Prompt: Think about your major and choose a concept that is important to the field you
are pursuing a career in. Write a 4-5 page expository essay that thoroughly and
objectively explains it. You will be creating an expository essay that objectively explains
(no I/You) a significant concept or process pertaining to your major (if you are
undecided, this is a great opportunity to explore a major/career path based on a concept or
process that interests). You will explain the concept/process through your evidence,
which will inherently show how/why this particular concept is so significant. Use a
minimum of 3 reputable sources (all MUST HAVE an author; at least one from
Chaffey Library/Database) to help convey your point.
Ex: I am an Registered NURSE major. I could write an essay explaining:
What kinds of jobs one can get with an nurse major.
What kinds of classes one must take to complete an nurse degree
What MLA is/How MLA works
A particular genre or movement
An explanation of a kind of grammar skill or issue (i.e. run-on sentences)
These are just some ideas from my own brainstorm. I would try and focus on just one of
these ideas to explain in great detail.
Audience & Purpose:
It is up to you to make this concept easily understood to anybody that might not know
anything about it. This also means you should be using language/vocab specific to your
topic and explaining those terms to a general audience. Your purpose here is to
effectively explain while expressing little to no bias. Keep your personal opinion about
the concept out of this essay! I repeat, this essay is not about telling a story,
arguing/persuading.
Structure (general):
Introduction
(1 Paragraph)
Hook the readers interest.
Introduce the concept generally with background info
End with a thesis statement (try to hint at 3 main ideas).
Explanation
(roughly 3
Paragraphs)
Explain main points in detail in each unique paragraph
Support and develop your thesis with evidence (cite).
Conclusion
(1 Paragraph)
Synthesize your thesis insight.
Returns to the hook from the opening paragraph.
Show the significance and impact of the concept you chose
Structure & Content Checklist
____ Write a creative, informative title for your essay
____ Intro previews topic in a general sense before specific thesis statement.
____ Thesis shows what will be explained and how.
____ Includes topic sentences and transitions in every body paragraph.
____ Includes specific, thoughtful explanation of the main idea.
____ Write a strong conclusion that reinforces the message of your essay.
