Order 577898: Explanatory Essay of your choice

As its name suggests, an Explanatory Essay explains:

· An idea

· A viewpoint

· A problem

· An event

· How something works

· How to perform a task

· The steps in a procedure

· Why something is the way it is

In 1000 words, your explanation must simplify what is otherwise difficult to understand, and the reader should come away from reading your essay better informed.

Keep the following in mind as you write:

· Write about something you know about. Your goal is to educate the reader, and you’re the expert. Treat the reader as someone who knows very little or nothing about your subject, but who wants to know more.

· Make your thesis statement clear, concise, and arguable, and put it at the end of your introductory paragraph (see below). (Also, review the Page called “Essay Guidelines.”)

· Present your explanation methodically, in an organized fashion. (Review the essay on "weasel words" and note that the author goes about methodically explaining how advertisers get away with manipulating the "truth" about the products they sell.) 

· Make sure that each paragraph supports the thesis.

· Include specific examples with detail, but don’t include so much detail that you bore the reader. Make clear connections between each example.

Please note: This is not a research essay (that comes later in the term). You may use an outside source, but the essay should present your expertise on the subject, and it should be in your own words. Your essay should not rely on another person's argument for support.

 

Explanatory Thesis Be sure to tell your readers what you are going to explain to them in the thesis. For example:     Topic: How to make homemade ice cream.     Thesis: Homemade ice cream can be made in just a few simple steps. Test your thesis:     1. Does this thesis take a position or offer an opinion?

· Yes. The opinion that homemade ice cream can be made with just a few “simple” steps can be argued (that is, someone could disagree with your opinion). Your readers may not know how easy it is, and they will read the essay to see just how simple it can be to make homemade ice cream. This positive opinion will draw readers in, and they’ll want to learn about this easy process.

    2. Is the topic of the essay mentioned in the thesis?

· Yes. It’s important to remember that your goal (in this case) is to explain how to do something, and the thesis mentions that the reader will learn how to make ice cream.

    3. Can your thesis be improved?

· The thesis above is very simple and pretty dull; try to make yours interesting. Make an effort to grab the readers’ attention in the thesis and keep it focused on what you’ll be explaining in the essay.

Here’s an example of an improved version of the above thesis statement:

With just a simple homemade ice cream machine, a few ingredients, and some patience, making delicious and refreshing homemade ice cream is a snap.