8 Steps to Write an Explanatory Essay With Examples

78% of students say writing explanatory essays improves their understanding of topics. 

So, first talk about what an explanatory essay is. 

When you write an explanatory essay, you’re explaining a specific topic clearly. It helps you understand complex ideas more easily. 

But here’s the question: How will you write an explanatory essay?

I’ve gathered some ideas that I tested personally while writing my own explanatory essay. 

So, whether you’re writing an essay for your assignment or for your website, I’ll share the best eight steps to make your essay truly up to the mark.

While you’re reading this, it means you’re interested in exploring these notable steps. 

I’ll also share a proper structure for writing an explanatory essay, and don’t forget to check out some popular examples I’ll add at the end of the article.

What makes an essay explanatory?

I was reading a text on the topic “How to learn Spanish.” It explains everything about the language, its rules, usage, ways to learn, etc. 

At that time, I didn’t know about types of essays. But now, I recalled that topic and realized it was an explanatory essay.

Well, let’s come to the definition!

An explanatory essay is a type of writing that focuses on explaining a topic or idea in a clear and straightforward way. 

In these essays, you don’t need to argue or convince anyone; you simply give a straightforward explanation on a specific topic.

Now, what does this essay include? 

This type of essay uses descriptive language, examples, and clear explanations to give readers a complete understanding of the topic.

Basically, explanatory essays are used in academic writing. But if you read newspapers, magazines, articles, etc., you’ll also find this style of writing there.

Explanatory essay outline

Until now, you’ve learned basic information about explanatory essays.

Now, it’s important to understand the writing structure. 

Will you start blandly, or will you follow a proper structure for an explanatory essay?

Don’t worry if you’ve written without a roadmap before! Here, I’m going to explain the proper explanatory essay outline.

1. Introduction

In the explanatory essay introduction paragraph, make sure to cover these points:

• Write an attention grabbing hook.
• Briefly explain background information of the topic.
• Create a clear thesis statement that gives the main purpose of the essay.

2. Body paragraph 

There is no limit to the number of body paragraphs, but I have found that most explanatory essays contain 3 to 5 paragraphs.

• Firstly, write the main idea of the essay.
• Secondly, write the topic sentence. Where you’ll define what you’re going to discuss later.
• Then write a proper explanation. Also give examples or evidence to add more value to your message.
• Lastly, you can also share any analysis or also further give clarification. This step will make your essay paragraph more impactful.

3. Conclusion 

This is the last part of the explanatory essay. Write the summary of main points. Also restate the thesis to recall the purpose. End it with the final key takeaway for the reader.

How you can write an explanatory essay: 8 steps

I’ve explained every basic thing that should help you understand an explanatory essay. Now, let’s explore the steps for writing one. 

Here, I’ve discussed the most important ones. 

If you really want to boost your essay writing skills, make sure to practice each step as you read. 

So, grab your paper and pen, start reading, and jot down your understanding side by side.

1. Choose a clear topic for your essay

Ok! This first step is the foundation of your essay. 

Your topic should be interesting for both you and your readers. If you choose a topic, make sure to understand your audience's interests. 

However, if the topic aligns with your preferences, you’ll definitely write an impressive essay. 

So, first and foremost, you need to brainstorm ideas or topics. You can also look for trending topics to inspire your choice. 

For example, I chose the topic “Olympic training methods.” This topic is according to my interest, as well as readers interest too. 

Well! Have you selected your topic?

If yes, so let’s move on!

2. Conduct thorough research to collect information 

Think that you have chosen a topic but don’t have any latest information to write about. This will not work because it will make your essay worthless. 

So, look for trusted sources like online articles, scholarly journals, etc. Gather all the information from these sources. 

As I selected the topic above, I’ll look for the Olympic official website, journals, books, and documentaries.

I will overview all the training-related topics to support my points.

Have you researched your topic?

3. Organize your explanatory essay outline logically 

When I started writing, I didn’t like to create outlines for my essays. However, after gaining some experience, I now find it difficult to write without a proper roadmap. 

Creating an outline helps organize my ideas logically and arranges my information in a meaningful way. 

For example, let’s consider the topic I’m discussing. I’ll list headings for Olympic training methods based on my research. 

This outline will provide me with a map to follow, so I can easily write my essay on it.

4. Create an engaging introduction paragraph

After you’ve done your research and outline, the most important part is the introduction. 

It hooks the readers and encourages them to continue reading your essay. 

Therefore, it should be informative while also making readers curious about the topic. 

This approach will make your explanatory essay introduction more interesting and grab the attention of your audience. 

How can you make your introduction paragraph more engaging?

It’s not difficult! To create an effective introduction for your explanatory essay, you should include:

• A hook
• Background information on your topic
• A thesis statement.

You may be wondering, what is a thesis statement?

Don’t worry! I’ll explain it in the next step.

These elements provide an overview of your essay and encourage readers to seek more detailed information throughout the piece.

Have you written your explanatory essay introduction on your topic by now?

If yes, so let’s move on to the next step!

5. Develop a strong thesis statement

It’s a good practice to create a strong thesis statement for an explanatory essay. It clearly conveys the main idea to the reader.

It’s a brief sentence that outlines what the essay will discuss or explain.

It is typically placed at the end of the explanatory essay introduction paragraph.

One thing you have to make sure of is to avoid personal emotions or opinions in the main idea. It should be short and to the point.

6. Provide evidence for your points

You’re doing great!

Now here you’ll show your expertise by demonstrating the research you have done and the information you have gathered.

Alright! As I have discussed before, use trusted sources.

Start writing the body paragraph of your explanatory essay. To support your topic, you have to provide evidence for it.

If you have done proper research, this part will be easy for you to cover.

Use examples, facts, and opinions in the body paragraph to prove your thesis statement. 

But make sure you use clear and easy language to present your ideas more effectively. Also write in third-person narrative when you’re explaining your topic. It will make your essay more factful. 

Additionally, you should create the body paragraph using our AI paragraph generator. Just give this tool proper instructions. Like you need a description, evidence, and examples on your topic. And you’ll get the best results in just a few seconds. 

Well! I also used some examples and evidence to support my topic. Did you find some for yours?

7. Conclude your essay effectively

Here your essay is going to end, so how will you conclude it?

Well! In the last step, restate your main point. It will remind the readers about the main reason for writing the essay.

Also, summarize your important information and evidence. You should also take help from our text summarizer. This tool will shorten your content and give key aspects of your essay. 

Connect all of them in a concluding way. Highlight the importance of the topic and any potential suggestions.

And lastly, share your own opinion based on the depth of evidence. Your ending sentences should be strong so that they can leave a lasting impression on the reader.

8. Review and proofread your explanatory essay

It is a minor but crucial step in writing.

Think about it: you have written an essay but published it without reviewing. Rewarding? No!

Your writing will contain countless mistakes.

To proofread your explanatory essay, consider these points to check:

• Is the flow logical?
• Is the thesis statement clearly stated?
• Are the evidence and examples correct, or do they need any tweaks?
• Is the concluding paragraph efficiently summed up?
• Check for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

This is a major issue that most people face. So, you should use our grammar checker to fix these errors. It will proofread your essay and correct all the grammar mistakes effectively.

These edits will overall improve your essay quality and make it more meaningful and engaging.

Example of explanatory essay

Following is the example of explanatory essay that I was discussing from the start: 

Topic: Olympic training methods

Introduction

Are you fond of watching the Olympics? Ever thought how the athletes are trained? (Hook) 

The Olympic Games are a great event. The best athletes from all over the world come here to compete and show their skills. Each athlete trains very hard and follows specific plans to prepare for the games. (Background information) 

This essay will look at the different training methods of Olympic athletes. It focuses on personalized training programs, the use of technology, and mental preparation. (Thesis statement)

Body paragraph 1

One important part of Olympic training is creating personalized training programs. (Main idea) 

These programs are designed to meet each athlete's needs. It’s based on their sport, physical condition, and goals. (Topic sentence) 

For example, runners practice speed and strength by doing fast runs and weightlifting. Swimmers focus on being patient and getting better at their strokes. They swim long distances and practice more. (Evidence)

Coaches customise the training plans. It will help athletes improve in the areas they need to perform their best during competitions. (Clarification)

Body paragraph 2

Another key part of Olympic training is using technology to help athletes improve. (Main idea) 

Athletes now have access to tools like performance trackers, wearable devices, and video analysis. They can see how they are doing and improve their skills. (Topic sentence)

For instance, the new motion-capture technology allows coaches to watch an athlete's movements. This allows them to find areas that need improvement. (Evidence) 

This technology helps athletes make smart changes that can improve their performance. (Clarification) 

Additionally, mental training, like visualization techniques and mindfulness practices. It helps athletes stay focused and calm during competitions. (Evidence)

Conclusion

Olympic training methods mix personalized plans with the latest technology to help athletes do their best. (Summary of main points)

By creating cutomized training programs and using modern tools, athletes can reach their highest potential. (Restatement of thesis) 

This ongoing development in training shows the hard work and dedication needed to succeed at the Olympics. The journey of each athlete proves the importance of effort, innovation, and the constant chase for excellence. (Final key takeaway)

Some famous and powerful examples of explanatory essay

Here are some great and popular examples of explanatory essay that I personally like:

1. "Self-Reliance" 

Writer: Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this essay, Emerson explains the value of independence and self-trust. She promotes ideas of independence and confidence. It’s both explanatory and motivational.

2. "Why I Write" 

Writer: Joan Didion

Didion explains her personal reasons for writing. She highlights the power of language and storytelling. This essay provides understanding about the creative process and motivations behind writing.

3. "Politics and the English Language"

Writer: George Orwell

Orwell examines how language influences thought and society. He explains how unclear language is used to mislead. It’s a great example of an essay that clarifies complex ideas directly.

4. "The Death of the Moth"

Writer: Virginia Woolf

Woolf uses the metaphor of a moth’s struggle to explain life’s delicacy. It’s a reflective piece that explains universal struggles in life.

Conclusion

Writing an explanatory essay may seem challenging. However, if you follow the right steps, you can create a clear and engaging essay. 

Hence, all of them I’ve discussed above. So, just by using them, you can write the best explanatory essay.

The key is to explain things simply, use good examples, and check your work carefully.

With practice and these steps, you'll be able to write essays that help readers understand any topic easily. Just focus on being clear and thorough, and you'll do great!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between expository and explanatory writing?

Explanatory writing helps to explain a topic, while expository writing shares information and facts about many different subjects.

How do you write an explanatory essay?

You can write an explanatory essay typically by adding: an introduction with a hook and a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How can I make my explanatory essay more effective? 

Use clear language, logical organization, and relevant examples. Make sure your paragraphs flow smoothly and that you address different aspects of the topic comprehensively.