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English Language Class Notes: Argumentative vs. Expository Essays (JSS 1)

Core Concepts

In English writing, we write for different reasons. Sometimes we write to convince someone to agree with our opinion, and other times we write simply to explain how something works.

To understand the difference, imagine these two scenarios:

Scenario A: You are trying to convince your school principal why students should be allowed to wear sandals instead of closed shoes. (This is Argumentative).
Scenario B: You are writing down the step-by-step process of how to plant a maize seed in the school garden. (This is Expository).

Argumentative Essay: This is a type of writing where you take a clear side on a topic and try to persuade or convince the reader to agree with your point of view.
Expository Essay: This is an explanatory type of writing. Your job is to inform, instruct, or explain a topic to the reader using facts, without taking a personal side.

Key Points: The Main Differences

Feature	Argumentative Essay	Expository Essay
Main Goal	To persuade or convince the reader.	To explain, inform, or describe a topic.
Writer's Stance	Biased. You must choose a side (for or against) and defend it.	Neutral. You do not take sides; you only present facts.
Tone	Strong, persuasive, and passionate.	Calm, objective, and factual.
Key Vocabulary	Words like: I strongly believe, in my opinion, therefore, on the contrary.	Words like: First, next, for example, such as, as a result.

Examples of Essay Topics

Seeing the topics side-by-side helps us know which essay format to use:

Argumentative Topics (Debatables):
- "Day Schools are Better than Boarding Schools."
- "Male Children are More Useful than Female Children to a Family." (A classic debate topic where you argue for or against).
- "Should Mobile Phones be Allowed in JSS Classes?"
Expository Topics (Explanations):
- "How to Prepare Jollof Rice."
- "The Causes and Prevention of Malaria."
- "The Roles of a Class Captain."

Quick Study Guide

How to identify an Argumentative Essay: Look for topics that ask you to "discuss," choose a side, or ask "which is better." You must use strong points to defeat the opposing side.
How to identify an Expository Essay: Look for topics that start with "How to..." or ask you to "explain," "describe the process of," or "state the causes of."

Summary

Argumentative essays are about opinions and persuasion (trying to win an argument).
Expository essays are about facts and explanation (trying to teach or inform).

Try It Yourself!

Look at this topic: "Why Farmers are More Important than Teachers." Is this essay Argumentative or Expository? (Answer: It is Argumentative, because you have to choose a side and argue why one profession is better than the other!)