Sign Up
School Account Sign Up
Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 12755
Explain it like a pro! Learn how to write clear, step-by-step paragraphs that teach someone how to do just about anything.
Share What You Know!
You are definitely good at something—maybe it’s braiding hair, kicking the perfect soccer goal, making gooey grilled cheese, or organizing your desk like a pro.
Whatever it is, someone else would love to learn how to do it—and you can teach them through your writing!
When you explain how to do something step by step, you use a powerful writing style called expository writing.
Learn how to break it down so your how-to paragraph is clear, helpful, and fun to write.
What Is Expository Writing?
Expository writing is used to teach or explain something. It gives clear, detailed information about a topic and follows a logical order—perfect for instructions, how-to guides, or even explaining how things work.
You’ve probably read expository writing before in articles, textbooks, and even recipes.
Here are some key traits of strong expository writing.
It focuses on just one topic.
It’s written in a clear, step-by-step way.
It uses transition words to help the reader follow along.
It stays objective, using facts and clear explanations rather than opinions.
Types of Expository Writing
Not all expository paragraphs look the same—there are a few different ways to explain something, depending on your goal.
How-To (Process)
This is a step-by-step explanation of how to do something. For example, you might teach someone how to make slime, fold a paper airplane, or care for a pet.
Compare and Contrast
This type shows how two things are alike and how they’re different. For example, you could compare cats and dogs or online and in-person schooling. A paragraph like this may describe one thing, then the other, and finally explain how they relate.
Cause and Effect
This explains why something happened (the cause) and what happened as a result (the effect). A cause-and-effect paragraph might explain what happens when plants don’t get enough sunlight or how staying up too late affects your mood the next day.
All these styles are meant to inform and teach, so they must be clear, logical, and based on facts—not opinions.
Tip: Use Transitional Words
Transitional words are the glue that holds your steps together. Try words like these.
| First | Next | Then | |
| Finally | For example | Therefore |
These words guide your reader through your explanation so they don’t get lost or confused.
Organize Your Steps
Before you start writing, think through the process you're explaining. A graphic organizer like a flowchart or numbered list can help you stay on track.
Ask yourself these questions.
What’s the first thing someone needs to do?
What comes next?
Are there any tricky parts that need extra explanation?
What tips would help someone succeed?
Once your steps are in order, you’re ready to start writing your paragraph.
Your Turn!
Now that you know what expository writing is and how to organize it, head to the Got It! section to test your skills.
You’ll put some steps in order and see how well you understand this writing style before creating your own how-to masterpiece. Let’s go!
Supplies
Additional Resources
FAVORITE
Like