Expository Essays

During this session we will be looking at why people write essays and to develop an
awareness for writing expository essays. We will analyse the variety of expository
essays and identify their features. We will also write an expository essay based on a
given topic and develop creativity through guided instructions.

ACTIVITY 1: Expository writings in our World

An expository essay attempts to explain the subject to the audience. This may be
accomplished by explaining a process, comparing or contrasting two items, identifying
a cause-effect relationship, explaining with examples, dividing and classifying, or
defining. Depending upon the particular type of expository essay being written, the
order of presentation of supporting details may vary.
The process essay will employ chronological (time) order; the essay which compares or
contrasts, explains with examples, or divides and classifies may use an order of
importance (most-to-least important or least-to-most important); the essay which
employs causal analysis may identify a cause and then predict its effect or start with
the effect and seek to identify its cause.
Definitions of Expository essay:
Expository writing is a rhetorical mode of writing in which the purpose of the

author is to inform, explain, describe, or define his or her ...

an essay which shares, explains, suggests, or explores information, emotion,
and ideas
it is explanatory writing. Most essays require some element of exposition, and

such strategies as cause and effect, compare and contrast ...

Expository writing is any type of writing that is used to describe, explain, or

inform. In a nutshell, expository writing is used to convey information from
writer to reader.

Expository essays require that the writer give information, explain the topic or

define something. To accomplish that, they are best developed by the use of
facts and statistical information, cause and effect relationships, or examples.
Since they are factual, they are written without emotion and usually written
in the third person. That means that the use of the pronoun "I" is not usually
found within the essay.
Task 1:
1. List all the different types of expository essays that you encounter daily.
2. As a teacher of English, what do you write? Think of reasons why you need to write
expository essays.
3. Work in pairs to identify the types of expository essays and list them down.

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Task 2: Study the 4 samples essays below. Identify them according to the following
categories:
No
1
2
3
4

Categories of essays
Process Essay
Comparison & Contrast Essay
Cause Effect Essay
Explaining with Examples Essay

HANDOUT 1A 1D

1A. Two Friends

People of the world all have different personalities, but some are similar in
nature. Not only do your actions reveal a lot about you, but your friends
reveal just as much. Two of my best friends, Amanda and Tim, are very
different from each other, although both have sparkling personalities.
Amanda and I have been friends since we were nine years old. We have
always shared our most enjoyable and our most trying times. For instance,
every time Amanda and I are together, we always have fun. We have always
been able to laugh at ourselves, and we always think of some new inside joke
to have the next day at school. With the rest of our friends, we have always
been able to share our silly escapades and ridiculous humour. Just sharing our
stories brings back memories of more and more of our escapades. On the
other hand, when Amanda or I have a rough time, we are always there for
each other. When Amanda's Grandfather died, I was there for her. She was
very upset and I was there for her to talk to. Then, when my Grandfather was
very ill and in the hospital, I was worried about my family. She was there for
me the whole time my Grandfather was in the hospital.
Tim, on the other hand, is more of a mentor. He has been a friend of mine
since we were nine years old as well, but he was always a little more serious.
We always talked about things rather than going out and doing things. Tim has
been there to give me advice about guys, choices I have to make, and other
problems that may come up. Just as Tim has been there for me, I have been
there for him as well. When Tim has something on his mind, he will talk about
it with me. If he ever hesitates to talk to me, by the time I have told him he
can trust me, he will begin to pour his heart out. I would almost regard him
as a brother.
As you can see, these two friends are different but both are very important in
my life. Both play important roles and both would cause a major change in
my life if our friendships.

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1B. Some People!

Working in a retail store, a person encounters many kinds of people. I have
encountered countless people and all fall into one of two categories, those who are
aware and those who are not. Customers who are not aware can seem to be rude,
obnoxious, and, most often, stupid. In this case, the woman was not only stupid, but
also completely rude.
The day had been extremely busy, people were asking me questions left and
right. I always knew people would ask questions that seemed ridiculous to me, but I
could see how it could be a mistake. So, when it finally slowed down, I was tired of
answering questions, so, I tried to stay at the register. Then, when an older woman
came up to the register, I was ready to ring her out. While I was preparing to punch in
the numbers she made the comment, "Boy, that's a great deal for ninety-nine cents!"
"It sure is," I said, thinking she was referring to the lid for the casserole dish
she had. Then, I proceeded to ring her out. After, I rang up the casserole dish and the
lid, I told her the total, "That will be six dollars and thirty-five cents."
"No, it's not!" she proclaimed
"All right, I'll check it again." So, I added the totals the computer said the
items were. "Yes, it's six dollars and thirty-five cents."
"That's not what the sign says. It says that it's ninety-nine cents."
"Well, maam, are you sure?" I said this very politely. I knew the lid was
ninety-nine cents and the base was around five dollars( both were an sale.)
"Right here it says, 'glass plus plastic lids ninety-nine cents.'" She said this in
a very unappealing tone.
"No, maam. That says that the glass and plastic lids are on sale for a dollar." I
said this as pleasantly as possible. Then Chad, the Third Key, started listening in.
"Yes, the glass and plastic lids are on sale for ninety-nine cents." She said
glass and pointed furiously at the dish. By then I was next to her by the table with all
of the casserole dishes and lids on it.
"Maam, this is the glass lid that is on sale for ninety-nine cents, along with
the plastic lid that you have on the counter." I did this as sweetly as I could. By now, I
was frustrated. Then the woman looked to Chad who was behind the counter to see if
I was wrong.
"Well, that sign is deceiving. I don't want it then." Then she stormed out of
the store.
Chad looked at me while he almost whispered to me, "What was that? Was
that lady just stupid or what?"
"I don't know. Now I have to void out this entire sale."
"Here, let me," Chad said. Then he began to type in the reason we had to
void the sale.
The rest of the night went well, although I kept thinking about how anyone
could be so bull headed and not want to see anything any other way. It amazed me to
the point I found myself laughing at the idea of a casserole dish and a lid for the price
of ninety nine cents.
Now, as I look back, I know that the lady was either completely oblivious to
the fact that our store was a retail store (compared to a garage sale), just trying to
get something for nothing, or just completely unaware of the fact she was wrong. So,
the next time an unaware person is in the area, be as polite as possible and laugh at
the ridiculous things he or she tries to get away with.
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1C. How to Make a Simple Birthday Cake

Have you ever wanted to make a birthday cake for a loved one? Well, here is
how to make a simple birthday cake. All you'll need is a little time, love, and a few
items from the grocery store.
You will need a boxed cake mix (the favorite of the birthday person),
shortening, eggs, oil, flour, and birthday candles (the number will depend on the age
of the birthday person.) When you get home, you will need to gather a few items: a
large mixing bowl, a large cake pan, an electric mixer or a large mixing spoon, a
spatula, and measuring cups and spoons.
First, you will need to wash your hands and work area. Read through the
directions on the cake box to be sure you have everything you need. Then, gather all
of your equipment and food items in your work area, organize it according to the
order you will use them in making your cake. Be sure to preheat your oven to the
appropriate temperature before you begin.
Next, put the dry cake mix into your large mixing bowl. Then, put the
prescribed amount of water, oil, and eggs into the mix. Then, with the electric mixer
or mixing spoon mix the batter until it is smooth and free of clumps. Next, grease the
large cake pan with the shortening. If you wish, you can wrap your fingers with wax
paper to keep them from getting greasy. Then, flour the pan lightly. If you do this over
the garbage can it will be easier to clean your work area later. Next, pour the cake
batter into the cake pan, using the rubber spatula to scrape all of the batter off of the
sides of the bowl. Be sure the batter is level in the pan so it will rise evenly. Next,
place the cake on the top rack of the oven and bake for the amount of time specified
on the box, the time is usually around thirty minutes. While the cake is baking clean
up you work area.
After the cake is done remove it from the oven. If you push a toothpick to
the bottom and it comes out clean it is done. Turn off the oven and let the cake cool.
After the cake has had ample time to cool, you are ready to spread the icing on the
cake. If you use a spatula, rather than a knife, the icing will spread easier and will be
less likely to ruin the cake. When the icing is on the cake, place the appropriate
number of birthday candles on it, you are ready to present your simple birthday cake.
There you have it, a birthday cake that someone will be glad to devour. This
cake is easy to make, but still shows someone you care. Be sure to prepare it with
love, and your loved one will appreciate it.

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1D. The Many Causes of Asthma Attacks

Asthma, a condition that affects the lungs, is a disease that many people,
the majority of whom are children, have. Asthma is most commonly thought to be
hereditary. One known cause for an attack is an allergic reaction, but stress and
vigorous activity are thought to be causes as well. This disease can be fatal if it is not
taken care of immediately, but with the medical technology of today, mild asthma is
more of a nuisance than a life threatening disease.
Although not proven, asthma is thought to be hereditary. The majority of
asthmatics tend to have asthmatics in the family. In most cases, asthma usually is
present at birth, although some cases have developed after age forty (Mayo Clinic
Family Health Book "Asthma" 466-467)
.
A flare up of asthma is generally referred to as an asthma attack. An asthma
attack starts with the spasm and constriction of the muscles in the bronchial passages;
there is also an inflammation of the mucous lining. This will cause breathing to
become labored and cause a wheezing sound (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book "Asthma"
933). At this stage, some asthmatics may experience coughing. The coughing will often
be a "wet" cough, which is the kind of cough with which mucous is coughed up
(Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial"). This will continue until medication is taken,
or, if no medication is taken, the symptoms will subside after time. Most asthma
attacks occur at night, although an asthma attack can occur at anytime (Mayo Clinic
Family Health Book "Asthma" 933).
An asthma attack is known to be caused by an allergy. Exposure to allergens
will trigger an asthma attack. The most common allergens are dust mites, pollen,
animal fur or dander, and feather pillows. The only way to prevent an attack caused
by an allergy is to avoid the allergen (Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial").
In addition to allergies, there are many unknown causes for an attack.
Vigorous exercises, like running or aerobics, can cause an asthma attack. Stress also
tends to trigger an attack. It is not known why these things cause an asthma attack,
but the tendency is great (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book "Asthma" 466-467).
Even though the cases of asthma have increased forty percent since 1982,
still little is known about the lung condition (Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial").
With immuno-therapy and medication, asthma is not as life threatening as in the past;
however, since allergies, stress, and exercise all can cause an attack, the asthma
sufferer must be alert to these symptoms.

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ACTIVITY 2:Features and pattern of organization of expository

essays
You are to explain in brief with examples the 6 developmental patterns in Handout 2A
to your friends from the other group who will explain to you the guide to write
expository essays as a returning gesture in Handout 2B.

ACTIVITY 3: Write a guided expository essay

Task : Using the guidelines for writing expository essays in Handout 3, write a guided
expository essay. You have a present that was really memorable. It could have been
given for an important occasion or just for no reason at all. Tell us about the present
and why it was memorable. Include the reason it was given, why did you choose it,
and how you felt when you got it.

HANDOUT 3

Guided Expository Essay Writing

The objective is to write an expository essay about a present you were given
The subject is a memorable present. The three main subtopics are:
the reason it was given
a description of it

and how you felt when you got it

Outline your five paragraph essay; include these elements:
Introductory Paragraph
General Topic Sentence: memorable present
1. Subtopic One: the reason it was given
2. Subtopic Two: a description of it
3. Subtopic Three: how you felt when you got it
(Transition)
First Supporting Paragraph

Second Supporting
Paragraph

Restate Subtopic One

Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition

Third Supporting Paragraph

Restate Subtopic Three

Restate Subtopic Two

Supporting Details or
Examples

Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition

Transition

Closing or Summary Paragraph : Synthesis and conclusion of the thesis

rephrasing main topic and subtopics.
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ACTIVITY 4: Write an expository essay

Task: Write on any one of the topics below in groups after discussion.

HANDOUT 4
Expository Essay
Here are some expository prompts that have some additional guidance provided
for development:

The Telephone
The telephone has become a most important part of everyone's life. Most of us
have difficulty imagining what it could be like to live without it.

Write a five-paragraph essay explaining how the Malaysian family uses it for
business, pleasure, and emergencies. Assume that this will be published as
a part of a facts magazines article.

The Best Teacher

Each of us had a teacher that we consider to have been really good. It may not
have been a person that we really like at the time. But, in looking back, we
realize that that person presented and saw to it that we knew some things that
would be really important. Sometimes it was how that person presented things
and not just what opportunities were supplied. That person does not have to
be a classroom teacher. Think about that person and the reasons that they are
positively memorable.

Write a five-paragraph essay and explain why this person is an excellent

teacher.

An Effect on my Life
The arts (music, art, drama, dance etc,) and sports have important effects on
people's lives. When begun at a young age, they can be pursued for a long time
and can shape future interests, careers, and life styles. One does not have to
become a superstar, but the effect can be there and shown in many ways.

Choose one of the arts or a sport and explain how it could shape a person
and influence one's life if begun when one is young.

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ACTIVITY 5: Write more relevant essays?

Task:
Compare and contrast on either one of the following topics in 8 sentences:
a. your dream car and your current car or
b. your dream partner and your current partner or
c. your dream holiday destination and the best holiday destination ever
experienced.
Some of you will be asked to present your creative contrastive and comparative
writings on the 3 topics above.

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