What is the Purpose of an Explanatory Essay? To Persuade, To Narrate, To Argue, To Inform

​Hey there, curious minds! Ever wondered about the true purpose of an explanatory essay? You know, those pieces of writing that seem to pop up in various shapes and sizes throughout your academic journey? 

Well, you’re in for a treat because we’re about to dive into the fascinating world of explanatory essays, exploring their four main purposes: to persuade, to narrate, to argue, and to inform. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down the secrets behind each type of explanatory essay, stripping away the jargon to reveal how these essays work their magic. 

Whether you’re a student trying to ace that assignment or just a language enthusiast looking to unravel the art of written persuasion, join us on this journey as we unlock the mysteries of the explanatory essay. 

Get ready to discover how these versatile pieces of writing can captivate, convince, and communicate ideas in a way that’s both effective and engaging. Let’s embark on this adventure together!

What is an Explanatory Essay?

​An explanatory essay is a type of writing in which the author presents a point of view on a topic, event, or situation. The writer does not attempt to argue or persuade the reader to adopt a particular position, but rather to explain the factors that have led to the development of the writer’s perspective. In many cases, an explanatory essay is based on a personal experience or observation.

The purpose of an explanatory essay is to clarify a complicated issue. It is not to take a position or argue a point. The focus of the essay should be on explaining the factors that have led to the writer’s perspective.

Explanatory essays are sometimes also referred to as expository essays. However, there is a subtle difference between the two types of essays. An expository essay is generally more formal and objective than an explanatory essay. It is important to note that an explanatory essay is not the same as a research paper. 

A research paper presents an argument or a point of view, whereas an explanatory essay presents information without taking a position.

The structure of an explanatory essay is similar to that of other essays. The essay should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, because the focus of the essay is on explanation, the author must be sure to present the information in a clear and concise manner. In addition, the author should use specific examples to illustrate the points being made.

An explanatory essay can be a helpful way to explore a complex issue. By clarifying the factors that have led to the writer’s perspective, the essay can help the reader to understand the issue from a new perspective.

How to Structure an Explanatory Essay

​An explanatory essay is a type of writing in which the author presents a point of view on a topic using reasoning and evidence to support it. The goal of an explanatory essay is to explain something complex in a way that is easy to understand.

A good structure for an explanatory essay includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

The introduction of an explanatory essay should begin with a hook that catches the reader’s attention. This can be a rhetorical question, a surprising fact, or a relevant quote.

The body of an explanatory essay should be made up of one or more paragraphs, each of which presents a different point that supports the essay’s thesis. The points should be ordered in a way that makes sense and is easy for the reader to follow.

The conclusion of an explanatory essay should restate the thesis and wrap up the points made in the body. It is important to leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main idea.

Explanatory essays can be written on a variety of topics, from historical events to personal experiences. No matter what the topic is, it is important to choose a structure that will make the essay easy to understand.

What is the Difference Between an Argumentative and an Explanatory Essay?

​When you’re writing an essay, you want to make sure that you’re engaging your reader in a meaningful way. But what kind of essay should you write? There are several different types, and each has its own purpose. In this article, we’re going to focus on two of the most common types: the argumentative essay and the explanatory essay.

An argumentative essay is, quite simply, an essay in which you will be taking a position on a given issue andArgumentative essays are usually assigned in high school and college English classes. 

This type of paper usually takes a side on a controversial issue and argues in favor of that position. For example, you could be asked to write an argumentative essay on the following topic:

Should schools ban cell phones?

In an argumentative essay on this topic, you would take a position either in favor of or against the cell phone ban. Then, you would use evidence and reasons to support your position.

An explanatory essay, on the other hand, is not so much concerned with taking a position on its topic as it is with providing information and explaining a given issue. An explanatory essay might be assigned on the following topic:

How does the cell phone affect our lives?

In this case, you would not be taking a position one way or the other; instead, you would simply be providing information about how cell phones have changed our lives.

So, what’s the difference between an argumentative and an explanatory essay? Let’s take a closer look.

The first and most obvious difference is in the purpose of the two types of essays. An argumentative essay is meant to convince the reader of your position on the issue, while an explanatory essay is meant to provide information and explain something.

Another key difference has to do with the structure of the two types of essays. An argumentative essay will typically have a more rigid structure, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In each body paragraph, you will take a different piece of evidence or reason to support your position. 

The explanatory essay, on the other hand, is often more flexible in its structure. You may have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, but you might also deviate from this structure if you feel it would better suit your purpose.

Finally, the style of writing in an argumentative essay is usually more formal and objective than in an explanatory essay. This is because you want to appear as unbiased as possible when taking a position on a controversial issue. In an explanatory essay, however, you can afford to be more personal and subjective in your style.

So those are some of the key differences between an argumentative and an explanatory essay. As you can see, each type of essay serves a different purpose. Now it’s up to you to decide which one is right for your next assignment.

Benefits of Writing an Explanatory Essay

​There are many benefits to writing an explanatory essay. Perhaps the most important benefit is that it can help you to better understand a complex issue. 

When you are required to explain something in your own words, it forces you to really think about what you are trying to say. This can help you to clarify your own thoughts on the subject, and to better understand the perspectives of others.

Another benefit of writing an explanatory essay is that it can help you to improve your writing skills. This type of essay requires you to be clear and concise in your writing, and to use evidence to support your claims. By practicing this type of writing, you can hone your skills and become a more effective writer overall.

Finally, explanatory essays can be enjoyable to write. If you choose a topic that interests you, you may find the process of writing the essay to be enjoyable and enlightening. If you take the time to craft a well-written essay, you may also find that others appreciate your efforts and enjoy reading your work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Explanatory Essay

​When it comes to writing an explanatory essay, there are a few common mistakes that students often make. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing an explanatory essay:

1. Not Outlining First

One of the most common mistakes students make when writing an explanatory essay is not taking the time to outline their thoughts first. Without an outline, it can be difficult to stay on track and organized while writing. Spend some time creating an outline for your essay before you start writing to make the process easier.

2. Not Providing Enough Evidence

Another mistake students often make when writing an explanatory essay is failing to provide enough evidence to support their claims. When writing this type of essay, it’s important to back up your assertions with facts and data. Otherwise, your essay will come across as unsupported and unconvincing.

3. Making It Too Complex

An explanatory essay should be easy for the reader to follow. However, some students make the mistake of making their essays too complex. When writing an explanatory essay, avoid using unnecessarily complicated language and sentence structure. Keep your sentences short and to the point to make your essay easier to read and understand.

4. Failing to Edit and Proofread

After you’ve finished writing your essay, it’s important to take the time to edit and proofread it. Many students make the mistake of skipping this step, but it’s crucial in ensuring that your essay is free of errors. Carefully read through your essay and make any necessary corrections before you submit it.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write a strong and effective explanatory essay. Take the time to plan and edit your essay, and your efforts will pay off.

Conclusion:

​In conclusion, the purpose of an explanatory essay can be to persuade, to narrate, to argue, or to inform. Depending on the purpose, the essay will take on a different form. 

For example, if the purpose is to persuade, the essay will take on a more argumentative form, using evidence and logic to support the claim. If the purpose is to narrate, the essay will take on a more story-like form, relaying events in a linear fashion. 

And if the purpose is to inform, the essay will take on a more factual form, providing information on a given topic. No matter the purpose, all explanatory essays should be clear, concise, and well-organized.

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