An expository essay presents a clear point of view on a topic. It has a five-paragraph structure typically consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs analyzing the topic, and a conclusion. There are several types of expository essays, including definition essays that define a topic, comparison essays that analyze similarities and differences, and explanatory essays that explain a process step-by-step. A good expository essay responds to the assigned topic, demonstrates knowledge through facts and examples, and takes a creative approach to engage readers.