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

2. © 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?
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3. © 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
© Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
© Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

4. 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
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5. 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.
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6. 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
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7. 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.
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8. Writing the First Draft
Remember that each paragraph consists of three main parts:
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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
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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.
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11. © 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.
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12. 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

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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.
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