1. EXPOSITORY TEXT

2. Expository text gives facts and information about a topic. This kind of text usually states a main idea, or central idea, about the topic and provides details and facts to support it. As you read, notice that the author may also express opinions, or personal beliefs about the topic. Consider both the facts and opinions in the selection to draw conclusions, or come to a reasoned judgment, about what you have read.

3. Expository text is organized in a particular pattern, such as comparison-contrast, sequential or chronological order, logical order, or cause-and-effect. A text may have more than one organizational pattern. For example, the writer may present most of the ideas in a selection in the order in which they happened but organize a particular paragraph with a cause-and-effect structure to show why something happened. Understanding the way a selection is organized can help you to make connections between ideas and information in a text.

4. Expository writing may include procedural text, which includes directs or steps in a process. The writer will organize the steps in a process in a specific sequence. A reader can then follow the steps to complete a task or solve a problem. Expository text may make use of text features such as bold print, headings, captions, key words, and italics. These features can help you find information.

5. For example, a bold word might point out an important idea. It might also tell you that a definition or example of the word follows. Expository writing can also include graphic features, such as maps, charts, illustrations, and diagrams. These features can add information to the selection or present facts in a form that is easy to see.