Unit I: Introduction to Expository Writing By Tanveer Hussain
1. Understanding expository writing (definition, types, purpose, and applications).
What is Expository Writing? Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.
What is Expository Writing? The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather then blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed
What is Expository Writing? Expository writing is defined as presenting reasons, explanations, or steps in a process Informational writing An expository essay should follow a logical sequence and have three different main points Logic and coherence is the main focus of an expository essay
How is it different ? Expository writing does not tell a story Expository writing does not persuade a reader but only gives facts and reasons Expository writing can also give the steps of a process
Expository Writing Introduction of an expository should include the main idea and what the essay is about The three main reasons supporting this main idea should also be included in the introduction
Expository writing contd. Paragraph two should introduce the first reason and give details to support the first reason Paragraph three should introduce the second reason and give details to support the second reason Paragraph four should introduce the third reason and give details to support the third reason The conclusion should re-state all the reasons
Definition of Terms Thesis Statement: The main idea of the whole essay Transition words: Words such as first, second, as a result, which make transitions easy in the essay. Main Ideas: Each paragraph should have a main point or idea Supporting Details: Details support the main ideas
Re-Cap: Expository writing needs: One topic Reasons supporting that topic Details supporting the reasons A conclusion re-stating the reasons Transition words Clear, concise, logical and informative language Topic: How I Would Change the World Brainstorm Three ways in which would like to change the world
Details Can be descriptive Can be factual Can be from personal experience Can be anecdotes
Paragraph One Thesis statement Background information on your three topics I admire friends with great qualities. Three qualities I admire are: loyalty, honesty, a good sense of humor.
Paragraph 2 Put main idea for paragraph 2 on the outline Add your details Personal experiences Descriptive details-describe experience Facts about the topic- Short anecdotes
Paragraph 3 Put your main idea on the outline Add your details Personal experiences Description of how the topic works itself out Examples of the topic
Paragraph 4 Add your main idea onto your outline Add your details Personal examples of how the idea has been experienced by you in your life Describe how the idea “ looks” or what the person does Facts
Conclusion Re-state all of your ideas in your conclusion
Transition words Add your transition words First Second Third Finally, or In Conclusion
The Five-Paragraph Essay A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of: An introductory paragraph Three evidentiary body paragraphs A conclusion
The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following: A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion. Body paragraphs that include evidential support. Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal). A bit of creativity! A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
Types of expository writing Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text. This directions are called organizational patterns.
Types of expository writing Description Sequence Comparison & Contrast Cause and Effect Problem and Solution Classification Anecdotal Evidence
A. Description The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples. It provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds CUE WORDS: for example, the characteristics are, etc.
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:
SAMPLE PASSAGE: The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black blue, green, red, and yellow. At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.
B . Sequence The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order. CUE WORDS: first, second, third; next; then; finally… GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:
SAMPLE PASSAGE: The Olympic games began as athletic festivals to honor the Greek gods. The most important festival was held in the valley of Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. It was this festival that became the Olympic games in 776 B.C. These games were ended in A.D. 394 by the Roman Emperor who ruled Greece. No Olympic games were held for more than 1,500 years. Then the modern Olympics began in 1896. Almost 300 male athletes competed in the first modern Olympics In the games held in 1900, female athletes were allowed to compete. The games have continued every four years since 1896 except during World War II, and they will most likely continue for many years to come.
C. Comparison & Contrast The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different. CUE WORDS: different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand…
Alike Different GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:
SAMPLE PASSAGE: The modern Olympics is very unlike the ancient Olympic games. Individual events are different. While there were no swimming races in the ancient games, for example, there were chariot races. There were no female contestants and all athletes competed in the nude. Of course, the ancient and modern Olympics are also alike in many ways. Some events, such as the javelin and discus throws, are the same. Some people say that cheating, professionalism, and nationalism in the modern games are a disgrace to the Olympic tradition. But according to the ancient Greek writers, there were many cases of cheating, nationalism, and professionalism in their Olympics too.
D. Cause and Effect The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects. CUE WORDS: reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because…
Cause Effect 1 Effect 2 Effect 3 GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:
SAMPLE PASSAGE: There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.
E. Problem and Solution The author states a problem and lists one or more solutions for the problem. A variation of this pattern is the question- and-answer format in which the author poses a question and then answers it. CUE WORDS: problem is; dilemma is; puzzle is solved; question... answer …
Problem Solution GRAPHIC ORGANIZER :
SAMPLE PASSAGE: One problem with the modern Olympics is that it has become very big and expensive to operate. The city or country that hosts the games often loses a lot of money. A stadium, pools, and playing fields must be built for the athletic events and housing is needed for the athletes who come from around the world. And all of these facilities are used for only 2 weeks! In 1984, Los Angeles solved these problems by charging a fee for companies who wanted to be official sponsors of the games. Companies like McDonald's paid a lot of money to be part of the Olympics. Many buildings that were already built in the Los Angeles area were also used. The Coliseum where the 1932 games were held was used again and many colleges and universities in the area became playing and living sites.
F. Classification The writer puts information into groups and sub-groups that support the main topic. CUE WORDS: the first kind, the second kind, third type….
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:
E xample: In a classification essay on movie genres, you might categorize films into different genres based on their themes, styles, and audience appeal. Each category would have its defining characteristics, such as plot elements, tone, and typical audience demographics.
G . Anecdotal Evidence Anecdotal evidence refers to personal stories, individual accounts, or isolated examples that are used to support a claim or argument. While anecdotal evidence can be compelling and relatable, it is based on personal experiences and may not reflect broader trends or realities.
Example A person might claim that a particular dietary supplement drastically improved their energy levels and overall health. They may share a personal story of their experience with the supplement, detailing how it transformed their life. While this anecdotal evidence is persuasive on an individual level, it does not provide scientific or statistically significant proof of the supplement's effectiveness for everyone. For that, one would need to rely on controlled studies with a larger sample size and scientific methodologies.
Purpose expository writing The main purpose of expository writing is To present information in a balanced, detailed, and objective way. It should inform the reader about many different perspectives on a topic as well as give ample evidence to support the topic.
Purpose expository writing To explain or clarify a concept, process, or phenomenon using evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. Unlike persuasive or argumentative essays, The purpose of an expository essay is not to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or opinion, but rather to provide clear and concise information.
Purpose expository writing Informing: expository writing aims to educate and provide readers with new or valuable information. It seeks to convey facts, details, concepts, or ideas about a topic in a straightforward and concise manner. Explaining: expository writing helps readers grasp complex subjects by breaking them down into simpler terms. It aims to clarify abstract concepts, processes, or phenomena, making them more accessible and understandable.
Purpose expository writing Instructing: Expository writing provides step-by-step instructions or guidelines on how to perform a task, accomplish a goal, or understand a process. It offers a clear sequence of actions or explanations to ensure readers can follow and replicate the instructions. Presenting an analysis: Expository writing often involves analyzing and evaluating information, data, or evidence related to a particular subject. It may include comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, examining cause-and-effect relationships, or offering an objective evaluation of a situation.
What are the examples of expository writing? Expository writing is a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, and give information and uses evidence, details, and facts to support the topic. An example of expository writing is found in many news articles where the writer is presenting information without taking a side or giving their opinion
Application of Expository Writing An expository essay is a good choice when the goal is to inform, explain, describe, or instruct. You may be assigned an expository essay as part of an in-class exam or coursework assignment. Here are some common situations in which writing an expository essay would be appropriate :
Application of Expository Writing Academic Assignments: Expository essays are frequently assigned in educational settings. Teachers often use this type of essay to assess students’ understanding of a particular subject or to teach them how to research and present information effectively. They are common in subjects such as English, history, science, social studies, or any discipline that requires a clear explanation or analysis of a topic.
Application of Expository Writing Instructional or How-to Writing: When you want to provide step-by-step instructions or guidance on how to perform a task, solve a problem, or achieve a specific outcome, an expository essay can be an appropriate format. This type of writing is commonly used in manuals, guidebooks, tutorials, or any instructional material. Journalism or News Writing: Expository writing is prevalent in journalism, where the goal is to inform readers about current events, news stories, or investigative reports. Journalists strive to present objective information, provide background details, and explain complex issues clearly to their audience.
Application of Expository Writing Professional or Technical Writing: In various professional fields, such as business, healthcare, engineering, or law, expository writing is utilized to convey information to colleagues, clients, or the general public. This includes writing reports, memos, manuals, research papers, or any form of communication that requires clear and factual presentation of information.