1. EXPOSITORY WRITING “Writing that EXPLAINs”
ELEMENTS OF
EXPOSITORY WRITING “Writing that EXPLAINs”

2. What is Expository Writing?
It is a piece of informational text, that explains something to the reader.

3. The PURPOSE of Expository? We use expository writing to…
explain
provide information
define
investigate
clarify

4. Patterns used in Expository Writing:
Chronological order/Time
Cause/Effect
Compare/Contrast
Problem/Solution
Description

5. Elements of an Effective Essay….
Must have a Controlling Idea called the THESIS STATEMENT: a statement that identifies the purpose of your essay, usually in the introduction.
There are no set number of paragraphs
The writer hooks the reader with a strong lead in the introduction

6. Elements of an Effective Essay….
The writer remains objective/no opinions
There is an obvious Pattern of Organization
The writer use smooth transitions/transition statements to move from idea to idea
Uses vivid and interesting language to continue to engage the reader

7. Elements of an Effective piece….
All paragraphs support the Controlling Idea or Thesis
Individual paragraph topics are supported with facts
Researched information is Quoted or Paraphrased
Writer uses Text Evidence from another source
Writer uses Narrative Anecdotes that help explain an idea

8. Elements of an Effective piece….
Ends with a strong conclusion that
Presents no new info
Highlights the most important points of the essay
Leaves the reader with a final thought

9. Where do we see this form of writing?
Newspapers
Magazine reports
Research articles
Reports

10. Is it: Paraphrased or plagiarized?
1.a re-wording and re-structuring of a
text or passage
2. a restatement in a new form of a

11. Is it: Paraphrased or plagiarized?
Plagiarism:
1. the act of using someone else’s
words without giving credit to the
author OR
2. largely maintaining the author’s
words and sentence structure,
only changing a few words and
phrases.

12. 3 MAIN PARTS TO AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
BODY
CONCLUSION

13. Introduction Start with a discussion or narrative anecdote
The purpose is to Hook the Reader’s Attention.
End the introduction with a 3 Point Thesis: Include the 3 main ideas for your body paragraphs in the thesis statement.

14. Body Each body paragraph focuses on one
main idea that also supports the thesis
statement.
Use examples to prove it to the reader
& support your main idea
Use details from your life
Use researched information
(paraphrase or quote it) (use in-text
citations & a Works Cited page)

15. Conclusion Restate your thesis statement Repeat each main idea
Leave reader with a final thought
about the topic.

16. Definitions you need to know…
Expository Essay
Thesis Statement
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Main Idea
Details
Reasons
Examples
Anecdotes

17. How to write an Introduction
What are expository writers trying to accomplish in introductions?
To tell the reader what they are writing about

18. Introduction DON’Ts… DO NOT introduce yourself as the author
DO NOT begin with "I am going to write to you about“
Professional writers DO NOT do this!

19. Introduction DO’s
1st Sentences: Begin with a discussion or anecdote about your topic.
Last Sentence: Give your 3 point thesis:
What is your essay about?
What 3 main points will you make about your topic?

20. Introduction Example
The one job around the house that I hate to do more than anything else is the garbage. Sometimes I wish that the garbage would just learn to take itself out. (DISCUSSION) Taking the garbage out is such a horrible task because it stinks, it is sticky, and the dogs always carry it away. (3 POINT THESIS)

21. Expository Body Paragraph Pattern
A. Topic Sentence:
B. Detail 1:
C. Elaboration of Detail 1:
D. Detail 2:
E. Elaboration of Detail 2:
F. Concluding Sentence:

22. How to Write a Conclusion
What are expository writers trying to accomplish in conclusions?
To sum the entire writing piece up

23. Conclusion DO’s 1st Sentence: Restate your thesis
2nd Sentence: Restate your main points
3rd Sentence: Leave the reader with a final thought.

24. Conclusion Example
Taking out the garbage is the worst household job in the world. (Restates Thesis Statement) No one should have to suffer through the smell, stickiness, or aggravation of the dogs. (Restates main points) One day, I hope to be able to have a machine to carry it away for me. (Final Thought)