This document defines and provides examples of expository text. Expository text is a form of nonfiction that aims to inform or explain a topic to readers. It presents facts that can be proven and discusses real events or people. Expository text is divided into sections and headings and may include illustrations to further explain the facts. Common examples of expository text include textbooks, encyclopedias, scientific works, atlases, directions, guides, biographies, and newspapers.

1. to
Expository - Part I

2. • falls under the umbrella of nonfiction
• gives information about a topic
• tells facts that can be looked-up
or proven
• tells about real events or real people
• is divided into sections with
headings
• may include photos with captions, maps,
diagrams and illustrations to explain the
facts

3. Expository text is nonfiction reading material. The author’s
purpose, or reason for writing, is to inform or explain
something to the reading audience.
Some examples are:
• textbooks,
• encyclopedias,
• scientific books/journals,
• atlases,
• directions,
• guides,
• biographies,
• newspapers

4. • descriptive – tells about something
• sequential – series or steps, items
or events in numerical or
chronological order
• problem/solution – problem
attempted solutions, results;
question and answer format
• compare/contrast – similarities and
differences between two or more
things
• cause/effect – reasons why
something happens or exists

5. features in text to
help locate
information
(title, table of contents, illustrations,
photographs, bold text, italicized
texts, charts, graphs)

6. pictures

7. • is a true story of a
person’s life, written by
another person
• usually tells events in
time order

8. • is a true story of a
person’s life, written by
that person (also known
as a memoir)
• usually tells events in time
order

9. an account of one’s
personal life and
experiences

10. an account of one’s
personal life and
experiences