explanatory essay about wolves

" is an indispensable compendium on all biological aspects of these endlessly absorbing carnivores. With great authority the authors have opened our minds to the richness of wolf behavior and adaptability.…Directly and indirectly offers a powerful statement about the moral obligation of everyone to help these symbols of wildness endure."—George B. Schaller

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The wolf is truly a special animal. As the most widely distributed of all land mammals, the wolf, formally the gray wolf (Canis lupus) , is also one of the most adaptable. It inhabits all the vegetation types of the Northern Hemisphere and preys on all the large mammals living there. It also feeds on all the other animals in its environment, scavenges, and can even eat fruits and berries. Wolves frequent forests and prairies, tundra, barren ground, mountains, deserts, and swamps. Some wolves even visit large cities, and, of course, the wolf's domesticated version, the dog, thrives in urban environments.

Such a ubiquitous creature must, as a species, be able to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, such as temperatures from -56° to +50°C (-70° to +120°F). To capture its food in the variety of habitats, topographies, and climates it frequents, the wolf must be able to run, climb, lope, and swim, and it performs all these functions well. It can travel more than 72 km (43 mi)/day, run at 56-64 km (34-38 mi)/hr, and swim as far as 13 km (8 mi) (P. C. Paquet, personal communication), no doubt aided by the webs between its toes.

The wolf leads a feast-or-famine existence, gorging on as much as 10 kg (22 pounds) of food at a time, but able to fast for months if necessary. Nevertheless, if all goes well (which for most wolves it does not), wolves can live 13 years or more in the wild (Mech 1988b) and up to 17 years in captivity (E. Klinghammer and P. A. Goodman, personal communication).

As might be expected, a widely distributed animal like the wolf varies physically all around its circumpolar home. The desert-inhabiting variety of Israel can weigh as little as 13 kg (29 pounds), whereas its northern tundra cousin can reach over 78 kg (172 pounds). The wolf's color varies across the entire black-white spectrum, with most wolves tending to be a mottled gray (Gipson et al. 2002).

Wolves live in packs of up to forty-two, but can survive even as lone individuals. Although wolf packs are usually territorial, where necessary, they can migrate hundreds of kilometers between where they raise their pups and where they take those pups in winter to follow their prey. The great variation in the wolf's environment, and in the creature's behavior and ecology as it contends with that environment, makes generalizing difficult. This problem can lead to false generalizations and misunderstanding about the animal.

Although wolves have provoked human beings by sharing their domestic and wild prey without permission, these predators have withstood humankind's resulting assault on them everywhere except where the ultimate weapon, poison, has been used. Given half a chance, wolves have responded by repopulating suitable areas with remarkable success. In the process, wolves have gained the support of many humans and have become a conservation challenge—one that is rapidly being met. This animal that sits on its haunches at the top of the food chain has become a symbol of the wilderness, an icon to environmentalists, and a poster child for endangered species recovery efforts.

Because of the strong feelings that both wolf haters and wolf advocates hold, it has been hard to sell the truth about the wolf—folks of each viewpoint resist accepting information they believe supports views opposite their own. Yet we must at least present the information as best we can. In this respect, we have tried throughout this book to draw valid generalizations where possible while indicating where lack of information precludes them.

In the following pages, we and the chapter authors have assembled and synthesized the considerable amount of information available about this fascinating animal. This book, however, is not a collection of all works on the wolf, but rather a compendium of basic information. To have included all of the worthy published material about the wolf, or even to have referenced it, would have been too much for writers and readers alike.

We start by discussing in chapter 1 the wolf's basic social ecology; that is, its pack structure and spacing, natural history, and movements. Why do wolves live in packs? The answer is not as simple as once thought. What triggers dispersal? How do wolves defend their territories? These and many other questions are examined and discussed.

Focusing even more tightly, chapter 3 discusses wolf communication. Here wolf howling and other vocalizations, scent marking, body postures, and other significant signals are covered in detail. The composition of wolf urine, the influence of hormones on communication, the nature of wolf hearing, seeing, smelling, and tasting, and the role of wolf senses in the animal's dealings with its environment constitute much of the chapter.

Once these basics are dealt with, we turn to the behavior that has brought the wolf so much infamy—its food habits—in chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4 approaches the subject with an overview of the wolf's predatory adaptations, its digestive system, general feeding habits, specific foods, and basic hunting behavior. The wolf is shown to be superbly adapted to its carnivorous lifestyle, from its forty-two teeth and massive jaw muscles to its large stomach capacity and thorough digestion.

Less controversial, but still a dominant aspect of wolf biology, behavior, and conservation, is the subject of chapter 6: wolf population dynamics. Wolf productivity, density, survival, mortality, population change, and population regulation are all discussed and analyzed. Relationships between food supply (prey biomass) and several demographic and ecological factors are explored, and the pervasive effect of food supply becomes apparent.

Also delving deeply into the wolf is chapter 8. Featuring the relatively new but highly enlightening techniques of molecular genetics, this chapter presents some novel perspectives on wolves. Through modern biochemical analyses, wolf DNA can be parsed, and various inferences can be drawn from the results. Some of these conclusions challenge existing ideas: was the dog domesticated from the wolf about 10,000-15,000 years ago, as has long been thought? Or much longer ago, as molecular analyses suggest?

While chapter 8 uses new technology to get at questions of wolf taxonomy and evolution, chapter 9 uses long tried and tested methodology to examine many of the same issues. Fossil evidence and skull measurements are used to trace the long path of evolution the wolf's ancestors followed, the relationships among wolves of different geographic regions, and the possible hybridization of closely related forms. Nicely complementing chapter 8, this chapter provides one more important perspective on these subjects. We hope that interested readers will examine chapters 8 and 9 closely and judge for themselves where the weight of evidence falls in any of the areas where their conclusions differ. The conclusions of both chapters depend greatly on inference, and in many cases the data base for the inferences is necessarily more meager than science would like.

Chapter 10 deals with the many interactions wolves have with prominent animals in their environment other than their regular prey. Species such as bears, tigers, and cougars not only compete with wolves for prey, but also sometimes kill wolves or are killed by them. Other smaller creatures, such as coyotes, foxes, ravens, and eagles, scavenge from wolf kills and can consume large amounts of the wolf's hard-earned bounty. Chapter 10 outlines these interactions that form such an important part of the wolf's life.

Chapter 11 differs from the others in that it does not cover a specific aspect of the wolf, but rather is devoted to describing the recovery of the red wolf (Canis rufus) . We devote a whole chapter to this subject, while covering other wolf reintroductions as parts of other chapters, because the red wolf is a special case. The red wolf is the only long-recognized species of wolf other than the gray wolf, and scientists disagree on its taxonomic identity. Is the red wolf really a separate species, or might it be a subspecies of the gray wolf? Some scientists claim that the red wolf is a hybrid between the gray wolf and the coyote, while others dispute that conclusion. All workers agree, however, that the red wolf is endangered. Thus, after several years of raising remnant members of its population in captivity, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced the red wolf into part of its former range. Chapter 11 follows the progress of that historic endeavor and summarizes the lessons learned from it.

That topic leads nicely into the larger subject of chapter 12, the wolf's interactions with human beings. It is that very subject that makes this book possible and necessary. The chapter tracks human attitudes toward wolves through history and many various cultures. It documents the effects of wolves on human activities and vice versa, including wolf attacks on human beings and human extermination of entire wolf populations.

Concluding the book after the thought-provoking chapter 12 is our chapter on conservation of the wolf. Although human beings were responsible for the demise of the wolf throughout much of western Europe and most of the contiguous United States, the human species suddenly realized its mistake and began trying to conserve the wolf and restore it to parts of its former range. Chapter 13 details these efforts and projects an optimistic future for the wolf—a fitting conclusion to this book.

Down through the ages, the wolf has never had a neutral relationship with humanity. It has either been hated, despised, and persecuted or revered, respected, and protected. It has been, and continues to be, a subject of myth and legend, folklore and fairy tale. This book is meant to temper those misrepresentations by presenting a scientific view of the animal—one that we think is even more interesting, and certainly more accurate.

  Copyright notice: Excerpt from pages xv-xvii of Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation edited by L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani , published by the University of Chicago Press. ©2003 by the University of Chicago. All rights reserved. This text may be used and shared in accordance with the fair-use provisions of U.S. copyright law, and it may be archived and redistributed in electronic form, provided that this entire notice, including copyright information, is carried and provided that the University of Chicago Press is notified and no fee is charged for access. Archiving, redistribution, or republication of this text on other terms, in any medium, requires the consent of the University of Chicago Press. Edited by L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation ©2003, 466 pages, 32 color plates, 13 halftones, 63 line drawings, 73 tables, 8½ x 11 Cloth $49.00 ISBN: 0-226-51696-2 Paper $30.00 ISBN: 0-226-51697-0 For information on purchasing the book—from bookstores or here online—please go to the webpage for Wolves . See also: Our catalog of biology and nature titles Other excerpts and online essays from University of Chicago Press titles Sign up for e-mail notification of new books in this and other subjects

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Saving America’s Wolves

This gripping article draws the reader into the world of the American wolf, exploring how these fearsome and important creatures are making a comeback from near extinction and the threats they continue to face.

Learning Objective: to explore how point of view affects a story

• Purpose The article explores the amazing powers and traits of American wolves, how these fearsome and important creatures are making a comeback from near extinction, and the threats they continue to face.
• Structure The article is written entirely in the second-person point of view.
• Language Conventionality and Clarity Vocabulary: challenging academic and domain-specific vocabulary (apex predator, ecosystem, stalk)
• Knowledge Demands The text refers to the food chain, keystone species, ecosystems, and other challenging scientific concepts.
• Anchor Standards R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.7, W.2, SL.1, L.4, L.5, L.6
• Grade 6 RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3, RI.6.4, RI.6.5, RI.6.5, RI.6.7, W.6.2, SL.6.1, L.6.4, L.6.5, L.6.6
• Grade 7 RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, RI.7.4, RI.7.5, RI.7.6, W.7.2, SL.7.1, L.7.4, L.7.5, L.7.6
• Grade 8 RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, RI.8.4, RI.8.5, RI.8.6, W.8.2, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.5, L.8.6
• Grade 6 6.1, 6.2b,e; 6.4, 6.7; 6.10a,c,d; 6.17a,c; 6.19; 6.26; 6.28
• Grade 7 7.1, 7.2b,e; 7.4, 7.7; 7.10a,c,d; 7.17a,c; 7.19; 7.26; 7.28
• Grade 8 8.1, 8.2b,e; 8.4, 8.7; 8.10a,c,d; 8.17a,c; 8.19; 8.26; 8.28
• Lesson Plan

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What threats to wolves face?

Imagine you are a gray wolf in the Montana wilderness. You are one of the most fearsome predators on Earth. Your 42 razor-sharp teeth can rip flesh and crush bone. You can sniff out a deer a mile away. Animals many times your size flee in terror at the sight of you.

You aren’t just any wolf either. You are the alpha of your pack. That means you are the leader. You dominate the seven other wolves in your pack, standing tall and proud over them. You decide when the pack eats and when the pack travels. You also decide when the pack hunts.

Your kills are as dramatic as a high-speed car chase in an action movie. You will stalk a herd of elk for days and days before choosing one to eat. You aren’t afraid to go after an elk that is 500 pounds heavier than you, though you do prefer the weakest ones—the oldest or youngest or sickest.

When you’re ready to strike, you and your pack work together in deadly harmony. You chase your target until it’s alone, separated from its herd and utterly exhausted. Then you and your pack pounce, latching on to the elk’s neck and legs with your powerful jaws—until at last the elk collapses in a bloody heap.

You and your pack then begin to feast, your bellies swelling with flesh, your faces turning red with blood.

As a wolf, you are more than a magnificent predator: You are an apex predator—at the top of the food chain. But in spite of your powers, you face many threats. One kick from an elk or a moose can break your jaw. Diseases like mange can cause you to lose your fur, leaving you shivering in the cold. Other wolves can challenge you to a deadly fight for control of your territory.

But there is one creature that threatens you more than any other.

For hundreds of years, humans in America have hunted, poisoned, and trapped your kind. They have driven your species almost to extinction.

And they aren’t finished with you yet.

Imagine you are a gray wolf in the Montana wilderness. You are one of the most fearsome predators on Earth. Your 42 razor-sharp teeth rip flesh and crush bone. You can sniff out a deer a mile away. Animals many times your size flee in terror at the sight of you.

You aren’t just any wolf either. You’re the alpha of your pack. That means you are the leader. You dominate the seven other wolves in your pack, standing tall and proud over them. You decide when the pack eats and when the pack travels. You also decide when the pack hunts.

Your kills are as dramatic as a car chase in an action movie. You will stalk a herd of elk for days before choosing one to eat. You will go after an elk that is 500 pounds heavier than you, though you do prefer the weakest ones— the oldest, youngest, or sickest.

When you’re ready to strike, you and your pack work together. You chase your target until it’s alone, separated from its herd and exhausted. And then you and your pack pounce, latching on to the elk’s neck and legs with your powerful jaws until the elk collapses in a heap.

Then you and your pack begin to feast, your bellies swelling with flesh, your faces turning red with blood.

As a wolf, you are more than a great predator. You’re an apex predator—at the top of the food chain. Still, you face many threats. One kick from an elk or a moose can break your jaw. Diseases like mange can cause you to lose your fur, leaving you shivering in the cold. Other wolves can challenge you to a deadly fight for control of your territory.

It’s a brisk winter day, and you and your pack are trotting through the snow when you sense that a human is drawing near. Fear washes over you. A member of your own pack was recently shot by a human. You tried to help him as best you could, licking his coat and bringing him food.

But he did not survive his wounds. You still mourn his loss. Is a human now coming to kill you too?

It’s a brisk winter day. You and your pack are trotting through the snow when you sense that a human is drawing near. Fear washes over you. A member of your pack was recently shot by a human. You tried to help him. You licked his coat and brought him food. But he did not survive his wounds. You still miss him.

Is a human now coming to kill you too?

Ana Gram/Shutterstock.com

A Wolf's Powers

• A wolf marks its territory with urine and scat, and with oils from scent glands. These glands are found at the base of its tail and on other parts of its body.
• A wolf’s sense of smell is 100 times better than a human’s.
• Wolves howl to communicate with each other. They may share in a group howl before a hunt.
• Two layers of fur keep a wolf dry and warm—even in subzero temperatures. Fur is shed in spring and regrows in fall.

The Big Bad Wolf

Flashback to hundreds of years earlier: Back then, your ancestors were also stalked by humans. These humans despised your kind because you terrified them. They didn’t understand your ways.

To America’s first European settlers, you were more than just a nuisance that ate their chickens and goats. You were a stone-cold killer, a monster even. In the stories they told their children, you were the villain that devoured Little Red Riding Hood’s poor grandmother.

Before the 1800s, as many as 2 million of your kind lived in America. You roamed the dense forests of New England, you howled across the deserts of the Southwest, you waded through the icy rivers of the Rocky Mountains.

But as humans spread out across North America, your kind was dying out. You were shot by the guns of pioneers. You died from eating poisoned animal carcasses left out by humans. Your head was chopped off and sold for money. Your fur was turned into fashionable hats and coats for humans to wear.

And then you were gone.

By the 1920s, in most parts of America, none of your kind was left.

Flashback to hundreds of years ago. Back then, your ancestors were also stalked by humans. These humans despised your kind because you scared them. They didn’t understand your ways.

To America’s first European settlers, you were more than just a nuisance that ate their chickens and goats. You were a stone-cold killer, a monster even. In the stories they told their children, you were the villain that ate Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother.

Before the 1800s, as many as 2 million of your kind lived in America. You roamed the forests of New England. You howled across the deserts of the Southwest. You waded through the icy rivers of the Rocky Mountains.

But as humans spread out across North America, your kind was dying out. You were shot by the guns of pioneers. You died from eating the poisoned meat left out by humans. Your head was chopped off and sold for money. Your fur was turned into hats and coats for humans to wear.

And then you were gone. By the 1920s, in most parts of America, none of your kind was left.

Jim Brandenburg/Minden Pictures

Wolf pups are born in the spring. Newborn pups can’t see or hear, and each is roughly the size of a soda can. Their eyes open after about two weeks, and they step out of their dens in about three weeks. By the time pups are 6 months old, they are almost as big as the adults. To feed pups, a wolf may regurgitate—that is, vomit—meat for the pups to enjoy.

Not A Monster

But not all humans hated your kind. Not all of them wanted you dead.

In the 1970s, many humans began to realize that you are not the monster from fairy tales, that those stories had been greatly exaggerated. It is not in your nature to attack humans. You are afraid of them and avoid them whenever you can.

Humans began to understand that the Earth needs you.

After your species disappeared, the populations of elk exploded. That’s because wolf packs like yours weren’t there to hunt them. The elk gobbled up trees and grasses that other animals needed for survival. Birds couldn’t build their nests. Beavers couldn’t build their dams. Without beavers building dams in rivers, the rivers became more powerful and deep, which changed the types of plants that could grow nearby. In addition, coyotes, ravens, and other scavenging animals lost a food source: They could no longer pick at the carcasses that wolves left behind after a kill.

Today, scientists have a special name for animals like you: keystone species. Like sharks and lions, you are a necessary part of the habitats where you live. Without you, ecosystems drastically change.

Many humans began to say that killing off wolves had been a terrible mistake. So in the 1990s, experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatched a bold plan.

To bring you back.

In the 1970s, many humans began to realize that you are not the monster from fairy tales. It’s not in your nature to attack humans. You are afraid of them. You avoid them whenever you can.

After wolves disappeared, the populations of elk exploded. That’s because wolf packs like yours weren’t around to hunt them. The elk ate trees and grasses that other animals needed for survival. Birds couldn’t build their nests. Beavers couldn’t build their dams. Without beavers building dams in rivers, the rivers became more powerful and deep, which changed the types of plants that could grow nearby. And coyotes, ravens, and other scavenging animals lost a food source: They could no longer pick at the carcasses that wolves behind after a kill.

Many humans began to say that killing off wolves had been a big mistake. So in the 1990s, experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made a plan.

Once Again Howling

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

WOLVES IN THE U.S.

It’s generally accepted that there are two species of wolf: the red wolf and the gray wolf. In the lower 48 states of the U.S., some wolf populations are considered threatened or endangered. But in Alaska, wolves have never been endangered.  Today, as many as 11,200 wolves live there.

In the mid-1990s, wildlife experts caught 31 gray wolves up in Canada. These wolves were brought down and set free in central Idaho as well as in Yellowstone National Park—2.2 million acres of protected wilderness in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Scientists hoped that these wolves would reproduce and form new packs.

To the joy of those scientists, that is exactly what happened.

In less than two decades, there were 1,600 wolves in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. In fact, you can trace your family history to those first wolves brought from Canada. They are your relatives—your great-great- great grandparents.

Many humans were thrilled to hear your kind once again howling across your ancestral home. Thousands of tourists now flock to Yellowstone National Park every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of you in your natural habitat. You have dazzled and inspired new generations of wolf lovers. Many scientists spend their days studying you, and they are learning more and more about your amazing ways. They say that you are helping to repair the ecosystem in Yellowstone too. Elk populations are now much smaller and healthier, in part because of wolf packs like yours. The government says you are no longer endangered there.

But not all humans are happy about your return. Some human hunters resent that you catch and kill the same prey they do. Some ranchers are angry because some of your kind are once again preying on their cattle—after all, livestock is far easier for you to hunt than wild elk and moose. (The government pays ranchers for any livestock killed by wolves, though proving that a wolf was responsible can be complicated.) Some humans say there are too many of you now—that you wander off protected lands and into places where humans live. Some states have allowed humans to once again hunt your kind outside of national parks.

You have stirred up a fierce debate among humans. Right now, some humans are arguing that you should be protected, even in places where your numbers are stable and healthy. They say that hunting your kind shouldn’t be allowed.

Indeed, dedicated teams of humans are working on your behalf. In conservation centers wolves are being bred and raised with the goal of restoring them to their ancestral habitats. These conservation centers also lead educational programs to help other humans understand how special and necessary you are.

In the mid-1990s, wildlife experts caught 31 gray wolves up in Canada. These wolves were brought down and set free in central Idaho and in Yellowstone National Park—2.2 million acres of protected wilderness in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Scientists hoped that these wolves would have pups and form new packs.

And that’s what happened.

In less than 20 years, there were 1,600 wolves in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. In fact, you can trace your family history to those first wolves brought from Canada. They are your great-great-great grandparents.

Many humans were thrilled to hear your kind once again howling across your ancestral home. Thousands of tourists now come to Yellowstone every year, hoping to catch sight of you. You have inspired new generations of wolf lovers. Scientists spend their days studying you and learning about your ways. They say that you are helping to repair the ecosystem in Yellowstone too. Elk populations are now much smaller and healthier, in part because of wolf packs like yours. The government says you are no longer endangered there.

But not all humans are happy about your return. Some human hunters resent that you catch and kill the same prey they do. Some ranchers are angry because some of your kind are again preying on their cattle—after all, livestock is easier for you to hunt than wild elk and moose. (The government pays ranchers for livestock killed by wolves, though proving that a wolf was to blame can be complicated.) Some humans say there are too many of you now—that you wander off protected lands and into places where humans live. Some states have allowed humans to once again hunt your kind outside of national parks.

You have stirred up a debate among humans. Some humans say that you should be protected, even in places where your numbers are stable and healthy. They say that hunting your kind should not be allowed.

Across America, teams of humans are working to help you. In conservation centers, wolves are being bred and raised with the goal of restoring them to their ancestral habitats. These centers also lead educational programs to help other humans understand how special and important you are.

Keith Crowley/Alamy Stock Photo

WOLF TERRITORY

A wolf pack’s territory is the area in which it lives, hunts, and raises its pups. Packs defend their territory against other wolves. Gray wolf territories may be less than 100 square miles in the lower 48 states and more than 1,000 square miles in Alaska and Canada. 

Coming Home

Which brings us back to you on that winter day when you sense a human nearby.

You do not know what is about to happen. But your instincts tell you that you are in mortal danger.

Suddenly, a deafening noise thunders from the sky. The noise comes from a helicopter, but you don’t know what a helicopter is.

You break into a full-speed run, zigzagging across the snow. But you aren’t fast enough to outrun the flying metal monster that is chasing you.

Minutes pass.

Your muscles ache. You grow weary. But you don’t stop running.

The helicopter swoops low. There is a man perched inside, and he has something aimed at you.

Your body collapses. Everything goes dark.

You don’t know what’s about to happen. But your instincts tell you that you are in danger.

You break into a full-speed run. But you aren’t fast enough to outrun the flying metal monster that is chasing you.

Your muscles ache. You grow weary. But you keep running.

The helicopter swoops low. There is a man inside, and he has something aimed at you.

Martin W. Grosnick/Ardea/Biosphoto

RADIO COLLARS

Scientists use radio collars like this to track and study wolves. When trying to collar a wolf, scientists in helicopters are careful not to chase any wolf for too long. If they can’t catch a wolf within a few minutes, they leave and try another day. That way, the wolf doesn’t become too stressed or exhausted. 

You are not dead.

This human did not come to kill you. He came to help you. It was not a bullet that hit you. It was a tranquilizer dart, which has put you into a deep sleep.

The helicopter lands nearby. A man hops out and rushes to your side. He is a wildlife expert who has dedicated his life to studying and caring for your species. He and his highly trained team set up a makeshift station in the snow. They take your blood to study and see what diseases you’ve been exposed to. They weigh you, check your teeth, and measure your paw size. They record their observations in their journals.

They work quickly; they must finish before you wake up. They know that if you are exposed to humans, you could lose your fear and you may be more likely to wander closer to where people live. That could put you in danger.

Finally, they put a collar around your neck that has a special radio inside. This radio collar will help them track your movements and learn more about your habits and behavior. Everything they learn will help them better understand you and your kind.

Of course, you don’t know any of this. You are still fast asleep.

When you wake up, the human who had been chasing you seems to be gone. So too is that terrible noise.

You stand, snow flecking your muzzle. You lift your head high and let out a long howl.

In the distance, your pack howls back to you.

They are waiting for you to come home.

The helicopter lands nearby. A man hops out and rushes to your side. He is a wildlife expert. He has dedicated his life to studying and caring for your kind. He and his team set up a temporary station in the snow. Then they get to work. They take your blood to study and see what diseases you’ve been exposed to. They weigh you. They check your teeth and measure your paw size. They record everything they learn in their journals.

Finally, they put a collar around your neck that has a special radio inside. This radio collar will help them track your movements and learn more about your habits and behavior. What they learn will help them better understand you and your kind.

When you wake up, the human who had been chasing you seems to be gone. That terrible noise is gone too.

The Wolf Pack

A tight-knit community

The size of a wolf pack can range from 2 wolves to 36. The average size is around 6. Packs are tight-knit communities. The pack hunts and plays together. They groom by licking each other’s fur and may give extra attention to pack members that are sick or injured.

Typically, the breeding male and female are the alphas of the pack, though one may be more dominant than the other. An alpha shows dominance by standing tall, chest puffed out, tail high. Beta wolves are the second in command. They show respect to the alphas by lowering their heads and crouching. The omega wolves are at the bottom of the pack’s hierarchy. They show submission by lying on their sides or backs. 

Continue the Learning Journey

• Learn more about wolves on the  Wolf Conservation Center website . Be sure to check out our favorite feature: the live webcams in and around the den sites. Visit the “Take Action” page and consider supporting wildlife and wild places by joining the center’s letter-writing campaigns.
• Design your own social media post in support of wolves. You can make a meme, a gif, an Instagram post, a tweet, etc.
• Learn more about wolves on the  Wolf Conservation Center website . Be sure to check out our favorite feature: the  live webcams  in and around the den sites. Visit the  “Take Action”  page and consider supporting wildlife and wild places by joining the center’s letter-writing campaigns.

Writing Prompt

The author chose to write this article in the second person. What impact does this choice have on the reader? Support your answer to this question with text evidence. 

T his story was originally published in the May 2018 issue.  

T his story was originally published in the May 2018 issue.

• The Core Skills Workout is a series of skill-based activities that will help your students "bulk up" in the comprehension skills they need most to become strong, analytical readers. The Core Skills Workout comes with every issue and will support your reading program no matter what your scope and sequence.

What responsibility do humans have to protect wild animals? What is the relationship between humans and the natural world?

As a class, watch this TEDTalk given by George Monbio t, science author and rewilding campaigner, to learn about “rewilding,” that is, restoring natural food chains, like Yellowstone National Park is doing with wolves.

For a shorter video on the concept of rewilding, watch  this Guardian  video   instead.

As a class, watch this video to see nature photographer Ronan Donovan’s work and listen to him describe the challenge of documenting one of Yellowstone’s most elusive and iconic species: the gray wolf.

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Essential questions:  What responsibility do humans have to protect wild animals? What is the relationship between humans and the natural world? How do ecosystems stay in balance?

1. PREPARING TO READ

Preview vocabulary. (8 minutes)

• Project or distribute the  Vocabulary Words and Definitions . 
• Review the words as a class. Optionally, play the audio version of the words at Scope Online. Highlighted words:  apex predator, despised, ecosystems, endangered, hierarchy, keystone species, stalk, tranquilizer

2. READING AND DISCUSSING (45 minutes)

•  Have a volunteer read aloud the As You Read box on page 4. 
• Read the article and the short informational text on page 7 as a class. 
• Have students work in groups to discuss the following close-reading questions.

Close-Reading Questions

• Who is the “you” in the article? Does the “you” change? Explain.  (author’s craft)  The “you” in the article is an alpha wolf who is being chased by a conservationist. The author also uses “you” to refer to all wolves throughout history. For example, she refers to “you” when talking about wolves in previous times and locations, such as those that were hunted by early colonists in America. 
• In the introduction, what does the author’s use of imagery help readers understand about wolves?  (figurative language)  The author’s use of imagery helps readers understand the power and strength of wolves. By including sensory details such as “42 razorsharp teeth can rip flesh and crush bone” and “your bellies swelling with flesh, your faces turning red with blood,” she enables readers to hear, see, and feel the power and ferocity of these impressive creatures. 
• What factors contributed to the neardemise of the gray wolf in the U.S.?  (key ideas and details)  Humans used to despise and fear wolves because wolves preyed on livestock and because of stories that depicted wolves as villains. As a result, people shot, trapped, and poisoned wolves to protect themselves and their property. 
• How did the gray wolf’s disappearance affect the environment?  (key ideas and details)  The gray wolf ’s disappearance disrupted the ecosystem. Wolves are an apex predator, which means they are at the top of the food chain, and a keystone species, which means they are needed to maintain ecosystems. When wolves disappeared, the populations of animals that wolves ate—such as elk—grew too large. This caused a chain of events that affected other plants and animals as well as the ecosystem as a whole. 
• How does author Kristin Lewis build suspense throughout the article?  (author’s craft, text structure)  Lewis builds suspense by writing the story in second person, which puts the reader in the position of a wolf. The introduction ends with you, the wolf—the article’s subject—awash in fear and worried that a human is after you. Readers are left in suspense as to what happens to the wolf until the final section of the article. Lewis builds the suspense in this final section by including vivid sensory details that describe what you (the wolf) are hearing, feeling, and seeing, such as a deafening noise and a “flying metal monster” chasing you.
• How does the map on page 8 contribute to the article?  (text features)  The map helps the reader understand the current plight of wolves in America by showing the number of wolves in the lower 48 states. 
• On page 9, Lewis explains that conservation centers have programs to educate people on how “special and necessary” wolves are. Find two pieces of evidence in the article that support the idea that wolves are special and necessary.  (text evidence)  Answers will vary. Students will likely say the fact that wolves are a keystone species (p. 8) supports the idea that they are necessary. Students may list any of the impressive features of wolves described in the article, such as their powerful bite or sense of smell, to support the idea that wolves are special. 

Reconvene as a class to discuss the following critical-thinking questions.

Critical-Thinking Questions

• The subheading (the words right under the headline on page 4) states that wolves need your help. What are some things that you personally can do to help wolves?  Ideas may include: Talk to as many other people as possible about wolves so that others know the truth about wolves; encourage others to support wolves; learn even more about wolves by visiting a wolf conservation center or conducting research; support organizations that work to protect wolves; write to political leaders about wolves; encourage adults to vote for politicians who support conservation. 
• How might the information in “The Wolf Pack,” on page 7, be used to build support for wolves?  Answers will vary. Details in the informational text reveal that wolves, much like humans, live in close-knit communities and take care of each other. Many people have likely heard only negative stories about wolves; telling people about this relatable side of wolves might generate compassion for wolves and inspire people to support efforts to save the animals. 

3. SKILL BUILDING 

Featured Skill: Point of View (15 minutes)

Break students into pairs to complete the  Point of View: You Are the Wolf  activity sheet. This activity will prepare students for the writing prompt on page 10. For alternate culminating tasks, see the boxes below.

The author chose to write this article in the second person. What impact does this choice have on the reader? Support your answer to this question with text evidence.

In a well-organized paragraph, explain how the author’s use of the second person point of view in the introduction affects you as a reader. Support your answer with text evidence.

The author writes the article in second person. What impact does that have on you as the reader? How might the article be different if it were written in third person? Answer both questions in a well-organized essay. Use text evidence to support your ideas.

There are many subspecies of gray wolf. Choose one subspecies to research, and create a presentation about its appearance, size, habitat, history, current threats, and conservation efforts. Present your findings in a slideshow, short video, or presentation.

Research one way that conservationists are working to help America’s wolves. Present your findings in an essay, slideshow, video, or presentation.

Literature Connection: Novels about relationships between wolves and humans

Julie of the wolves   by jean craighead george, the call of the wild   by jack london, the jungle book by rudyard kipling, wolf journal   by brian connolly.

With their piercing looks and spine-tingling howls, wolves inspire both adoration and controversy around the world. Find out how many wolf species exist, the characteristics that make each wolf's howl unique, and how the wolf population in the continental United States nearly became extinct.

Biology, Ecology

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Home Essay Samples Science

Essay Samples on Wolves

Increasing or maintaining the grey wolf population in montana.

In 1979, Diane Boyd was a 24 years old who left Minnesota to enroll at Montana State University, to follow her career as a wildlife researcher. The Gray Wolf species was nearly extinct from the 1930s; although the Gray Wolf was an endangered species, it...

Never Cry Wolf By Farley Mowat: Getting In Touch With A Life Of Wolves In Wild Tundra

Never Cry Wolf is a book that was published in the early 60s and it is about Farley Mowat’s observation of Arctic wolves in Canada. The book was highly successful and sold about 14 million copies and was translated into 24 different languages. Mowat was...

• Book Review

Discoveries Made During the Grey Wolves Skull

In a report written by Blaire Van Valkenburgh, who is a biologist at UCLA that spent more than 3 decades studying the grey wolves’ skull, it is revealed that the increase of wolves in areas is dangerous because their food resources are decreasing. ( Because...

Conflict Between Indigenous And Euro-American Settlers In "Dances With Wolves"

Dances with Wolves, the movie based on the book Dances with Wolves by Michael Blake, is not a true story or based on one, but one that depicts real people and certain aspects of history that occurred and withholds true facts. The Sioux, or Lakota...

• Indigenous People

Julie of the Wolves Novel Summary

It is summertime and Julie is alone on the tundra. She has run away from an arranged marriage with a boy named Daniel to go find her pen pal, Amy. She has been out on the tundra for many days and found a pack of...

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The Wolves Performance Review: A Mastery of Teamwork

I attended the second showing of The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe at 8 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2019 located in the David Thayer Theatre at the University of Iowa Theatre Building. Before attending the performance, I had no idea what the synopsis of the play...

Review of Sarah Delappe's Play The Wolves: A Touching Story with a Perfect Use of Spectacle

The Wolves by Sarah Delappe is a contemporary slice of life play telling the story of a teenage girl soccer team dealing with life as it comes at them. It uses Aristotle’s six elements of drama to entice its audience and create a dramatic piece...

Best topics on Wolves

1. Increasing or Maintaining the Grey Wolf Population in Montana

2. Never Cry Wolf By Farley Mowat: Getting In Touch With A Life Of Wolves In Wild Tundra

3. Discoveries Made During the Grey Wolves Skull

4. Conflict Between Indigenous And Euro-American Settlers In “Dances With Wolves”

5. Julie of the Wolves Novel Summary

6. The Wolves Performance Review: A Mastery of Teamwork

7. Review of Sarah Delappe’s Play The Wolves: A Touching Story with a Perfect Use of Spectacle

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Wolves - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Wolves are large, carnivorous mammals that are native to continents such as North America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly social animals that live in packs, which range in size from 2 to 30 individuals. Wolves are known for their distinctive howls, which they use to communicate with their pack members. They are also known for their hunting skills, as they are able to take down large prey such as elk, moose, and bison. Wolves play a vital role in the ecosystem as apex predators, helping to maintain a balance between prey and predator species. Despite their importance, wolves have faced significant threats from habitat loss, hunting, and extermination campaigns in the past, and continue to face challenges to their survival today.

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• The Wolves of Yellowstone
• Discovering of When and How Wolves Became Dogs
• The Debate on Wolves in The State of Colorado
• Hunting and wolves
• Wolves and Wild Dogs Hunting
• Wolves Don’t Make Good Pets
• The Complex Mindsets of Grey Wolves
• Wolf Life Matter: an Issue of Wolves Conservation
• A Report on Wolves and Their Races
• Research of Whether Denmark is Fit for Wolves’ Establishment
• Reaction to Dances with Wolves
• Dances with the Facts: The Historical Accuracy of Dances with Wolves
• An Issue of Wolves Conservation – Wolf Life Matter
• Mating and Parenting of Wolves, Comparison of Human Behaviours and Wolf Behaviours
• Grey Wolf Population in Yellowstone
• Analysis of Possible Impacts of Wolves Reintroduction to The UK
• Increasing or Maintaining the Grey Wolf Population in Montana
• Never Cry Wolf By Farley Mowat: Getting In Touch With A Life Of Wolves In Wild Tundra
• Discoveries Made During the Grey Wolves Skull
• Historical Review of Joby Ostrofsky’s Dances with Wolves: A Conflict Between the Indigenous Population and Euro-American Settlers

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Essays on Wolves

Wolves Wolves are the ancestors of domesticated dogs, and they are very smart, social, and territorial. The gray wolf is one of the largest extant canines. Learn more about the wolf species in this article. It is the largest member of the family Canidae. You can also learn about the wolf's...

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Wolves are territorial animals with an incredible repertoire of sounds These vocalizations convey a wide range of meanings, from aggression to dominance. They also use body language to communicate, displaying different behaviors. Submissive wolves will lower their bodies and flatten their ears while dominant wolves will raise their tails and stand...

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How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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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

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.

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.

Example Expository Cause and Effect Essay:

The problem and solution essay.

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.

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?

DEFINITION ESSAYS

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

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:

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.

EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPTS

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.

 Tip #1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

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:

• 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

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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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.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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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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How to Write an Explanatory Essay: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

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

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

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

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

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

30 Interesting Explanatory Essay Topics 

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

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

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

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

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

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

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

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Explanatory Essay Outline

As mentioned above, it's important to create an explanatory essay outline to effectively organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas logically and systematically, ensuring that you cover all the key points related to your topic. It also helps you identify gaps in your research or argument and allows you to easily revise and edit your essay. In this way, an outline can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your explanatory essay.

Explanatory Essay Introduction

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

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

The Body Paragraphs

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

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

Explanatory Essay Conclusion

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

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

Explanatory Essay Example

Here is an example of an explanatory essay:

Explanatory Essay Example:

Importance of Basketball

Final Thoughts

Now you understand whats an explanatory essay. However, if you're still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an explanatory essay, don't worry. Our team of experienced writers is here to provide you with top-notch academic assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need to explain what is an appendix in your definition essay or rewrite essay in five paragraphs, we've got you covered! With our professional help, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-written, and meets all the academic requirements.

And if you'd rather have a professional craft flawless explanatory essay examples, know that our friendly team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic pursuits. So why not take the stress out of writing and let us help you achieve the academic success you deserve? Contact us today with your ' write paper for me ' request, and we will support you every step of the way.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

7+ Explanatory Essay Examples That Get the Best Grades

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

Writing explanatory essays is hard, even for experienced scholars.

In this post, I want to try to tackle the major challenges students face when writing this type of essay, using examples of successful essays. These challenges include:

• Struggling to come up with the right idea . (solution:  brainstorming techniques )
• Difficulty in organizing the essay. (solution: working on the outline of the essay)
• Not having enough evidence or sources to back up points. (solution: doing proper research )
• Failing to come up with a conclusion. (solution: following our guide to conclusions )
• Not having enough knowledge of the topic. (solution: summarizing key articles on the topic)
• Having trouble finding the right words. (solution: writing with Wordtune )
• Not having enough time to finish the essay. (solution: working on student time management )
• Not being able to present arguments effectively. (solution: learning essay persuasion techniques )

As you can see, for every issue there is the relevant solution, but it takes time to implement it. Another way of tackling this essay is to see other people's essay examples and getting inspiration from them.

Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool > Write your explanatory essay faster with this FREE AI tool >

What Is an Explanatory Essay?

If you google “explanatory essay”, you’ll find a bunch of sites saying that an explanatory essay is the same as an expository essay, or that it’s totally different, or not even mentioning that expository essays exist. Who’s right?

Answer: Whoever your professor agrees with.

No, seriously. Your professor decides the parameters of your assignment. So if your professor defines an explanatory essay as one that describes a perspective or analyzes the efficacy of, for example, a local housing policy—that’s the definition you should work from.

But if your professor distinguishes between explanatory essays (which simply explain what something is and how it works or was developed) and expository essays (which expose the reality of a person, place, thing, or idea through investigation and evaluation), you should distinguish between them as well.

For the purposes of this piece, we’re going to use explanatory and expository interchangeably. The dividing line that some draw between these essay types is unnecessarily technical. What’s important is that both:

• Use an objective perspective
• Let the facts speak for themselves

As long as your essay does the same (and includes analysis if required by your professor), you should be in good shape.

Example of explanatory essay

We wrote a whole article on generating essay topic ideas , but here is a good example that can help you get an idea for your own essay:

Why is having a dog as a pet such a wonderful experience?

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are beloved companions that bring joy and happiness into the lives of their owners. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have evolved to become the perfect pet for humans. In this essay, I will explain why having a dog as a pet is a wonderful experience.

One of the primary benefits of having a dog as a pet is the companionship they offer. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human interaction. They are loyal and loving creatures that are always there for their owners. Dogs can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression, and provide comfort and support during difficult times.

Another benefit of having a dog as a pet is the health benefits they offer. Studies have shown that owning a dog can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Dogs require daily exercise, which encourages their owners to be more active and can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, having a dog can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Dogs are also great for families with children. They can help teach children about responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Children can learn to care for and nurture their pets, which can be beneficial for their emotional development. Dogs are also great playmates for children and can provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Training and caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience. Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as fetching, obedience, and even therapy work. The process of training a dog can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog and can be a fulfilling experience. Additionally, caring for a dog requires daily attention and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner.

In conclusion, having a dog as a pet can be a wonderful experience. Dogs offer companionship, health benefits, and can be great for families with children. Caring for a dog can also be a rewarding experience and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the owner. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but the rewards far outweigh the effort required.

Example of an explanatory paragraph, generated with AI:

A few subtypes of explanatory essays:

Description or definition essay example

‍ Perhaps the most basic, this subtype does the deceptively simple work of, well, describing or defining a concept, place, person, etc.

Example: How Suspension Bridges Work

This essay explains: The way suspension bridges are constructed and how their design enables them to carry such immense weight.

Cause-and-effect essay example

This type of essay hones in on a particular phenomenon to show what caused it (i.e., where it came from) and how it influences other things.

Example: How Federally Funded Highways Transformed the United States

This essay explains: The history of federally funded highways in the U.S., when federal programs to fund highway construction started, why politicians and others thought highways were important, and what the effect has been on the landscapes, communities, economies, and ecosystems of the country.

Compare-and-contrast essay example

Take two or more things, gather the facts about them, and then write about their similarities and differences.

Example: Hybrid vs. Electric Cars

This essay explains: The various features of hybrid and electric cars, and shows how they are either different or similar in terms of: cost, energy consumption, size, drive time, ease of use, and so on.

‍ How-to essay example

Walk your reader step-by-step through a procedure so they can do it for themselves. (We’re doing this later!)

Example: How to Prepare for an Intercontinental Bike Trip

This essay explains: How to get ready for a bike trip between nations and continents. Readers learn how to research their route, find out what travel documents they need, choose the right gear, and determine how much training they should do before leaving.

Problem and solution essay example

Explain a problem (along with its causes and effects) and then describe one or more potential solutions to that problem. This subtype could also be combined with compare-and-contrast to determine the most effective solution.

Example: How Bike Infrastructure Could Solve American Obesity

This essay explains: How American reliance on motorized vehicles promotes a sedentary lifestyle that drives obesity, whereas building bike lanes and trails could encourage Americans to be more active and improve their health one pedal at a time.

‍ Chronology essay example

Explain the history or backstory of a person, place, thing, or idea in chronological order.

Example: The Evolution of the Bicycle

This essay explains: The initial invention of the bicycle and how its shape, frame, and size changed over the years.

What type of explanatory essay are you writing? Hopefully, this list helped you hone in. Now, let’s start the writing process.

5 Steps to Write Your Essay

Whether you’re writing an explanatory/expository essay or a persuasive essay, the process of researching and writing is pretty much the same. Both genres require research, organization, and thought . But with expository essays, the thought focuses on making sure you understand your topic inside-out and determining the best way to explain it, while with persuasive essays, you’re focused on crafting a convincing argument.

Follow these steps to turn that blank page into a final manuscript:

1. Choose topic and angle. 

Do you have free rein to write about the topic of your choice? Make the most of it.

In college, my public speaking professor let us choose all of our own speech topics. A classmate gave an explanatory presentation on how to survive the zombie apocalypse . She brought props and had the class totally enchanted. Our professor encouraged creativity, so I’m sure she earned a winning grade—and had fun in the process.

You can’t use props or sound in a written essay, but you can still work some creative magic. That magic starts with choosing your topic and angle.

To choose well, first make sure you understand the assignment: 

• What exactly has your professor asked you to write? Which of the subtypes should your piece be?
• Are there any parameters for what type of topic you can write about?
• What kind of class is this? An English composition class will offer more freedom than, say, a history class focused on the French Revolution.

If you’re allowed to write about anything, brainstorm a list of topics you’re curious about. Then think of smaller topics within that area.

Example: Transportation

• Electric cars
• The highway system
• Engineering

Any of these topics you could easily write volumes about, so next, narrow down to your specific angle. One way I like to come up with angles is to think of how two or three different topics intersect.

Example 1: electric cars + the highway system 

Angle: How Much Will It Cost to Update Federal Highways with Charging Stations for Electric Cars

Notice that this angle includes a third element: cost

Example 2: bicycles + bridges

Angle: The Safest Bridges for Bicycles Have One Thing in Common: No Cars

Third element: safety

Example 3: electric cars + buses

Angle: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

Third element: environment

Your turn: Make a list of topics you’re interested in. Then, identify some intersecting topics. Based on your assignment parameters, develop an angle that narrows your focus to an intersection that interests you.

Not sure what angle to go with? Do some broad research on your topics and then return to this step.

2. Research, research, research.

Explanatory essays require solid research. These essays exist to lay out the facts for the reader so they can clearly understand the topic. Your opinion—what you think about electric cars or suspension bridges or transportation infrastructure—doesn’t matter. And it doesn’t belong here.

Where you should start your research depends on how much knowledge you already have.

If you’re writing about suspension bridges and you already know the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are suspension bridges, you probably don’t need to start with the encyclopedic entry for “suspension bridges”. But if you don’t know the basic facts about your topic, encyclopedias are a great place to start.

Thanks to the advances of technology—and this marvelous thing called the internet—you don’t have to go to a research library to gain that ground-level knowledge of your topic. But you do still need to make sure you’re drawing from credible sources.

For encyclopedias, try these to start:

• Encyclopedia.com

Dictionaries can be helpful too:

• Merriam-Webster
• Dictionary.com

Once you know your topics’ basic facts, focus on researching those topics in the context of your angle . It may help to make a list of questions you’re trying to answer so you can keep your research focused.

Example: Electric Cars vs. Buses: Which Is Better for the Environment?

• Are most buses gas-powered or electric?
• What’s the average emissions of greenhouse gas from gas-powered buses?
• How much energy do electric cars use? What’s the lifespan of their batteries? Are they just using electricity that was produced in a polluting way somewhere else? What about electric buses?
• How many people can ride a bus? How many people typically are transported by one car? 
• What would be the average energy consumption per person in an electric car versus a bus?

Once you know the questions you need to answer, look for sources that address those questions. For an academic essay, you’ll probably want to stick with academic sources : peer-reviewed studies and research papers published by academic journals. But official government databases can also be useful. And news stories from reputable publications can provide some direction as well (check with your professor to see whether or not you can use news publications as sources for your essay). Your educational institution likely provides access to all of these kinds of sources through the university library.

Your turn: Think through your angle and make a list of questions your piece needs to answer. Next, start searching academic databases for the information you need. Take notes as you research, and be sure to save any links, titles, author names, page numbers, and publication information you’ll need to properly cite your sources.

3. Outline your essay.

Call me crazy, but I actually think this is the fun part. I hated writing outlines when I was in school, but since making my living as a professional writer, they’ve become the #1 way I beat writer’s block.

First: Throw out the idea that your outline should be a series of bullet points neatly organized into sections and subsections. Your outline only needs to make sense to you , so play around to find an approach that works with your brain. The idea here is simply to make a map you’ll follow when you sit down to write.

Here’s what I do:

• Identify the specific hook I’m going to use to start things off.
• List the different examples and details I need to include.
• Use the main focus or idea of my piece to order everything in a natural, logical way.

A lot of times, my outline becomes a combination of bullet points and sentences or paragraphs I write as I’m sketching out the piece. I’m basically just thinking the piece through, from beginning to end. Instead of getting stuck while I’m writing, I work through the tough spots in the outlining stage.

This is what my outline looked like for this piece:

Okay, that’s kind of long, so I cut it off early—but you get the point. 

A lot of times, my outline starts as bare-bones bullets. As I work on it, ideas pop up that I stick in where they make sense. But when I write, those elements might move around ( notice how the examples of transportation essays got bumped up to the section on subtypes of essays ).

Your outline is just a guide. It’s not an architect’s blueprint that needs to be followed to the exact millimeter. There’s room for things to change. 

But an outline keeps you on-track when you’re writing . If you find yourself stuck (or lost) in the writing step, reference your map. You might need to backtrack, move what you’ve written around, or adjust your route. 

Your turn: Take a few minutes and sketch out your essay. Where does it start? What points does it hit? Are there any ways you see the different points connecting that should inform how you order them? As you think it through, scribble out any lines or paragraphs that come to you and stick them in the outline where they make the most sense. Even if you don’t use these exact words later, they’ll help prevent that deer-in-the-headlights stare that hits when you see a blank page.

Time to put everything together! 

With your outline and research ready, start your intro and set up your piece. Your opening should briefly introduce your readers to the topic(s) you’re writing about and the questions you’re going to answer—but don’t give everything away. You want to stir up readers’ curiosity and give them a reason to keep reading.

Depending on the length of your essay, your intro may be one to three paragraphs long (longer pieces get longer intros). But it should be concise and to the point, and smoothly transition into the body of your essay.

The body is the meat and potatoes of your piece. Answer those questions, flesh out your explanation, and give readers a thorough understanding of your topic. Show off your research! Include those bizarre and fascinating facts you learned along the way. Use a tasteful metaphor or compelling anecdote to explain some of the more difficult aspects of your topic. 

As you write, be sure to follow a consistent logic throughout your piece: 

• If you’re detailing a history or an event, use chronological order: start at the beginning and write about the events in the order that they happened.
• Are you explaining how a machine or other invention works? Start with where the movement starts—the pedals of a bicycle, the wind turning the turbines—or with the feature doing the most significant work (e.g., the wires of the suspension bridge). 
• Other logics include: size (small to large, large to small), significance (greatest to least), or space (left to right, right to left, outside to center, center to outside).

You don’t need to label everything you write about as the “next biggest” or “least significant”, but sticking to a logic helps your readers orient themselves—and helps you determine which paragraph or subtopic should go where. This way, your thoughts clearly flow from one paragraph to the next. 

‍ Quick note: If you can’t name the logic that’s guiding your piece, don’t worry. As long as your paragraphs naturally follow each other and all questions raised in the intro are answered by the end, your essay probably follows a logic just fine. But if you feel like your piece bounces around willy-nilly, play with a couple different logics and see if one smoothly orders your sentences and paragraphs.

Your turn: Get writing! If you’re stuck on the intro, try writing a working title for your piece to focus your attention. Then, follow your outline to work all the way from the beginning to a conclusion that sums everything up.

If you can, let your piece sit for at least a day. Then, for the editing process , open up that document and read through with these questions in mind:

• Does the essay fulfill the assignment? Review the assignment description from your professor. Does your essay tick all the boxes? If not, what’s missing? Can you weave that element into what you’ve already written? Revise as necessary.
• Are the sentences and paragraphs ordered in a way that makes logical sense? If your essay feels clunky in places, you might have switched logics (as explained above) or you might need to insert some more explanation that clearly ties the sentences or paragraphs together. Make sure your essay doesn’t just list facts, but also shows how they relate to each other.
• Does the hook catch your eye? The beginning of your piece should grab your reader’s attention. Check out our advice for prize-winning hooks here .
• Does the conclusion effectively sum things up? Instead of repeating everything your essay says, your conclusion should briefly distill the main takeaway or core idea for your reader. It should show that you’ve fulfilled the promise made in your intro, without being unnecessarily repetitive or redundant.
• Have you cited all your sources? Make sure to cross this off before hitting “submit.” Follow the citation style specified by your professor.
• Is spelling and grammar clean and correct? You are writing, after all, and these things matter. A bonus tip to help you catch those sneaky typos: Read your piece backwards. You might be surprised what you spot.

Did We Explain That Well Enough?

This blog was basically a long, non-academic explanatory essay, so hopefully, you’ve learned something new and are feeling less overwhelmed about your essay on medieval literature, transportation infrastructure, Persian history—or whatever you’re writing about.

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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:

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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:

💡 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

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
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The Old Woman Who Lived with Wolves - Text Based Analysis Writing Prompt Unit

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Introducing how to write a literary analysis essay citing text evidence for "The Old Woman Who Lived with Wolves" by Chief Luther Standing Bear has never been easier! This in-depth text dependent analysis (TDA) writing prompt resource guides students through a step-by-step process of writing an expository / informative essay with textual evidence as support. It includes an expository writing graphic organizer , rubric, expository writing quiz , and an expository writing template .

All aspects of text evidence writing are covered in this resource: brainstorming ideas , developing a thesis statement , introducing supporting details , writing hooks and leads , and incorporating the 6 Traits of Writing ™. From the struggling writer to the advanced writer, this resource offers something for everyone.

The video, slide show, graphic organizer, worksheets, writing template, and rubric allow students to practice and develop their informative writing skills. The writing quiz reinforces guided note-taking techniques when used in conjunction with the instructional video. The detailed lesson plans make implementing expository writing easy for teachers .

This no-prep lesson is adaptable for in-class instruction, distance learning, or independent student work. The instructional video with writing tutorial and template can be presented as whole class instruction or assigned for students to complete at home.

All materials are available in both Google Drive™ and print formats, ensuring easy access for all students.

*****************************************************************************************

This Citing Text Evidence Expository / Informative writing prompt lesson includes:

Entertaining Instructional Video with:

• Brainstorming ideas
• Prompt identification and comprehension
• Thesis statement development
• Rubric explanation
• How to Write an Expository Essay tutorial and writing template
• How to Write an Expository Essay writing quiz / guided note-taking

Detailed Lesson Plan with:

• Common Core State Standards indicated on lesson plan
• Instructional Focus
• Instructional Procedures
• Objectives/Goals
• Direct Instruction
• Guided Practice
• Differentiation
• ESE Strategies
• ELL Strategies
• I Can Statement
• Essential Question

Worksheets with:

• Brainstorming section

Slide Show Presentation with:

• Introduction slide with prompt (interactive for students to identify key vocabulary)
• Brainstorming slide (interactive for students to list ideas)
• Standard and implied thesis development slides
• How to Write an Expository Essay tutorial and writing template slides
• Checklist slide

Expository Writing Quiz

Expository Rubric

Expository Graphic Organizer

Google Slides ™

Check out my other Middle School Text Based Analysis Writing Prompts:

• Text Analysis Writing Prompts

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• Write On! with Jamie Blog
• FB Community for 6-12 ELA Teachers

. . . and visit my WRITE ON! with Jamie website  for a free TEXT EVIDENCE WRITING LESSON! 

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Wolves — An Issue Of Wolves Conservation – Wolf Life Matter

An Issue of Wolves Conservation - Wolf Life Matter

• Categories: Conservation Wolves

About this sample

Words: 1344 |

Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1344 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

• Duarte, Jesús, et al. “Depredatory Impact of Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs on Mediterranean Deer in Southern Spain: Implications for Human-Wolf Conflict.” Folia Zoologica, vol. 65, no. 2, July 2016, pp. 135–141. EBSCOhost, doi:10.25225/fozo.v65.i2.a8.2016.
• Imbert, Camille, et al. “Why Do Wolves Eat Livestock? : Factors Influencing Wolf Diet in Northern Italy.” Biological Conservation, vol. 195, 2016, pp. 156–168., doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2016.01.003.
• Mech, L.David, et al. “An Unparalleled Opportunity for an Important Ecological Study.” BioScience, vol. 67, no. 10, Oct. 2017, pp. 875–876. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1093/biosci/bix095.
• Meriggi, A., et al. “Short-Term Responses of Wolf Feeding Habits to Changes of Wild and Domestic Ungulate Abundance in Northern Italy.” Ethology Ecology & Evolution, vol. 27, no. 4, Oct. 2015, pp. 389–411. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/03949370.2014.986768.
• Riggio, Giacomo, et al. “Feeding Enrichment in a Captive Pack of European Wolves (Canis Lupus Lupus): Assessing the Effects on Welfare and on a Zoo’s Recreational, Educational and Conservational Role.” Animals (2076-2615), vol. 9, no. 6, June 2019, p. 331. EBSCOhost, doi:10.3390/ani9060331.
• USDA. “Death Loss in U.S. Cattle and Calves Due to Predator and Nonpredator Causes, 2015” 2017. PDF file.

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Home > Blog > How to Write an Explanatory Essay

How to Write an Explanatory Essay

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: May 24, 2024
• General Guide About Content and Writing

A study from the English Language Teaching Educational Journal found that students encounter difficulty in organizing thoughts, generating ideas, and understanding writing processes when writing essays [1]. These are all key components of putting together a good explanatory essay. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry.

With the right approach, you can seamlessly combine all these components. This guide will give you a simple step-by-step strategy for writing an explanatory essay. It’ll also give you handy writing tips and tool suggestions, like utilizing artificial intelligence.

With this guide, you’ll be able to write an explanatory essay with confidence.

1. Develop a strong thesis statement

Crafting a strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of any well-written explanatory essay. It sets the stage for what your essay will cover and clarifies the main point you’re going to explain. Here’s how to create a thesis:

• Find the main idea : Start by pinpointing the key concept or question you want to explain. Develop a clear purpose for the essay. This will guide your research and writing process for your explanatory paper. Use other reputable explanatory essay examples to guide your ideas. This may involve exploring other explanatory essay topics within the same field.
• Be specific : A vague thesis can confuse readers. So, make sure your statement is clear. If you’re explaining a complex process, break it down to its key points. After that, break it into a clear, concise statement that’s easy to understand.
• Reflect objectivity : Explanatory essays educate and inform. They do not argue a point. So, your thesis should take an unbiased stance on the topic. It should present the facts as they are, not as you interpret them.
• Use tools like the Smodin Writer : Smodin Writer does all the heavy lifting by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. With it, you can generate an essay with a thesis statement. How, you ask? Through its dedicated thesis generator . It can create a statement that’s both strong and relevant. Plus, it can pull in all the most interesting information based on your topic to further enrich your thesis statement.

Make your thesis clear, informative, and neutral. This sets a strong foundation for an effective explanatory essay. Next, let’s look at how to gather the information you’ll need to support this thesis effectively.

2. Research and gather information

You need to conduct thorough research that will back your thesis with credible sources and relevant evidence. This will make your explanatory essay both informative and persuasive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting effective research:

• Start with a plan: Put together an explanatory essay outline that includes the information you need to support your thesis. The plan should list the best sources, like academic journals, books, reputable websites, or scholarly articles.
• Use credible sources: They ensure the accuracy of your essay. Libraries, academic databases, and certified websites are excellent places to find trustworthy information.
• Seek detailed information: Look for the most current sources that explain your topic well and provide unique insights related to or opposing your thesis statement. This depth is crucial for explaining complex ideas clearly and thoroughly in your explanatory papers. Pay attention to the explanatory essay structure to guide your topic of choice (more on this later).
• Gather relevant evidence: Collect data, stats, and examples. They should directly support your main points. Make sure this evidence is directly related to your topic and enhances your narrative.
• Employ digital tools: Tools like Smodin’s Research Assistant can accelerate your research process. Smodin’s tools can help you find detailed information quickly, ensuring that the data you use is up-to-date and relevant.
• Document your sources: As you conduct research, keep a meticulous record of where your information comes from. This practice will help you make an accurate bibliography. It can save you time when you need to refer back to details or verify facts. Again, this is something that’s covered thanks to Smodin’s Citation Machine.
• Evaluate your findings: Critically assess the information you collect. Ensure it provides a balanced view and covers the necessary aspects of your topic to give a comprehensive overview of your essay.

By following these steps, you can gather a rich pool of information that provides a strong backbone for your explanatory essay. Now, you can start structuring your findings into well-organized body paragraphs.

3. Structure body paragraphs

Once you’ve gathered relevant evidence through thorough research, it’s time to organize it. You should put it into well-structured body paragraphs that follow a logical flow. Here’s how to structure each body paragraph for a strong explanatory essay:

• Decide how many paragraphs to use : It will depend on your topic’s complexity and the needed detail. Typically, three to five paragraphs are suitable, but longer essays may require more. An explanatory essay example on your topic of choice will be helpful.
• Start with a topic sentence : Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence will act as a roadmap for the paragraph, giving the reader a sense of what to expect.
• Provide supporting evidence : After the topic sentence, share the evidence from your research. Ensure the evidence is relevant and directly supports the paragraph’s topic sentence.
• Give a detailed explanation : Follow the evidence with an analysis or explanation that ties it back to the thesis statement. This step is crucial for maintaining logical flow throughout your body paragraphs.
• Use linking words : They connect body paragraphs smoothly, ensuring the reader can follow your argument.
• End each body paragraph with a closing sentence : It should sum up the point and move to the next idea.

Following this structure will help your body paragraphs support your thesis. These paragraphs will also offer a clear, detailed explanation of your essay topic. Strong body paragraphs are essential to maintain objectivity in your writing.

4. Maintain objectivity

An explanatory essay aims to inform and educate, which makes maintaining objectivity crucial. Staying neutral lets readers form their own opinions based on facts. This ensures the writing is both reliable and informative. Here’s how to maintain objectivity:

• Avoid personal opinions: Your goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refrain from injecting your personal opinion or biases. Instead, stick to presenting factual information that supports the thesis.
• Use relevant evidence: As mentioned, ground your arguments with relevant evidence from credible sources. Back up your main points with data and use research findings and verified details. This will make the explanatory article trustworthy.
• Provide a balanced view: In cases with multiple perspectives, offer a balanced view. Cover each side fairly. Even if one view prevails in consensus, acknowledging others gives readers a broader understanding.
• Adopt neutral language: Be careful with word choice and tone. Neutral language implies words that don’t encourage or illustrate bias. This helps avoid emotionally charged phrases and keeps the writing objective.
• Cite sources accurately: Proper citation of sources provides accountability for the evidence presented. This transparency builds credibility and shows you’ve conducted research thoroughly. It’s also worth noting that different intuitions have different citation styles like APA and Chicago, which is important to note before starting your essay.
• Review for biases: After drafting your essay, review it with an eye for biases. Ensure no part leans too much on one viewpoint. And, don’t dismiss an opposing perspective without cause.

Maintaining objectivity enhances the clarity and reliability of explanatory writing. Let’s now focus on crafting an introduction and conclusion that bookend your work effectively.

5. Craft an effective introduction and conclusion

A good introduction and a strong conclusion frame your explanatory essay. They give context at the start and reinforce the main points at the end. Here’s how to craft an effective introduction and conclusion.

In the introduction:

• Hook your reader in the introduction : Use an interesting fact, a compelling quote, or a surprising statistic.
• Provide background information : Be brief and offer only the essential context the reader needs to fully understand the topic. This should give the audience a foundational understanding before diving deeper into your main points.
• Include the thesis statement : Clearly state your thesis near the end of the introduction. This statement will outline the essay’s direction and give readers a preview of the body paragraphs.

In the conclusion:

• Summarize the key points : Start your explanatory essay conclusion with a summary. It should cover the main points from the body paragraphs. This summary should help readers recall and reinforce the information they’ve just read.
• Restate the thesis : Repeat your thesis again but in a new way. Explain how the evidence from the body paragraphs supported or clarified it.
• Provide a conclusion : End the essay with a statement that wraps up the argument. This statement should resonate with the reader. It should leave them with an impression that stresses the topic’s importance.

An effective introduction and conclusion give the essay structure and coherence. They guide readers from start to finish. The next step is revising and editing your entire essay for clarity and precision.

6. Revise and check clarity

Revising and editing are key in writing. They make sure your essay is clear, joined, and polished. Here’s how to refine your writing using an explanatory essay checklist and proven academic writing techniques:

• Take a break: Before diving into revisions, step away from your essay for a few hours or even a day. This break will help you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors or inconsistencies.
• Follow an essay checklist: Create or use a checklist to ensure your essay has all the needed parts. It needs a strong intro with a clear thesis, well-structured body paragraphs, good sources, and a short conclusion. Check that your arguments follow a logical flow and that all relevant evidence is directly linked to your thesis statement.
• Check for clarity and conciseness: Academic writing needs clarity. So, make sure each paragraph and sentence conveys your point. Don’t use unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. Keep sentences concise while maintaining detailed explanations of your main points.
• Verify facts and citations: Make sure all facts, data, and quotes in the essay are accurate. Also, check that they are cited in the required academic style (e.g. MLA, APA). Improper citations can undermine the credibility of your writing.
• Review the grammar and style: Look for common grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and awkward phrasing. Reading the essay aloud can help catch odd sentence structures or confusing wording.
• Seek feedback: Share your essay with a peer or use online tools to get constructive criticism. A second perspective can highlight issues you might have missed.

These editing steps will help you produce a polished essay that clearly explains your main points and holds up to academic scrutiny.

Explanatory Essay Format

Understanding the explanatory essay format is key to a well-structured and logical paper. Here’s a basic breakdown of the format for an explanatory essay:

Introduction paragraph

• Begin with an interesting sentence to capture the reader’s attention.
• Give a short intro. It should set the topic and outline the essay’s purpose.
• Present a clear thesis statement summarizing the main idea of the entire essay.

Body paragraphs

• Organize the body paragraphs around logical subtopics related to the essay topic.
• Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that aligns with the thesis.
• Show evidence from good sources. Also, give key details for each main point.
• Incorporate a robust concluding statement per paragraph that drives home your point and links to the ideas in the next paragraph/section.
• Summarize the key points.
• Provide a final statement that reinforces the main idea without introducing new information.
• Craft a concluding statement that leaves your teacher or professor with a lasting impression.

Following this essay outline ensures that your paper has a clear flow. This makes it easy for readers to understand and follow your argument.

Write Better Explanatory Essays With Smodin

Explanatory essays can be overwhelming. Presenting a solid argument, keeping your professor or teacher interested, and remembering conventions like citations can be a real headache.

But, a strong thesis and thorough research make them easier. Well-structured body paragraphs also help deliver a clear, insightful essay that maintains objectivity. Just remember to revise and check for accuracy!

AI-powered platforms like Smodin simplify and enhance the process of writing explanatory essays.

Smodin’s tools help craft clear and well-structured essays that meet any of your academic standards. With Smodin’s advanced research capabilities, you can gather detailed and relevant information quickly. This will save you time and improve your work.

• Plagiarism Checker : Ensure your essay maintains originality with Smodin’s plagiarism detection tool. This feature helps maintain academic integrity by checking your work against vast databases.
• Auto Citation : Cite your sources accurately without the hassle. Smodin’s auto-citation tool ensures your references are in the right format and meet your academic institution’s rules.
• Text Shortener : If your explanatory essay is too long, use Smodin’s AI writer as an essay shortener. It will help you cut your content without losing key details. This helps keep your essay clear and relevant.
• Text Rewriter : Helps paraphrase existing content, ensuring uniqueness and a fresh perspective.
• Summarizer : The Summarizer boils down long articles into short summaries. They are perfect for making an efficient outline or conclusion.