1. The “How and Why” of Writing
Expository Writing
The “How and Why” of Writing

2. What is Expository Writing?
Expository writing is defined as presenting reasons, explanations, or steps in a process
Informational writing
An expository essay should follow a logical sequence and have three different main points
Logic and coherence is the main focus of an expository essay

3. How is it different ? Expository writing does not tell a story
Expository writing does not persuade a reader but only gives facts and reasons
Expository writing can also give the steps of a process

4. Expository Writing
Introduction of an expository should include the main idea and what the essay is about

5. Expository writing contd.
Paragraph one should have and introduction and a thesis statement or central idea.
Paragraph two should introduce the first reason and give details to support the first reason
Paragraph three should introduce the second reason and give details to support the second reason
The conclusion should re-state all the reasons

6. Outline for Expository
Title__________________________________________
I. Introduction:
A. Introduction______________________________________________________
B. THESIS STATEMENT________________________________________
II. First Reason__________________________________________________
A. Fact/ or example_________________________________________
B. Detail__________________________________________________
C. Fact/ example___________________________________________
D. Detail_________________________________________________
E. Fact/example____________________________________________
F. Detail__________________________________________________
G. Sum- up statement_______________________________________
III. Second Reason_______________________________________________
A. Fact/or example_________________________________________
C. Fact/example____________________________________________
D. Detail__________________________________________________
F. Detail___________________________________________________
V. Conclusion:
Re- state all reasons and restate your thesis in the conclusion
Clincher sentence- gives a summation of the above and a “feeling” about the whole essay.
Use transition words, plan reasons in a logical order, make sure you re-state reasons in your conclusion.

7. Definition of Terms Thesis Statement: The main idea of the whole essay
Transition words: Words such as first, second, as a result, which make transitions easy in the essay.
Main Ideas: Each paragraph should have a main point or idea
Supporting Details: Details support the main ideas

8. Re-Cap: Expository writing needs:
One topic
Reasons supporting that topic
Details supporting the reasons
A conclusion re-stating the reasons
Transition words
Clear, concise, logical and informative language

9. Details Can be descriptive Can be factual
Can be from personal experience
Can be anecdotes

10. Paragraph One Thesis statement
Background information on your two topics
I admire friends with great qualities. Two qualities I admire are: loyalty and a good sense of humor.

11. Paragraph 2 Put main idea for paragraph 2 on the outline
Add your details
Personal experiences
Descriptive details-describe experience
Facts about the topic-
Short anecdotes

12. Paragraph 3 Put your main idea on the outline Add your details
Personal experiences
Description of how the topic works itself out
Examples of the topic

13. Paragraph 4-Conclusion
Re-state all of your ideas and your thesis statement in your conclusion.

14. What are the qualities of a good friend?
Loyal
Trusting
Listen
Respectful
Fun
Helpful
Patient
Keep Secrets
Honesty
Sense of Humor
Smart
Funny
Athletic
Doesn’t suck up to you/ (real, authentic person)
Common interests

15. Introduction
Now let’s write the introduction together, now that we know what we are writing about.
1. Hook- Hook your reader with a question, quote, short anecdote, or personal experience statement

16. Introduction –contd.
Write one “background” or informational sentence about each idea you are going to write about-
Idea 1
Idea 2

17. Transition words Add your transition words First Second Third
Finally, or In Conclusion

18. Editing your essay
Check that you have all the elements of an expository essay:
Reasons
Details
Transition words
Conclusion that re-states your topic
Grammar
Coherence, logic and clearly written