Expository writing
Expository writing is a
mode of
writing in which the purpose of the author is to inform, explain, describe or define his or her subject to the reader. Expository text is meant to ‘expose' information and is the most frequently used type of writing by students in colleges and universities. A well-written exposition remains focused on its topic and provides facts in order to inform its reader. It should be unbiased, accurate, and use a scholarly
third person tone. The text needs to encompass all aspects of the subject. Examples of expository writing can be found in magazine and newspaper articles, non-fiction books, travel brochures, business reports, memorandums, professional journal and encyclopedia articles and many other types of informative writing. One of the most familiar and basic forms of expository writing is the five-paragraph essay, which features an introduction with a clear thesis statement, three main body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Definition
Defining topics and subjects is particularly important in expository writing. Defining an object is, simply, stating what the particular object is.
Description
Writing which intends to describe a person, place or thing is known as descriptive writing and is a form of expository writing. Description involves giving characteristics- such as how something appears, smells or the dimensions of an object.
Sequence
This structure is also known as ‘process or collection' and is a form of expository writing that is used if the author intends to inform his readers by listing the order of steps in a process or listing events in chronological order (Heller). Examples of this type of writing are cooking instructions, driving directions and instructions on performing a task. Key words such as first, after, next, then and last usually signal sequential writing.
Classification
Classification is an organizational strategy in which authors arrange groups of objects or ideas according to a common topic in detail (Heller). Placing different objects or ideas in categories is a type of classification.
Comparison
Comparative text shows how two or more subjects are similar or contrasting. This type of structure is often used in determining which is the better of two or more choices.
Cause and effect
Cause and effect writing identifies the reason for something occurring and lists what occurs because of that reason. This is also known as analysis text.
Persuasion
Persuasive writing is writing in which the intent is to convince the reader to agree with the author. Persuasive writing attempts to get the reader to feel or act a certain way towards the subject.
Expository is a form of the English word 'expose' which is derived from the Old English 'exposen' and the Old French 'exposer'. Each of these words originated from the Latin 'exponere' which means: to set forth.
Arrington, P. "Reflections on the Expository Principle."
College English; Mar1992, Vol. 54 Issue 3, p314, 19p
Heller, Mary.
Reading, Writing Connections from Theory to Practice. Longman: 1995.
Singer, Murray. "Robust Inference Processes in Expository Text Comprehension."
European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, Oct2003, Vol. 15 Issue 4, p607, 25p
The American Heritage Dictionary (etymology)
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