The goal of an expository essay is to explain or describe a topic in an interesting and detailed way. Write an expository essay on a topic that you understand better than most people. Your topic may be academic, but it may also be based on a hobby, interest, or experience.

Choose the definition, process, cause and effect, classification, or compare and contrast mode of development. You may also find yourself combining these modes (read the essays in your textbook to see how other writers have successfully combined these expository modes).