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Sunday 11 July 2010

Expository Writing Overview

expository writing

Goal:
Expository writing seeks to inform, explain, clarify, define or instruct.
Characteristics:

The general characteristics of expository writing include:
  • focus on main topic
  • logical supporting facts
  • details, explanations, and examples
  • strong organization
  • clarity
  • unity and coherence
  • logical order
  • smooth transitions
Uses:
Expository writing appears in and is not limited to letters, newsletters, definitions, instructions, guidebooks, catalogues, newspaper articles, magazine articles, manuals, pamphlets, reports and research papers.
Exercises:
  • Write a story about a trip you are going to take and what friend you want to take with you. Explain why this friend would be the best person to go with you.
  • Describe the cause and effects of pollution in the environment. Narrow your topic to one form of pollution, such as something that causes air, water or land pollution.
  • Explain the process of baking a birthday cake.
  • Find an example of expository writing; explain the elements that make this a good example.
Additional
Internet sites:

The Expository Essay
A Think Quest entry, this site explains and offers examples of the different kinds of expository writing.
Expository Writing Prompts
A one-page article that describes this genre while also including links to examples of expository writing.
Expository Writing Resources
Visit this list for additional resources gathered by the Web English Teacher.

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