1. What is Expository Writing?
Every written script which exposes
(brings forward) original and factual details of some topic is
called expository writing. It aims to explain topics with objectivity
and avoids subjective descriptions. It has its foundations in academia
particularly in science, technology, engineering, business, and healthcare. All
textbooks of pure sciences (Physics, Bio or Chemistry) are
the best exemplar of this type of writing. However, persuasive (arguing
for one view), narrative (telling a story) and speculative
(exploring unproven ideas) writings have nothing to do with
expository writing.
2. TYPES OF EXPOSITORY WRITING
Since Expository writing explains REAL things
about the REAL world using REAL facts, it is found in many forms.
2.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions normally explain the meaning of a
term or word. They expound the core concepts briefly. They are essentially
devoid of any ambiguity.
Example:
“Language is a highly organized system of communication. It is a man-invented tool used to share thoughts, ideas, feelings and emotions.”
2.2 DESCRIPTION
Description is basically an expansion on the definition. It reports on a word or concept with a focus on its physical traits, characteristic features and sensory qualities. It uses precise language and creates a vivid picture in the readers’ mind.
Example:
“A sonnet is a poem which consists of 14 lines. It is always split into two parts. Its first half comprises on 8 lines which contain one idea whereas its second half consists of 6 lines which give some other idea.”
2.3 ILLUSTRATION
When description is supplemented by examples,
it is known as ‘Illustration’. In fact, its main function is to clarify some
idea through examples.
Example:
“The Figures of speech add special charm to the literary masterpieces. For instance, metaphors directly compare two things (‘My beloved’s cheeks are roses’) whereas Similes use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to draw a comparison (‘Sweet like honey’).”
2.4 CLASSIFICATION
Classification divides a topic into its types
for easy and better comprehension. It also illustrates the sub-classes in
detail for cognizance.
Example:
“English main verbs are classified into two types:
- Dynamic verbs show physical/mental action (run, think).
- Stative verbs Show state of something (The eyes blink).”
2.5 CAUSE AND EFFECT
This type of expository writing includes the content which tends to express how one thing affects the other. This type of writing can easily be recognized by signal words like because, therefore, as a result.
Example:
“Plastic pollution in oceans causes severe damage to sea life. When marine animals ingest microplastics, toxins enter their bodies (cause). This leads to health issues like reproductive failure in fish and seabird population decline (effect).”
2.6 PROCESS ANALYSIS
This form of expository writing tends to explain how a process completes after passing through various stages. One can easily perceive this type of writing via key words like first, next, finally.
Example:
Admission to Govt Graduate College Burewala follows three clear steps.
“First, applicants submit their Intermediate results, CNIC/B-form, and photos to the admission desk. Next, they pay fee via bank challan. Finally, they collect their enrollment card and class schedule. Completing these steps secures a student’s registration for the semester.”
2.7 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Comparative analysis compares two or more
items systematically. Very often, two subjects go parallel in this type of
writing with a focus on their similarities or differences.
Example:
“British vs. American English differ in spelling and vocabulary. For instance, Brits use ‘colour’ and ‘trousers’, while Americans use ‘color’ and ‘pants’. Similarly, both use ‘dog’ and ‘house’. However, they vary in their pronunciation: British English often drops the ‘r’ sound (car = 'cah'), whereas Americans pronounce it.”
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