What is expository writing?
Expository writing is a type of writing where the purpose is to inform, describe, explain, or define the author's subject to the reader. Text response essays are written in expository form so you are already familiar with this style of writing. Expository responses in this section of the course may adopt a more informal register. You do not need to avoid first person.
Form: There are many possible forms for an expository response. Be creative! Then again a five – six paragraph essay will meet the criteria. The most common forms of expository texts include: analytical essays, reflective essays, news reports, research texts, interviews, biographies and autobiographies, letters, speeches and submissions.
Possible intended purposes:
Audience: will vary according to purpose and form.
Language features:
Form: There are many possible forms for an expository response. Be creative! Then again a five – six paragraph essay will meet the criteria. The most common forms of expository texts include: analytical essays, reflective essays, news reports, research texts, interviews, biographies and autobiographies, letters, speeches and submissions.
Possible intended purposes:
- to explain all sides of an argument or issue;
- to inform by examining both sides of an issue;
- to provide a balanced discussion of different views;
- to present the pros and cons so readers can make up their own minds.
Audience: will vary according to purpose and form.
Language features:
- the language must be appropriate for the intended audience;
- the language and style adopted depends on the purpose and form to meaningfully communicate ideas and engage with the intended audience;
- the stylistic features of the form must be adopted. All written texts have recognisable forms.