Expository Reading & Writing An Introduction & Overview

What is expository writing? 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. Nonfiction!

What is expository text? Expository texts include essays, speeches, lab procedures, journals, government documents, newspaper and magazine articles, and directions, among other things. Expository text is meant to ‘expose’ information and is the most frequently used type of writing by students in colleges and universities.

Elements of Expository Texts Use facts and details, opinions and examples to inform and persuade. Typically draw from other reliable sources Might include graphs, drawings or photographs to help illustrate points

Before Reading an Expository Text a Reader Should: Activate prior knowledge about the topic of the text Define key concepts/terms (if you know them ahead of time) Survey the text Look at titles and subheadings Look at the author & research the author Look to see where and when the text was published Look at the length of the reading Note the topics and main ideas

Why do you need to learn how to read and write expository pieces? Most of the texts that you encounter in college and beyond will be expository pieces Most of the papers/essays that you write today, and will continue to write throughout your education and work life, will be expository pieces Bridges in-school and out-of-school literacies (reading and writing)