3.3: USING DETAILS TO EXPLAIN: EXPOSITORY WRITING

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WRITING AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY

The basis of “expository” is “expound” which means to explain. An expository essay explains something. This can refer to a research paper or can explain a process. (Those tempting recipes on the internet are a prime example of a processessay.)

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING A PROCESS ESSAY (POTENTIAL SUPPORTING DETAILS!)

A process paper either tells the reader how to do something or describes how something is done. As you write your process essay, consider the following:

What are you trying to explain? Why is it important?
Why are you explaining it in this way?
Who are the readers? What knowledge do they need to understand this information?
What skills/equipment are needed?
How long does the process take? Is the outcome always the same?
How many steps are there in the process?
Why is each step important?
What difficulties are involved in each step? How can they be overcome? Do any cautions need to be given?
Does the process have definitions that need to be clarified?
If needed, tell what should not be done or why something should be done.
Process papers are often written in the second person (you), but some teachers prefer that you avoid this. Check with your teacher.

Your responses to these questions and statements should enable you to write an effective process essay. You do not need to use this as a checklist - this is just a list of things to consider when you are organizing your essay.

TRANSITION WORDS TO GET YOUR READER FROM ONE IDEA TO THE NEXT

Process essays are generally organized according to time: that is, they begin with the first step in the process and proceed in time until the last step in the process. It's natural, then, that transition words indicate that one step has been completed and a new one will begin. Some common transitional words used in process essays are listed below:

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HOW TO WRITE AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Ask yourself, “What is the prompt asking?”
Make a Plan
1. Focus Statement/thesis:
  
  Hook
2. Main Points:
3. Conclusion
  
  Tip: Use the Essay Planner in this book’s Course Resources section.
Develop your essay based upon your plan.

WHAT IS A HOOK?

A hook is an introduction that helps ease your reader into the topic. This may take the form of a question, an anecdote (brief story,) interesting facts, or a simple description or other way of connecting with your audience. Sometimes a writer can think of a hook immediately, and other times the hook doesn’t present itself to the writer until the essay is well underway. It’s ok if you can’t think of a hook right away – you can write your essay without the hook and add it back in later.

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Check your syllabus. What assignments are coming up to which you will apply your understanding of Expository Writing? When will this be due?