Writing focus 1 – expository writing Writing that seeks to explain!

Expository writing is writing that tries to explain, illuminate or 'expose' (which is where the word 'expository' comes from). This type of writing includes paragraphs, newspaper and magazine articles, instruction manuals, textbooks, encyclopedia articles and other forms of writing, so long as they seek to explain.

Expository paragraphs have an introductory or topic sentence Expository paragraphs have an introductory or topic sentence. The topic sentence shows the reader what the main point of the paragraph is. This is further explained to the reader with several supporting details that prove or explain what is in the introduction. Finally, there is a concluding paragraph in which everything is summed up nicely, leaving the reader feeling satisfied. It shouldn’t feel to the reader like you just abruptly stopped writing and left the room, never to have come back and finished your explanation.

When writing an expository paragraph, it's important to write with the assumption that your audience has little to no background knowledge about your main topic. Your duty as the writer is to provide the reader with as much information as you can. The reader should feel as if he or she has learned something after reading your paragraph.

A few guidelines on coming up with a topic sentence Don’t start explaining anything in your topic sentence. Save this for later! Don’t use a because phrase. Save your reasons for your supporting sentences. Eg. Bacon is my favourite food because it is delicious. Instead, break this into two sentences – one is a topic, the other becomes a supporting sentence. Eg. Bacon is my absolute favourite food. It is delicious and when its aroma fills my house, the morning is off to a great start. Be specific and clear. Don’t assume the reader knows what you’re going to be writing about. A stranger should be able to read your paragraph and learn something.

Example paragraph – we do Every Morning – as a class, we will write a paragraph about a typical morning, from the time you get up to the when you arrive at school. Start by brainstorming your ideas in the box. We can make a web, a list, or just write ideas as they come. Don’t stress about spelling – it will be fixed in a different writing phase.

Topic sentence Let’s write a topic sentence as a class.

Supporting details Using our brainstorming, let’s select the details we are going to use.

Supporting detail 1

Supporting detail 2

Supporting detail 3

Closing sentence Use synonyms to restate the idea in your topic sentence or draw a conclusion.