Reading and Writing Expository Texts Chapter 11 – Reading and Writing Expository Texts © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Opening Activity Expository writing explains or provides information. Reflect on that, and then discuss the following questions: What type of professional, information- based writing have you read recently? What was the purpose of that writing? © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Outcomes By the time you finish reading and studying this chapter, you should be able to: LO1 Understand expository texts. LO2 Read and respond to an expository text (using a line diagram). LO3 Plan expository writing. LO4 Write the first draft. LO5 Revise the writing. LO6 Edit the writing. Matej Kastelic, 2014/Used under license from Shutterstock.com © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Understanding Expository Texts Below are six common forms of expository texts: Explains or clarifies a main idea with specific reasons, facts and details Illustration Breaks a subject into categories, explaining each category and relating them to the whole Classification Explores the meaning of a word or concept Definition Gives step-by-step instructions for completing a task Process Identifies the reasons something occurred and the result from it Cause-Effect Explains how two or more subjects are alike and different Comparison-Contrast © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Reading and Responding to an Expository Text Once you determine the main idea of an expository paragraph—which is usually located in the topic sentence—look for details that support it. A line diagram can help you identify the supporting points. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Planning Expository Writing To write your expository paragraph: Decide on a Focus Once you have selected a topic, focus on a feature or part of your topic Identify Supporting Points Identify points that support your focus Gather Details Come up with additional details to clarify each supporting point Form Your Topic Sentence Specific Topic + Thought or Feeling About It © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Writing the First Draft When writing your supporting points and details, consider the following techniques to give your readers a clear understanding of your main idea: Use at least three strong points to support your main idea. Arrange supporting points in an order that makes the best sense. Clearly detail each supporting point so it is clear to the reader. Review models you have read to get ideas for your own paragraphs. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Writing the First Draft Remember that each paragraph consists of three main parts: © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Revising the Writing To revise your writing: Read your draft two or three times Have your classmates read and react to your work Look for opportunities to cut repeated ideas and unrelated or inaccurate information Alexander A.Trofimov, 2014/Used under license from Shutterstock.com © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Editing the Writing Avoid fragments and run-ons. A fragment is an incomplete thought. A run-on is when two are more independent clauses are joined incorrectly. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Editing the Writing Avoid comma splices, which are when two independent clauses are incorrectly connected with only a comma. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Editing the Writing Use an editing checklist (Figure 11.4) to help you check for errors in your paragraph. Add an appropriate title. Try one of the following strategies: rnl, 2014/Used under license from Shutterstock.com

© 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Closing Activity Draw upon your own expertise to create a process-based expository paragraph: 1. Provide step-by-step instructions for how to complete a task. 2. Think about and include sufficient supportive details. 3. Make sure your paragraph includes the three main parts of a topic sentence, body sentences, and a closing sentence. 4. Revise your paragraph to cut unnecessary details. 5. Lastly, edit your sentences for correctness. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.