How to Write an Expository Essay on Native Americans
Expository essays are the most common type of academic essay. Any essay in which a subject is explained by supporting it with facts is an expository essay. Since the essay is supposed to inform the reader, it must be clear, concise, and well-organized. Simply knowing the subject matter isn't enough: you must be able to deliver it in an easily understandable way. Follow these steps in planning your work and you'll have a clear, convincing essay that will really shine.
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Instructions
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Read your prompt carefully. Most expository essays are written in response to a prompt or question. For an essay on Native Americans, for example, the prompt might be to "describe the organization of the Iroquois Confederacy" or "discuss the impact of the Ghost Dance on the relationship between Native Americans and the government." It's vital that you understand your prompt correctly.
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Conduct research to prepare your essay. As you read, make notes of key facts that will support your essay. For instance, if writing about the organization of the Iroquois Confederacy, jot down key dates and treaties. Also, take note of differing interpretations among authors.
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Plan an outline for your essay. Many people simply begin writing, composing in their head as they do, but this usually leads to confused, rambling essays. A good plan is vital for a clear essay. Divide your essay into an introduction, a conclusion, and as many body paragraphs as you need to support the main idea of your essay.
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Write your introduction. The introduction has two purposes. First, you must show that you've understood the question or prompt. Even more important, however, is your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the single statement that sums up your argument. It should be clear, authoritative, and not too long. For example, you might argue that "although some historians have made comparisons with the birth of the US Constitution, the Iroquois Confederacy was a cultural and military alliance, not a democracy". You will be supporting this claim throughout your essay and restating it in your conclusion.
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Write your body paragraphs. These paragraphs introduce facts that support your thesis statements. Facts within a paragraph should be grouped together by a common subject. When you introduce a new subject, move on to a new paragraph. For instance, you might have a paragraph on the economy of the Iroquois Confederacy, then move on to a new paragraph about religion or warfare.
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Write your conclusion. The conclusion should be a succinct, authoritative summary that links the facts from your body paragraphs to your thesis statement. Demonstrate to the reader that the conclusion you've drawn follows logically from the facts you've presented.
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Tips & Warnings
A good way to tell if paragraphs are tightly unified is by reading only the first and last lines of each paragraph. If you can still create a good summary of the essay by doing this, you're writing clear, strong paragraphs.
References
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