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101 Exciting 4th Grade Writing Prompts for 2023 (Free Printable!)

Use them for journal writing, essay topics, and more!

4th grade expository essay

Fourth grade is a time for students to continue to hone their writing chops as they put to use the skills they’ve learned and gain confidence in their abilities. We’ve collected this list of fourth grade writing prompts—including opinion, persuasive, informational, and narrative—to spur your students’ imaginations and get them writing!

You can get 50 of these fourth grade writing prompts in a free PowerPoint slideshow bundle! They make it easy to share these writing ideas with your students.  Grab your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here .

  • Persuasive and Opinion Writing Prompts
  • Descriptive and Expository Writing Prompts
  • Narrative and Personal Writing Prompts
  • Creative Writing Prompts
  • Current Events Writing Prompts

Persuasive and Opinion 4th Grade Writing Prompts

Would you rather be good at sports or good in school? Why?

Would you rather have lots of money or lots of friends? Why?

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Are fourth graders ready to stay home alone? Why or why not?

Are fourth graders ready to stay home alone? Why or why not?

Name two characters from different books that you think might be good friends. Why?

Which is more important for success, skill or luck?

Should kids be paid an allowance to do chores around the house? Why or why not?

Why are classroom rules important?

If you had a time machine, what era of history would you visit?

Why is math important?

Why is science important?

Should fourth graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

If you could open a store, what type of store would it be and why?

Which would you rather read: a scary story that gives you goosebumps or a funny story that cracks you up? Why?

Which would you rather read: a scary story that gives you goosebumps or a funny story that cracks you up? Why?

What is the hardest thing about being a fourth grader?

If I were the ruler of the world, the first law I would pass would be … because …

If you found a backpack filled with dollar bills, what would you do?

Is it ever OK to tell secrets? Why or why not?

What animal makes the best pet? Why?

Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or an hour a day exercising? Why?

Descriptive and Expository 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you had a YouTube channel, what would you talk about?

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? What was it all about?

If you won a million dollars, how would you spend the money?

If you won a million dollars, how would you spend the money?

Describe what you think of as perfect weather.

Describe how to build a birdhouse step by step.

Write five rules for staying organized.

What is the worst book you ever read?

Describe the physical appearance of someone in your family in detail.

Imagine you are in a hot-air balloon above your house. Describe everything you can see.

Describe how to play your favorite board game.

There’s an old saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” What do you think this saying means?

Describe your perfect day.

Describe your perfect day.

One of your little cousins is very nervous about starting kindergarten. What would you tell them to make them feel better?

Imagine you are an adult and describe your dream job.

Explain your morning routine in detail, from waking up to arriving at school.

Describe the perfect meal, including what you’d eat and where you’d dine.

Share what you do on a typical non-school day.

Explain the right way to do one of your household chores, like making your bed or cleaning your room.

Describe your favorite room at home in detail.

How do you prepare for a big test? Describe the ways you study or practice.

Narrative and Personal 4th Grade Writing Prompts

Share one of the stories your family has told you about when you were a baby.

Share one of the stories your family has told you about when you were a baby.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?

Write about an adult you look up to.

What’s the nicest thing anybody has ever done for you?

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Write about a time you felt like quitting but didn’t. How did you keep yourself going?

Do you like nonfiction books or fiction books better? Why?

What makes your family unique?

What would you say is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

Are you a patient person? Why or why not?

What is something you’ve never done that you would like to try?

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you?

Write about a time you tried something new and how you felt before, during, and after.

What is your earliest memory?

What is your earliest memory?

What’s your favorite holiday? What makes it so special?

Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself.

Tell the story of your favorite field trip of all time.

If you could relive any day in your life, what would it be? Would you want it to be the same or different?

What holiday is important to your family? Describe how you celebrate it together.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten? How did it make you feel?

Creative 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you met an alien, what three questions would you ask them?

Pretend you drank a magic potion that made you as tiny as an ant. Where would you go and what would you do?

Pretend you ate a magic pill that made you as tall as a redwood tree. Where would you go and what would you do?

Pretend you ate a magic pill that made you as tall as a redwood tree. Where would you go and what would you do?

Write a story that includes these five words: keys, spaghetti, uncle, jellyfish, spaceship.

What would the world be like if dinosaurs still existed?

If you could invent something new the world really needs, what would it be? How would it work?

Retell a classic story, making the villain the hero instead.

Retell a classic story, making the villain the hero instead.

Imagine that one day you woke up and found everyone in the world could no longer talk. What would happen next?

Write a new chapter of your favorite book, with yourself as a new character.

Imagine you woke up one morning with a superpower, like invisibility or the ability to fly. Describe your experiences learning how to use that power.

Use these words to start a story: “When I opened the box that came in the mail, I never expected to find …”

Describe a world where it rains fruit juice and snows M&Ms.

Come up with the most ridiculous excuse possible for why you are unable to turn in your homework today.

Describe a world where all the adults are robots, but kids are still human kids.

Imagine a conversation between yourself and a talking animal.

Describe the kind of creature you’d create if you were a mad scientist. Would it be scary and mean? Nice and friendly?

Invent a new kind of candy. Give it a name, and write a commercial jingle for it.

Write about a day where kids are in charge instead of grown-ups.

Imagine you’re lost in a haunted wood, and tell the story of your escape.

Tell a story that ends with these words: “… and that’s how we all learned to fly.”

Describe a night in the life of the tooth fairy.

Describe a night in the life of the tooth fairy.

Current Events 4th Grade Writing Prompts

If you made a time capsule for this year, what would you put in it?

Describe something that you saw in the news recently and how it made you feel.

Tell about an event that happened recently at your school or in your town.

What do you think is one of the world’s biggest problems right now, and how would you solve it?

Read a news story about something happening in another country and summarize it.

Write a news article about something important that happened to you this week.

Create a poem about something in the local news right now.

Write a letter to the editor about a current issue, explaining your opinion.

Find a “good news” story, and share why it makes you happy.

What living famous person do you most admire and why?

What do you think kids today can do about climate change and global warming?

Learn about an endangered animal, and describe what we can do to help it.

Learn about an endangered animal, and describe what we can do to help it.

What does the word “racism” mean to you?

What is one thing you would do to make your school or town a better place?

Choose an upcoming sports event, and explain who you think will win.

Describe a current fashion trend or something that’s very popular in your school right now, and how you feel about it.

What can we do to help people with different opinions get along with one another better?

Interview a grown-up you know, and write a news article about them.

What do you think is the best new song right now? The worst? Why?

Describe an event that’s happening in the world right now that you don’t understand. What questions would you ask a grown-up about it?

How do you use writing prompts with your students? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also check out 57 awesome 4th grade books you’ll want to share with students ..

These fourth grade writing prompts are great to spark imaginations and get students writing! Perfect for in-person or virtual learning.

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65 Expository Prompts for Kids

65 expos prompts

1. Write about what you think the world will be like in 100 years.

2. We are learning all the time.  Write about something you have learned recently and how it has affected you.

3. You have been asked by your principal to recommend one course which will help you prepare for the job you want in the future.  It could be a course your school is already offering or a new course.  Write an essay to explain to your principal the course you would recommend.  Be sure to give the reasons for your suggestion.

4. Explain the main reasons why you think students drop out of school.

5. Talk about your favorite music and why you like it.

6. Think of your favorite year in school.  Explain why it was your favorite year.

7. Friends are important, but everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good friend.  Explain what, in your opinion, makes a good friend.

8. Some teachers are special.  Without giving any names, explain why one particular teacher in your life was special.

9. If you could change one thing about your school, what would you change?  Explain why.

10. We all get angry at times, but different people react in different ways.  Some people show their anger openly, and some hide it within themselves.  Explain and describe what you do when you get mad.

11. Friends sometimes experience conflicts.  Explain why this happens.

12. If someone were new to your town, explain to him/her the highlights.

13. If you could make changes to your school lunchroom, what would you do?

14. Most people like one particular animal more than others.  Explain why your favorite animal is your favorite animal.

15. Most people remember one day that really was special.  Think about a special day you have had and write an essay explaining why that day was so special.

16. Your generation faces many problems.  Identify one of these problems that you feel is the most important, explain it, and propose some possible solutions to the problem.

17. Much has been written about the negative effects of television on young people.  Are all television shows bad for children?  Write an essay describing a show you feel has a positive impact on today’s teens and explain how the show could be helpful.

18. Rules are important in our daily lives.  We have rules for driving, rules for studying, and even rules for playing.  Think about the rules you have in your school.  What three rules should every school have? Write an essay explaining to the reader the three rules you selected. Give clear reasons why each one is needed.

19. Games are fun and often teach us something as well.  Think about your favorite game.  Write a paper telling about your favorite game. Explain to the reader your reasons for enjoying it.

20. Suppose you have been appointed to a neighborhood improvement committee.  You must make recommendations on ways to make your neighborhood a better place to live.  Think about some changes you would like to make in your neighborhood.  Write an essay to inform your reader of changes you would recommend to improve your neighborhood and why these changes are important.

21. If you could choose any animal for a class pet, what would you choose and why?

22. What is your favorite time of the year?  Explain why this is your favorite time.

23. Everyone has something or someone that is important to him/her. Pick an object, a person, or a feeling that is important to you and explain why it is so important in your life.

24. Eating healthy foods is very important.  Write an essay explaining why it is important to eat healthy foods.

25. Explain why it is important to learn to read.

26. Think back to when you were little and had a favorite toy.  Explain why you liked this particular toy.

27. Everyone has chores to do.  Explain why you do the job or chore you have.

28. If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be?  Explain why you would like to be that person for a day.

29. We are increasingly worried about our environment.  Write an essay explaining about one environmental problem you think is important and  propose some possible solutions to the problem.

30. Suggest one change that you think can make this country better.

31. If you had a time machine and could go to any time in the past or future, where you go?  Explain why you chose that particular time.

32. Everyone has responsibilities.  Write a paper explaining a responsibility you have now or will have in the future and why you shoulder that responsibility.

33. Write an essay explaining whether you prefer a big city or small town in which to live and why you prefer it.

34. Your class is making a box to be seen in 2096.  Write an essay explaining the one thing you put in that box and why.

35. Think of your favorite year in school.  Now write an essay explaining why it was your favorite year.

36. Most adults in this world have a job of some sort.  Think of the ideal job for you when you complete your schooling.  Now, think of some reasons why this would be your ideal job.  Write an essay to explain why this is your ideal job.

37. Schools do not offer all the elective courses (like art and music) that students would like to take.  Think of one elective course you want to take that your school does not offer at this time.  Think of some reasons why you think this course should be offered.  Now, write an essay explaining why you think that this particular elective should be offered in your school.

38. Everyone has a book that he or she enjoyed reading, whether it be a book recently read or one read as a small child.  Think of one book you have read that you really enjoyed.  Maybe it was your favorite book when you were little.  Maybe it’s one you read recently.  Think of some reasons why you liked that book.  Now, write an essay explaining why you really like your favorite book.

39. Many writers, scientists, and politicians have a view of what the world will be like 50 years from now.  What do you think the world will be like by the time you are in your 60’s?  Think of the future and the direction you think the world is headed.  Write an essay explaining what you believe the world will be like 50 years from now.

40. Many students drop out of school before they graduate from high school.  Think of some reasons why you think these students do not finish high school.  Now, write an essay explaining why you think students drop out of school.

Alternative for younger students: Many students do not do their work in school and then later often quit school before they graduate.  Think of some reasons why you think these students do not do their work and get bad grades.  Now, write an essay explaining why you think these students do not work in school and often quit school before graduating.

41.High school English classes require students to read Shakespeare and other classics.  Some students object to this practice.  Think of some reasons why you think the state requires that Shakespeare and the classics be taught in high school English.  Now, write an essay explaining why you think Shakespeare and the classics are required.

Alternative for younger students: In school, students must read classic books that the teacher picks.  Some students do not like to be told what to read.  They would rather pick their own books.  Think of some reasons why your teachers require these classic books that are so famous.  Think of some that your teacher has read to you or that you have read yourself.  Now, write an essay explaining why you think the teachers insist that students read and listen to the famous classics.

42. Imagine that time travel to the past was possible.  Think of where and when you would like to go for a visit.  Write an essay telling where and when you would go in the past and explain why you choose to go there.

43. Imagine that you had no TV or radio for one week.  Think of some activities that you can do instead to keep you busy and out of trouble. Write an essay to explain what you can do to keep occupied in a week of no TV or radio.

Or, alternatively, if your students are having trouble with this type of essay: Imagine that you had no TV or radio for one week.  Think of one activity that you would like to do instead to keep you busy and out of trouble.  Write an essay explaining one activity to replace the TV and radio for that week.

44. Teenagers (children) are faced with many problems today.  School, home, society, peers all complicate your lives.  Think of one problem that really bothers you.  Now, think of some solutions to that problem that might make it easier to bear.  Write an essay offering solutions to your worst problem.

45. Many teenagers (children) complain that adults expect too much of them.  Many adults think that teenagers (children) do not help out enough at home, at school, or in society doing volunteer work.  What do you think?  Do adults expect too much of you?  Think of some reasons to support your answer.  Now, write an essay explaining whether or not you think adults expect too much of you.

46. Each year many teenagers are killed by driving under the influence of alcohol or by being in a car driven by another teen who has had too much alcohol.  How can the number of alcohol-related deaths be reduced?  Think of some solutions you and your friends could implement to solve this problem.  What do you think would work to reduce the deaths?  Now, write an essay proposing some solutions to help stop teenagers from risking their lives and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Alternative for younger students: Each year many teenagers are killed by driving under the influence of alcohol or by being in a car driven by another teen who has had too much alcohol. Think of what you and your friends, as younger persons who cannot yet drive, can do to keep your older brothers and sisters and friends from drinking and driving when drunk.  Write an essay explaining your ideas to keep these teens out of the car if they drink.

47. Pollution, excessive garbage, toxic and industrial waste, using up nonreplaceable resources are all problems facing our environment.  Think of one particular environmental problem that you believe could be solved.  Now think of some possible solutions to that problem.  Write an essay proposing and explaining your solutions to the environmental problem you chose.

48. We all have a place where we can imagine or go where we relax, let our troubles disappear, and have a good time.  For some it is a place far away, and for others it is a place close to home.  Think of your favorite place where you can feel an escape from the hassles of your world, a place you love to be, your favorite place.  Now, write an essay explaining why this place is your favorite.

49. Everyone has something they do to relax and have fun.  Some like to read; others prefer sports; still others like to chat with friends. What is your favorite thing to do to relax and have fun?  Think of why  you enjoy this activity so much.  Now, write an essay explaining why your favorite activity is your preferred way to relax and have fun.

50. In the past few years, there have been more and more incidents of violence reported on school campuses.  In fact, there have been many reports of violence even at the kindergarten level!  What do you think is the cause of this rise in violence?  Think of some possible reasons. Write an essay explaining why you think there have been more incidents of violence in schools in recent years.

51. By the time we reach high school, at least one teacher has made an impact in our lives.  Think of a teacher you have had who influenced you and really helped you to learn and to mature.  Think of some reasons why this teacher made such a positive impact on your life. Now, without mentioning the teacher’s name (use Mr. or Ms. X),explain why this teacher has had such a positive influence in your life.

52. Many kids hear their parents and grandparents talk about “the good old days.”  Is this just a figment (imaginary thought) in older people’s minds as they remember their youth?  Was life really better twenty or forty years ago?  What do you think of this statement?  Is life for teens harder now or when your parents and grandparents were young? Now, write an essay explaining your answer to this question.

53. Philosophers have written books and books about the meaning of life. Each one is different.  What is your philosophy of life?  What is life all about?  Decide what you think are the most important elements that make us human, that are the ideas (philosophies) of the way you run your life.  Write an essay explaining your philosophy of life.

Alternative for younger students: There are many books that talk about the meaning of life.  Your teacher talks about living a “good” life.  What do you think are the most important things to remember to follow in the years to come?  What do you think are the most important things to do in your life that will lead to your happiness? Now, write an essay explaining what will make life good and meaningful for you.

54. We all have different personalities, different ways of dealing with life, different points of view.  What are the main elements of your personality?  What kind of a person are you?  What are you really like inside?  Write an essay explaining your personality to your reader.

55. Life is filled with conflicts, conflicts of interest, conflicts of opinion, conflicts of life styles, etc.  Most good novels have some sort of conflict in them to add to the interest.  Resolving that conflict is what the novel is about.  Think about some of the conflicts in your life. Now think how you resolve those conflicts.  Write an essay to explain how you usually resolve conflicts.  What is your method?

56. Everyone, no matter how young, has a year in his or her life that was not so good.  Think of the worst year of your life.  Think of reasons why it was your worst year.  Write an essay  explaining why that particular year was the worst year of your life. (Or conversely)

57. Your school (the United States, your state, etc.) is not perfect.  No matter how good something is, there are always ways to make it better.  Think of one problem your school (the United States, your state, etc.) has that might be improved with some clever plans.  Now, think of some solutions, some ways to make that improvement.  Write an essay explaining your solutions to the problem.

58. Imagine that going to the future was possible.  Think how far ahead into the future you would like to visit.  Think about your reasons why you would like to choose that particular time.  Write an essay telling how far into the future you would like to go and explain why you chose that particular time.

59. When we are young, we play games—board games, imaginary games, sports games.  Think of some reasons why you really liked this game. Now, write an essay explaining why this game was your favorite as a younger child.

60. Medical studies have shown that exercise is a necessary part of our daily routine.  What do you think?  Do you exercise?  Think about some reasons why you exercise.  Exercising is important.  Write an essay why it is important to exercise regularly.

61. We consider certain people (real or made up) to be our heroes.  Think about a real or made-up person and why he or she is your hero.  Now write an essay explaining why that person is your hero.

62. Imagine if you could do anything you wanted for an entire week.  Pick one thing you would like to do that week of freedom.  Now write an essay to explain why you chose to do that one thing in a week in which you could have done anything you wanted.

63. You have been told for years by your parents and teachers to eat healthy foods instead of junk food.  Think of some reasons why eating healthy foods is important.  Now write an essay explaining why eating healthy foods is important.

64. At school, at work, and at play we have to work in teams in order to achieve our goals.  Think of some attributes that make a good team player whether it be in a sport, at work, or at school when working in groups.  Now write an essay to explain what makes a person a good team player.

65. Your parents and teachers insist that respect for others is very important.  Think of some reasons why this might be important.  Now write an essay explaining why respect for other people is important.

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11 thoughts on “ 65 Expository Prompts for Kids ”

Thank you but i would do something more fun for a little one.

these are fun

I think this is pretty helpful

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4th Grade Writing Prompts

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4th grade expository essay

Students in fourth grade need varied practice developing their writing skills. According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative , fourth-grade writing should include opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, and narratives about real or imagined experiences. Additionally, a fourth-grade writing curriculum should include short research projects. 

These writing prompts offer diverse forms of inspiration for every student.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

In an opinion essay , students must state their opinion and back it up with facts and reasons . Ideas should be organized logically and supported by details.

  • Best Friends Forever. Write an essay explaining what makes your best friend the best best friend. 
  • Awesomeness.  Describe the most awesome thing about being in fourth grade.
  • New Worlds. Would you rather help start a colony on a new planet or a city under the ocean? Why?
  • School Food. Name one thing you would like to change about your school’s menu and explain why.
  • Someday. If you could be a race car driver, an astronaut, or president of a country, which would you choose and why?
  • Cityscapes . If you had a friend visit from another state, what is the one place in your city you would insist he or she had to see? What makes this place so special?
  • Shipwrecked. You find yourself stranded on a deserted island with only three items in your backpack. What would you want those items to be and why?
  • Flat Earth. Some people still believe that the Earth is flat . Do you agree or disagree? Include supporting facts.
  • Extra! Extra! Name one class, sport, or club you wish your school offered and explain why it should be available.
  • Seasons. Which season is your favorite and why?
  • One-star . What is the worst book you have ever read and what made it so terrible?
  • Fandom. Who is your favorite TV, movie, or music star? What makes him or her the best?
  • Progress.  Identify a way in which you would like to improve as a student this school year. Explain why you would like to get better and list some steps you can take to make it happen.

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an informative or explanatory essay, students should introduce the topic clearly, then develop the topic with facts and details. When explaining a process, students should outline the steps in a logical order.

  • Bullied. Explain how you would handle being bullied and the steps you would take to stop a bully.
  • Mad Skills. Describe an unusual talent, hobby, or skill that you possess.
  • Cuisine. Describe a food that is unique to your family or area of the world to someone who has never tasted it.
  • Role Model. Think of a person who has made an impact on your life and describe the role they’ve played.
  • Pay It Forward. What is one thing you would like to do—either now or in the future—to make the world a better place?
  • Packing. Explain the most effective way to pack for a trip to ensure that you have everything you need.
  • Wild Kingdom. Of all the animals wild or domesticated, write about your favorite. Include interesting facts about this animal in your essay.
  • Gaming. Explain how to play your favorite video or board game to someone who has never played it before.
  • Problematic. Describe a problem you’re facing and three ways you could possibly solve it.
  • Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather condition or a natural disaster such as a tornado or a volcanic eruption. Explain its causes and effects.
  • Sweet Treats. Explain the process of making your favorite dessert.
  • Learning Styles. Think of the way you prefer to learn, such as by reading, listening, or doing. Explain why you think you learn best that way.
  • Edison. Thomas Edison said that he didn’t make mistakes, he just learned 10,000 ways not to make a light bulb. Describe a mistake you made and the lesson you learned from it.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

When writing narrative essays about real or imagined experiences, students should use descriptive details and logical sequence. They can use dialogue and sensory details to develop their essay .

  • Microscopic Details. Imagine being microscopic. Describe an adventurous trip through your body.
  • Alone. You find yourself locked in your favorite store alone overnight. Where are you and what do you do?
  • Homeless. A friendly stray dog follows you home from school. What happens next?
  • Time Travel. Imagine you could travel back in time to when your mom or dad was your age. Write an essay about your relationship with your fourth-grade parent.
  • Mismatched. Write a story about someone your age. The story must include a giraffe, a mouse, a flying carpet, and a large birdcage.
  • Pet Peeve.  Recount a moment when something really got on your nerves. Describe the experience and why it irritated you so much.
  • Surprise! Think of a time your teacher surprised your class. Describe what happened and how the class reacted.
  • Special Moments. Think of a specific day or event that you will always remember. What made it so special?
  • Travel Through History. Imagine you could travel back in time to live through one event from history . Describe the event and write about your experience.
  • The Most Terrible Day. Write an essay about a day when everything went wrong. How did the day start and end, describe the experience.
  • Road Trip. Write about a favorite family vacation or road trip. Where did you go? What made it special?
  • Funny Pet Tricks.  Can your pet do a funny or unusual trick? Describe it.
  • President. If you could be president for a day (or the principal of your school), what would you do?

Research Project Essay Writing Prompts

Fourth-grade students should also complete short research projects using books, magazines, and online sources . Students should take notes and provide a list of the sources they used in their research.

  • New Puppy. You want a new puppy. Do some research to determine the best breed for your family and write about it.
  • Battles . Research and write about what you consider the most significant or famous battle in history.
  • Famous People. Choose a famous person from history or science and write about their lives and contributions.
  • Animal Kingdom. Select an animal to research. Include facts about its behavior, habitat, and diet.
  • Countries. Choose a country. Investigate its culture and holidays, and find out what life there is like for kids your age.
  • States. Pick a state you’ve never visited. Learn three to five unique facts about the state to include in your essay.
  • Inventions. What do you think is the greatest or most useful invention of all time? Find out who invented it and how and why it was invented.
  • Native Americans. Choose a Native American tribe. Learn about where they lived, their culture, and their use of natural resources in their area.
  • Endangered Species. Research and write about an animal that is endangered. Include facts about why it is endangered and any changes that people can make to help increase its population.
  • Fine Arts. Learn more about an artist or composer. Include facts about their life and death and most well-known works.
  • Authors. Research an author whose books you enjoy. Include facts about what inspired him or her to start writing.
  • Dig Deeper.  Research something you’ve studied in history, science, or literature but would like to know more about.
  • State Standouts. Choose a famous person from your state. Learn about his or her life and contributions.
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Steps to Writing an Expository Essay for the Fourth Grade

Expository essays describe or explain something; they "expose" the subject of the essay. The expository essay takes the topic and describes it factually and objectively. It describes something as it is, or as it happened. For a young student practicing the exposition of a topic, this type of essay helps separate fact from opinion and trains the student to write with clarity and conciseness. Although the expository essay can be written in a number of formats, the five-paragraph format is one frequently utilized for fourth-grade students.

Brainstorming and Prewriting

This is an important first step in writing any essay, especially the expository type. Discussing the main idea and helping the children form a basic skeleton or frame of their essays through mind mapping or a web will help them organize them into paragraphs. The ideas collected in this manner should be divided into mental "paragraphs." When the children feel confident about their points and have completed the initial task of drafting or prewriting, it is time to begin the essay.

The Introductory Paragraph

Paragraph one is where the fourth-grader sets down his main topic sentence. If the essay is about "The Importance of School Rules," then he will write down the main idea of the essay: what school rules are and why schools have them. The opening sentence captures and contains the thrust of the entire first paragraph and summarizes the content of the following three paragraphs. This paragraph should be no more than five or six sentences long, and each sentence should link with the one after it.

The Main Body

The next three paragraphs should expose or explain in a step-by-step manner the thesis or main idea of the first paragraph. For example, paragraph two could give the importance of uniform rules, paragraph three could explain classroom behavior and conduct rules and paragraph four could be about rules for studying and tests. Each paragraph should contain five or six sentences about the main topic and link thematically with the first paragraph. It is important to teach the children to be clear and exact in their expression.

The Conclusion

In the conclusion, paragraph five, the child should restate the main idea or thesis of the essay but not summarize the whole essay. If he has explained the importance of school rules, for example, then he could state here why it is important to follow school rules, i.e., how they help later on in life by teaching discipline and good behavior during the formative years. Closing the expository essay in a paragraph where the student gives an overview -- without repeating what has been stated earlier -- is a good resolution.

  • Math And Reading Help: Sylvan Learning: Writing Essays in 4th Grade

Laura Pru began writing professionally in 2007. She has written for Andovar and Signature Magazine among many other online publications. Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in film studies from University College Falmouth.

4th grade expository essay

Teaching Expository Writing to Your 4th Graders

Do you struggle with teaching expository writing to your 4th grade students?  If the answer is yes, then you are in the same boat as many other 4th grade teachers around the state of Texas!

Teaching expository writing doesn’t have to be difficult though.  

Here are a few tips so your students can be confident in their expository writing for the STAAR Writing Test:

 1. Understand the Prompt

expository-writing-prompt

When looking at an expository prompt there are 4 key parts:  Read, Think, Write, and Be Sure To. Students must know that the question they are answering is under the WRITE section.  If they don’t answer the question, there is a possibility of getting a 0.   

Another important thing to remember is that teachers can read the prompt aloud to all students taking the STAAR Writing Test (whether they have accommodations or not).  Train your students to ask you to read the prompt aloud. Not because they can’t read it themselves, but because it is easier for them to understand it when someone is reading it to them.

2. Brainstorm and Prewrite

expository-writing-prewrite

After reading the prompt the students will brainstorm ideas.  When looking at their list of ideas (ideally 3-5), they need to ask themselves two questions:

-Which is the most interesting? (for others to read)

-what topic do i know the most about  (to write 26 lines about).

Also, it’s a bonus if your students can pick a unique idea.  Think of the people scoring hundreds and hundreds of papers. An interesting topic will catch their eye.  For example, in 2019 the prompt said to write about an invention. In the prompt, it gave the example of the lightbulb. Hundreds of students wrote about the lightbulb (not original).  Additionally, many students chose to write about the cell phone or video games (not original).

Once an idea is chosen, it is important to prewrite.  I have my students make a T chart. They list the two reasons at the top, and they list examples and details under the reason.  This will make it incredibly easy when the student writes the rough draft.

3. Expository Rough Draft

expository-writing-details

The rough draft is continuous writing about the chosen topic.  Students shouldn’t concentrate on looking up every other word because it’s just about getting all your ideas out onto the paper.  

Here are several TIPS to remember when writing an outstanding expository composition:

  • Start with an expository hook-to catch the reader’s attention
  • Then state the central idea of the paper- go back to that question in the prompt you have to answer it
  • Use transition words
  • Include million dollar words
  • Details, details, details- expand on your reasons with examples and descriptions
  • End with a conclusion- that wraps up the main ideas in your paper

Students must remember that every sentence should support their central idea.  The more they can expand on a topic the better! 

 4. Revise and Edit 

staar-revising-strategies

Once the rough draft is complete, students must take time to go back to revise and edit their paper.  The final copy should NEVER look like the rough draft. Students must get used to the idea of changing, adding, and taking away ideas and words in order to make their paper the best it can be.

*New to the 2020 STAAR test, students can use a dictionary app on an ipad to look up words during the STAAR Writing and Reading Test. 

If you are going to take advantage of this app, students must have plenty of practice with it ahead of time!

Here is the information directly from TEA:

“Dictionary applications on a tablet, laptop, or desktop are allowable under the STAAR Dictionary Policy. 

• Features that are not allowable must be disabled or the application may not be used. 

• Bilingual dictionary applications may NOT be used as an accessibility feature on STAAR mathematics, science, or social studies assessments. 

For electronic dictionaries that are handheld devices, test administrators must ensure that any features that allow image capture, note taking, or uploading of files have been cleared of their contents before and after the test administration.”

 5. Final Copy

expository-writing-final-copy

After revising and editing the rough draft, students will start their final copy.  It is imperative that students use their best handwriting on their final copy. Scorers are reading hundreds of papers a day, and they will not take time to decipher messy handwriting.

Remind students to REREAD their paper before turning it in.  This will give the student a chance to correct small mistakes.

If you are looking for a copy of the notes in the pictures , they are all included in the Expository Section of my STAAR Writing Notebook

Also, if you are interested in learning more about teaching strategies for the STAAR Writing Test.  Check out my Teaching Revising Strategies Blog Post !

  • Read more about: Elementary Writing , Fourth Grade , STAAR Writing

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4th grade expository essay

Grammar skills are necessary for revise and edit questions. This guide fits all the grammar TEKS into the first 6 weeks of school, so you can get introduce revise and edit questions by October.

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Introductions & Conclusions in the 4th Grade

Read Time 2 mins | January 14, 2021 | Written by: Kylene Reed

Now that the fourth graders have learned how to take notes, they began their research in the social studies classroom. Each student picked an animal found in one of the regions of Texas and completed their research to fill in their pillars.

File_000 (3)

 Students then wrote their own introductions using the resources from Empowering Writers that are found in their writing journals and the modeled example as needed. 

Next, we modeled writing the conclusion using: a hypothetical anecdote, informative verbs and main ideas, and a definitive word or phrase. 

File_002 (1)-2

Here are a couple of students that I conferenced with today! I am extremely proud of their samples!

File_003 (1)

I cracked up almost the entire time I was working with this kiddo! His personality and humor came out in his writing. I loved the "razzle dazzle on over" that he used to get readers to want to read on!

File_000 (2)

This sample is from a student that is new to the district and Empowering Writers. While many of our students have had EW for the last couple of years, she just began instruction in the fall. While I conferenced with her, she new exactly what to do and what was needed each time I asked her a question! 

Kylene Reed

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  • How to write an expository essay

How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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Four Tools to Help Your Kids Practice Expository Writing

4th grade expository essay

We recently discussed the difficulties young students have with expository writing . Here are some tools to help your kids when tackling this style of writing.

They are PDF files so that you can easily print them.

First, your child needs to put his/her thoughts straight. Here’s a template to help them plan out their report writing.

expository framework

Sentence starters

Once they’ve planned out their outline, it’s time to turn their attention to the writing part. The first sentence is critical to any writing as it hooks the reader. If your child is struggling with getting that first sentence started, here’s a sheet of sentence starters.

expository sentence starters

Transition words and phrases

To help the paragraphs in the expository writing to flow, writers make use of transition words and phrases. Here’s a page on transition words for your child to use.

expository transition words

Finally, we have put together a checklist for your child. We suggest you read it before embarking on the writing and then after to check that you fulfilled the criteria for the persuasive writing piece.

expository checklist

Now you just need to pick a topic. There are so many, but we suggest that you pick something your child is interested in. If you can’t think of anything, perhaps the following topics will spark your thinking:

•    Explain why it is important to eat healthy food. •    Write a report on your favorite book. •    Why do leaves turn red and yellow in the Fall? •    Explain why it’s important to learn to read. •    Suggest three changes that you think will make this country better.

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Tue, 01 Feb, 2022

Effective Paragraph & Essay Writing Prompts for 4th Graders!

Linked table of contents.

Paragraphs & Essay Writing

Paragraph & Essay Writing Prompts For Class 4

What is a Paragraph?

Why Paragraphs & Essay Writing?

Sample Topics of Paragraph & Essay Writing Prompts For 4th Graders

Paragraph & essay writing.

Paragraph & Essay Writing

Writing skills should be practised in a variety of ways in fourth grade. Paragraph & essay writing prompts for 4th graders should include opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, and narrative essays about real or imagined experiences. Short research projects should also be included in the fourth-grade curriculum. Students can choose from a variety of writing prompts to inspire them.

The business world may require one to write an essay as well. Schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges need students to write essays. A definition of an essay is "a short piece of writing containing information and opinion." An essay is, in general, a piece of writing in which the author reinforces their argument - but the definition is vague and overlaps with those of a paper, an article, a pamphlet, or a short story. It has traditionally been possible to subclassify essays as formal or informal.

What is a paragraph?

4th grade expository essay

Is it an art to write a paragraph? Yes, it is. Like any other form of writing, you need to know your audience and the best way to connect with them from the onset with a captivating hook that keeps them reading until the end. I am sure you want to know how to write a great first line of a story, don't you?

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No matter what type of paragraph you are writing, the main idea should be easily identifiable. A good topic sentence will accomplish this for you. It states the main idea of your paragraph and shows what your paragraph will be about. The rest of your paragraph supports this main idea by providing evidence or explaining it in more detail.

Any writing consists of paragraphs, which are its most fundamental building blocks. You will greatly benefit from paragraph & essay writing prompts for class 4 and learning how to write compelling and engaging paragraphs because it can significantly enhance your writing skills. Consequently, let's look at how to write an effective paragraph. What Is A Paragraph? A paragraph is a piece of writing that consists of several sentences.

A paragraph consists of supporting sentences that relate to one another. Each paragraph is organised in three parts : the topic sentence, the body sentences, and the concluding or link sentence, promoting the flow to the next paragraph or section. It helps the reader see the essay's order and grasp its main points since paragraphs show where each subdivision begins and ends in the research paper.

Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. To illustrate a point of a paragraph, you may use short examples or one extended example. In describing something, you can talk about a place, a character, or a process; describe a series of events; explain the difference between two or more things; or characterise a group of things.

As you can see from the topic sentence, your answer clearly states what you intend to elaborate on. The body develops the point you have made in your topic sentence; it gives your answer substance. The concluding sentence indicates what has been accomplished in the paragraph; it emphasises your ideas.

Level Up Your Writing Skills: Explore the Secrets to Crafting Impactful Paragraphs and Captivate Your Readers!

Why Paragraph & Essay Writing?

A person writing an essay

If you are a parent or a teacher searching for some exciting paragraph & essay writing prompts for class 4 or paragraph writing topics for kids. The following listing of paragraph writing prompts will undoubtedly prove helpful. They have been written for a wide range of ability levels and are especially useful for students in the middle school grades.

Many different types of writing fall under the expository essay category. The most common is the five-paragraph approach . Paragraph & essay writing prompts for 4th graders introduce an introduction with a clear thesis statement, three body paragraphs that support this thesis, and a conclusion to tie it all together.

Expository essays aim to describe a topic, using various tools to produce an argument. This argument is usually presented to explain why something is the way it is or why people act in specific ways. These essays may provide background information on a topic, discuss various causes and effects of an event or process, or compare and contrast two things. They also include evidence and facts to support the argument and create a practical tone.

Although expository writing is similar to other essays, its purpose is to inform or explain something. It differs because it requires more research and analysis to support your ideas.

Master Expository Writing: Empower 4th Graders to Explain and Express with Confidence!

Writing is an essential part of your life. Writing is an art that helps you express yourself and communicate with others. It is like a picture that speaks a thousand words.

Students learn to express themselves through writing. They learn to communicate their feelings, ideas, and thoughts effectively.

When they start paragraph & essay writing prompts for grade 4, kids develop their imagination and creativity. They also learn organisation, structuring their thoughts, and thinking skills. Writing improves grammar and vocabulary skills as well. It increases the student's understanding of the written word, enriches their vocabulary, helps them understand the use of language, the structure of sentences, and improves spelling mistakes.

In school, students are trained in paragraph & essay writing prompts for class 4 onwards, but writing essays can become a daunting task for many students who do not know how to pen down their thoughts on paper. Hence, parents should encourage essay writing in the classroom and at home by providing them with easy topics or assigning them some cases regularly.

Whether it is an expository essay, a persuasive essay, a narrative essay, or a creative essay, paragraph writing is the foundation of all writing. For students to write good paragraphs, they must be familiar with each of the four elements and how they relate to the whole. Join a good language course to learn paragraph & essay writing prompts for grade 4. Good paragraph writing should have four characteristics: unity, order, coherence, and completeness.

Unity: It is the subject phrase that begins a sentence. Every sentence in a paragraph should be related to the main idea of that paragraph. Without unity, your readers will have difficulty following your train of thought.

Order: Logical sequence means that you must arrange your topic sentences and supporting details so that they make sense from a logical or common-sense point of view. Chronological sequence refers to time. For example, if you describe a process or tell a story about an event in time, it makes sense to use chronological order.

Coherence: A paragraph is coherent if all of the sentences make some connection with one another and the topic sentence. Coherence can be achieved through two methods: (1) by repeating keywords and phrases throughout the paragraph; and (2) by using transitional words.

Creative Writing: Paragraph & essay writing prompts for class 4

A cosy spot at home

A story about a holiday

A dark hallway

A trip on a rocket ship

Dear George Washington

A walk in the woods

Donuts for dinner

Making my favourite food

Funny things my pet has done

What if toys could talk?

Seeing the world through the eyes of...

Sometimes I wish...

Something I wish would happen.

What if I met a...

What if I were someone else?

What if I were ten years old?

What if there were no electricity

What is under my bed?

For more information, talk to our experts now!

How Can I Improve my Essay Writing Skills?

Use the correct vocabulary before you begin, and jot down what you want to write. You need to analyse the topic and understand how to write an introduction, body, and conclusion.

How do you Start an Essay?

Introducing Your Topic is the Most Common Method of Starting an Essay.

Suggest some Quick writing tips.

Make it a habit to write simple sentences every day.

Every day, learn a new word that has a meaningful definition.

Punctuation and grammar should be practised regularly.

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Why should a class 3 student learn Creative Essay Writing?

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

expository essay format and structure template

  • A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
  • B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
  • C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
  • D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
  • A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
  • B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
  • C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
  • D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

impact of technology on education essay

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How to Write an Expository Essay

expository essay definition and features, explained below

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

  • Clarity and Conciseness
  • Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
  • Objective Tone
  • Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
  • Objective thesis statement (see below)
  • Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

Expository Essay Paragraph Guide

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:


(Ought Statements)

“Governments should prioritize the adoption of electric vehicles over traditional gasoline-powered cars to combat climate change and reduce environmental pollution.”“Electric vehicles contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.”
“Online education should be widely adopted as it offers more inclusive and adaptable learning solutions compared to traditional classroom-based education.”“Online education provides accessible and flexible learning opportunities, utilizing digital platforms for course delivery and student-teacher interaction.”

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

  • Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
  • Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
  • Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
  • Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
  • Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
  • Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

Ready to Write your Essay?

Expository Essay Template

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

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Fourth grade expository prompts

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50 Expository Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

Jessica Nita

Table of Contents

What exactly is an expository essay? The term expository stems from the word expose, meaning that this type of essay is meant to define, describe and take a deep delve into the subject matter. The essay can also take different forms. It can be an analysis or investigation of a particular issue, a cause-and-effect article, a comparison, problem and solution or a descriptive essay . If you have been assigned to write an expository essay, you have to invest your time in research so as to come up with great and convincing content. We have made your work easier by compiling a list of amazing expository essay topics to guide you. Comprehensive List of Expository Essay Topics

Teachers often assign students expository essay topics to test their ability to discuss those topics clearly and concisely and express opinions based on solid facts. The student is required to research the topic and write an essay to demonstrate their understanding of that subject. However, there are no particularly favourite topics for an expository essay since different topics inspire different individuals. We have crafted the best expository essay topics for you to begin your process of writing an excellent essay. The important thing to remember is that your expository paper should be based on facts rather than your thoughts and emotions. 

Sample Expository Essay Topics for Middle School Students

To write a high-scoring paper, you must begin with an amazing topic. Here are some interesting expository essay topics suitable for a middle school student.

  • How did my first day at school go?
  • How growing up with my brother influenced my behaviour.
  • My favourite vacation place.
  • Why I love science.
  • My life as a dog owner.
  • Why I love my teacher.
  • Things my father taught me about friendship.
  • Why I like living in this city.
  • My best friend.
  • The true meaning of friendship.

Interesting Expository Essay Topics for High School Students

Your teacher may have asked you to come up with a list of topics for expository essay s to share with your classmates, or maybe you have been assigned the task of coming up with an expository topic but need help knowing where to start. Here are some good expository essay topics to help you meet your goals.

  • How to remain safe while surfing the internet? 
  • What I found while exploring the rainforest.
  • My favorite plant and why I love it.
  • Why is it important to exercise? 
  • The role of Rosa Parks in the civil rights movement.
  • The life cycle of a mango tree.
  • The interesting world of birds.
  • The history of Egypt.
  • The lifecycle of a bee and why they are important to fruit trees.
  • Understanding the solar system.

Expository Essay Topics for College Students

The best place to start your assignment is by finding good expository essay topics on which to base your essay. These are some top-notch expository essay topics for college students.

  • The advantages and disadvantages of the internet.
  • How do we protect the environment? 
  • A list of items that bring people joy
  • How should financial issues be handled?
  • How do you show someone you admire them?
  • Which developments in communication have occurred throughout the past 20 years?
  • What are the advantages of social media?
  • Which book and why are you interested in reading?
  • How should bullying in schools be handled?
  • Is it beneficial to express your feelings?

Intriguing Expository Essay Topics for University Students

Being a university student is already difficult, and finding expository essay topics should not be another challenge. Here are some of the best expository essay topics for university students.

  • The significance of negotiations during military operations.
  • Justify the implementation of communism in various nations.
  • The use of art to address mental health issues.
  • Causes and consequences of the 1920s nationwide strike.
  • Talk about the main facets of John F. Kennedy’s political involvement.
  • Qualities of a good psychotherapist.
  • In what ways does an individual’s IQ score indicate their mental capacity?
  • Five reasons why racism is psychological.
  • Describe the risks associated with military operations in Eastern Asia.
  • Describe the evolution of social media.

Some Funny Expository Essay Topics

It is quite unusual to find funny topics for expository essay writing, but we have your back. We make it easy for you to concentrate on the research process on the subject matter by presenting you with a list of expository essay topics that will not only tickle your funny bone but also get your audience thinking deeper about the theme of the paper. Here are some hilarious topics for expository essay writing.

  • What makes kids lie?
  • What is wrong with the human race?
  • Are we insatiably greedy for money?
  • What is the relationship between loneliness and hunger?
  • What would life on the moon look like?
  • Do you believe in the concept of double standards?
  • Consequences of abstaining from elections.
  • How can you look after yourself?
  • Talk about how the human brain processes memories.
  • Do relationships suffer because of technology?

With such a wonderful list of expository essay topics , you should be in a position to craft an essay that will impress the teacher and your readers. You can start by choosing a subject from one of the topics for expository essay shared in this article to find out which direction your paper should take, then proceed with the topic that makes the most sense to you.

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  6. 35 STAAR Expository Writing Ideas for 4th Grade

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  1. Expository writing|How to teach expository writing grade 5 |Expository Essay writing class demo

  2. 8th Expository Essay- Introduction/ Research/ Prewrite

  3. Expository Writing 4th Grade

  4. EXPOSITORY ESSAY FC

  5. Expository Writing #developing an #argument #essaywriting #structure of an Expository Essay

  6. Grade 4 Topic Sentences "mini" lesson Video 3

COMMENTS

  1. 30 Fun Expository Writing Prompts 4th Grade

    Hopefully your fourth graders found inspiration in these Expository Writing Prompts 4th Grade. Now, check out this list more writing prompts and warm ups for fourth graders. 151 More Prompts for 4th Graders. 69 Great Writing Prompts for 4th Grade; 33 Expository Writing Prompts for First, Second, and Third Graders; 35 Essay Topics for Kids

  2. Informational/Expository Student Writing Sample- Grade 4

    Download 4th Grade Expository Student Sample and Lesson Procedures. First name*. Last name*. School/District*. State or School Region*. Here is a 4th grade student sample after Empowering Writers instruction along with teacher commentary on the informational writing skills the student used.

  3. Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade: 41 Terrific Ideas

    expository writing prompts for 4th grade. 16. Explain to a student in the grade level under you what he or she needs to do in order to be successful in your grade next year. 17. Give tips for completing homework in as little time as possible. 18. Think about any holiday tradition that you enjoy. Explain why we celebrate holidays with traditions.

  4. A 4th Grade Informational Student Writing Sample

    That is exactly what my students were able to do quite successfully. What really works in this piece: Organizational structure - the pillar. Word choice - word referents. Distinct Main Ideas. The use of research: quote, amazing facts, anecdote. The voice and tone. Empowering Writers has a proven methodology, specific strategies, and lessons ...

  5. 33 Excellent Expository Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    Doing so will help them refine their writing skills and help give them a boost when they have to write more elaborate essays later on in life (such as I in middle school, high school, college and beyond). Links & Resources. 30 Expository Writing Prompts for 4th Grade; Explanatory Writing: 22 Writing Prompt Ideas for Students

  6. 101 Engaging Fourth Grade Writing Prompts for 2023

    Oct 6, 2023. Fourth grade is a time for students to continue to hone their writing chops as they put to use the skills they've learned and gain confidence in their abilities. We've collected this list of fourth grade writing prompts—including opinion, persuasive, informational, and narrative—to spur your students' imaginations and get ...

  7. 65 Expository Prompts for Kids

    Expository writing is used to present reasons and explanation about a topic in a step-by-step process. The expository essay should contain a main idea (thesis), supporting details (with transitions) and a conclusion in a logical fashion. Be sure to check your work for grammatical correctness as well! Happy writing! 1. Write about what you…

  8. PDF Grade&4& Expository&&OpinionWritingGuide && Grade

    WHAT YOUR EXPOSITORY INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH NEEDS When writing an original essay or report include: 1. A Lead: Catch the reader's attention with: • an amazing or unusual fact • a question • a descriptive segment • a statistic • a quote • an anecdote 2. A Topic Sentence: Briefly, clearly, tell the reader what the piece

  9. 4th Grade Writing Prompts

    According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative, fourth-grade writing should include opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, and narratives about real or imagined experiences. Additionally, a fourth-grade writing curriculum should include short research projects. These writing prompts offer diverse forms of inspiration for ...

  10. 4th Grade Expository Section 1: Lesson 1

    LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the video! 👍Each lesson will have the following: Animated lessons Teacher led video lessons (New ...

  11. Show Me Your Expertise: 4th Grade Expository Writing Unit

    Unit Title: Show Me Your Expertise. Grade Level: 4th Grade. Subject/Topic Area(s): Expository Writing. Designed By: Anne Waidelich. Time Frame: 15 days. School District: Lake Dallas ISD. School: Corinth Elementary. School Address and Phone: 3501 Cliff Oaks Drive Corinth, TX 76210. 940-497-4010.

  12. Free 4th grade writing-expository resources

    4th Grade. Writing-Expository. Free. Standard. All Filters (3) Reading Strategies Comprehension Intervention Bundle | Differentiated Passages. Educircles Growth Mindset Social Emotional SEL. $24.99 $84.88. Middle School ELA Classroom Decor Floral Wildflowers.

  13. Steps to Writing an Expository Essay for the Fourth Grade

    Brainstorming and Prewriting. This is an important first step in writing any essay, especially the expository type. Discussing the main idea and helping the children form a basic skeleton or frame of their essays through mind mapping or a web will help them organize them into paragraphs. The ideas collected in this manner should be divided into ...

  14. Teaching Expository Writing to Your 4th Graders

    Here are a few tips so your students can be confident in their expository writing for the STAAR Writing Test: 1. Understand the Prompt. When looking at an expository prompt there are 4 key parts: Read, Think, Write, and Be Sure To. Students must know that the question they are answering is under the WRITE section.

  15. Introductions & Conclusions in the 4th Grade

    Now that the fourth graders have learned how to take notes, they began their research in the social studies classroom. Each student picked an animal found in one of the regions of Texas and completed their research to fill in their pillars. Then the teacher modeled writing an introduction, reviewing all of the techniques that students were ...

  16. Writing an Informative/Explanatory/Expository Piece

    The expository essay is a kind of essay that asks students to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc. ... In third grade, you ...

  17. Free 4th grade writing-expository rubrics

    This free basic rubric is used first, then followed by the rest of the rubrics, Opinion Essay Writing Guide, Rubric, Graphic Organizer, & Peer Editing Templates, as the class progresses in their writing skills. Teachers will be able to easily grade essays using these reusable quality rubrics. If you. 2 nd - 5 th.

  18. Free 4th grade writing-expository outlines

    Created by. The Teaching Q- Melissa Qualle. The Paragraph Writing Outline Template for Note-Taking 2nd 3rd 4th Grade was created to streamline your writing instruction and provide students with an easy-to-use structure. The outline may be used with any information, text, video, or audio.

  19. How to Write an Expository Essay

    The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It's worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline. A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

  20. Tools for expository writing practice

    If you can't think of anything, perhaps the following topics will spark your thinking: • Explain why it is important to eat healthy food. • Write a report on your favorite book. • Why do leaves turn red and yellow in the Fall? • Explain why it's important to learn to read. • Suggest three changes that you think will make this ...

  21. Effective Paragraph & Essay Writing Prompts for 4th

    Paragraph & essay writing prompts for 4th graders should include opinion pieces, informative or explanatory texts, and narrative essays about real or imagined experiences. Short research projects should also be included in the fourth-grade curriculum. Students can choose from a variety of writing prompts to inspire them.

  22. 5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

    Expository Essay: It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases. Argumentative Essay: It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.

  23. Results for fourth grade expository prompts

    These expository essay prompts are written to mirror what students will see on the STAAR test. The 14 prompts address a variety of simple, student-friendly topics that most students can write about. Download the preview to "try before you buy" and make sure this product meets your needs. The preview includes the full product, however it is watermarked and there are 4 pages tiled on each page.

  24. 50 Expository Essay Topics

    Expository Essay Topics for College Students. The best place to start your assignment is by finding good expository essay topics on which to base your essay. These are some top-notch expository essay topics for college students. The advantages and disadvantages of the internet. How do we protect the environment? A list of items that bring ...