Exposition

1. Exposition “Expository writing makes things clear . . . My job is to explain things in a way that people can understand.” -Gene Bryan Johnson Journalist

2. What is Exposition? • Exposition is writing that informs or explains something to the reader • The world is full of expository writing: • Newspaper/magazine articles • Summaries • Informational reports • How-to manuals • Book reports

3. Group Activity • Write down a list of expository examples you have come across in the last few days • Remember that expository is matter of fact, or if expressing an opinion, based on fact • Movie review • News story • Instructions • Etc.

4. Types of Exposition • Exposition is probably the most common type of writing • Examples • Newspaper stories • Magazine articles • Movie/book reviews • Operating instructions • Reports in scientific journals • Chapters in history textbooks • Entries in encyclopedias

5. 5 Basic Categories of Exposition • Compare & Contrast Essay • A writer considers similarities and differences • How-to Instructions • Explain the steps involved in doing a task & anticipate any questions a reader may have • Cause-and-Effect Essay • A writer explores the reasons a particular event or situation occurred. The explanation of the causes of the event or situation must include solid supporting facts/details • Informational Report • A writer gathers relevant information and presents it in a clear and interesting way • Presents facts, statistics, and other info about a topic • Product Evaluation • A writer presents a reasoned opinion of strengths and weaknesses of a particular item or service • Helps the reader make an informed decision about whether to use or purchase

6. Group Activity • Brainstorming on the most interesting times in history • San Francisco earthquake 1906 • The Great Chicago Fire • The Holocaust • The Civil War • The Civil Rights Movement • Space Exploration

7. Problem-Solution Essay • Problem-solution essays go further than just identifying an issue: It offers an idea or changing it • An effective problem-solution includes: • A clear statement of problem • A proposal of at least one realistic solution • Facts, statistics, data, expert opinion • A clear organizational pattern • Appropriate language for audience background knowledge

8. Types of Problem-and-Solution Essays • Consumer issues: quality & price control • Iphones, Subway, Cars, Gas • Time-management issues: finding a balance between work, school, and leisure • HS students, parents, President, pro athletes • Local issues: neighborhood and community concerns • Schools, parks, leaf collection, farmer spraying

9. Organize your Prob-Sol Essay • 1.) Begin with a HQQK and conclude intro with direct statement of problem • 2.) Define/describe problem • 3.) Discuss possible solutions • 4.) Conclude Essay with C2A

10. “A Less Germy Hello” • Complete Chart as Class

11. Work in Groups • Complete Charts in Groups

12. Cause-and-Effect Essay • Cause-and-Effect essays examine the relationship between events, explaining how one events or situation causes another. • A successful cause-and-effect essay includes the following: • Discussion of the cause (event or condition) • An explanation of an effect (outcome or result) • Evidence and Examples for support • Logical organization

13. Types of Cause-and-Effect Essays • Scientific Reports • “The cause and effect of pollution in the atmosphere” • Current Events Article • “How mega-malls influence main street USA” • Health Studies • “The effect of a high-protein diet”

14. How to Organize Cause-and-Effect • Chronological Order • Presents events as they occurred • Order of Importance • Sequence based on relative importance

15. “Kicking the Habit” Cause-Effect Chart • Complete Chart as a Class

16. Group Work • Begins Cause-Effect Charts in groups • Finish for homework • MAKE SURE EACH PERSON CHOOSES DIFFERENT SUB-TOPIC

17. Compare and Contrast Essay • Short piece of expository writing that describes similarities and differences between two or more subjects • An effective compare/contrast essay includes: • Identifies a purpose for comparison & contrast • Gives factual details about the subjects compared • Uses an organizational plan suited for topic/purpose

18. Organizing a Compare/Contrast Essay • There are two basic strategies: • Block • Talk about all the similarities then differences • Talk about all about one subject and then the next • Point by Point • Talk about each individual aspects of subjects sharing how each is alike and different • Example: MLK Jr. vs. President Lincoln

19. Signal Words • Compare= • Similarly • Equally • Likewise • Resembles • Also • Alike • Both • Same as • Differences= • However • On the other hand • By contrast • More/less • instead • Unlike • Differ/differently

20. “The Bookless Library” • Complete Compare/Contrast Chart as Class

21. Work in Groups • Begin Compare and Contrast Charts in groups • Finish for homework • Make sure each person chooses a different sub-category within historical event