What is an expository text exactly? Before explaining how to write an expository text step by step and revealing some useful tricks and examples, it is worth clarifying what an expository text is. These types of documents are basically used for disclosure, especially when specific data can be communicated. The main areas in which you will find expository texts are academic, scientific, legal, and economic, among others.
Now that you know what we are going to talk about, do you want to know how to write an expository text step by step and with examples and tips? If the answer is yes, pay attention to the following OneHOWTO article, as we give you all the keys so that you know the types of expository texts that exist and their structures, as well as good examples that can serve as a guide.
Characteristics of an expository text
The expository text is a document in which a concept, an idea, or a fact is written or described objectively, providing specific data that helps the reader to situate himself and understand what is being exposed. Its main function is communicative since this type of text informs about the topic that is being treated through a formal and specific vocabulary. Let’s see in more detail the main characteristics of an expository text :
- Specific vocabulary : these texts use a specific and quite formal vocabulary, in accordance with the discipline dealt with. It is a formal language and very precise so that the text is clear and concise.
- They provide references: In addition, expository texts usually provide many references to the reader through examples, reformulations, or definitions of key concepts.
- Objective text: one of the main characteristics of expository texts is that being objective they lack the personal opinions of the author. For this reason, they are usually written in the third person.
- Denotative lexicon: although we have already talked about vocabulary, it should be noted that these texts use clear and general concepts that do not give rise to confusion. Avoid double meanings or hidden meanings, since the reader does not have to make his own interpretation of the text, but rather follow it to the letter.
Types of expository texts
The characteristics of these documents will also depend on the type of expository text that we have to write. They are the following:
- Divulgation: texts aimed at a wide audience that may not have prior knowledge of the subject to be discussed. They are mainly found in newspapers, academic books, or other widely consumed publications.
- Specialized: texts aimed at a specific sector of the public that does have a high level of knowledge about the subject in question, since they are very technical and complex and use a specific lexicon. These documents are common in areas such as medicine, science, economics or law, among other fields.
Depending on the type of story structure, we can also differentiate between:
- Inductive: going from a concrete concept to a generic conclusion.
- Deductive: Going from the general to the specific.
It is worth mentioning that the expository texts differ from the argumentative ones because the former do not try to convince, but rather give exact and objective data on the field they are dealing with. If, for example, you are wondering how to write an argumentative expository text, you should take into account a mix of characteristics of both types of text; You will have to expose specific data but, now, with the aim of convincing the reader.
Structure of an expository text
The structure of an expository text must maintain a clear hierarchy so that the reader understands the message in a clear, direct, and concise manner, without giving rise to confusion. The text must maintain a basic structure divided into three parts: introduction (where the idea is presented), development (to provide all the necessary data), and conclusion (where the presentation is finished and the most important aspects are compiled). Let’s see in more detail what are the parts of an expository text to consider:
Introduction
The first part of any text should be used to introduce the reader to the topic to be discussed below. In the introduction of an expository text, the main theme must also be presented in a simple and practical way to guide and situate the reader in the text. What are you going to talk about? Why is it relevant?
Developing
After the introduction, the development of the theme begins. This is the most important part of the text since it must expose the arguments, concepts, ideas or data that help the reader to understand the subject in depth. The text must be presented in a clear, orderly, and coherent manner, always following a logical order that allows the exhibition to be understood in its entirety after the author has done the pertinent research work in this regard.
Conclusion
To close the text, a conclusion must be included. This part is essential to summarize all those important ideas that have been exposed throughout the text; Keep in mind that the objective of this part is to synthesize the main ideas of the topic and, later, determine the results obtained or the final conclusion of the text.
How to write an expository essay step by step
With the main concepts of the expository text clear, the time has come to know the step-by-step so that you can write your own text. Next, we give you an example of how to make an expository text so that it complies with all the previously mentioned premises.
Find the topic to expose
Do you know what you are going to explain? Before starting the writing it is very important to be clear about the topic to be exposed. Once you have selected the topic, you will have to prepare it by making a list with all those details or data that you want to include in the text as an explanation. If you see that the list is very long, focus only on the most important to make a pleasant text and prevent it from being overwhelming.
Pre-writing preparation
During the preparation period, you will have to gather all the data and references that you must use to make your presentation. Remember that it is an objective text in which the author must provide data that support his thesis.
During the previous preparation, you will also have to decide the approach that you will give to the exposed topic. Of course, it is important to avoid giving opinions and basing yourself only on objective data.
Who are you addressing?
In addition to the topic and the focus, before you start writing you will have to determine the audience you will be addressing. The text should be adapted depending on the readers you are targeting since you will not use the same vocabulary if you write an expository article for a newspaper as if you have to write a more technical and formal doctoral thesis. Will you write an informative or specialized expository text?
Distribution of the paragraphs
Once you have all the previous elements clear and you have carried out the pertinent research, you must distribute all the information in different paragraphs so that it is coherent and can be linked step by step, since it is essential that the reader does not lose the thread of the text. To make it easier for you, keep in mind the introduction, development and conclusion.
start writing
Time to write! Start your writing following the basic structure and keep these tips in mind:
- Short Sentences – Write short sentences to prevent the reader from getting lost and having to reread them.
- Connectors: in addition to making use of the main list of concepts that you must add, we advise you to use connectors so that the ideas intertwine well throughout the story
- Formal language: do not forget to use a formal and specific lexicon, as well as avoid general words that do not contribute anything, such as “thing, doing, problem…”. Try to find fair terms so that the text is credible and natural.
- Synonyms – These types of texts are based on a single topic or idea, so you should use plenty of synonyms to avoid creating repetitive text.
Final revision
Once you have the finished text, let it rest for a while and go over it to polish it. The idea is that you first make a draft on which you can work and improve it, discarding those empty phrases, repetitive words, or ideas that have not been well integrated. The revision, moreover, is essential to check that no spelling mistakes have been made and to make sure that the concept you wanted to express has been transmitted correctly.
We advise you to review this article on How to conclude an essay, where you will find other interesting guidelines.
Themes to make an expository text
An expository text can cover any topic, concept, idea, or fact that you want to expose in a precise way so that other people can expand their knowledge. However, if you do not know what you can write about, here are some examples of expository texts that arouse a lot of interest today:
- The consequences of environmental pollution
- Can global warming be combated individually?
- The sustainable city
- Environmental energy law
- veganism and mental health
- sex education in adolescents
- Gender diversity in various organizations
- The glass ceiling in social work
- How social structures are represented in social networks]
- Social networks applied to teaching practices
- The evolution of the character of the antihero in Spain
Whichever example of expository text you choose, remember that the most important thing is to always base yourself on true sources of information to develop your exposition professionally. If you can, always opt for first-hand information, as it will undoubtedly increase the quality of your work.
You may also be interested in these sample Research Questions, where you will find more topics to inspire you.
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