What is Expository Writing?

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 can not 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 then 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.

 

What are some Expository Organizational Patterns

In order to give you more information about oral and written exposition we have provided you with eight different examples of expository organizational patterns. You will find that most of these organizational patterns are very familiar to you. You may have never really considered them to be "kind" of organizational patterns. As you read through the different types of organizational patterns that are presented below, try to figure out how many of these organizational patterns do you already find yourself writing or speaking on a daily basis?

Pattern	Description	Cue Words	Graphical Organizer/Sample Passages
Circumlocution	Depicts a pattern in which the speaker discusses a topic, then diverts to discuss a related but different topic.		View
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.		View
Recursion	When the speaker discusses a topic, then restates it using different words or symbolism. It is used to drive home a point and to give special emphasis to the text.		View

(Ball, 1991, "Organizational Patterns in the Oral and Written Language of African American Adolescents", adapted from dissertation submitted to Stanford University.)

 

Pattern	Description	Cue Words	Graphical Organizer/Sample Passages
Description	The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples	for example, char- acteristics are	View
Sequence	The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.	first, second, third; next; then; finally	View
Comparison	The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different.	different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand	View
Cause and Effect	The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects.	reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because	View
Problem and 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.	problem is; dilemma is; puzzle is solved; question... answer	View

 

Articles Index