Lesson Two

LESSON TWO

In Lesson One, you learned how to distinguish between persuasive writing and expository writing.  This is very crucial in truly understanding expository writing.

Persuasive writing occurs when you take a "side" on an issue or topic and write about it in a way that will persuade your readers to believe or take action in the way that you see things.  Persuasive writing is used to persuade.  Expository writing is used to "expose" information and facts for your readers. 

In this Lesson, you will learn about expository writing and how it "exposes" information by explaining, analyzing, or interpreting.  

EXPOSITORY WRITING “EXPOSES” INFORMATION 

The process of explaining means to make something plain and easy to understand.  To analyze means “to study. “ To interpret means to “explain the meaning of.”  Expository writing “exposes” information by explaining, analyzing, or interpreting. 

Expository writing offers information.  It is to convey (to communicate) or demonstrate knowledge.  Only facts and information are given.  The writer's opinions and feelings are not brought into the writing.

Some examples of expository writing are: 

• A composition on how to do something  

• A news article  

• A school or business report  

• An explanation of something that happened, how it happened, and when it happened  

• An interview -- to question someone  

• A research paper -- presents information and facts about a topic in order to study it – cites sources                                            

• A biography -- a story of someone's life that is written by another person   

• A book report which only presents the facts about the book and does not give personal opinions about the book 

COMPOSITION 

A composition is the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a whole.  To write a composition you will take different parts of information and research to create a whole piece of writing.  You will use this form to write a report, to explain a process, or to write about a certain subject. 

As you will see from the following list, there are many types of expository writing. Expository writing is used in many practical ways, and you will find examples of expository writing all around you.

NEWS ADVERTISEMENT

To persuade you to do something or buy something is the goal of a newspaper ad.  You are surrounded by ads everywhere; therefore, it is wise to know their intention and influence on you. 

REPORT 

Reports are intended to give facts and information.  There are many different types of reports all the way from a report that evaluates something to a report that describes.  There are school reports and business reports. 

INTERVIEW

An interview is when one person conducts a conversation to ask questions and gain information from another.  The person whom you choose to interview should be someone who is quite knowledgeable on the topic.  For instance, if you have chosen skiing as your topic of writing, then it is recommended that you choose an expert in that sport. 

A RESEARCH PAPER 

A research paper gives facts and information about a topic.  The writer studies the topic and then uses pieces of information from many sources.  The sources from which the information was taken are "cited."  That means the writer of the research paper has to give credit to the people from whom the information was taken. 

BIOGRAPHY 

A biography is a story of someone's life that is written by another person.  There are many wonderfully-written biographies available, and you will gain much knowledge and enjoyment from reading about another person’s life.

EXPOSITORY EXAMPLES 

Please read the paragraphs below.  These are examples of expository writing.  Notice how they contain only facts and information.  You will not find the writer's feelings or views on any of the topics in the paragraphs.

Example One 

Hike Bike Kayak, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Amy Kangleon. The company offers multisports adventures and fitness classes for those visiting San Diego or for the locals. Hike Bike Kayak (HBK) makes available surfing lessons, hikes, biking tours, rentals, beach workouts (such as Boot Camp), spinning classes, walking tours, team building events, and a Girl Scouts badge program. 

Example Two 

El Galeon is a restaurant which is decorated with a nautical motif.  Wood paneling covers the walls.  There are portholes on the walls, and there are ship artifacts.  A model of a ship oversees the foyer.  Many plants decorate and separate the tables for privacy.  

Example Three 

The Deck is located on the heavily-traveled tourist strip of Palm Beach, California.  The Deck offers inside or outside eating.  Outside there is a very large granite stone fireplace where hearth bread is baked right in the open flames. A fire pit provides warmth on cooler nights. Many ceiling fans provide diners with a cool place to eat in the evenings.  

PERSUASIVE EXAMPLES 

In order for you to grasp the contrast between expository and persuasive writing, please read the following paragraphs which are examples of persuasive writing.  Expository writing delivers facts and information without the writer's personal views and opinions; persuasive writing reveals the writer's views, thoughts, and opinions as he or she tries to persuade (to lead someone to take a course of action) to his or her view.  

Example One 

From the rock top the view is incredible; but then I look down and realize that I have a long, long way to go to get back to the ground.  Going down is not my forte, and it is very scary to me.  I do not know how other people can enjoy it, but I personally do not like a 250 foot descent. 

Example Two 

My friend and I rush through dinner; and although the food is delicious, we do not want to miss our boat ride home. With bellies full we wait for the team at Mission Bay Sports Center. The Barefoot Bar & Grille boasts a gorgeous waterfall to provide favorite tropical sounds during dinner, a lagoon, and many wooden bridges and paths. Surrounded by palm trees and the beautiful Mission Bay, the restaurant needs no other décor but what nature has already provided. It has the most beautiful atmosphere anyone could ever see in a restaurant! 

Example Three 

Prince Edward Island Mussels was the choice I finally made from the restaurant menu. There were so many delicious options that my waiter had to check back several times before I finally made my decision. I love mussels! I can eat mussels for every meal of every day. That is how much I love mussels! The ginger lemongrass broth in which the mussels were bathed was delicious! There was no mention of coconut in the broth, but its hint really set off the glorious taste of the seafood.