In an expository paragraph, you give information. You explain a subject, give directions, or show how something happens. In expository writing, linking words like first, second, then, and finally are usually used to help readers follow the ideas. Remember that all paragraphs should contain a topic sentence.

You are likely familiar with expository writing already, even if the name sounds unfamiliar. Common examples include newspaper articles, how-to manuals, and assembly instructions. Expository writing is also the most frequent type of academic writing!

Definitions: Expository text: Usually nonfiction, informational text. This type of is not organized around a story‑like structure but is instead organized based on the purposes and goals of the author or by content. Examples include news articles, informational books, instruction manuals, or textbooks.

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.

Unlike a persuasive paragraph, which takes a stand or forms an opinion about a subject, an expository paragraph is used when the writer wishes to explain or clarify a topic to the reader.

The purpose of expository writing is to present a balanced, objective description of a topic. The format of an expository essay allows for the clear and logical explanation of complex information instead of proving a point or providing the writer’s personal opinion on a subject.

It begins with a topic sentence that tells what the paragraph will be about. The body sentences that follow present the categories along with specific details about each. Finally, the closing sentence wraps up the paragraph.

The conclusion paragraph of an expository essay is an author’s last chance to create a good impression….Concluding Paragraph:

1. Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
2. Briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
3. Provide a strong and effective close for the paper.

An expository essay has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each is crucial to writing a clear article or effective argument.

Choose the Essay Structure Expository essays generally begin with an introduction followed by three body paragraphs before reaching the conclusion. This will lead to a five-paragraph essay between 500 and 800 words long, the typical length of an essay on a standardized test.

Key Components of an Expository Essay Thesis statement reveals overall purpose of the writing. Body consists of three or more points, descriptions, or examples. Concluding paragraph restates the thesis and offers the reader the opportunity to reflect further on the topic.

The statement that best describes an expository text is that the primary purpose is to construct a logical argument. An expository essay is an essay which explains something via facts, rather than opinions. Expository texts shouldn’t have personal recounts of things, or feelings and opinions and beliefs.

Expository text exists to provide facts in a way that is educational and purposeful. The text is fact-based with the purpose of exposing the truth through a reliable source. True and deliberate expository text will focus on educating its reader. Other descriptors of exposition are clear, concise, and organized writing.

1. Introduce the text structures in order, starting with description and finishing with compare/contrast.
2. Introduce and work on a single text structure in each lesson.
3. Prepare short passages (about six to eight lines) for the text structure you are going to work on in that session.

Elements of Expository Text

• description – main idea and details.
• sequence of events – order in which things happen.
• effect – the results of specific actions.
• enumeration – a listing of terms in no specific order.
• problem/solution – problem and one or more solutions.
• classification – dividing into categories.

Key Components of an Expository Essay Expository writing defines and explains. Introductory or lead paragraph invites the reader to explore the topic. Thesis statement reveals overall purpose of the writing. Body consists of three or more points, descriptions, or examples.

An expository essay has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each is crucial to writing a clear article or effective argument. The introduction: The first paragraph is where you’ll lay the foundation for your essay and give the reader an overview of your thesis.

Why is it important to teach expository text comprehension strategies? Expository texts use different text structures and more complex grammar to get information across than narratives. These higher level reading skills are vital to academic success, as new information is often taught using expository texts.

Expository writing can be used as a tool to show the reader why something is or how it works. Because of this, it is important for it to be extremely clear so that the reader will have an understanding of the topic when they are finished.

Expository text can also be challenging because its structure is different from the typical story structure familiar to students. Structure refers to the way information is organized in a text. Meyer (1975) was the first to describe different types of expository text structures.

Expository writing should never read like a novel or a mystery story. The goal of expository writing is to enlighten the reader by presenting the subject matter in a clear and organized fashion. “Exposition”–which is based on the root word “expose”–is meant to educate and illuminate, not titillate.