Task : Expository Text

EXPOSITORY TEXT

Expository writing is a type of writing where the purpose is to inform, explain, describe, or define the author's subject to the reader. In many social activities, hortatory is applied for writing recommended thought, sales letter, advertising, speech campaign, and news advertorial.

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.

Expository Organizational Patterns

-          Description : The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples.

Cue Words : for example, characteristics are

-          Sequence : The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.

Cue words : first, second, third, next, then, finally.

-          Comparison : The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different.

Cue words : different,  in contrast, alike, same as, on the other hand

-          Cause and Effect : The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects.

Cue words : reasons why, if...then, as a result, therefore, because.

-          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.

Cue words : problem is, dilemma is, puzzle is solved, question... answer.