Expository and Narrative Writing in Science Class
What is Expository Writing?
 Expository writing is meant to inform the reader – It is used to
explain, describe, give information or inform.
 The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or
listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is
being discussed.
Patterns in expository writing that are helpful in science
 Description: The author describes a topic by listing characteristics,
features, and examples
o Cue words: for example, characteristics are
 Sequence: The author lists items or events in numerical or
chronological order.
o Cue words: first, second, third; next; then; finally
 Comparison: The author explains how two or more things are alike
and/or how they are different.
o Cue words: different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other
hand
 Cause and Effect: The author lists one or more causes and the
resulting effect or effects.
o Cue words: reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore;
because
 Problem and Solution: The author states a problem and lists one or
more solutions for the problem. A variation of this pattern is the
question- and-answer format in which the author poses a question and
then answers it.
o Cue words: problem is; dilemma is; puzzle is solved; question...
answer
Uses of expository writing in science
Expository writing appears in and is not
limited to letters, newsletters, definitions,
instructions, guidebooks, catalogues,
newspaper articles, magazine articles,
manuals, pamphlets, reports and research
papers.
What is Narrative Writing?
 Tells a story or part of story
Characteristics of narrative writing in science
 Developing plot, character and setting using specific detail and
ordering events clearly using
chronological order.
 Told from a defined point of view,
often the author's, so there is feeling as
well as specific and often sensory
details provided to get the reader
involved in the elements and sequence
of the story.
 Makes a point and that point is often
defined in the opening sentence, but
can also be found as the last sentence
in the opening paragraph.
 Is filled with precise detail
 Uses vivid verbs and modifiers, uses conflict and sequence as does
any story, and may use dialogue
Uses of narrative writing in science
Children's literature such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Porker's Taxi,
The Hungry Caterpillar and Who Sank the Boat provide excellent platforms
and springboards for science. Each of these stories include common
misconceptions or interesting problems about thermodynamics, work and
energy, life cycles, and buoyancy concepts embedded in a natural context for
children. Also, by asking students to write about science in narrative format
for popular audiences, teachers can illuminate the social and cultural aspects
of science that are often lost in the complex prose of scientists writing to
their peers.