1. -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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. “A Less Germy Hello”
Complete Chart as Class

11. Work in Groups
Complete Charts in Groups

12. 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

13. 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”

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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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