Expository Writing
How does expository writing inform my readers?
Expository writing is writing that is designed to convey information or
explain what is difficult to understand.
In order to write great expository essays, it's important to
understand exactly what expository writing is. Expository writing is
any type of writing that is used to describe, explain, or inform. In
a nutshell, expository writing is used to convey information from
writer to reader.
An expository essay attempts to explain the subject to the
audience. This may be accomplished by explaining a process,
comparing or contrasting two items, identifying a cause-effect
relationship, explaining with examples, dividing and classifying, or
defining. Depending upon the particular type of expository essay
being written, the order of presentation of supporting details may
vary. The process essay will employ chronological (time) order; the
essay which compares or contrasts, explains with examples, or
divides and classifies may use an order of importance (most-toleast important or least-to-most important); the essay which
employs causal analysis may identify a cause and then predict its
effect or start with the effect and seek to identify its cause.
Expository
An expository writing is
meant to inform the
reader
These are examples of
expository writing:
·
Tell what happened when .
Write a report on . . .
·
Explain how to . . .
·
Describe how to . . .
·
Examples of topic/thesis statements:
"I really like brownies, and I will tell you how to make them."
This is an unfocused topic/thesis statement. The subject of the
sentence is "I" rather than "brownies." The focus, then, is on the
writer rather than on the topic.
"Brownies are a delicious treat and can be made in five easy
steps."
Now we have something to work with. The subject is "brownies"
and the reader knows what can be expected from the paper. A rule of thumb.
In expository writing, stay away from first and second person pronouns.
Focus is often lost by placing emphasis on the writer or reader.
A rule of thumb.
No paragraph should have fewer than three or four sentences. Each
should have a topic sentence, which states the purpose of the
sentence, and two or three sentences which provide evidence.
Examples of expository writing:
Think of an insect you dislike and explain why. Make sure to give good
reasons and examples to support your choice.)
Expository Writing Plan
1. Choose one subject.
( mosquitoes)
2. List three reasons.
1. annoying when I am outside
2. their bites itch
3. they carry diseases like the West Nile Virus)
3. Each reason gets a paragraph. (The paragraphs must only be
about one reason each! Stick to the topic!)
4. Examples follow each reason.
5. Use the subject and reasons to construct your
introduction and conclusion.
Example expository paragraph:
One reason I hate mosquitoes is because they are so
annoying while I am outside. For example, whenever we
have cookouts, they want to swarm all around the food.
Also, when I go fishing with my Dad, we always have to
wear bug spray. The bug spray always stinks to high
heaven! Then, if you do not want to use bug spray, the
only other way to get them to leave you alone is to wear
long sleeves. Yet, who wants to wear long sleeves when it
is hot outside? Nothing ruins your day like bloodsucking
mosquitoes.
Expository Writing Introductions
What are expository writers trying to accomplish in introductions?
· To tell the reader what they are writing about
· To capture the reader’s attention
Introduction DON'TS
· DO NOT introduce yourself as the author
· DO NOT begin with "I am going to write to you about"
Expository Introduction:
The one job around the house that I hate to do more than anything else is
dealing with the garbage. Sometimes I wish that the garbage would just
learn to take itself out. Taking the garbage out is such a horrible task
because it stinks, it is sticky, and the dogs always carry it away.
Expository Writing Conclusions
What are expository writers trying to accomplish in conclusions?
· To sum the entire writing piece up
Conclusion DO's
· 1st Sentence: Restate your subject
· 2nd Sentence: Restate your reasons
· 3rd Sentence: State a sentence about the future of the subject
Expository Conclusion Paragraph:
Taking out the garbage is the worst household job in the world. No one
should have to suffer through the smell, stickiness, or aggravation of the
dogs. One day, I hope to be able to have a machine to carry it away for me.
Write the following prompts in your composition notebook. Next, follow the
directions for the ABCD attack (handout is glued into your notebook).
Complete steps A, B, and C for each prompt.
Expository writing prompts
Imagine that you could give advice to someone—it could be someone you
know personally, a historical figure, or a famous person living today. Write
an essay that identifies the person and the advice you would give. Choose
a familiar subject so that you can provide details and elaboration that
explain why this person needs your advice.
There are both good things and bad things about playing on a team, such
as the school soccer team or the school volleyball team. Write a
composition for your teacher in which you explain both what is good and
what is bad about playing on a school team. Be sure to explain each point
fully.