Expository Expository WritingWriting

Expository Expository WritingWriting

Understanding Essay Understanding Essay WritingWriting

Expository Writing•This is the basic form of writing assigned in most classes.

•Expository means “explaining” paper

Purpose•Inform•Explain•Examine•Discuss•Illustrate

• Format• Thesis statement plus support

• Thesis• The focus of the paper. A

thesis can either be a single point or a three point statement.

Structure•Tightly structured• Opening paragraph• Several (usually three)

supporting paragraphs• Closing paragraph

Structure con’t•Beginning•Hook the reader•Identify thesis you plan to develop

Structure con’t•Middle• Write supporting paragraphs• Each paragraph covers one

thesis point• Each paragraph has at least

two supporting points

Structure con’t•Ending• tie the main points together

•Draw a final conclusion

Types of Support•Facts•Statements and statistics that

add support and validity to your writing.

•They help prove your main points

Types of Support•Examples•A way of “showing” your

ideas to readers•Use real or hypothetical

situations to make your point.

Types of Support•Quotations•Use the words of experts•Adds authority to your writing

Organization• Use an outline or a web to set

up your paper.• Each thesis point needs two

supporting details.• Use the hamburger model to

help you organize.

Topics • Inform the readers about a

meaningful and interesting subject.• You are not arguing for or against

the subject• The purpose is to convey

information clearly and completely.

Getting started1. Choose a subject. I will give you

one for practice, but you will need to select one for the assessed essay.

2. Limit your focus.• Education ---the learning disabled--

individuals overcoming learning disabilities.

Getting started3. Gather your details• Research or collect information4. Form your thesis statement5. Plan and organize your essay6. Write your draft• Link your ideas with transitions7. Revise, revise, revise!