A Quick How-To…
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Expository writing is used to:
 Describe
 Inform
 Explain
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Designed to inform, report, describe - not
necessarily to tell a story
No characters or plot
Turn page because of interest in topic
May include headings and sections, sidebars
Specialized vocabulary and writing
Chapters end with summaries, not suspense
May include charts, maps, graphs, diagrams,
sidebars, photos, reading guides, etc.
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Expository writing examples include:
 Autobiographies
 Biographies
 Informational Reports
 News Reports
 Research Reports
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Awakens curiosity
Varies in complexity
Better writing than textbooks
Majority of standardized test passages are
informational texts
More in-depth information
More up-to-date than textbooks
Can be used as a model for research
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Descriptive
Sequential
Compare / Contrast
Cause / Effect
Problem / Solution
Question / Answer
Blended Structures
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It should:
 Contain a “hook,” that is, something that will
catch the reader’s attention
 Be VERY clear about the topic
 Provided details and transitional words that lead
to each following paragraph
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Each paragraph should include a topic
sentence.
 The topic sentence describes what that paragraph
is going to be about.
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Each topic sentence should relate back to the
main idea presented in the introductory
paragraph.
Each paragraph should stay on topic with the
topic sentence.
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Keep your purpose in mind!
Keep your audience in mind!
Be sure to use great vocabulary (diction);
keep your reader engaged!
Make sure your diction matches your purpose
and audience!
Use supporting details!
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This is your final paragraph.
Restate your topic, but do NOT restate it
exactly like you did in the introductory
paragraph.
Tie your conclusion to a broader idea or
event.
Topic Idea
Introduction
Paragraph 1 Idea
Topic Sentence
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Paragraph 2 Idea
Topic Sentence
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Conclusion
Paragraph 3 Idea
Topic Sentence
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail