What is the primary function of an expository essay?

An expository essay is primarily designed to explain, inform, or clarify a specific topic to the reader. This type of writing focuses on providing facts, explanations, and logical information without the author's personal opinions or emotional appeals. The aim is to enhance the reader's understanding of a subject, making it different from other forms of writing such as narratives, which tell a story, or persuasive essays, which aim to convince readers of a particular viewpoint.

Expository essays often include definitions, comparisons, cause-and-effect relationships, or process descriptions, all serving to present information clearly and concisely. This informational nature is what distinguishes expository writing from other forms like descriptive writing, which focuses on painting a picture with words, or personal essays, which center around the author's individual experiences. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the core goal of expository writing, which is to educate the audience on a given topic.