Expository Writing Notes

Purpose: The purpose of expository writing is to give information, explain a topic, or define something.

Support in expository writing: Expository passages are developed using: Facts and statistical information Cause and effect relationships Examples Steps (for recipes, how-to essays, etc.)

Important information: Since expository writing is factual, it should be written without emotion. It should also be written in the third person (which means, don’t use personal pronouns such as I, me, we, us, you).

Format: Topic sentence (or thesis) must be defined and narrow enough to support. Concluding thought should be a statement that reinforces your main idea. Transition words are important; they help the reader follow along AND reinforces the logic.

Advice: Make sure your topic sentence clearly states a purpose. Support any statement the reader is expected to believe with evidence. Keep to the topic! Don’t go off on a tangent. Use strong words, especially active verbs. Vary your sentence structure. Organize your writing

Which thesis is better? “I really like brownies and I will tell you how to make them.” “Brownies are a delicious treat and can be made by following just a few simple steps.”

What is wrong with the following statement? Kentucky has blue grass.

A better, supported statement: While the grass is known as blue grass, it is actually green with a hint of blue in it. The hills of Kentucky roll for miles, with horse park and fields which display the lush color of the state’s grass.