Expository-Informative Writing
People write expository pieces to explain and inform. Exposition is the genre we emphasize most in our school years and in the workplace; we are surrounded by examples of expository writing in nonfiction books, newspapers, magazines, and online websites.
The expository writing "column" is a graphic tool used to encourage writers to organize essays and reports. It is like a pillar or architectural brace that supports the ceiling of a building.
The introduction and conclusion are the broadest parts of the column because that is where the writing is most general. The introduction leads to the main idea once the reader is engaged in the essay or article. The colum showcases ideas and explanations in an orderly progression from top to bottom to leave the reader with a logical, structured understanding of the topic. The building blocks include supporting details. This is where the writing becomes more specific and includes research: statistics, quotes, and facts. The summary restates the main idea before the conclusion leaves the reader with an impression after they have finished the essay or article.
The expository writing "column" is a graphic tool used to encourage writers to organize essays and reports. It is like a pillar or architectural brace that supports the ceiling of a building.
The introduction and conclusion are the broadest parts of the column because that is where the writing is most general. The introduction leads to the main idea once the reader is engaged in the essay or article. The colum showcases ideas and explanations in an orderly progression from top to bottom to leave the reader with a logical, structured understanding of the topic. The building blocks include supporting details. This is where the writing becomes more specific and includes research: statistics, quotes, and facts. The summary restates the main idea before the conclusion leaves the reader with an impression after they have finished the essay or article.
The Introduction
The introductory paragraph must grab the reader’s attention and inspire them to read on. If the introduction is boring or dull, the reader will likely put the piece aside. The function of the introduction paragraph, in addition to grabbing the reader’s attention, is to present the topic to the reader - to explain what they will be learning about by reading the piece.
An introduction contains the lead and the topic sentence. A strong lead will hook the reader and capture their attention, inviting the reader in. A clear, concise topic sentence (sometimes known as a thesis statement), tells the reader what the entire piece is about.
An introduction contains the lead and the topic sentence. A strong lead will hook the reader and capture their attention, inviting the reader in. A clear, concise topic sentence (sometimes known as a thesis statement), tells the reader what the entire piece is about.
A LEAD: Catch the reader’s attention with:
• an amazing or unusual fact
• a question
• a descriptive segment
• a statistic
• a quote
• an anecdote (brief story illustrating a theme or concept)
A TOPIC SENTENCE: Briefly, clearly, tell the reader what the piece will be about.
• an amazing or unusual fact
• a question
• a descriptive segment
• a statistic
• a quote
• an anecdote (brief story illustrating a theme or concept)
A TOPIC SENTENCE: Briefly, clearly, tell the reader what the piece will be about.
The Body
The body of an essay or article will include a number of paragraphs, each with a distinct main idea sentence, which explains what the paragraph is about, followed by a variety of supporting details.
Writing coaches often suggest the guideline of three paragraphs in the body of the piece; this is enough to provide strong support without the reader (or author) losing interest. However, two well-developed paragraphs, or four, five, or six meaningful paragraphs work equally well; the key is for the author to write as many paragraphs as needed to fully explore the topic.
Writing coaches often suggest the guideline of three paragraphs in the body of the piece; this is enough to provide strong support without the reader (or author) losing interest. However, two well-developed paragraphs, or four, five, or six meaningful paragraphs work equally well; the key is for the author to write as many paragraphs as needed to fully explore the topic.
The Conclusion
The final paragraph creatively reiterates the main ideas and restates the thesis or topic sentence in a general way. This may be accomplished in a straightforward, although not literal repetition, or it may be implied. It is the last chance the author has to leave the reader with a strong impression of the information presented. Rather than simply restating the main ideas, the conclusion should be presented in a fresh or memorable way.
Step Up to Writing!
Writing & Communication with Richland 2
GO! Topic Sentence: The main topic of the composition is stated. SLOW DOWN! Reason/Detail/Fact: Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence. Use transitions (First,... First of all,... In addition,... Also,...) to start these sentences. STOP! Explain/Example: Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence. GO BACK! Concluding Sentence: The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about. (Begin this sentence with Clearly,... In conclusion,... All in all,...) |
Writer's Workshop: Craft
Discovery Education and
Public Broadcasting Service Video Clips
Step Up to Writing Quick Reference Aids
Planning an Essay--Example
_step_up_planning_and_example.pdf | |
File Size: | 2420 kb |
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Topic Sentence Guidelines
_step_up_topic_sentence.pdf | |
File Size: | 1799 kb |
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Definition and Short Answer Writing Guidelines
_step_up_definitions_short_answers.pdf | |
File Size: | 829 kb |
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Transition Signals:
Transitions are words and phrases that connect ideas and show how they are related.
Transitions are words and phrases that connect ideas and show how they are related.
To illustrate an idea:
To announce a contrast, a change in direction:
Conclusion:
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To mark a new idea as an addition to what has been said:
To show cause and effect:
Time:
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