4. Introduction:
What is Expository Writing?
Before we explore the basic tenets of expository writing, let’s look at what exposition means. At
its simplest, it means explaining something. The purpose of the expository writing style is to
enlighten or instruct. In other words, it means to present an idea or relevant discussion that helps
explain or analyze information.
5. Theory of Expository writing:
Expository writing explains an idea and thing with a thorough analysis. It is written to instruct or
enlighten people and also includes relevant evidences and mainly, it gives a clear conception
about the topic. It is a type of essay that requires a thorough investigation, along with the
delineation of the idea. The structure of this kind of essay will always be concise, clear and
cogent. However, in schools, students usually write expository essays. Essays, reports and articles
all come under this category. In detail, scientific reports, reports, encyclopedia articles,
term,papers are expository writing.
6. History:
Writing is considered as one of the cumbersome skills in EFL context. Hyland
(2003)pointed out that writing is a sociocognitive activity which involves skills in planning
and drafting. Writing is always seen as one of the most prominent skills in EFL pedagogy
whose paramount is especially underscored in academic and higher
7. Scope:
Take any typical day at work and reflect on the kinds of tasks you’re involved with. Written
communication will be a commonly recurring activity. Business communication is one of the
cornerstones of professional success. It’s important that you become familiar with the meaning of
expository writing and establish yourself as an effective communicator. People are bound to take notice
at work. Here are some expository writing tips that you should consider.
Work With The Information That You’re Most Familiar With. For Example, If You Don’t Know How To
Begin Your Email, Write The Body And Conclusion Before The Introduction. It’s Easier To Map Your
Purpose, Identify Your Thoughts And Then Put Them Into Writing.
8. Cont…
Case-Studies And Projects Can’t Be Considered Authentic Unless You Back Your Report With
Ample Data. In Order To Be Persuasive And Convince Your Clients Or Customers, You Need To
Provide Them With Substantial Evidence.
Always Come Straight To The Point As Readers Won’t Always Have The Required Attention
Span. It’s Best To Present Your Data Succinctly And Directly Because The Topics Are Likely To
Be Dry Or Boring. However, Steer Clear From Jargon And Other Technical Words And Make
Your Writing Accessible.
Always Pay Attention To The Format. An Effective Way To Organize Your Thoughts Is To
Prewrite And Outline. It’ll Help You Narrow Down The Topics Or Details You Want To Discuss.
It’s Best To Have A Concluding Paragraph That Reiterates Your Position.
9. Features of Expository Writing:
The main features of expository writing style include:
It Needs To Be Informative And Highlight Relevant Details For Better
Understanding
There Should Be Clarity And An Expository Writer Should Know What They’re
Talking About
Well-Written Expository Pieces Continue To Focus On The Main Topic And List
Events In An Organized Manner
The Use Of The First-Person Narrative Should Be Avoided; Instead, Second-
Person Instruction Is Much More Effective
It Should Steer Clear Of Personal Thoughts And Opinions And Present An
Unbiased Version Of The Information
10. Types of Expository Writing:
Most of us have written some form of expository writing whether it was in school, college or
office. Here are the various types of expository writing that’ll help you deliver ideas clearly:
Problem And Solution
As the name suggests, you identify the problem, provide details about it to explain it and suggest
a solution(s) to tackle it. You have to justify the solution with sufficient data and propose ways to
implement those solutions.
11. Cont….
Cause And Effect
It conveys why something happened and how will it impact something. The outcomes suggested
can be either true or hypothetical but the author should validate them.
Compare And Contrast
In this type of expository writing, the writer compares the similarities and contrasts the
differences between the two subjects. This is only possible when subjects belong to the same
category. For example, a comparative study between indoor and outdoor stadiums.
12. Cont….
Definition And Classification
It provides a complete description of a subject, elaborating on the meaning, types and
examples. It includes terms that have concrete meaning (e.g., objects) as well as abstract
meanings (e.g., emotions).
How-To/Process
This type of writing is instructive and tells the reader about a task and how to do it. The
reader may also include step-by-step instruction for easier understanding. Cook-books and
user manuals are ideal examples of expository writing.
13. Problems:
Especially in expository writing, students have issues with two things:
creativity, and literalness:
Some students believe that they do not possess creativity, or possess it in enough quantity that
they can "create" an expository paper.
One of the most common challenges in writing an essay is coming up with a thesis statement.
This is the most critical part of the paper and acts as a brief hint to explain the objectives of the
writer and what the reader can expect by the end of the paper.
14. Solutions:
There are various ways students can improve their writing skills. There are online courses they
can take and they also have the option to take up traditional classes offered by local schools or
tutorial centers.
Additionally, students should practice writing daily even if they make mistakes. As long as these
mistakes are corrected, they will become better writers in the future.
Lastly, students who don’t know how to start an essay can always ask for assistance from their
teachers, peers, and other people who are more knowledgeable and experienced in writing.