-Gene Bryan Johnson Journalist Exposition “Expository writing makes things clear . . . My job is to explain things in a way that people can understand.” -Gene Bryan Johnson Journalist

What is Exposition? Exposition is writing that informs or explains something to the reader The world is full of expository writing: Newspaper/magazine articles Summaries Informational reports How-to manuals Book reports

Group Activity Write down a list of expository examples you have come across in the last few days Remember that expository is matter of fact, or if expressing an opinion, based on fact Movie review News story Instructions Etc.

Types of Exposition Exposition is probably the most common type of writing Examples Newspaper stories Magazine articles Movie/book reviews Operating instructions Reports in scientific journals Chapters in history textbooks Entries in encyclopedias

5 Basic Categories of Exposition Compare & Contrast Essay A writer considers similarities and differences How-to Instructions Explain the steps involved in doing a task & anticipate any questions a reader may have Cause-and-Effect Essay A writer explores the reasons a particular event or situation occurred. The explanation of the causes of the event or situation must include solid supporting facts/details Informational Report A writer gathers relevant information and presents it in a clear and interesting way Presents facts, statistics, and other info about a topic Product Evaluation A writer presents a reasoned opinion of strengths and weaknesses of a particular item or service Helps the reader make an informed decision about whether to use or purchase

Group Activity Brainstorming on the most interesting times in history San Francisco earthquake 1906 The Great Chicago Fire The Holocaust The Civil War The Civil Rights Movement Space Exploration

Problem-Solution Essay Problem-solution essays go further than just identifying an issue: It offers an idea or changing it An effective problem-solution includes: A clear statement of problem A proposal of at least one realistic solution Facts, statistics, data, expert opinion A clear organizational pattern Appropriate language for audience background knowledge

Types of Problem-and-Solution Essays Consumer issues: quality & price control Iphones, Subway, Cars, Gas Time-management issues: finding a balance between work, school, and leisure HS students, parents, President, pro athletes Local issues: neighborhood and community concerns Schools, parks, leaf collection, farmer spraying

Organize your Prob-Sol Essay 1.) Begin with a HQQK and conclude intro with direct statement of problem 2.) Define/describe problem 3.) Discuss possible solutions 4.) Conclude Essay with C2A

“A Less Germy Hello” Complete Chart as Class

Work in Groups Complete Charts in Groups

Cause-and-Effect Essay Cause-and-Effect essays examine the relationship between events, explaining how one events or situation causes another. A successful cause-and-effect essay includes the following: Discussion of the cause (event or condition) An explanation of an effect (outcome or result) Evidence and Examples for support Logical organization

Types of Cause-and-Effect Essays Scientific Reports “The cause and effect of pollution in the atmosphere” Current Events Article “How mega-malls influence main street USA” Health Studies “The effect of a high-protein diet”

How to Organize Cause-and-Effect Chronological Order Presents events as they occurred Order of Importance Sequence based on relative importance

“Kicking the Habit” Cause-Effect Chart Complete Chart as a Class

Group Work Begins Cause-Effect Charts in groups Finish for homework MAKE SURE EACH PERSON CHOOSES DIFFERENT SUB-TOPIC

Compare and Contrast Essay Short piece of expository writing that describes similarities and differences between two or more subjects An effective compare/contrast essay includes: Identifies a purpose for comparison & contrast Gives factual details about the subjects compared Uses an organizational plan suited for topic/purpose

Organizing a Compare/Contrast Essay There are two basic strategies: Block Talk about all the similarities then differences Talk about all about one subject and then the next Point by Point Talk about each individual aspects of subjects sharing how each is alike and different Example: MLK Jr. vs. President Lincoln

Signal Words Compare= Differences= However On the other hand Similarly Equally Likewise Resembles Also Alike Both Same as Differences= However On the other hand By contrast More/less instead Unlike Differ/differently

“The Bookless Library” Complete Compare/Contrast Chart as Class

Work in Groups Begin Compare and Contrast Charts in groups Finish for homework Make sure each person chooses a different sub-category within historical event