Expository Writing

What is Expository Writing? Writing used to:  Explain  Describe  Give Information **The creator of an expository text CANNOT assume that the reader has prior knowledge of the topic.**

Examples of Expository Writing  Non-fiction book  Newspaper  Magazine Examples of NON Expository  Fiction Novels  Plays  Poems  Personal Narratives

Things to keep in mind when writing:  Strong organization of information is important – use a graphic organizer!  Each paragraph brings the reader deeper into the subject by providing new information.  An expository essay has a specific formula as to what should appear in each paragraph.

1 st Paragraph (Introduction)  Begins with a good “Attention Grabber” to draw your reader in.  States the topic.  Provides a preview of the body paragraph(s).  Concludes with a transition sentence that leads into the next paragraph.

Body Paragraph  Each paragraph has its own topic related to the main idea of the essay.  Use details and examples to explain the topic of each paragraph – do not repeat yourself.  Each paragraph needs a transition sentence.

Conclusion Paragraph  Restate your topic from the introduction, but in DIFFERENT WORDS.  Summarize your body paragraph.  End with a “Closure Sentence” that makes the reader think and wraps up your paper.

Attention Grabbers  Ask a question. “Ever wonder why different shoes are needed for different sports?”  Make a startling or big statement “Dribbling well makes you untouchable!”  Quick visual images “Cheerleaders! Buzzers! Last second shots!”  Challenge the reader “I bet you can’t think of a single place that has more former players in the NBA than the Univ. of Kentucky.”  Quotes  Statistics  Fascinating Facts  Personal anecdote or feelings.

Attention Grabbers  Quotes. “The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.”  Statistics. “ 35% of all DMPS students drop out of high school.”  Fascinating Facts “The score was 90 to 72. The record was held by Dan Issel with 53 points. Meeks broke the record at 54 points in the recent KS/TN basketball game.”  Personal anecdote or feelings. “My friend had always wanted a pet, but her parents would never allow her to have one. I told her she should investigate virtual pets online.”

Closure Sentences  Summary of Main Point. “For all these reasons…” “In conclusion…”  Challenge. “The next time you are tempted to throw trash...”  Feelings. “It is every American’s duty to keep our country clean.”  Value to the Reader. “This information is sure to help you in purchasing your next vehicle.”

Closure Sentences  Invitation. “Wouldn’t you like to be a part of our efforts to fight for animal rights?”  Further Exploration. “If you would like to know more about…”  Restatement. “Therefore, reading to your children is very important.”

Example of Expository Explain why forest fires can be a good thing for a forest. Did you know not all forest fires are bad? Some forest fires can actually be a good thing, because they provide many benefits to the forest. Smokey the Bear may not agree. But that’s because no one let him in on this little secret. In his defense, this little secret is not very well know. But Forest fires might be a good thing for a forest, because they help clean the forest and nourish the soil. According to the article on page 5, “Forest fires kill harmful insects and bacteria in the soil allowing for new growth to occur.” This is very helpful because getting rid of the harmful insects and bacteria allow for new seeds to spread across the forest floor and create more green foliage. Helping the forest get rid of the bad and bring in the good is beneficial for everyone. Which is why forest fires can be a good thing for forests. They help get rid of harmful bacteria and insects so new things can grow. Someone might want to let Smokey the Bear in on this little secret!