Lesson 14 Expository Essays.

Lesson 14 Expository Essays

Objectives Learn how to write an expository essay;
After Studying the unit, the student should be able to: Learn how to write an expository essay; Master the skills and methods of explaining a process or what something is, for instance, comparison and contrast, classification, cause and effect, and definition.

a little test Scan through the following paragraphs and recognize what type of writing each one belongs to

Narration 1 After the Battle of Chaironeia in 338 BC, Philip of Makedon and his son Alexander gained control over the Greek city-states. They erected the Philippeion (a family memorial) in the sanctuary, and held political meetings at Olympia during each Olympiad. In 146 BC, the Romans gained control of Greece and, therefore, of the Olympic games. In 85 BC, the Roman general Sulla plundered the sanctuary to finance his campaign against Mithridates. Sulla also moved the 175th Olympiad (80 BC) to Rome.

Description 2 Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black blue, green, red, and yellow on a white field . At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.

Exposition 3There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.

Argumentation There are lots of reasons to oppose Olympic Games as we know them, not just the 1996 or 2000 games but all of them. A brief outline of ten reasons is given here. The points made here summaries ideas analyzed in far more depth and detail in various studies. 1. The Games are an arena for power politics 2. Corporate interests penetrate the Olympics through sponsorship of the Games themselves and through sponsorship of athletes and use of athletes for commercial purposes. 3.The Games are exclusively competitive. …

Language features of different styles of writing
Narration time , character, event Description adjectives, specific verbs Argumentation for ,against ,I think ,hold…

The purpose of narration
to tell a story

The purpose of description
to show with senses

The purpose of argumentation
to persuade

What are the purposes of expository writing?
To inform To describe To explain types

Types of expository writing
1 sequential essays inform processes 2 descriptive essays describe a topic or subject 3 cause and effect essays examine causes ,describe effects or both 4 comparison and contrast essays explain similarities and differences

recipe, guidebook…

newspapers, magazine articles…

reports and essays

Expository Essay Ⅰ Introduction to an expository essay
Expository writing is the most widely used type. Exposition means explaining. An expository paper explains something, such as the process of making a machine, the causes of a natural or social phenomenon, the solution of a problem. It mainly deals with processes and relationships. Expository writing in most cases requires a rather impersonal attitude. It can be handled successfully only with careful and logical thinking.

Expository Essay Ⅱ What is an expository essay? There are 2 kinds
1. “how”---it explains a process, how to do sth. eg. How to cook a dish How to learn English well How to solve energy crisis How to write an essay 2. “what”---it explains an idea, a phenomenon, etc. eg. Culture shock birth-control policy in China science and human life

Expository Essay Ⅲ Structure Introduction: lead into the subject and state thesis statement. It is advisable to state the thesis in the first paragraph. Body: develop the thesis statement Conclusion: summarize the previous discussion; restate thesis statement; propose a solution; predict a result, etc.

Structure of Exposition
1.Introduction Note: You should not include anything in your introduction that is not addressed in the body of your composition. Example: Many a time in my life I’ve been asking myself about what career I shall take and what I can do to prepare myself for it.Although my ideas are not consistent,I have now decided on college teaching as my life-long career.

2.Body paragraphs Note: Refer to the keywords from the question as often as possible.

A variety of reasons have led me to choose this occupation over other more lucrative ones.First, teaching means learning.College is a place where I can enrich my knowledge and improve myself. Besides,to make my lectures more constructive and stimulating,I have to read extensively,explore new knowledge and gain a better understanding of the world—the very thing I enjoy in my life.Second, teaching means independence.As a teacher,I am my own boss and free to use my own ideas to make my own decisions.It is a privilege not everyone can have, even those with highly-paid positions.The content of my lessons and the way of delivering lessons largely depend on myself.Finally,I like teaching because it offers a sense of dignity.A teacher is not only a person who passes down knowledge,but a person who plays an important role in the process of students’growing. To be a teacher,I am a person who helps to create and mould students’personality.I am proud of such a noble career.

3. Conclusion Answer the question according to your thesis bring together all your information in a more general way in the introduction. Example However,teaching is a demanding job.Only a person with rich knowledge can make a qualified teacher.In order to be a college teacher,I shall study hard not only in class,but also in daily life.Moreover, I shall train my patience,improve my handwriting, and enlarge my knowledge.

The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples
Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples A baby elephant is the biggest of all land babies. A newborn baby weighs more than two hundred pounds. It is about three feet high. The new body is strong too. Almost as soon as it is born, it can walk about.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples A baby elephant is the biggest of all land babies (main idea). A newborn baby weighs more than two hundred pounds. It is about three feet high. The new body is strong too. Almost as soon as it is born, it can walk about (supporting details).

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Fins are a great help in swimming. A fish pushes itself forward by moving its tail and tail fins from side to side. Its other fins help it keep its balance. They also help guide it.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Fins are a great help in swimming (main idea). A fish pushes itself forward by moving its tail and tail fins from side to side. Its other fins help it keep its balance. They also help guide it (supporting details).

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Alice’s adventures in wonderland is a good book. It is a story of a girl who dreamt that she went down a rabbit hole and had many adventures. She drank something from a bottle to get smaller. Then she ate a little cake to get bigger. She went to a mad party where she met a March Hare and quarrelled with him. It was a curious dream. Alice told her sister about the dream.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Alice’s adventures in wonderland is a good book (main idea). It is a story of a girl who dreamt that she went down a rabbit hole and had many adventures. She drank something from a bottle to get smaller. Then she ate a little cake to get bigger. She went to a mad party where she met a March Hare and quarrelled with him. It was a curious dream. Alice told her sister about the dream (supporting details).

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Owls are well equipped to do their hunting at night. The animals that they like best to eat are those that are active at night. The feathers of an owl are so soft that he can swoop down upon a mouse or a rat without being heard. The big eyes of an owl help him to see well even at night.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Owls are well equipped to do their hunting at night (main idea). The animals that they like best to eat are those that are active at night. The feathers of an owl are so soft that he can swoop down upon a mouse or a rat without being heard. The big eyes of an owl help him to see well even at night (supporting details).

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Most people are free to enjoy themselves in the evenings and on weekends. Some spend their time watching television, listening to the radio or going to movies; others participate in sports. It depends on their interests. There are various ways to spend one’s free time.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Most people are free to enjoy themselves in the evenings and on weekends. Some spend their time watching television, listening to the radio or going to movies; others participate in sports. It depends on their interests (supporting details). There are various ways to spend one’s free time (main idea).

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Keep your trees outdoor until the day before Christmas. Never use lighted candles. There are also other suggestions for avoiding a Christmas tree fire. Turn off the lights before you leave the house and throw away the tree by the New Year’s day.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples Keep your trees outdoor until the day before Christmas. Never use lighted candles. There are also other suggestions for avoiding a Christmas tree fire (main idea). Turn off the lights before you leave the house and throw away the tree by the New Year’s day.

Exposition Writing The Position of Topic Sentence : Examples On weekend as soon as Tom gets out of his bed, he seats himself right in front of the television and start searching for his favorite program. “Have your breakfast, please Tom”. His mother tells him, but he won’t make his move at all. At her second call he will slowly get up and turn the television set to face the dining table. He doesn’t miss any part of the program while having breakfast. After he has finished, he moves the television set to its normal direction and watches on and on until the end of the last afternoon program at 6.30 p.m.

Exposition Writing The thesis statement must be defined and narrow enough to be supported within the essay. Each supporting paragraph must have a distinct controlling topic and all other sentences must factually relate directly to it. The transition words or phrases are important as they help the reader follow along and reinforce the logic. Finally, the conclusion paragraph should originally restate the thesis and the main supporting ideas. Finish with a statement that reinforces your position in a meaningful and memorable way. Never introduce new material in the conclusion.

Developing Methods --illustration
★Illustration is the use of example to illustrate a point. It is the most common, and often the most efficient, pattern of exposition. ★Good examples help to clarify a writer’s thought by making the general specific, and the abstract concrete. They also add interest and help to persuade or convince the reader.

★A successful illustration paper depends on a wise selection of sufficient examples which are specific and typical, interesting and relevant---personal or second-hand from reliable sources;

Model Language and Culture …… Once a group of Chinese were visiting the home of a fairly well-to-do American. As they were shown around the house, they commented, “you have a very nice home. It’s so beautiful.” The hostess smiled with obvious pleasure and replied in good American fashion “Thank you”—which caused surprise among some of her Chinese guests. Later, while conversing at the dinner table, the host remarked to the Chinese interpreter, a young lady who had graduated not long ago from a Chinese university, “Your English is excellent. Really quite fluent.” To this she said, “No, no. My English is quite poor”—an answer that he had not expected and found a bit puzzling. Was the American hostess’ reply immodest, as it seemed to some of the Chinese? Was the young Chinese interpreter’s remark insincere, as it sounded to the Americans? In both cases the answer is no. …… Thesis Statement: The same words or expressions may not mean the same thing to people of different languages and cultures.

Exposition 举例说明文举例说明文使用例子阐明观点，这是最常见，往往也是最有效的阐释模式。不用例子确实难以写好任何文章。好的例子有助于作者清楚地表达思想，从而避免泛泛而谈。实例能使抽象的问题具体化，这样不但能引起读者的兴趣，还可以增强文章的说服力。一篇好的举例说明文应该做到以下2点：

Exposition 1）精心地挑选一些具体、典型、有趣，与题目密切相关的例子，例子可以是作者的亲身经历，也可以来自可靠的第二手资；
2）妥贴地编排例子。类似的、相关的例子应归在一起，并按照逐步推向高潮的递进顺序排列。

例如： Elements and Compounds
Aluminum (AL), water (H2O), oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are substances. Some substances are elements and some are compounds. Elements have only one type of atom whereas compounds have more than one type. Aluminum is an element: it has only one type of atom (i.e. it has only aluminum atoms). Oxygen has only one type of atom, so it is also an element. Carbon dioxide has two types of atom (carbon and oxygen), so it is a compound. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is also a compound: it has three types of atom (hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen), water is also a compound.

Exposition (这篇短文通过举例的方法，对铝、氧、水、二氧化碳、硫酸等例子进行分析,通过铝元素、氧元素分别是由铝原子和氧原子组成的，而水是由氢和氧、二氧化碳是由碳和氧、硫酸是由氢、硫、氧组成的这种现象，最终说明了“元素是由一种原子组成的，而混合物则是由一种以上的原子组成”这一主题。文章短小清楚，使读者易于理解。)

Developing Methods --classification
★ It is used to classify one subject into several categories according to a common quality. eg. courses in college can be classified into “elective” and required/obligatory”, or into those taught in the native language and those offered in foreign languages. ★ The same group of things may be classified according to different principles.

Developing Methods --classification
★ when using classification in your writing, keep in mind the following guidelines: Choose an appropriate principle A body of students may be classified into male and female, or majors of natural sciences, social sciences, etc. Apply your principle consistently and thoroughly, and avoid overlapping. eg. It is faulty to classify delegates at a conference into Europeans, Africans, Canadians, Chinese and blacks. For the first two categories are based on regional distinction, and the two in between on nationality, whereas the last on race.

Exposition 分类说明文分类说明文是把复杂的说明对象,按一定的标准，分成若干类,然后再分别说明或描述各事物的特点和差异。在撰写分类说明文时应注意： 1）被说明的对象必须是同属不同类或同类不同种的事物，不同属，不同类的事物不能用分类法说明； 2）分类的标准必须统一，不可同时用两种不同的标准分类，也不可以中途变更标准。

Exposition 例 1 Musical Instruments
There are many different kinds of musical instruments. They are divided into three main classes according to the way that they are played. For example, some instruments are played by blowing air into them. These are called wind instruments（管乐）. In some of these the air is made to vibrate inside a wooden tube, and these are said to be the wood wind family. Examples of wood wind instruments are the flute, the clarinet（单簧管）and the bassoon（低音管）. Other instruments are made of brass, the trumpet and the horn, for example. There are also various other wind instruments such as the mouth-organ（口琴） and the bag pipes（风笛）.

Exposition Some instruments are played by banging or striking them. One obvious example is the drum, of which there are various kinds. Instruments like this are called percussion instruments（打击乐器）. The last big group of musical instruments is the ones which have strings. There are two main kinds of stringed instruments（弦乐）: those in which the music is made by plucking（弹或拨） the strings, and those where the player draws a bow(琴弓）across the strings. Examples of the former are the harp and the guitar. Examples of the latter are the violin and the cello (大提琴）.

(这是一篇分类说明文。在对说明对象进行分类时总要有一个标准，就是说我们是根据什么来分类的，比如在这篇例文中将乐器分类的标准是演奏方式，然后根据这个标准将乐器分为均等的三类：管乐器、打击乐器和弦乐器。如果任何一类还有次类，那么可以根据新的标准继续分类，比如以上例文中管乐器根据其制作材料还可以分为木管、铜管以及其它材质的。)

Exposition 例2： Plants and trees are provided by nature with four means of dispersing their seeds. The first is wind dispersal. The seeds of some plants are too light that the wind may transport them easily. Secondly, seeds are dispersed by birds and animals. Some seeds adhere to the fur of animals, and are shed as the animals move about. Others are transported by birds. （to be continued)

The third method is self-dispersal
The third method is self-dispersal. The plant itself twists and breaks the walls of the fruit so that the seeds are thrown or shaken out, e.g. the pea, the bean, etc. Finally there is water dispersal. The seeds float on the water either because they are very light, or because they contain air. The coconut may be transported to land hundreds of miles across the ocean in this way.

Exposition （这篇文章短小，精练却很能说明问题。文章的引言段一句话就点明了主题：“大自然给植物提供了四种传播种子的方式。”后面的四段依次分别讲述了：风传播、鸟传播、自我传播和水传播。通过此文可以看出，运用分类的方式可使文章脉络清晰层次分明，使读者更加清楚地了解并记住文章所要说明的事物。）

Developing Methods --comparison and contrast
★ A comparison explains how things are similar, and a contrast, how they are different. ★ Only items of the same general class can be compared/contrasted. eg. There is no sense in comparing a computer with an apple. It is reasonable to compare computer with human brain.

★ A comparison/contrast essay usually follows one of the two patterns: subject-by-subject pattern or point-by-point pattern. In subject-by-subject pattern, the writer discusses the various points of one subject before going on to the other. In point-by-point pattern, the writer discussed both subjects under each of the various points

Model: subject-by-subject pattern Thesis statement: A is a better school than B. Ⅰ A 1.student body 2. teaching staff 3. library and other facilities 4. campus Ⅱ B 1. student body

Model: point-by-point pattern Ⅰstudent body 1.A 2. B Ⅱ teaching staff 1. A Ⅲ library and other facilities Ⅳ campus

★ Students are suggested to use point-by-point method as the similarities or differences are more impressive and striking. ★ The comparison/contrast should be balanced; the two subjects are to be given equal treatment. ★ All aspects of the two subjects should be discussed in the same order. ★ Use transitional expressions

Model Though my father and I look like each other, we are very different in many things. First, my father is a workaholic; he works more than then hours a day. He doesn’t care for music, sports, sightseeing or TV. Unlike him, I always finish my assignments as quickly as I can in school, and then I spend most of my after-school hours in the playground. I play all kinds of ball games. Sometimes I go to nearby parks with friends or go to see movies. Second, my father is known for his tidiness both at the office and at home. He puts everything in its proper place and he will be rather upset if anyone, even my mother, moves them form their usual place. In contrast, I’m often scolded for leaving things everywhere. My room is always a mess: books and magazines are on the table, bed, sofa and floor. Last, as far as intelligence goes, my father is very good at science. In fact, he is an expert in electronic engineering. But I often get only passing grades in math and physics and am always scared to death when the chemistry teacher writes incomprehensible formulas on the blackboard. Obviously, the proverb “Like father, like son” is not true with my father and me.

Exposition 比较和对比说明文比较对照是写说明文的常用方式。在大多数情况下，比较与对照是不能分开的。一篇文章中既可以比较对照两个或两个以上的事物，阐明它们所存在的相同点，也可以用同样的方法阐明它们的不同点。写这类文章时应牢记以下原则：

1) 比较对照只能在同类的(通常是两个)事物之间进行；
2) 比较对照说明文有两种模式：同时比较： A1/B1, A2/B2, A3/B3 … 先后比较: A1,A2,A3/B1,B2,B3… 3) 比较对照的事物各自占的篇幅应大致相同，比较对照的项目也应一致； 4) 比较对照必须以有关的具体实例为依据； 5) 比较对照说明文通过指出两者的异同来阐明具体问题。

Exposition The Elderly
Although old people in the United States and in Japan are treated the same in some way, in other ways they are treated differently. In both countries the elderly are shown respect. Young people will give them a seat on a bus or train or will open a door for them. In both countries older people may ride the bus or go to a show for less money than the young have to pay. .

Exposition Nevertheless, in Japan the elderly have the highest respect. Grandparents live with their families all their lives. They help to raise the grandchildren. If any one need advice, the first person to be asked is the grandfather, because he is the wisest. In the United States, the grandparents live with other old people in “Senior citizen” places. They see their grandchildren only on holidays or special times. I think it is better for families to live together in companionship.

Developing Methods --cause and effect
★ A cause-effect essay explains why something happened or what are the consequences. ★ In a short essay, we focus either causes or on effects.

The Reasons Why College Students Smoke
Model The Reasons Why College Students Smoke It is widely known that more and more college students nowadays have joined the group of adult smokers. While the whole society is making efforts to stop them from smoking, the young smokers claim that everything that exists is reasonable and try to justify their behavior. Their justification is presented as follows, from a survey conducted among these college smokers.

First, they claim that smoking can help them relax
First, they claim that smoking can help them relax. The heavy burden from the stress, hard competitions and various confusions make these young people tired and painful at time. Naturally they resort to cigarettes and try to find some comfort to divert them in another direction, as is often the case with the adults. Second, smoking gives an appearance of physical maturity. They admire the adults, who gain independence and are able to act on their own will. They get an excellent feeling of maturity from the adult smokers. Third, smoking makes the smokers attractive. It is not surprising that some boys want to be in the limelight when there are girls around and for some girls, a boy with a cigarette between his lips or fingers is more ideal a figure. To win girl’s attention and admiration, they believe the money spent on cigarettes is worth its while.

Regarding the behavior of smoking cigarettes, it is generally accepted that it is a bad habit, a waste of money and, more importantly, does harm to one’s health. One may have one thousand reasons to smoke, but which is more important, the short time pleasure on the one hand, or the health on the other?

Exposition 四）因果分析说明文所谓因果关系说明文包含有两个方面，一个是看到一种现象推断某成因，一个是根据某一现象的特点推测它可能的发展或者是它在某种条件变化下的可能结果。分析原因和结果是个复杂的过程。写因果说明文时，切记以下几点：

Exposition 1）分析原因时切不可过于简单化； 2）尤其要注意不要犯逻辑错误；
3）要区分直接原因与间接原因,直接后果与间接后果以及主要原因与次要原因,主要结果与次要结果； 4）不要遗漏一系列原因和结果中的任何一个环节； 5）语言要客观,分析要有根据,事实要确凿。

Exposition 例如：Deserts are spreading very rapidly mainly for two reasons. First, in some regions there are too many cattle, goats and sheep. These animals eat the plant which would keep the top soil from washing or blowing away. Next, in areas where people depend on wood for heating and cooking, trees are cut down. If these areas are overpopulated, every piece of burnable wood may disappear. Consequently, the deserts move in.

Exposition (这篇短文先指出结果Deserts are spreading very rapidly，后分析原因，如牛羊过多导致绿草减少。人为乱砍滥伐，森林遭到破坏。原因分析真实可信，重点突出，给人留下深刻印象。)

Developing Methods --definition
★ Definition is to explain the meaning of a term. ★ common problems in writing a definition 1) circular definition: it means one defines a term with the term itself. eg. Literature study is the study about literature.

2) over-restricted definition: it means one explains a term in a way that only one aspect, or one part, or one side of the item is covered. eg. A table is a piece of furniture at which one eats. (read, write)

3) Overextended definition: it means one uses a word that can be applied to more things than just the term being defined eg. Coke is a refreshing drink. (Pepsi, milk, lemonade)

The Meaning of Definition
A definition is the effort to distinguish an entity from all other things for the purpose of being able to recognize it or in some way to understand it. e.g. To define “apple” is to find some means of isolating “apple” from all other things. We must show that “apple” refers to a combination of features possessed by no other thing.

apple a symbol: a combination of sounds made
by the vocal apparatus or a certain combination of letters that stand for these sounds. apple a physical object: the thing one can hold in one's hand and eat Definition may deal either with words or with things.

Nominal definition (唯名定义): Some definitions stress the word or the word-thing relationship. Either they call our attention to how a word has been used in the past, or explain what words mean. Real definition (实质定义): Some definitions focus our attention chiefly upon the thing. This kind of definition attempts to give accurate and factual information in some particular frame of reference. It is often concerned with the analysis of the thing, with its components, their nature, function, and purpose. It describes the thing in relation to other things.

a. Analysis b. Synthesis c. Negative Definition d. Exemplification
Methods of Definition a. Analysis b. Synthesis c. Negative Definition d. Exemplification e. Synonyms

a. Analysis placing a word in a large class called the genus (类，属) and then differentiating the word from other members of that class This method results in the dictionary kind of definition, though it is by no means confined to dictionaries. e.g. Poodle: type of small dog with thick curling hair which is often cut into an elaborate pattern 长卷毛狗（其毛常经修剪）

b. Synthesis This form of definition relates the thing-to-be-defined to something already familiar to the reader or listener. It often reveals the thing-to-be-defined as part of some larger whole. Thus, it might also be called “relational definition”. e.g. To define blue, we may say that blue is the color produced by light of a wavelength cm. Or we might define blue as the color of the sky on a cloudless day.

c. Negative Definition to define a thing by making clear what it is not, thus to distinguish the thing-to-be-defined from something resembling it and often confused with it. e.g. A Catholic is a Christian who is not a Protestant.

d. Exemplification One of the best ways to define something is to give one or more examples to it. e.g. to define “relativity of motion” Anyone who has ever ridden on a railroad train knows how rapidly another train flashes by when it is traveling in the opposite direction, and conversely how it may look almost motionless when it is moving in the same direction.

e. Synonyms listing synonyms of the word-to-be-defined
This method has the advantage of being brief, but unless it is accompanied by some other method of definition, it runs the risk of misleading the reader, for no two words mean exactly the same thing. Still, this method it useful, if our purpose is simply to clarify the meaning of a word or term in passing. e.g. “move with alacrity, that is, with swiftness, across the stage.”

Developing Methods --showing a process
★ it instructs readers how to do something. ★ it involves a series of steps. Therefore, the steps must be organized in chronological order. ★ use transitional words.

Showing a Process two focuses:
giving instructions and giving information e.g. If you want your audience to know how to make the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, your process essay would include directions telling readers exactly what to do and how to do it. If you want your audience to know the steps involved in the process of digesting a chocolate chip cookie, you would instead detail the events that happen in the body as it turns food into energy.

Exposition 过程分析说明文这一类型的说明文主要是分析具体的操作步骤，采用的顺序通常都是时间顺序，一些表示时间推移的词和短语是常用的，如：first, second, third, then, soon, now, next, at last, consequently, while, in ten minutes 等等。例如：

Exposition How to Build a Camp Fire
There are several steps to build a camp fire. First, collect a good supply of wood, small branches and larger logs. Second, twist newspaper into small knots. Third, make a pile on the ground of several paper knots. Fourth, cover this pile with a few small branches. Lay the larger pieces of wood on the camp fire from different directions. Fifth, place logs and larger pieces of wood over the branches. Finally strike a match and ignite the paper at the bottom of the camp fire, lighting it in several paces, you will be rewarded with a roaring blaze.

Example: Olympic Games
Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Paragraph 1 The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, America and Oceania - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black, blue, green, red, and yellow. At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Description

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Paragraph 2 The Olympic games began as athletic festivals to honor the Greek gods. The most important festival was held in the valley of Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. It was this festival that became the Olympic games in 776 B.C. These games were ended in 394 A.D. by the Roman Emperor who ruled Greece. No Olympic games were held for more than 1,500 years. Then the modern Olympics began in Almost 300 male athletes competed in the first modern Olympics. In the games held in 1900, female athletes were allowed to compete. The games have continued every four years since 1896 except during World War II, and they will most likely continue for many years to come.

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Sequence

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Paragraph 3 The modern Olympics is very unlike the ancient Olympic games. Individual events are different. While there were no swimming races in the ancient games, for example, there were chariot races. There were no female contestants and all athletes competed in the nude. Of course, the ancient and modern Olympics are also alike in many ways. Some events, such as the javelin and discus throws, are the same. Some people say that cheating, professionalism, and nationalism in the modern games are a disgrace to the Olympic tradition. But according to the ancient Greek writers, there were many cases of cheating, nationalism, and professionalism in their Olympics too.

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Comparison

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Paragraph 4 There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Cause and Effects

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Paragraph 5 One problem with the modern Olympics is that it has become very big and expensive to operate. The city or country that hosts the games often loses a lot of money. A stadium, pools, and playing fields must be built for the athletic events and housing is needed for the athletes who come from around the world. And all of these facilities are used for only 2 weeks! In 1984, Los Angeles solved these problems by charging a fee for companies who wanted to be official sponsors of the games. Companies like McDonald's paid a lot of money to be part of the Olympics. Many buildings that were already built in the Los Angeles area were also used. The Coliseum where the 1932 games were held was used again and many colleges and universities in the area became playing and living sites.

Exposition Writing Example: Olympic Games Problem and Solution

This Is America! The first land that I set my feet on in the United States was Los Angeles. My first impression of the USA was remarkable and unforgettable! When I sat on a bench in the waiting hall at the airport in Los Angeles with a curious and inquisitive eye looking here and there waiting for my next flight to Cincinatti, I witnessed and experienced what the “Melting Pot” which I learned from books really is. It seemed to me as though I was in a “Museum of Human Races”: different colors and different shapes of people sitting here and there and coming and going.

This Is America! I found even in the same color there were different shades. For example: among black people some are pitch-dark and some are slightly dark. Among white people, some are snow-white and some are beige. Also there are some in between colors that are difficult to define and describe. I saw many “huge sized” persons who were so big and weighty that they seemed to be at least four or five times the size of Chinese. Among them were some young girls and boys in the teen or twenties looking clumsy and lumpish. I couldn’t help worrying for them: Do they lead a life as easy as ordinary sized persons? What will their future be like?? I also couldn’t help worrying for the earth: If some day 6 billion people in the world grow into “huge sized” persons as I saw here, can the earth handle the weight and have enough space???

This Is America! I saw a light brown woman sitting behind me on the bench alone. I was puzzled to hear her talking without stopping. To whom was she talking? To herself? At last I realized she was talking to some friend through a wire of her cell phone which was lying on the bench. I tried hard to check whether or not I could catch and follow English-speaking people with their certain accent. But I fell through, for she spoke another language that I didn’t know at all. So please keep in mind that not every one in the USA always speaks English!

This Is America! What struck me most is the American way of expressing their feelings. I saw a couple, a young boy and girl, hugging and kissing for a long time as though no one but they was in the waiting hall. They would have missed the flight but for being warned. I also saw a moving sight: a woman in her fifties or so saying good-bye to her parents who looked about seventy in the waiting hall, hugging her parents emotionally with tears rolling down her cheeks. My heart couldn’t help be struck and shocked at the sight. For before I came to the USA, I had been told that Americans were very individualistic and had very faint sense and indifferent ties to the family. Actually, it is not true!!

(Homework for ESL, By Shang Quanyu, September 22, 2000)
This Is America! What I saw in the waiting hall at the airport in Los Angeles proved as well as changed some concepts I learned about the USA before. This is America, real America!! (Homework for ESL, By Shang Quanyu, September 22, 2000)

Exposition 如何写说明文的引言段写说明文通常要有一个概述用来提出主题。这个概述就是引言段的内容。其写法是：
１）概述某一现象或事物、事理的基本特征 + 主题２）概要介绍事物、事理的总貌或局部特征以引起读者求知的兴趣和积极性 + 主题３）提供正确获取知识所必需的背景材料 + 主题４）指出使对方认识事物，了解有关信息的目的、要求或依据等 + 主题

Exposition Example1: How to Eliminate Stress (如何消除紧张）
As the pace of living continues to increase, more and more people are in the habit of rushing through life, especially in big cities. We know too much stress in not good to our health. Sometimes it can lead to poor performance and illness. Many ways can contribute to solving this serious problem, but the following may be most effective.

Exposition Why Do Many Tourists Like Visiting Museums? Example 2
Many people visit museums when they travel in an unfamiliar place. Even if they do not have enough time, they would rather visit a museum than any other scenic sports. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, but in general, they come down to three major ones.

Exposition Example 3 Now, when a person is hunting for a job, there will always be a job interview, and the job interview has a lot of advantages. The interviewer and interviewee can know about each other through it.

Exposition Example 4　 If there is an essay which tells the customer how to complain to the boss of a store when he bought a faulty item in the store, the beginning can be written as follows:

Exposition 　　When a consumer finds that an item she or he bought is faulty or in some other way does not live up to the manufacturer’s claim for it, the first step is to present the warranty(保单) or any other records which might help at the store of purchase. In some cases, this action will produce results. However, if it does not, there are various means the consumer may use to gain satisfaction. 紧接着,作者按先后顺序介绍了简单的、比较有效的、有效的和最有效的措施。说明的内容层层深入。因为有开头段总述，所以文章的过渡显得非常自然。

Exposition 如何写主体段在这个阶段，我们应当用足够的细节、实例、事实来支撑文章的主题。
采用的方法有：列举法、例证法、因果法、比较对照法、分类法、程序法等。写作的顺序有：１）以时间为顺序，用于重点写事物变化过程的文章。２）按空间顺序，用于介绍自然景物、名胜古迹的文章。３）按主次轻重的顺序，用于重点解说事物效能、用途或全面介绍事物特点的文章。４）按事理逻辑次序以及必须反映事物自身逻辑顺序的文章。

How to Eliminate Stress (The body para.)
First of all, we must know ourselves well to lower our goal. The high goal is the main cause of stress. So we cannot set out our goal too high. Besides, we can slow down the pace of living to adjust our life and enjoy our leisure time, such as having some physical exercises, taking a walk and listening to music. All in all, relaxation is essential for a healthy mind and body. Finally, keeping in touch with your friends is also a good way, because when we are in the stress, we’ll feel upset. Thus, we should find friends to talk with. Then we will feel better.

Why Do Tourists Like Visiting Museums?
For one thing, these people are very interested in history. They can learn lots of things that happened in ancient time. Moreover, they can see with their own eyes many products made thousands of years ago. Perhaps the prime reason is that a museum is full of all kinds of culture knowledge and people can learn many things and will feel proud of man’s civilization. (按主次轻重的顺序)

结尾段主要是对说明对象进行总的概括性说明，以达到归纳文章重点和深化主题的作用。其具体内容可分为以下几项：
如何写结尾段结尾段主要是对说明对象进行总的概括性说明，以达到归纳文章重点和深化主题的作用。其具体内容可分为以下几项：１）解释说明事物按逻辑顺序达到的终结点。２）强调掌握有关知识或信息的重要性。３）介绍当前对该对象的总体认识水平，展望研究前景。４）说明或重申使对方掌握该知识或信息的目的、要求或依据。５）总括或重申对象的全貌或基本特征等。

How to Eliminate Stress (concluding para.)
These are not the best and the only three measures we can take. But it should be noted that we should take strong actions to prevent ourselves from having too much stress. (说明或重申使对方掌握该知识或信息的目的。)

Why Do Tourists Like Visiting Museums? (concluding para.)
From the forgoing (综上所述）, many people like visiting museums. This is a very popular phenomenon nowadays. I also belong to this group. If you don’t, please join us. (总括或重申对象的全貌或基本特征) More examples:

Exposition e.g. 1 Female Roles in Today’s China
The role of women in today’s china has changed a lot. Women are regarded as “half of the sky”-----that is, they are as equally important as men.（概述） When more and more women begin to work, thousands of them have obtained great achievements in different fields as farmers, workers, scientists, and leaders. Therefore, their social position has greatly improved.

Exposition 　　Women have become more and more equal to men. Besides the same opportunity of employment, for example, they also have the right to vote, the right to get equal pay for equal work. Even in a family, husband and wife are more and more equal when it comes to housework. （举例） With the improvement of their roles, women will lead a happier and happier life. （强调妇女社会地位的改善及展望妇女的美好未来）

Exposition E.g. 2 Benefits of Early Rising
We can get many benefits from early rising.（指出使对方认识事物，了解有关信息的目的） First of all, it can be helpful to our health. The air in the early morning is quite fresh. If we get up early and go to do some exercises, we can breathe fresh air, which cleans our mind and strengthens our lungs and hearts. Then it gives us a good beginning of a day.

Exposition Second, early rising can supply us enough time to prepare for study or work. Many students or workers go to their classroom or offices without breakfast for fear of being late. If we get up early, we will not do things in a hurry but get everything ready for a new day’s study or work.（举例） For some other people, there might be more benefits, but the above mentioned two benefits are the most common ones. （用不同的词语表达既避免了文章的冗余又强调了早起的好处）

Exposition E.g. 3 Benefits of a Good Breakfast
Nowadays more and more people have realized the importance of a good breakfast. No matter how busy they are, they don’t want to skip it. They begin to pay great attention to its variety as well as the quality. (概述)

Exposition A good breakfast can help us to develop a good habit of going to bed early and getting up early. Most of the people skipping breakfast are those who tend to oversleep. They don’t have time to get breakfast. In order to prepare for breakfast, we have to get up early, and then it is also possible for us to go out to take some exercise.

Exposition A good breakfast is also good to our study or work. Without breakfast, hunger will certainly divert our concentration, Dieters can benefit from a good breakfast, too. With breakfast, they can avoid eating too much at noon and thus avoid gathering too much fat at one time. (举例) With so many benefits, we should remember to take breakfast everyday. (说明或重申使对方掌握该知识)

Exposition Exercises： 1. How to improve the ability of self-learning
2. How to learn English a) 英语正成为世界性语言。 b) 举例说明学习英语的方法。

Exposition Sample 1. How to Improve the Ability of Self-Learning
With the development of society, knowledge is continually being updated. As we know, you cannot always acquire knowledge from teachers. If you want to keep pace with the latest development of society, you need to I,prove your ability of self-learning. Many ways can contribute to improving this ability, but the following ways may be most effective.

Exposition First of all, when you find a new theory in a book, you should think it over carefully and ask yourself whether it is true or not. If you disagree with it, you had better compare this theory with yours or someone else’s closely. Besides, with the aid of reference books or dictionaries, you can have a deeper knowledge of a certain theory from diferent sources. Last but not least, you should select the proper books which are closely relevant to your study, work or interests so as to enhance yourself directly and rapidly.

Exposition These are not the best and the only three measures to improve the ability of self-learning. But it should be noted that we should prize this learning ability so that we can become useful people in rapidly develioping society.

Exposition Sample 2. How to Learn English
English is becoming a world language, but how to lear it is a problem to most Chinese. Many ways can contribute to solving this problem, but the following ones may be most effective.

Exposition For example, we ought to know something about the country where the foreigners come from. In this way, we can know about the customs of their country. It is beneficial for us to choose the topic when we talk with the foreigners. Second, we should enlarge our vocabulary of English, for we cannot make a dialogue without words. Finally, in my view, we had better always talk with English native speakers to improve our oral English.

Exposition These are not the best and the only three ways we can take. But it should be noted that if we have a good command of English, we will have more chance in every field.

Expository Essay writing task
How I Overcome My Difficulties in Learning English My view on Income Gap

How I Overcome My Difficulties in Learning English
I, like many other English learners, have encountered various difficulties in my learning process. But I managed to overcome most of them and made much progress.

Firstly, meaning and usage of words can be hard for a beginner to master. At the beginning, I just copied them again and again, only to find it inefficient. Then I was advised to memorize them as parts of the whole sentence, together with other words ahead or after with which they collocate. Learn the chunk, not the isolated word, imitate and practice the usage. This is my experience. It helped me a lot.

Secondly, I found grammar particularly difficult. It is so even now
Secondly, I found grammar particularly difficult. It is so even now. I have tried to learn the rules by heart. But just reading lots of grammar books is of little help. Then I read interesting books and magazines in English. The sentences and structures in them familiarize me much better than what is said in the grammar books. They give me better insight into and keener sense of the English language.

Thirdly, I had a little difficulty in translation
Thirdly, I had a little difficulty in translation. I had a wrong conception of translation and usually were content with using the Chinese counterparts to replace the English words. It make the whole sentence unnatural and unsmooth. Gradually, I realized that words of the same meaning in different languages are not completely equivalent, and different languages have different sentence structures. Now I first understand the general idea of the whole sentence or passage and then transform the meaning into the corresponding English expressions, which, of course, are available in mind.

To learn English well needs fortitude
To learn English well needs fortitude. We must keep practicing the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating all the time. That’s why I can beat my difficulties and make progress.

Write an expositon according to the following Chinese
假设你叫李明，你有一位英国网友名叫Tom，他听说过中国的故宫，但知之不多，于是给你发来了 ,请你向他介绍一下有关故宫的情况。请你根据下面提供的一些要点给他回一封100词左右的电子邮件： 1.故宫(the Palace Museum)又叫紫禁城(the Forbidden City)。它于1407年开始修建，20万人花了14年的时间，于1420年建成。 2.它所有的宫殿一共有9999个房间。在中国，9这个数字传统地被认为是吉祥的。 3.现在，每周星期二，故宫免费向中国学生开放。 4.故宫有着中国历史上5000多年的珍宝(precious treasure)。请他亲自来看一看。

Dear Tom, It is nice to receive your . Now I’d like to tell you something about the Palace Museum. Palace Museum is also called the Forbidden City. It took workers more than 14 years to build it. The Forbidden City was finished in 1420.As the largest museum in the world, the Palace Museum holds cultural treasures from the past 5000 years of Chinese history. The City’s palaces have 9999 rooms altogether. Chinese people traditionally have thought of nine as a lucky number. Students from all over China can now visit it in groups free of charge every Tuesday. The museum is under reconstruction. I hope you can come to China and take a look at this museum with your own eyes. Best wishes.

Lesson 14 Expository Essays.

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