Expository Writing

Expository writing, or informative writing, seeks to give information, and when necessary, explain
it. It is termed expository because it expounds on, or sets forth, ideas and facts. Expository
writing focuses on the subject being discussed. It includes reports of observations, ideas, scientific
data, facts, and statistics. It can be found in textbooks, encyclopedias, technical and business
reports, books of nonfiction, newspapers, and magazines. When you write exposition, you present
information. You are expected to offer that information with a minimum of bias, for you are
aiming to educate, not persuade. Like all effective teachers, you need to present the information
completely and clearly. The material also needs to be accurate and verifiable.
Checklist for Expository Writing
Prepare Yourself to Write
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Have you read your topic carefully?
*
Do you understand the purpose of solving a problem or informing?
*
Have you identified the audience for whom you are writing?
Make Your Paper Meaningful
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What is your position on this topic? Have you stated it clearly?
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What specific details have you used to support your position?
Is its information complete and accurate?
Is its information verifiable?
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Is your paper coherent, only addressing one issue?
Is its major focus the subject being discussed?
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Have you organized your ideas logically from the beginning to the end?
Is its information arranged for clarity?
Make Your Paper Interesting to Read
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Have you chosen the most effective words for your purpose and audience?
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Are your sentences varied in structure, length, and type?
Are your sentences constructed effectively?
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Do your sentences convey a interesting message to your audience?
Is it interesting to read?
Make Your Paper Easy to Read
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Are all of your sentences complete and correct?
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Did you write using multi-paragraphs?
Did you use effective transitions from one paragraph to another?
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Did you check for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and usage errors?
*
Is your handwriting neat and legible?
From: Troyka, L.Q. (1987). Handbook for writers. New York: Prentice Hall.
Root, T. (2006). Expository writing checklist. Retrieved May 8, 2006, from http://coefaculty.valdosta.edu/troot/read7140/expository.htm

Organizing the Expository Essay

Essay: Introductory Paragraph
The opening paragraph must complete three tasks.
1.
Get the reader's attention: ask a question, state an unusual fact, state a definition, or give
an anecdote.
2.
State the three main points by easing the reader into the subject.
3.
State the thesis, the main idea of the paper.
Essay: Body of Three Paragraphs
1.
2.

Each major point is discussed in its own paragraph.

These paragraphs include:
a. a topic sentence.
b. at least three major support sentences.
c. a concluding sentence.

Essay: Concluding Paragraph

The ending of the essay must complete three tasks.
1.
2.
3.

Restate the three major points and the thesis.

Give the readers at least one new point of information to think about (optional).
Provide a closing so that the reader is not left hanging.

Root, T. (2006). Expository writing checklist. Retrieved May 8, 2006, from http://coefaculty.valdosta.edu/troot/read7140/expository.htm

Organizational Scheme of an Expository Essay

1. Beginning
State your topic: ___________________________________________________
State three details about your topic:
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. Middle
Explain the each of the three details in a separate paragraph. Include at least three major
supporting ideas in each paragraph.

Reason #1:

1.
2.
3.

Reason #2:
1.

Reason #3:
1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

3. End
Give the conclusion through a: personal statement, prediction, or summary.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Root, T. (2006). Expository writing checklist. Retrieved May 8, 2006, from http://coefaculty.valdosta.edu/troot/read7140/expository.htm