughts – these people will help you out.

Read also: Classification Essay Topics

Exemplary Topics for Expository Essays

Social problems expository essay topics.

  • The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
  • Homelessness Crisis in Urban Areas: Causes and Solutions
  • Racial Profiling and Inequality in the Criminal Justice System
  • The Opioid Epidemic: Origins, Impact, and Policy Responses
  • Climate Change as a Social Issue: Effects on Vulnerable Populations
  • Income Inequality and Economic Disparity in Developed Countries
  • The Digital Divide: Access to Technology in Low-Income Communities
  • Immigration Reform: Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusion
  • Gun Control and Violence: Analyzing the Second Amendment Debate
  • The Role of Education in Alleviating Poverty
  • Gender Inequality in the Workplace and Solutions for Empowerment
  • The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health and Barriers to Treatment
  • Child Labor: Global Realities and the Push for Ethical Consumerism
  • The Aging Population: Social and Economic Impacts
  • Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences, and the Role of Food Banks
  • The Effects of Bullying in Schools and Strategies for Prevention
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality: Progress and Challenges
  • The War on Drugs: Impact on Communities and Alternatives to Incarceration
  • Human Trafficking: A Modern Form of Slavery
  • The Crisis of Affordable Housing and Its Impact on Society

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Ethical Issues Expository Writing Topics

  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Progress and Privacy
  • Gene Editing: The Moral Implications of CRISPR Technology
  • Animal Rights vs. Scientific Research: Finding the Middle Ground
  • The Ethical Dilemmas of Autonomous Vehicles: Who is Responsible in an Accident?
  • Privacy in the Digital Age: How Much Surveillance is Too Much?
  • The Morality of Euthanasia: Autonomy and the Right to Die
  • Ethical Considerations in Organ Transplantation: Who Gets Priority?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Privacy and Ethics
  • Climate Change Responsibility: Ethical Obligations of Developed Nations
  • The Ethics of Drone Warfare: Collateral Damage and Civilian Lives
  • Fair Trade Products: The Ethics of Consumption
  • The Use of Big Data: Privacy vs. Innovation
  • Ethical Issues in Genetic Cloning: Potential and Pitfalls
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Ethical Business Practices
  • The Death Penalty: Justice, Retribution, or Cruelty?
  • Ethical Hacking: Security Measures or Privacy Invasion?
  • The Ethics of Stem Cell Research: Potential vs. Principle
  • Workplace Surveillance: Productivity vs. Privacy
  • The Ethics of Wealth Inequality: Redistribution and Responsibility
  • Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange: Where is the Line?

Health Expository Writing Topics

  • The Impact of Diet on Chronic Diseases: Understanding the Connection
  • Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Support and Awareness
  • The Opioid Crisis: Origins, Impact, and Solutions
  • Vaccination: Myths, Facts, and Public Health Implications
  • The Rise of Telemedicine: Benefits and Challenges
  • Preventive Care: The Key to Long-term Health
  • The Effects of Pollution on Respiratory Health
  • Obesity Epidemic: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention
  • Stress and Health: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
  • The Role of Exercise in Managing Diabetes
  • Sleep Hygiene: The Impact of Sleep on Health and Well-being
  • Alternative Medicine: Complementary Approaches to Health Care
  • The Psychology of Eating Disorders: Causes and Treatments
  • The Global Fight Against HIV/AIDS: Progress and Challenges
  • Healthcare Systems Around the World: A Comparative Analysis
  • The Ethics of Genetic Testing: Privacy, Consent, and Implications
  • Childhood Vaccination: Policies, Perceptions, and Protection
  • The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
  • Public Health Campaigns: Success Stories in Disease Prevention
  • The Future of Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual

Topics for Expository Essays on Literature

  • The Role of the Tragic Hero in Ancient Greek Literature
  • Exploring the Theme of Revenge in Shakespeare’s "Hamlet"
  • The Evolution of the Gothic Novel: From "The Castle of Otranto" to Modern Works
  • The Concept of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby"
  • Dystopian Visions: A Comparative Analysis of "1984" by George Orwell and "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
  • The Use of Magical Realism in Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude"
  • The Bildungsroman Genre: Coming of Age in Literature
  • Feminist Themes in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s "The Yellow Wallpaper"
  • The Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Literature
  • The Depiction of War in Erich Maria Remarque’s "All Quiet on the Western Front"
  • Narrative Techniques in Modernist Literature: Stream of Consciousness in James Joyce’s "Ulysses"
  • The Role of Nature in Romantic Poetry
  • The Impact of the Harlem Renaissance on African American Literature
  • Exploring the Hero’s Journey in J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings"
  • The Representation of Race and Identity in Toni Morrison’s "Beloved"
  • Satire and Social Commentary in Jonathan Swift’s "Gulliver’s Travels"
  • The Concept of Love and Death in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
  • The Psychological Depth of Characters in Dostoevsky’s Novels
  • The Theme of Isolation in Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein"
  • The Influence of Shakespeare on Modern Literature and Film

History Expository Essay Topics

  • The Impact of the Black Death on European Society and Economy
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Fall of the Roman Empire
  • The Role of the Silk Road in Shaping Early Global Trade Networks
  • The Significance of the Magna Carta in the Development of Modern Democracy
  • The Cultural and Scientific Achievements of the Golden Age of Islam
  • The Effects of the Columbian Exchange on the New and Old Worlds
  • The French Revolution: Causes, Key Events, and Outcomes
  • The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Urbanization and Social Class
  • The Causes and Effects of World War I on the Global Stage
  • The Harlem Renaissance: Art, Music, and Literature as Means of Resistance
  • The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union: A Historical Overview
  • The Civil Rights Movement in the United States: Key Figures and Milestones
  • The Cultural Revolution in China: Goals, Processes, and Consequences
  • The Impact of the Discovery of DNA on Scientific and Medical Research
  • The Role of Women in World War II: From the Home Front to the Battlefield
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall: Symbolism and Significance
  • The Historical Development of the European Union
  • The Influence of the Spice Trade on European Exploration
  • The Witch Trials in Early Modern Europe: Causes and Effects
  • The Technological and Tactical Innovations of World War II

Science and Technology Expository Essay Topics for College

  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare: Promises and Challenges
  • Blockchain Technology: Beyond Cryptocurrency
  • The Ethics of Gene Editing: CRISPR and the Future of Human Evolution
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: The Path to a Sustainable Future
  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Scientific Perspective
  • Space Exploration: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Manned Mars Missions
  • The Evolution of Smart Cities: Integrating Technology into Urban Planning
  • Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Protecting Information in a Connected World
  • The Science Behind Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
  • Nanotechnology: Applications and Ethical Implications
  • The Future of Transportation: Electric and Autonomous Vehicles
  • Virtual Reality: Transforming Entertainment, Education, and Training
  • The Internet of Things (IoT): Opportunities and Security Risks
  • Biotechnology in Agriculture: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Food Security
  • 3D Printing: Revolutionizing Manufacturing, Medicine, and Beyond
  • The Psychological Effects of Technology Dependency
  • Quantum Computing: Principles and Potential Impacts
  • Wearable Technology: Health Monitoring and Beyond
  • Augmented Reality in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences
  • The Role of Big Data in Decision Making: Opportunities and Privacy Concerns

Expository Topics on Religion and Philosophy 

  • The Ethics of Belief: Clifford vs. James on Faith and Evidence
  • The Problem of Evil: Philosophical Approaches to Suffering and God
  • Existentialism: The Search for Meaning in a Seemingly Indifferent Universe
  • The Concept of the Soul in Different Religious Traditions
  • Stoicism and Modern Life: Ancient Wisdom in Contemporary Practice
  • The Influence of Religion on Political Systems Throughout History
  • Buddhism and the Concept of Non-Attachment
  • The Philosophy of Science: Understanding the Limits of Human Knowledge
  • Comparative Analysis of Monotheistic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
  • The Role of Women in Religious Leadership Across Different Faiths
  • Hinduism and the Cycle of Rebirth: Understanding Karma and Dharma
  • Secular Humanism: Ethics Without Religion
  • The Impact of Greek Philosophy on Christian Theology
  • The Concept of Free Will in Theological and Philosophical Discourse
  • Taoism and the Philosophy of Wu Wei: Effortless Action
  • The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: Can Machines Have Moral Values?
  • Nihilism and the Search for Meaning in a Postmodern World
  • The Intersection of Religion and Environmentalism: Stewardship of the Earth
  • Philosophical Skepticism: Can We Really Know Anything for Certain?
  • The Role of Meditation in Religious and Philosophical Practices

Education Expository Essay Topics

  • The Rise of Homeschooling and its Long-Term Impact
  • Gamification in Education: Boon or Bane?
  • Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: Friend or Foe?
  • The Debate on Standardized Testing: Measuring Progress or Stifling Learning?
  • Vocational Training vs. College Degrees: Is One Path Truly Better?
  • Student Mental Health: A Growing Concern in Educational Institutions
  • The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance
  • Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equitable Access to Technology in Education
  • Rethinking Traditional Grading Systems: Alternative Approaches to Assessment
  • Early Childhood Education: Investing in the Future
  • The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Shaping Well-Rounded Individuals
  • Language Barriers in Education: Challenges and Solutions for Multilingual Learners
  • Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom: Fostering Inclusion and Understanding
  • The Ethics of Online Education: Privacy, Security, and Academic Integrity
  • Personalized Learning: Catering to Individual Needs and Learning Styles
  • The Global Education Landscape: Comparing and Contrasting Different Systems
  • Lifelong Learning: The Importance of Continuous Education in a Changing World
  • The Financial Realities of Higher Education: Addressing Affordability Concerns
  • Teacher Burnout: Exploring the Challenges and Seeking Solutions
  • The Future of Education: Predicting Potential Trends and Innovations

Topics for Expository Essay on Personal Experience

  • Overcoming Stage Fright: Transforming Fear into Performance Joy
  • From Beginner to Badass: My Journey in Mastering a New Skill
  • Unexpected Detour: How a Missed Opportunity Led to My Greatest Discovery
  • The Courage to Say No: Learning to Prioritize Myself and My Values
  • Lost and Found: Navigating a Personal Identity Crisis
  • Breaking Free: Escaping a Toxic Environment and Reclaiming My Happiness
  • Facing the Unknown: Embracing Solo Travel and its Challenges
  • From Broken to Beautifully Strong: How a Personal Setback Became My Fuel
  • The Power of Vulnerability: Sharing My Story and Connecting with Others
  • Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: Embracing New Experiences and Growing as a Person
  • Finding My Voice: Overcoming Shyness and Learning to Speak Up
  • From Flawed to Flourishing: Embracing Imperfections and Building Self-Love
  • The Gift of Failure: How Mistakes Led to My Biggest Wins
  • Reconnecting with My Roots: Exploring Family History and Cultural Identity
  • From Chaos to Calm: Finding Peace and Mindfulness in a Stressful World
  • The Unexpected Mentor: How an Unlikely Guide Changed My Life
  • Facing Prejudice: Standing Up for Myself and Others
  • The Healing Power of Nature: Finding Solace and Connection in the Outdoors
  • Letting Go and Moving On: Dealing with Loss and Finding Closure
  • Gratitude Transformed: How Appreciation Changed My Perspective on Life

Expository Essay Topics for College

  • The Paradox of Choice: Abundance and Decision Fatigue in College Life
  • Dorm Room Dilemmas: Negotiating Space, Shared Living, and Personal Boundaries
  • Coffee-Fueled All-Nighters: Examining the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Cramming
  • Friendship Formations and the Evolution of Social Circles in College
  • From High School Hero to College Nobody: Redefining Identity and Finding Belonging
  • Balancing Finances: The Art of Surviving on Ramen and Scholarships
  • The Pressure to Preach: Navigating Religious Discourse and Personal Beliefs
  • The Instagram Illusion: Comparing Lives Online and Cultivating True Happiness
  • Free Speech on Campus: Exploring Boundaries, Respect, and Open Dialogue
  • Hookup Culture or Meaningful Connections: Redefining Casual Relationships
  • Sleepless Nights and Sunrise Classes: Optimizing Health and Wellness in College
  • Procrastination Nation: Understanding and Overcoming the Delaying Game
  • Professors as Mentors: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships beyond the Classroom
  • Beyond Textbooks: Engaging in Service Learning and Experiential Education
  • The Allure of Internships: Balancing Career Exploration with Academic Demands
  • Passion vs. Pragmatism: Choosing a Major and Navigating Future Directions
  • From Frat Parties to Philosophical Debates: Exploring Diverse Social Scenes
  • Balancing Independence and Hometown Connections: Maintaining Relationships at a Distance
  • Navigating the Political Landscape: Activism, Awareness, and Civic Engagement
  • From Freshmen Fears to Graduation Goals: Reflecting on Personal Growth and College Transformation

Topics for Expository Essays about High School

  • Navigating the Jungle: Demystifying High School Cliques and Finding Your Tribe
  • Test Anxiety Terror: Conquering High-Stakes Exams and Finding Calmness
  • Lunchroom Legends and Locker Drama: Unveiling the Unwritten Rules of the High School Social Scene
  • From Freshman Fumbles to Senior Savor: Reflecting on the Evolution of Your High School Self
  • Balancing Act: Juggling Academics, Extracurriculars, and Social Life without Losing Sanity
  • The Digital Divide: Examining the Impact of Technology on High School Learning and Socialization
  • From Bullied to Buddy: Confronting or Overcoming High School Bullying and its Lasting Effects
  • College Countdown or Crossroads Conundrum: Deciding on Your Future Path Amidst Uncertainty
  • The Pressure to Impress: Exploring the Culture of Perfectionism and its Costs in High School
  • Sleepless in Seattle (or Anytown)? Examining the Impact of Chronic Sleep Deprivation in High Schoolers
  • Friend or Foe?: Evaluating the Influence of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Body Image in High School
  • The Silent Struggle: Exploring Mental Health Challenges and Seeking Support in High School
  • More Than a GPA: Defining Success and Worth Beyond Academic Achievement
  • Breaking the Mold: Navigating Alternative Learning Paths and Challenging Traditions
  • From Zero to Hero: Embracing Public Speaking and Overcoming Performance Anxiety
  • The Cost of Cool: Examining the Pressure to Conform and the Price of Popularity
  • From Bullies to Bystanders: Understanding and Countering the Dynamics of Bullying in High School
  • From Cafeteria Chaos to Cultural Exchange: Exploring the Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in High School
  • The Value of Volunteering: Discovering Your Passions and Making a Difference through Service
  • Beyond the Textbooks: Cultivating Passionate Learning and Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Read also: Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

expository essay format and structure template

  • A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
  • B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
  • C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
  • D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
  • A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
  • B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
  • C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
  • D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

impact of technology on education essay

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

impacts of globalization on education essay

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

emotional intelligence essay

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

renewable energy essay

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

consumer behavior essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

expository essay definition and features, explained below

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

  • Clarity and Conciseness
  • Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
  • Objective Tone
  • Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
  • Objective thesis statement (see below)
  • Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

Expository Essay Paragraph Guide

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:


(Ought Statements)

“Governments should prioritize the adoption of electric vehicles over traditional gasoline-powered cars to combat climate change and reduce environmental pollution.”“Electric vehicles contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.”
“Online education should be widely adopted as it offers more inclusive and adaptable learning solutions compared to traditional classroom-based education.”“Online education provides accessible and flexible learning opportunities, utilizing digital platforms for course delivery and student-teacher interaction.”

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

  • Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
  • Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
  • Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
  • Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
  • Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
  • Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Get the ultimate guide on writing an expository essay – step-by-step tips and examples.

How to write expository essay

Are you grappling with the challenge of composing a compelling expository essay? Look no further, as this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tools and techniques to effectively convey your ideas and captivate your readers. By employing powerful writing strategies and supplementing your work with concrete examples and real-life anecdotes, you will unlock the true potential of your explanatory essay.

Begin your writing journey by harnessing the power of clarity and conciseness. Structuring your essay with a logical flow will allow your readers to effortlessly follow your thought process and grasp your central ideas. Employing strong transitions between paragraphs and employing cohesive language will ensure a seamless reading experience. Additionally, honing your analytical skills and supporting your claims with factual evidence will lend credibility to your work while fostering a deep understanding of the topic.

Furthermore, incorporating vivid examples and engaging anecdotes will breathe life into your expository essay, making your content relatable and memorable. By utilizing descriptive language and the art of storytelling, you will create a lasting impact in the minds of your readers. Whether it is a personal experience, a historical event, or a scientific study, weaving in these narratives will amplify the effectiveness and persuasiveness of your essay, leaving a lasting imprint on your audience.

Mastering the Art of Crafting a Compelling Expository Composition: Pointers and Illustrations

Mastering the Art of Crafting a Compelling Expository Composition: Pointers and Illustrations

An in-depth exploration of the fundamentals behind composing an impactful expository essay can serve as an invaluable tool in your academic and professional endeavors. By harnessing the power of language, analysis, and evidence, you can construct a persuasive and enlightening piece of writing that will captivate your readers. Let us embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of crafting an exquisite expository essay.

1. Avoid monotony: Deliver your ideas in a fresh, stimulating manner to enthrall your audience. Strive to maintain a captivating narrative flow by skillfully employing synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and metaphors. This will invigorate your writing and make it truly memorable.

2. Be concise yet comprehensive: Accomplish the delicate balance of being succinct without sacrificing the clarity and depth of your exposition. Remember to select your words wisely, presenting each idea concisely while ensuring it is thorough and complete.

3. Provide evidence: Back up your statements with solid evidence and well-researched examples. Citing credible sources, such as reputable studies, expert opinions, and statistical data, will add credibility and weight to your arguments, making them more persuasive and powerful.

4. Organize your thoughts: Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring that each idea flows seamlessly into the next. Utilize transitional words and phrases to guide your readers through the different sections of your essay, enabling them to follow your line of reasoning effortlessly.

5. Cater to your audience: Tailor your language, tone, and examples to suit the preferences and background of your intended audience. Use relatable and engaging references to convey your message effectively and establish a connection with your readers.

6. Emphasize clarity: Clarity is key when it comes to expository writing. Avoid excessive jargon, convoluted sentences, and ambiguous expressions. Instead, strive for lucidity and precision, ensuring that your readers can easily grasp the main points of your essay.

7. Show don’t tell: Instead of merely stating information, aim to vividly illustrate your ideas through anecdotes, case studies, and real-life examples. This will make your essay more relatable and memorable, enabling your readers to form a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

8. Revise and refine: Do not underestimate the importance of the revision process. Review your essay meticulously, focusing on grammar, clarity, and coherence. Eliminate redundancies, enhance sentence structure, and refine your vocabulary to elevate the quality and impact of your writing.

By equipping yourself with these essential guidelines and examples, you are well-prepared to embark on your expository essay writing journey. Remember, mastering the art of crafting a compelling expository composition requires practice and perseverance. Let your ideas flow, embrace creativity, and allow your words to inspire, educate, and leave an indelible mark in the minds of your readers.

The Significance of an Expository Article

When it pertains to written compositions, the significance of an expository article cannot be underestimated. This type of writing piece serves a crucial purpose in communicating information, presenting facts, and explaining ideas in a clear and concise manner. By utilizing objective analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and logical arguments, an expository essay provides readers with a deeper understanding of a subject matter.

Unlike other forms of writing, an expository essay focuses on informing rather than persuading or entertaining. It acts as a reliable source of knowledge, offering readers an opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain new insights. Whether used in academic, professional, or personal settings, the expository essay serves as a valuable tool for conveying information accurately and objectively.

Furthermore, an expository essay aids in building critical thinking and analytical skills. Through the process of researching and organizing information, the writer develops the ability to evaluate sources, discern facts from opinions, and present arguments based on logical reasoning. This type of writing encourages readers to question assumptions, analyze evidence, and draw their own conclusions.

Moreover, mastering the art of composing an expository essay equips individuals with essential communication skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. By learning how to present complex ideas in a clear and coherent manner, one becomes an effective communicator across different fields and disciplines. Whether it be writing research papers, reports, or even delivering presentations, the skills acquired from writing an expository essay are invaluable in expressing ideas persuasively and engaging an audience.

In conclusion, the importance of an expository essay lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive and objective understanding of a subject matter. By offering factual information, logical arguments, and clear explanations, this type of writing contributes to the development of critical thinking skills and effective communication. Whether in academic, professional, or personal settings, the expository essay plays a vital role in disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience

In order to create a compelling and impactful expository essay, it is important to have a clear understanding of the purpose and audience of your writing.

The purpose of an expository essay is to explain or inform the reader about a specific topic or idea. Unlike other types of essays, the main goal is to provide a balanced analysis and present factual information in a clear and concise manner. The purpose may vary depending on the specific assignment or context, but it is important to always keep the purpose in mind when writing an expository essay.

Equally important is knowing your audience. Understanding who will be reading your essay will help you tailor your writing style, tone, and level of complexity to effectively communicate your ideas. Consider the background knowledge, interests, and beliefs of your audience to ensure that your essay is accessible and engaging.

  • Start by identifying the demographic characteristics of your audience, such as age, education level, and background.
  • Consider their prior knowledge on the topic. Are they familiar with the subject matter, or do you need to provide additional context?
  • Think about their potential biases or preconceived notions. Are there any potential challenges or objections you need to address?

By understanding the purpose and audience of your expository essay, you can craft a well-written and relevant piece that effectively communicates your ideas and engages your readers.

Choosing the Right Topic and Gathering Information

One of the crucial steps in writing an outstanding expository essay is selecting a compelling topic and gathering relevant information. The topic should be interesting, relevant, and align with the purpose of your essay. It’s important to choose a topic that you are passionate about and have a good understanding of, as it will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and easier.

Start by brainstorming different ideas and concepts that you find intriguing. Consider your personal experiences, hobbies, or areas of expertise that you would like to explore further. You can also look for inspiration from current events, popular trends, or societal issues that grab your attention. Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow it down to the one that has enough depth and scope for exploration.

Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to gather information to support your thesis statement and provide evidence for your claims. Start by conducting thorough research using various sources such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and interviews with experts in the field. Take notes and keep track of the sources you use for referencing purposes.

Tips for Gathering Information:
1. Use reliable and credible sources to ensure the accuracy of the information.
2. Take detailed notes and organize them based on different subtopics or arguments.
3. Look for different perspectives and opinions on the topic to present a well-rounded view.
4. Don’t rely solely on internet sources, but also explore books and academic journals.
5. Use quotation marks or proper citation methods when including direct quotes or paraphrasing information from sources.
6. Keep track of all the sources you use to avoid plagiarism and provide proper references in your essay.

By choosing the right topic and gathering relevant information, you lay the foundation for a well-researched and compelling expository essay. Take the time to explore different ideas, conduct thorough research, and organize your findings effectively. Remember, a well-chosen topic and solid information will make your essay engaging and informative for your readers.

Structuring Your Expository Essay

Structuring Your Expository Essay

When it comes to composing an expository essay, the way you structure your piece is crucial. Organizing your thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical manner will not only make your writing more coherent and easy to follow, but it will also help you effectively convey your message to the readers.

One effective way to structure your expository essay is to use the traditional five-paragraph format. This format consists of an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. Each paragraph serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall development of your essay.

The introduction paragraph is where you grab the attention of your readers and provide them with a brief overview of what your essay will be about. It should include a strong thesis statement that clearly states your main argument or point of view.

The body paragraphs are where you present your evidence, provide supporting details, and analyze your topic. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea or aspect of your topic. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, and then provide examples, facts, or explanations to support your argument.

In the conclusion paragraph, you should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in this section. Instead, focus on leaving a lasting impression on your readers and reinforcing the main ideas discussed throughout your essay.

Remember to use appropriate transition words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas. Examples of transitional phrases include “firstly,” “in addition, “finally,” and “on the other hand,” among others.

By following a well-structured approach, you can effectively organize your expository essay and make it engaging and informative for your readers. Take the time to plan your essay, identify your main points, and arrange them in a logical order. With a clear structure, your expository essay will be a powerful piece of writing that effectively conveys your ideas.

Enhancing Clarity and Coherence

Creating a clear and coherent expository essay requires skillful use of language and organization. By carefully selecting words and arranging ideas logically, you can ensure that your essay is easy to understand and follow.

Word Choice: One of the most effective ways to enhance clarity is through thoughtful word choice. Consider using precise and specific language to convey your ideas. Instead of using general terms, opt for more descriptive words that accurately depict the information you are presenting.

Logical Organization: Coherence in your essay can be achieved through proper organization. Present your ideas in a logical progression, ensuring that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next. Use transitional words and phrases to connect your thoughts and guide the reader through your essay.

Consistent Structure: To enhance clarity and coherence, maintain a consistent structure throughout your essay. Use a clear introduction to outline your main points and a strong conclusion to summarize your findings. Each body paragraph should focus on a single topic and provide sufficient evidence and examples to support your claims.

Effective Transitions: Transitions are essential in ensuring a cohesive flow between ideas and paragraphs. Use transitional words and phrases such as “however,” “in addition,” and “furthermore” to link your ideas and create a smooth transition between different sections of your essay.

Eliminating Ambiguity: To enhance clarity, it is crucial to eliminate any ambiguity or confusion from your writing. Be precise in your language and avoid using vague terms or jargon. Make sure your ideas are clearly articulated and leave no room for misinterpretation.

Proofreading: Finally, closely edit and proofread your essay for clarity and coherence. Look for any unclear sentences or confusing phrases and revise them for greater clarity. Ensure that your ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner, leaving no room for confusion.

By enhancing clarity and coherence in your expository essay, you can effectively communicate your ideas and engage your readers. Thoughtful word choice, logical organization, consistent structure, effective transitions, and careful proofreading all play important roles in creating a clear and coherent essay that will leave a lasting impact.

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  1. Journal Writing Topics For Grade 6 : Expository Writing Prompts For

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  2. ⛔ Expository writing topics. 100+ Expository Essay Topics Recommended

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  3. How To Write an Excellent Expository Essay: Expert Tips and Examples

    expository essay topics grade 6

  4. Essay Prompts For 6th Graders

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  5. Five Paragraph Essay Sample In Sixth Grade

    expository essay topics grade 6

  6. 210 Outstanding Expository Essay Topics to Focus On

    expository essay topics grade 6

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  1. Class 6 English

  2. Class 6 English Gulmohar Book Unit 10

  3. Essay Writing Course Lesson 10: Expository Essay

  4. Expository writing|How to teach expository writing grade 5 |Expository Essay writing class demo

  5. Important Essay topics for expository writing final term paper. #expositorywriting #uog

  6. What is Expository Writing? With Examples

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  1. Excellent Essay Topics for 6th Graders » JournalBuddies.com

    Narrative Essay Topic Ideas for Students. Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School. Expository Essay Topic Ideas. Story Writing Topics for Grades 5 - 9. Essay writing curriculum 6th grade. These 37 essay topics for 6th graders will help your kids form opinions, explore their ideas on paper, and express their thoughts confidently.

  2. 33 Excellent Expository Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    This form of writing is a method of writing in which the author describes, informs, or explains a topic to the reader. Learning how to write an expository paper (or essay) is one of the most important skills that students can develop from an early age. Of course, it is also a skill one may develop or refine at any age or stage in school or life.

  3. 6th Grade Essay Topics

    Descriptive essay topic for the 6th Grade. Here are some fun and inspiring essay topic for 6th graders: Describe your favourite place. Describe your ideal bedroom. Describe the house in which you grew up. Describe what the first house on the moon would look like. Describe some of your favourite places in your hometown.

  4. 50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

    Creative Writing Topics for Grade 6. A Magical Land: Describe a world where magic is real and part of everyday life. Time Travel Adventure: Write a story about traveling back in time to a significant historical event. Superhero Origins: Create the origin story of a new superhero, including their powers and motivations.

  5. A List of General Expository Essay Topics

    Sample Expository Essay Topics From Students . There is no best topic for an expository essay since everyone is inspired by different subjects. Tenth-graders wrote the following general expository essay topics. Students can practice writing these topics or use the list to come up with ideas of their own.

  6. 28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

    Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need. Descriptive. Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student. Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows. Write an essay describing a rainy ...

  7. Awesome 6th Grade Writing Prompts (Updated!)

    That's all the ideas for this post. 121 More FREE Grade 6 Writing Resources. Take a look at this list of even more wonderful writing prompts and resources for 6th graders. 37 6th Grade Writing Prompts; 31 6th Grade Writing Ideas; 53 Reflective Writing Prompts; Until next time, write on… If you enjoyed these Writing Prompts for 6th Graders,

  8. 100+ Expository Essay Topics to Impress Your Teacher

    Expository Essay Topics Consumer Culture. The positive and negative effects of consumer culture. Understanding the modern consumer culture. Consumer culture in China and the middle class. Consumer culture is central to understanding contemporary identities. Consumerism in consumer culture.Advertising and consumer culture. Explain consumer culture.

  9. 100 Entertaining 6th Grade Writing Prompts

    Choose from 100 prompts, story starters, research topics, and poetry ideas to start the writing process in a sixth-grade classroom.

  10. 15 Engaging Explanatory Writing Prompts

    The following prompts are meant for high-school level writers. Students may need to research the topics in order to respond with sufficient depth and complexity. 11. Addressing Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying involves using technology to harm, intimidate, and embarrass others.

  11. 6th Grade Writing Prompts: Unlocking Imagination

    Examples include composing a personal narrative about overcoming a challenge, writing an expository essay on a historical event, or crafting a descriptive piece about a favorite place or object. Assessing and Providing Feedback. One of the key aspects of 6th Grade Writing Prompts is the assessment and provision of constructive feedback to students.

  12. PDF Expository Writing

    Section 6: Authen-tic Writing Tasks • Lesson 1: Analyzing Prompts for Givens and Variables, p. 466 • Lesson 2: 7-Day Process Writing Time-line, p. 519 Process Writing Piece Choose an appropri-ate expository topic and use the process writing timeline to fully developed piece together Introduce from Section 6: Steps for Approaching

  13. Expository Essay Examples for Middle and High School

    Get past the thesis statement with two examples of expository essays. Learn more about the format, requirements, and types of expository writing for middle and high school.

  14. How to write Excellent Expository Essays

    Tip # 2: Research the Topic Thoroughly. Regardless of which type of expository essay your students are working on, they must approach the research stage of the writing process with diligence and focus. The more thorough they are at the research stage, the smoother the remainder of the writing process will be.

  15. PDF Grade&6& ExpositoryWriting&&

    Grade&6& ExpositoryWriting&&Gr. Deconstructing Text, Writing Essays, Reports, Response to Text. Student Pages for Print or Projection. SECTION 4: Research. www.empoweringwriters.com 1-‐866-‐285-‐3516. ITHIN TEXTTABLE OF CONTENTSFound at the front of the book, the table of contents lists the.

  16. 140+ Interesting Expository Essay Topics & Ideas for 2024

    An expository essay is a genre that investigates a topic in detail. This paper examines, evaluates, and expounds on an idea, concept, event, object, or subject. Writing this essay type is an important component of academic assignments. If you are a high school or a college student, writing an expository essay will be mandatory for you.

  17. How to Write an Expository Essay

    The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It's worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

  18. 200+ Excellent Expository Essay Topics for Students

    Topics for Expository Essays about High School. Navigating the Jungle: Demystifying High School Cliques and Finding Your Tribe. Test Anxiety Terror: Conquering High-Stakes Exams and Finding Calmness. Lunchroom Legends and Locker Drama: Unveiling the Unwritten Rules of the High School Social Scene.

  19. Expository Writing Worksheets

    Your students will be provided sheets that examine the uses of expository writing-such as in compare and contrast essays, how-to essays, and informative essays-and be given several worksheets to complete a similar task. "Tip" sheets are included in each packet for ease of reference. You use this writing format when you are trying to explain a ...

  20. 30 Expository Essay Topics for an Outstanding Paper

    Here are 30 expository essay topics to get you started. #1. How to eat healthy while living on a college student's budget. Waiting for mom or dad to transfer money into your account or living off your part-time gig at the bookstore might leave your pockets and your stomach empty.

  21. 5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

    Expository Essay: The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There's no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree. Argumentative Essay: The reader is encouraged to consider the writer's viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

  22. PDF New York State Grade 6-8 Expository Writing Evaluation Rubric

    If the student writes only a personal response and makes no reference to the text(s), the response can be scored no higher than a 1. Responses totally unrelated to the topic, illegible, incoherent, or blank should be given a 0. A response totally copied from the text(s) with no original student writing should be scored a 0. Grade 7 Common Core ...

  23. Guide to Writing an Effective Expository Essay

    Provide evidence: Back up your statements with solid evidence and well-researched examples. Citing credible sources, such as reputable studies, expert opinions, and statistical data, will add credibility and weight to your arguments, making them more persuasive and powerful. 4. Organize your thoughts: Structure your essay in a logical and ...