Expository Writing
Expository writing is a nonfiction style that exposes or explains a specific topic or idea by providing specific, detailed information - it's a form of exposition. Expository writing can also be a way to express your own ideas about a specific topic.
An expository essay often begins with pre-writing that identifies a thesis statement. The thesis statement, and the rest of the writing, focuses on providing the reader with a better picture of the topic.
Often, this requires research; any time research is needed, a writer needs to include citation of paraphrases and/or direct quotations, as well as a bibliography.
The following information is from Stanford University's web site.
Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather then blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.
Pattern |
Description |
Cue Words |
Graphical Organizer/Sample Passages |
| Description | The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples | for example, characteristics are | |
| Sequence | The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order. | first, second, third; next; then; finally | |
| Comparison/Contrast | The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different. | different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand | |
| Cause and Effect | The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects. | reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because | |
| Problem and Solution | The author states a problem and lists one or more solutions for the problem. A variation of this pattern is the question- and-answer format in which the author poses a question and then answers it. | problem is; dilemma is; puzzle is solved; question... answer |
Here is a sample paragraph with citations and a few bibliography entries.
Here are a few expository papers with citations and bibliography entries.