Are you a writing geek who’s always on the lookout for new writing styles? If expository writing has caught your attention, this article will help you know all about what is expository writing and its different types and characteristics.
Writing has many forms and styles. From an academic essay to a business proposal or simple letters, writing is involved in every step of our life. For some, it might just be something necessary to do, but for others, it might be a passion or something they are good at.
Expository writing is one of the forms of writing and is used to convey factual information. If you have ever come across an academic essay, a textbook chapter, a news report, or a how-to guide, then you’ve already read expository writing. Any piece of writing that exudes facts and information is a part of expository writing.
For someone who is a writer, expository writing can introduce new ways and topics to write. Learning how to write an excellent expository piece of writing can lay the foundation for learning good academic writing skills as well. This can help students in their studies and when they’re out looking for numerous professions.
A passionate writer is always searching for more writing topics and styles to try and learn from, and expository writing can help in that. If you have just started exploring expository writing and are new to it, this article will provide all the help you need to get started with this type of writing. This article is an extensive guide to what is expository writing, its types, purpose and characteristics, and everything else you need to know.
Understanding expository writing
Expository writing is used to convey factual information and guidance. As the name shows, expository writing exposes facts and educates its readers about factual information. The purpose of such writing is neither to entertain readers nor to convince them about something. Instead, it is used to simply convey unbiased information for the sole purpose of education as well as awareness.
Expository writing intends to inform its readers. Its purpose is to enlighten and instruct by explaining or analyzing factual information while remaining unbiased. As mentioned above, examples of expository writing include a textbook chapter, newsletter, encyclopedia information, or any informational guide on the internet. This category of writing can also include some unbiased journals.
Unlike narrative writing, which narrates a story to its readers, and persuasive writing, which convinces its readers about a specific point, expository writing involves nothing of that sort. It is used to convey facts to readers so that they can increase their knowledge and deepen their understanding of particular information.
Some might think of expository writing as academic writing, but it is more than that. In fact, expository writing is present everywhere around us at all times. Every time we read a piece of information, it is the expository writing we see. Expository writing can take any form: an academic paper, a newspaper article, or a book-length unbiased journal. In simple words, expository writing is simply used to describe, inform and explain.
Expository writing is sometimes also mistaken for informational writing, but there are differences between the two. Information writing gives general information. However, expository writing uses facts, figures, and evidence to explain a particular aspect of something and increase the readers’ knowledge about it.
Purpose of expository writing
As is evident from the definition, we can break the purpose of expository writing into the following points.
To inform
This is one of the primary purposes of expository writing. If you are writing to inform the readers about some facts they probably did not know before, then it is expository writing. Presenting some information that is new to readers is a part of this type of writing.
To explain
One of the purposes of expository writing is to explain something to the readers about which they had a vague idea or knew very little. It is expository writing if your writing helps them explain certain things and increase their knowledge. For example, before reading an article, you did not know much about the content in it, and after reading it, you have gained much knowledge about its topic of content. In that case, that piece of writing is an example of expository writing.
Characteristics of expository writing
There are some characteristics of expository writing that describe the main features included in this type of writing. These characteristics are described below.
Informative
The most important characteristic that an expository piece of writing must have is that it must be informative. The element of information is a must-have for all kinds of expository writings. Besides, being informative is its sole purpose as well. Expository writing must be capable of increasing awareness and knowledge, among its readers, about the topic it’s being written.
An expository piece of writing is always written by keeping in mind that the reader is unaware of the information being provided and knows nothing of the sort. This leads to a better explanation by the writer, who tries to incorporate every piece of information about the topic. The situation will be the opposite if the writer assumes that the reader is aware of the information being presented to him, as it might result in a vague and unclear piece of writing.
Unbiased
All expository writings are unbiased. This means that there is no opinion involved of any sort. The facts and information are presented as it is, without giving any opinion on whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. It is up to the reader to perceive it in any way he wants. He is just presented with informational facts and figures; deciding whether the information is good or bad is solely up to him.
Impersonal
Since expository writings are unbiased, it is necessary to write them in an impersonal tone. The use of 1st person pronouns is avoided, and second-person pronouns like “you” are preferred to be used throughout the expository piece of information or instruction.
Clear and precise
One thing that an expository piece of writing must have is clarity and precision. Vague and unclear ideas are usually not involved in this type of writing. Whatever type of expository writing it may be, whether it is an instructional how-to guide or a textbook page, the information provided is always clear and precise. Readers are not left hanging about a certain topic; they are provided the complete information in the best and most precise way possible.
Focused and to-the-point
Another important characteristic is that an expository piece of writing does not beat around the bush; it is always focused and to the point. Expository writing does not involve any irrelevant details that make it lengthy and tedious. It will always contain and present facts and figures in the most straightforward and focused way.
Types of expository writing
Expository writing is of different types. When a writer starts writing an expository piece, he can choose from these different types to continue. The six types of expository writing are described below.
Descriptive and definitive
In this type of expository writing, the writer gives a complete description and definition of the topic he is presenting. For this purpose, he makes use of details such as evidence, background story, and examples to define his topic as descriptively as possible. This type of expository writing is elaborated with the use of complete meaning and types as well.
Descriptive expository writing is not always intended to be dull or dry. The writer may make use of emotions and creativity to make his writing more engaging and compelling to the eyes of the readers.
Problem and solution
As the name shows, this type of expository writing involves a problem and its solutions. The writer states a problem, explains every little detail about it, and suggests any possible solutions to it. And these solutions are not the personal decisions or opinions of the writer. They are based on facts and evidence and are justified with sufficient data. Techniques and ways to implement these solutions are also described.
Comparative and contrast
As the name suggests, this type of expository writing involves comparing and contrasting two things or ideas. The writer uses every piece of evidence and information to state the similarities and differences between any two topics or subjects. One thing to note here is that both the subjects or ideas being compared must belong to the same category. This way, the similarities or differences are clearly understood by the readers.
Cause and effect
In this type of expository writing, the writer describes the cause of something and the effects it has or may have in the future. He gives proper reasoning for why something happened and what kind of impact it can have. These are not just the writer’s opinions; he provides valid reasons to justify his reasoning.
Classification
This type of expository writing breaks down the main subject or topic into different groups or categories and subgroups or subcategories. This is done for a better understanding of the main topic. The writer also provides examples and evidence with each category or subcategory to make his writing easy to read and understand for the readers.
Process and sequential
Process or sequential expository writing is also known as a process essay. As the name indicates, this type of expository writing involves sequential order. The writer describes or explains a subject in sequential order, moving step by step to include every detail about the topic.
Advantages and benefits of expository writing
Expository writing comes with a lot of advantages and benefits. Whether a student or an older person, expository writing is beneficial for every age and walk of life. Here are some of the primary benefits of expository writing.
Wealth of information
You might know very clearly by now that the primary purpose of expository writing is to provide information. An expository piece of writing is like a wealth of information and is full of facts, figures, and evidence to support the information and increase knowledge on a specific topic. It contains valid facts from reasonable and reputable resources. This is beneficial for the reader as well as the writer.
In writing an expository text full of information, a writer is able to structure his text well and demonstrate their ability to understand a topic clearly. When used for teaching students, expository writing can help to enhance their learning and provide authentic, well-rounded information.
Objectivity
The fact that expository writing is free from any biased opinions or personal preference gives it the advantage of objectivity. An expository text contains evidence and facts to support its main subject. No subjective opinion of the writer is involved, which further increases the text’s authenticity and makes it more trustworthy and valid.
Expository texts are not trying to prove a point; they are not trying to convince readers of something. They are just presenting all the possible information there is about the topic. This way, the readers also do not have any conflict of opinions.
Concise perspective
Although an expository text contains much information and may also have more than one author, it is always concise in perspective and outlook. An entire expository piece of writing is based on one perspective and the entire information, with all the facts and figures, revolves around that one perspective. Unlike fictional or descriptive writings that contain various views of characters or writers, expository writing always comes with a limited perspective and describes it in detail.
Instructional guidance
Expository writing is not just about information and facts. Expository texts are also beneficial in the way that they contain instructions about something. Expository writing can take the form of a how-to article that guides the readers about a specific process step by step. For example, an instructional guide that tells you how to use an automatic washing machine is expository writing. So, expository writing provides the benefits of understanding as well as learning new things.
What is an expository essay?
An expository essay is an example of expository writing. It is mostly written by students and contains a complete investigation of an idea, along with its evaluation and evidence. The students are required to present an argument regarding their topic in a well-described and concise manner. For this purpose, students can make use of any type of expository writing; compare and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution or definition, etc.
Planning an expository essay
When writing an expository essay, it is always essential to plan it out first. This section describes the key points to remember while planning to write an expository essay.
Brainstorm
The first step in writing a compelling essay is not to start writing right away but rather to brainstorm ideas. Make a mind map and jot all your ideas down wherever you want, be it a piece of paper or a laptop. At this stage, you don’t have to be neat, and you don’t have to be perfect.
Just write down any ideas that cross your mind about the expository essay you are going to write. You will eventually end up with some amazing ideas, out of which you can choose the most amazing ones to work on. Then, you can continue to brainstorm the information about your ideas. This way, brainstorming lays a practical foundation for you to see a clear path to writing a compelling expository essay.
Draft your thesis
When you have brainstormed enough and are sure about your writing, it is time to start drafting your thesis statement that explores the main idea of your expository essay in one sentence.
Re-read and explore your thesis
Once you have composed your thesis statement, you must go through it repeatedly to transform it into a better one. You must ask yourself questions regarding whether your thesis statement satisfies all the elements and key aspects of the expository writing style. If you think your thesis statement might sound biased to readers, consider changing it. You also need to check for the scope. Is your thesis statement covering the exact scope of the essay? If not, then you might consider rewriting it.
Outline your essay
When you are done brainstorming and drafting a thesis statement, you can make an outline for your essay before starting to write it. This way, you will know what to include and what not to include. A quick outline can save your time by organizing the ideas that you look forward to presenting in your essay. It helps you discard excessive or out-of-the-way points and only include the most relevant and clear details.
Research well
This is one of the essential points for planning an expository essay. If you want your essay to sound credible and authentic, intense research can help you with that. Before starting an expository essay, make sure that you research well to find credible evidence and facts that support your ideas or thesis. It is better to search for sources that are presented by experts or famous organizations. You can search for graphical data, charts, and definitions.
Throughout the research, you must keep all the elements of expository writing in mind. Stay away from biased and opinionated information and make sure to look for relevant and to-the-point details.
Double-check the facts
Expository writing is all about facts and figures. While researching, you might come across contradictory resources where one resource says one thing and the other resource says the opposite. In order to avoid putting the wrong facts and untruthful information in your essay, it is always important to double-check the facts and examine them well before putting them into your writing.
You can do this by checking for the same fact from some other sources as well, and then go with what most of the sources are saying. If one source is a personal article and the other is an educational website, then the latter will be more unbiased and appropriate for your research.
Structure of expository essay
The basic structure of an expository essay consists of three parts, all of which are equally important in drafting a compelling expository essay. It is always good to brainstorm and research well about your topic before starting to write an expository essay. Once you are done brainstorming, you can then start off with your essay according to the following three parts.
Introduction
Every essay or piece of writing generally starts off with an introduction. The first paragraph generally constitutes the introduction to your topic or thesis. It lays the essay’s foundation and gives the audience an overview. The first paragraph is meant to include a precise and clear thesis statement which is narrowed down to provide an understandable and logical overview.
Body
Once you have written an introductory paragraph, it is time to transition to the next part, the essay’s body. It is important to note that in order to have a well-structured essay, the transitions need to be very clear and logical so that the readers can easily follow the argument presented in the expository essay.
The general length of the body of an essay is three paragraphs, but it can be longer than that, depending on the information or facts that are presented to support the thesis. Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph in one way or another. The entire paragraph follows that topic sentence, providing enough information and evidence to support it. Then, there is a concluding sentence that concludes that paragraph’s objective.
Each paragraph has its own case and objective that supports the overall topic or thesis. And each one must be transitioned smoothly into the other. The body of an essay must include all the factual information to support your idea and maintain an objective perspective.
While writing the body for an expository essay, it is unnecessary to just stick to the information and keep the overall writing dry and dull. An added element of creativity can help make it more enjoyable while being informative and educational.
Conclusion
The conclusion is the last part of any writing. For an expository essay, this is a final section that should give readers a brief overview of the thesis. This does not simply include restating your thesis statement, but it also readdresses it in the light of supporting evidence and information. The conclusion of an expository essay is essential because it leaves a lasting impression on the readers, so it is necessary to make it practical and logical.
The concluding paragraph does not include any new information or evidence. Instead, it analyzes the information that has already been presented in the body of the essay and summarizes all the supporting points. Once you have written a concluding paragraph for your essay, always make sure to re-read and revise your essay to fix any grammar errors or add any additional information.
Final thoughts
So, this was all about expository writing. Hope this article answers all your questions like what is expository writing and what are its characteristics, purposes, benefits, and different types. Now that you are well aware of the expository writing style, you can quickly write an expository essay or any other expository text and ace it. Make sure to plan your essay well according to all the above-described points and also implement all the key elements and characteristics of expository writing in it.