Expository Writing Techniques

Expository Writing

• A type of writing that explains, interprets, or analyzes a specific topic.
• Also known as informational writing.
• Often provides facts about a topic.
• Can include descriptions, reasons, explanations, or steps in a process.

Structural Elements

• Introduction:
  • Hook: an attention-grabbing sentence or question.
  • Background information: context about the topic.
  • Thesis statement: introduces the main topic or idea.
• Body: Discussion of details related to the main idea.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the main points and highlights the core idea.

Idea Development Patterns

• Description: Listing characteristics, features, and examples of a topic.
• Sequence: Items or events in numerical or chronological order.
• Comparison: Explaining how two or more things are alike and different.
• Cause and Effect: Identifying causes and consequences.
• Problem and Solution: Presenting a problem and listing possible solutions.
• Question and Answer: Posing questions and providing answers.

Language Features

• Word chains of synonyms and antonyms.
• Abstract nouns and technical terms.
• Action, saying, mental, thinking, modal, and relating verbs.
• Connectives (e.g., however, similarly).
• Emotive words to involve the audience.
• Evaluative language to establish author authority.
• Personal pronouns often omitted.

Persuasive Text

• Aims to convince or influence the audience.
• Primarily uses emotional appeals alongside factual information.
• Combines facts with emotions and ignores opposing viewpoints.

Structural Elements (Persuasive Text)

• Introduction: Hook, attention-grabber sentence, background, thesis statement.
• Body: Evidence and support, facts, statistics, opinions, anecdotes, and emotional appeals.
• Conclusion: Summary of points, restatement of thesis, and call to action.

Modes of Persuasion

• Ethos: Credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker/writer.
• Logos: Use of logic, reasoning, and evidence to support claims.
• Pathos: Appeal to the emotions, values, and beliefs of the audience.

Critique

• In-depth evaluation of a story, novel, film, or other material.
• Evaluates worth, significance, and potential improvements.
• Presents a systematic and detailed assessment of work's elements using examples.

Critical Approaches

• Moralist Approach: Evaluates work based on ethical or moral values, how characters behave, and moral values presented.
• Marxist Approach: Examines literature through economic and social class lenses, exploring power, wealth, and social status influence.
• Feminist Approach: Analyzes literature through a gender lens, focusing on portrayals of women, gender roles, and power dynamics.
• Historical Approach: Examines the text within its historical context.
• Reader-Response Approach: Focuses on the reader's interpretation and experience.
• Structuralist/Formalist Approach: Emphasizes the structure of the text, including patterns, symbols, language.