🟦 Introduction
Have you ever tried to explain to someone how to bake a cake, fix a bicycle, or play a new game?
Whenever you explain or teach someone how to do something, you are writing an expository essay!
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to write clear, logical, and detailed explanations that show readers how to complete a task, follow directions, or understand a process.
Writing an expository essay is like being a friendly guide — you break down information so it’s easy to follow!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain any process or give clear directions in your writing.
🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations
1. What is an Expository Essay?
An expository essay explains a process, gives clear information, or teaches the reader about something step-by-step.
✅ It is informative and factual.
✅ It avoids personal opinions or emotions.
✅ It must be logical, organized, and easy to understand.
2. Main Types of Expository Essays
| Type | Purpose | Example Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Process Essay | Explain how something is done step-by-step. | How to make fruit juice; How to register for BECE |
| Directional Essay | Give clear instructions to follow. | Directions to the community library; How to set up a tent |
3. Key Features of a Good Expository Essay
| Feature | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Purpose | What are you teaching or explaining? | “How to wash your school uniform” |
| Organized Steps | Present steps in order. | Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3 |
| Simple Language | No confusing words or long sentences. | “Rinse the cloth in clean water.” |
| Connectors and Sequence Words | Guide the reader through the process. | First, next, then, after that, finally |
4. Language Tips for Expository Essays
Use Simple Present Tense:
➔ “You boil the water,” not “You boiled the water.”Use Clear Connectors:
➔ First, next, after that, then, finally.Give Specific Details:
➔ Instead of “Mix everything,” say “Mix the flour, sugar, and eggs until smooth.”Use Commands (Imperative Sentences):
➔ “Open the packet carefully.”
➔ “Stir the soup gently.”
🟨 Extended Sample Walkthroughs
🌟 Sample Process Essay:
Title: How to Plant a Maize Seed
Introduction:
Planting maize is easy if you follow these simple steps.
Body:
First, prepare the soil by clearing weeds and loosening it with a hoe.
Next, dig small holes about 2 inches deep.
Then, place two or three maize seeds into each hole.
After that, cover the seeds with soil and water them lightly.
Finally, continue watering every two days until the plants start growing.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you can successfully grow your own maize plants at home!
🌟 Sample Directional Essay:
Title: How to Get to the District Library
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start at the town market. |
| 2 | Walk north for about 300 meters until you see the community health clinic. |
| 3 | Turn right at the clinic onto Ashong Street. |
| 4 | Walk past two shops. The library is the white building on your left. |
Helpful Tip:
Use clear landmarks like “health clinic” and “white building” to make directions easy to follow.
🟨 Practice Exercises
✏️ Exercise 1: Brainstorming a Process
Pick an everyday activity you know well (like cooking rice or polishing shoes). Complete this table:
| Step | What You Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | |
| Step 2 | |
| Step 3 | |
| Step 4 | |
| Step 5 |
✏️ Exercise 2: Sequence Word Practice
Fill in the blanks with appropriate sequence words:
______, boil a pot of water.
______, add a spoonful of salt.
______, pour in the rice and stir.
______, cover the pot and reduce the heat.
______, serve when the rice is soft.
(Choose from: First, Next, Then, After that, Finally.)
✏️ Exercise 3: Process Paragraph
Write a short paragraph (6–8 sentences) explaining how to:
Wash your school uniform
orPrepare your school bag for Monday morning
✅ Use sequence words!
✅ Use simple present tense!
✅ Be clear and organized!
✏️ Exercise 4: Direction Map Challenge
Imagine you must give someone directions from your house to your school.
Write 5 clear steps using landmarks, simple commands, and sequence words.
🟨 Challenge Yourself!
Choose one topic and write a full expository essay (about 250–300 words):
“How to Prepare for Your BECE Exams”
“How to Make Local Fruit Juice”
“Directions from the School Gate to the Headteacher’s Office”
✅ Begin with an introduction.
✅ List steps clearly with sequence words.
✅ End with a conclusion encouraging the reader.
🔁 Recap
Today you learned that:
An expository essay explains or teaches how to do something or how something happens.
It should use simple present tense, sequence words, and clear, logical steps.
A good expository essay leaves no confusion — the reader should be able to follow and succeed after reading it!
🪞 Reflection Prompt
Think about a task you can do easily (like preparing your backpack, cooking a simple meal, or fixing a flat tire).
If you had to explain it to someone younger than you, what steps would you focus on the most?
(Write your thoughts in your notebook!)
