Expository WritingExpository Writing

Based on Writer’s Inc.

Based on Writer’s Inc.

What is Expository Writing?

What is Expository Writing?

Expository writing is writing that shares information.

Your goal as an expository writer is to pass on as much valuable information as you can about a topic.

Expository writing is writing that shares information.

Your goal as an expository writer is to pass on as much valuable information as you can about a topic.

What kinds of information am I passing on?

What kinds of information am I passing on?

There are different types of information that you can gather and use in expository writing.

There are different types of information that you can gather and use in expository writing.

FactsFacts

“Facts are specific statements that can be proven to be true.” --Writer’s Inc.

“Facts are specific statements that can be proven to be true.” --Writer’s Inc.

StatisticsStatistics

“Statistics are factual statements that include a numerical value.” --Writer’s Inc.

“Statistics are factual statements that include a numerical value.” --Writer’s Inc.

QuotationsQuotations

“Quotations are the exact words of experts or authorities.” --Writer’s Inc.

Experts = ? Authorities = ?

“Quotations are the exact words of experts or authorities.” --Writer’s Inc.

Experts = ? Authorities = ?

ParaphrasesParaphrases

“Paraphrases restate in your own words what someone else has said.” --Writer’s Inc.

restate = ?

“Paraphrases restate in your own words what someone else has said.” --Writer’s Inc.

restate = ?

AnecdotesAnecdotes

“Anecdotes are brief stories that make a point.” --Writer’s Inc.

brief = ?

“Anecdotes are brief stories that make a point.” --Writer’s Inc.

brief = ?

Once when I was younger…

AnecdotesAnecdotesSome say that George W. Bush has trouble with public speaking.

Below is an anecdote that supports this claim:

Forming a Thesis StatementForming a Thesis Statement A specific topic + a limited focus = an effective thesis statement.

A thesis statement usually appears toward the end of the first paragraph.

You may need to write two or three before you get a good one.

A specific topic + a limited focus = an effective thesis statement.

A thesis statement usually appears toward the end of the first paragraph.

You may need to write two or three before you get a good one.

Example ThesisExample Thesis

Topic = Safety improvements in driving such as airbags and seatbelts

Focus Idea = have saved many lives Thesis = Seatbelts and airbags have made great improvements in driving safety and have saved many lives.

Topic = Safety improvements in driving such as airbags and seatbelts

Focus Idea = have saved many lives Thesis = Seatbelts and airbags have made great improvements in driving safety and have saved many lives.

Selecting Main PointsSelecting Main Points “After you have written your thesis statement, you need to decide what main points you want to use to support it.

Use a graphic organizer:

“After you have written your thesis statement, you need to decide what main points you want to use to support it.

Use a graphic organizer:

Create an OutlineCreate an OutlineI. Introduction (include thesis statement).

II. Body (include your main points).III. Conclusion (remind the reader what you just proved).

I. Introduction (include thesis statement).

II. Body (include your main points).III. Conclusion (remind the reader what you just proved).

IntroductionIntroduction Background information – from the prompt and what you already know

Example: What do you know about the sample topic?

Thesis – the main idea of your essay; what you are trying to show readers

Example:Write a thesis for the sample prompt:

main topic + your focus idea = thesis statement

Background information – from the prompt and what you already know

Example: What do you know about the sample topic?

Thesis – the main idea of your essay; what you are trying to show readers

Example:Write a thesis for the sample prompt:

main topic + your focus idea = thesis statement

BodyBody

Topic sentence (main point) Evidence to support ideas Explanation of the evidence Address the biases Concluding Sentence (explain how your main point helps to prove your thesis)

Topic sentence (main point) Evidence to support ideas Explanation of the evidence Address the biases Concluding Sentence (explain how your main point helps to prove your thesis)

Use Main Points to Make Body Paragraphs

Use Main Points to Make Body Paragraphs

You must elaborate on your main points in order to create your body paragraphs.

Use these steps to help you:

You must elaborate on your main points in order to create your body paragraphs.

Use these steps to help you:

ConclusionConclusion

Review main points Explain the significance of the topic and your thesis statement

Do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion!

Review main points Explain the significance of the topic and your thesis statement

Do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion!