Explaining Concepts: the Keys to Understanding
Expository Writing
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Purpose (Objective): convey an idea or concept to an
audience
Generally, a concept will be something abstract (not holding
physical reality but still having existence either mentally,
intellectually, or spiritually, which could mean that it is
mythical).
For example, spiritual concepts such as purgatory, heaven, or
reincarnation (see also sin vs. karma) would all qualify. Here
are some other abstract concepts: freedom, democracy, love,
and hate.
Biological and or chemical concepts that may have some concrete or
physical existence also qualify for this particular genre. Schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, diabetes, etc. are complicated medical concepts that may
have an intricate, physical existence.
Explanatory Strategies
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Defining: state the meanings of key terms and
concepts
Illustrating (using examples): offer anecdotal
evidence and descriptive details to help the
audience visualize the concept (provide
concrete images).
Classifying: sorting examples, case studies,
etc. into appropriate categories.
Explanatory Strategies
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Comparison and contrast: pointing out similarities and
differences (often takes the familiar and / or less complex
and compares it to more abstract ideas). If one writes a
paper explaining anorexia, one may compare and contrast it
with bulimia or some other eating disorder.
Narrating a process: explains a procedure step by step
(i.e., the stages of a disease).
Reporting known causes and effects: demonstrate how
know causes or know effects relate to your topic (i.e., the
known causes of diabetes or the known effects of the
disease). You need not argue the less accepted – only report
the standard.
Integrating Sources Smoothly
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Quote: uses exact wording of the source Paraphrase: capturing the gist of what the source has to say
but doing so in your own words (assume you are writing for a
general audience).
Summarize: condenses a large source (whole book or
magazine) into its essence. Make sure that the original
meaning is not lost in the abridgment.
Cite all of your sources both in the text (parenthetical) and at
the end Reference (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page.
Topics:
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Linguistics (irony, plot, metaphorical language,
modernism)
Gender studies (feminism, misogyny)
Art (surrealism, cubism)
Business / work (budget, management)
Government (communism, socialism, capitalism)
Psychology (behaviorism, psychoanalysis, bipolar
disorder, dementia, ADHD, neurosis)
Topics:
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Biology (photosynthesis)
Law (liability, legal insanity, sexual
harassment)
Environmental studies (acid rain, climate
change)
Religious / spiritual (heaven, hell, purgatory –
after life – karma, reincarnation, near death
experiences)
Philosophical (nihilism, existential ism,
transcendentalism)
Potential problems (red flags)
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Failure to do sufficient homework /
understanding the concept
Sources used too heavily – eclipses tone /
personal voice
Flow issues – info is introduced too quickly or
slowly
Ambiguity – confusing the audience with
unclear definitions, examples, etc.
Structure:
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Anecdote or attention grabber
 Thesis
 Forecast
Body
 Supports thesis
 Comparisons, examples, definitions, etc.
Conclusion - restate thesis and leave an
impression
Assignment
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Compose a three to six page essay that explains a
concept.
Consider and implement the genre strategies: Defining,
Illustrating, Comparing, Contrasting, Analysis,
Classification, Reporting Known Causes / Effects
Font: Times New Roman & Double-Spaced
Format: MLA (heading, page #, and Works Cited page)
Do not forget to use in-text-citations- - -- (Smith 33).
Sources: 5 = average, 7= above average, 8 or more =
Rock Star Status - 