What Is The Difference Between An Expository Essay And An Explanatory Essay?

While it is true that expository and explanatory essay can be easily mistaken as the same, they both function to pass on valuable information to the readers; there are many distinctions between the two forms. Such distinctions comprise of applications, delivery as well as structures of viewpoints. So, learning how to distinguish between writing styles shall enable the writer to effectively relay his/her insight and ideas to the readers. In expository writing, the writer shares ideas, conveys information and provides proof and explanations. Some instances of this form of writing style consist of textbooks, persuasive college essays, newspaper and magazine articles and autobiographies. When composing such paper, the writer should not assume that the readers already have prior insight of the topic. Answers to any questions the reader may have regarding the subject matter must be provided.

Meanwhile, in explanatory writing, the writer educates the readers through communicating straightforward facts and information but not personal point of views. Some examples of this form of writing include essays that assist the readers to have deeper understanding on how something works, how-to-type of articles and also college course descriptions.

When it comes to structure, an explanatory dissertation is not composed to persuade the readers but rather educate them. Here, it is vital to provide a thesis statement that relies on the type of text. For example, if you’re composing an article regarding the benefits of drinking green tea, you should include a thesis statement in the opening paragraph and this must also be followed by related statistics as well as facts that disclose to the readers the health benefits of drinking tea. Lists, recipes and course descriptions do not often require a thesis.

Meanwhile, in expository writing, this paper must contain a thesis statement within the first paragraph that informs the readers about the principal argument of the text. Furthermore, the rest of the paper must provide appropriate evidence to support your argument and at the same time persuade the readers that your argument is commendable.

Finally, in terms of delivery, an expository piece will always be creative provided that it leaves a great impact on the part of the readers. For instance, the writer may use an engrossing anecdote or a bit of humor relevant to the text in order to grab the attention of the readers. On the other hand, the explanatory piece is mainly utilitarian and functions as an educational or instructional type of paper.