Notes on Expository Writing

+Notes on Expository Writing: Sources: Stanford University and The Language of Composition

Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The creator of an expository text cannot assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather than blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.

There are eleven types of Expository Writing (or patterns of development): 1. Circumlocution 2. Narrative: Interspersion, anecdote, account 3. Recursion 4. Description 5. Exemplification 6. Process analysis 7. Comparison and Contrast 8. Classification and Division 9. Definition 10. Cause and Effect 11. Problem Solution/ assertion justification

1. Circumlocution- the speaker discusses a topic then diverts to discuss a related but different topic. Examples: Frank McCourt, “Jesus and the Weather” from Angela’s Ashes, or J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye.

2. Narrative Interspersion- A pattern or a sub-pattern imbedded in other patterns in which the speaker or writer intersperses a narrative within the expository text for specific purposes, including to clarify, or elaborate on a point or to link the subject matter to a personal experience. Example: Toni Morrison, Nobel Lecture.

Speaker shares “language” allegory

Youn Old g woman punk Death of s languag e 3. Recursive Pattern- the speaker discusses a topic, and then restates it using different words or symbolism. It is used to confirm a point and to give special emphasis to the text. Example: The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

4. Description- emphasizes the senses by painting a picture of how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes or feels. Often used to establish mood/atmosphere. See page 18 in TLC for example from “Serving in Florida.”

5. Exemplification- the author describes a topic by listing characteristics features and examples. Example: Nicollo Machiavelli, The Morals of a Prince 6. Process Analysis- The author explains how something works, how to do something, or how something is done. This pattern often lists items or events in numerical or chronological order. Example: George Orwell, “The Two Minutes Hate” from 1984-pages 9-17

First then after which followed by conclusion

7. Comparison/Contrast- The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different. Example: Anna Quindlan, “Between the Sexes, a Great Divide”

Similarities Differences

8. Classification and Division-Writers sort material or ideas into major categories. Writers find a distinctive way of breaking down a larger idea into parts. Example: “Politics and the English Language.” See page 23 of TLC.

Category 1 Category 2 9. Definition-Delineating the writer’s perspective on the meaning of a topic. Lays the foundation to establish common ground or identifying areas of conflict. See example on page 24 of TLC.

10. Cause and Effect- The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects. Example: Frederick Douglas, “On Learning to Read and Write” effect

CAUSE effect

effect

11. Problem- 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. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions