An expository paragraph is a mode of writing that is used to inform, explain, describe, or define a subject for the reader. Examples of expository texts include textbooks, encyclopedias, scientific books and journals, atlases, directions, guides, biographies, and newspapers. There are several types of expository paragraphs, including listing/description, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem-solution. Strategies for reading expository texts include marking and highlighting, questioning, clarifying, visualizing, predicting, and using graphic organizers.

1. Paragraph Writing
Expository Paragraph

2. What is a Expository Paragraph?
Expository paragraph is a mode of writing in which the
purpose of the author is to inform, explain, describe, or
define his or her subject to the reader.
Examples of expository texts are textbooks,
encyclopedias, scientific books/journals, atlases,
directions, guides, biographies, newspapers.

3. This type of expository
text is often used to
present events such as
the French and Indian
War (in history class) or
cell division (in biology
class).
1. Sequence or Time Order
2. Listing
3. Compare and Contrast
4. Cause and Effect
5. Problem-Solution
Types of Expository Paragraph
Listing (or description) is
used to explain the
features of an object or
event. Biology textbooks
list the features of
reptiles, giving their body
temperature, reproductive
habits, eating habits, etc.
Compare and contrast
involves discussing
similarities and
differences. A Social
Studies book might
compare the
Government of the
United States and the
Government of Great
Britain.
A cause-effect pattern
outlines reasons for
events. The author
describes an event (such
as the American
Revolutionary War) and
explains what caused the
event and the effects that
followed from it.
Problem-Solution
pattern discuss a
problem and then
suggest possible
solutions. A history
author might discuss the
events of FDR’s life in
terms of problems he
faced and how he solved
them.

4. Before Reading Expository Texts
A. Walking through a selection
B. Using an anticipated guide
C. Using K-W-L
D. Using word webs
E. Using a read-aloud
F. Using a think-pair-and-share
G. Previewing
H. Skimming and scanning

5. When Reading Expository Texts
a) Marking and highlighting
b) Questioning
c) Clarifying
d) Visualizing
e) Predicting
f) Reading and connecting
g) Directed Reading
h) Predicting
i) Using graphic organizers
j) Using reciprocal reading
questions
k) Retelling
l) Making double-entry journal

6. Gathering Your Thoughts
a) Discussing in pairs and small groups
b) Clustering details
c) Drawing a place
d) Brainstorming
e) Quick writing
f) Using anecdotes
g) Comparing and contrasting
h) Using a graphic organizer
i) Using story board

7. When Reading Expository Texts
a) Marking and highlighting
b) Questioning
c) Clarifying
d) Visualizing
e) Predicting
f) Reading and connecting
g) Directed Reading
h) Predicting
i) Using graphic organizers
j) Using reciprocal reading
questions
k) Retelling
l) Making double-entry journal