Explanatory Essay Writing Guide

Explanatory essays are an important form of academic writing that require students to explain a particular topic or concept in a clear and concise manner. These essays are commonly assigned to various subjects, including nursing. This blog post will focus on how to write an explanatory essay specifically for nursing students. 

Nursing Explanatory Essays

Nursing explanatory essays are assignments requiring students to explain a specific nursing topic or concept. These essays are designed to test the student’s understanding of the subject matter and their ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Expository essays are an essential part of the nursing curriculum as they help students develop critical thinking and writing skills, which are crucial for success in nursing.

What Is an Explanatory Essay: Definition

An explanatory essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explain a particular topic or concept to the reader. Unlike persuasive essays or argumentative essays, which aim to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint, explanatory essays focus on providing information and clarifying complex ideas. This type of essay aims to present a balanced and objective view of the topic, using evidence and examples to support the explanations.

Understanding the Purpose of an Explanatory Essay

The main purpose of an explanatory essay is to provide the reader with a clear and comprehensive understanding of a particular topic or concept. By explaining the topic in a logical and organized manner, the writer helps the reader grasp complex ideas and theories. Understanding the purpose of an explanatory essay before starting to write is important because it guides the writer in selecting relevant information, organizing their thoughts, and presenting the information in a coherent and engaging manner.

How to Start an Explanatory Essay: Important Steps

Starting an explanatory paper can be challenging, but following a few important steps can make the process much easier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start an explanatory essay:

• Choose an engaging topic: Select a topic that is interesting and relevant to your field of study. This will make writing more enjoyable and ensure your essay engages the reader.

• Conduct research: Gather relevant information on your chosen topic before writing. This may include reading academic articles and textbooks or conducting interviews with experts in the field. Verify the citations (APA or MLA) in online databases like Google Scholar or JSTOR.

• Develop an outline: Create a clear and organized outline for your essay. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing and help you stay focused on the main points you want to convey.

• Provide clear explanations: When writing your essay, clearly and concisely explain the topic or concept you are discussing. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.

• Use evidence to support claims: Support your explanations with evidence and examples. This could include research studies, statistics, or real-life examples that illustrate your points.

Explanatory Essay Outline

To ensure that your explanatory essay is well-structured and organized, it is important to create an outline before you start writing. Here is a basic outline for an explanatory essay:

Introduction

• Start with an attention-grabbing hook to engage the reader.
• Provide some background information on the topic.
• State your thesis statement, clearly explaining your essay’s main point or argument.

Body paragraphs

• Each body paragraph should focus on your main thesis’s specific aspect or subtopic.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the paragraph’s main idea.
• Provide clear explanations and examples to support your points.
• Use evidence and research to back up your claims.

Conclusion

• Summarize the main points of your essay.
• Restate your thesis statement in a different way.
• End with a strong concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Tips for Improving Your Explanatory Essay Writing Skills

Improving your explanatory essay writing skills takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you become a better explanatory essay writer:

• Practice writing regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day or week to practice your writing skills. This could include writing short essays, journal entries, or even blog posts.

• Seek feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or peer to review your essays and provide feedback. This will help you identify areas for improvement and learn from your mistakes.

• Read extensively: Reading a wide range of materials, including academic articles, books, and essays, will expose you to different writing styles and help you develop your own unique voice.

• Use clear and concise language: Avoid using complex or technical language that may confuse the reader. Instead, use simple and straightforward language to explain your ideas.

• Revise and edit your work: After completing your essay, take the time to revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, and grammar mistakes. This will ensure that your essay is polished and professional.

Nursing Explanatory Essay Example

To further illustrate the concepts discussed in this article, here is a nursing explanatory essay sample:

Title: The Importance of Effective Communication in Nursing

Introduction

Effective communication is a crucial skill for nurses as it plays a vital role in patient care and safety. This essay will explore the importance of effective communication in nursing and discuss various strategies nurses can use to improve communication skills.

Body paragraphs

The impact of effective communication on patient outcomes

Clear and concise communication between nurses and patients can help prevent medical errors and improve patient outcomes.

Effective communication can help build trust and rapport between nurses and patients, improving patient satisfaction.

Communication challenges in nursing

Nurses often face communication challenges due to the fast-paced nature of their work and the complex healthcare environment.

Language barriers, cultural differences, and technological limitations can also hinder effective communication in nursing.

Strategies for improving communication in nursing

Active listening: Nurses should practice active listening skills to ensure that they understand the needs and concerns of their patients.

Use of non-verbal communication: Non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can convey empathy and understanding.

Clear and concise documentation: Accurate and detailed documentation is essential for effective communication among healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Effective communication is critical for nurses as it directly impacts patient care and safety. By improving their communication skills, nurses can enhance patient outcomes, build trust with patients, and create a positive healthcare environment.

Strengths of the Example Essay:

• The essay provides a clear introduction that engages the reader and states the main thesis.
• Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the topic and provides clear explanations and examples.
• The conclusion summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis in a different way.

Weaknesses of the Example Essay:

• The essay could benefit from more research and evidence to support the claims.
• The essay could explore additional strategies for improving communication in nursing.

Final Thoughts on How to Write an Explanatory Essay

Crafting engaging explanatory essay topics requires careful planning, research, and practice. Following the steps outlined in this blog post and implementing the tips provided, you can improve your explanatory writing skills and create well-structured and engaging essays. Remember to choose an engaging topic, conduct thorough research, develop a clear outline, provide clear explanations, and use evidence to support your claims. With practice and feedback, you can become a proficient explanatory essay writer.

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