Date post: | 22-Dec-2015 |
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Expository Texts include:
text books, non-fiction trade (library) books, newspaper & magazine articles, directions, essays, speeches, user manuals (how-to guides), government documents
(such as the driver’s license test booklet).
There are certain elements found in expository text, each type of element makes its own demands on the reader:
description, sequence, comparison, cause & effect, problem & solution, proposition & support.
Description
The author lists characteristics, features, and examples to describe a subject.
Bats
Have wings
They fly
sleep in daytime
hang
ups
ide
down
diff
ere
nt
ki
nds
they
are
mam
mal
suse soundwaves
eat insects
DescriptionSignal Words
• Such as, for example, for instance, most important, in front, beside, near
Signal to Reader
• A list of characteristics will follow
SequenceThe author lists items or events
in numerical or chronological order.
Helps the reader understand how events are related
Olympics began in 276 B.C.
Olympics ended in 394 A.D.
Modern Olympics began in 1896
Almost 300 males competed in the 1896 Olympics
SequenceSignal Words
• First, second, third, before, on (date), not long after, after that, at the same time, finally, then
Signal to Reader
• A sequence of events or steps in a process is being described
Comparison
The author explains how two or more things are alike or different.
Su
mm
er a
nd
Win
ter
seasons – sun shines sports are played
no snowwarmer temperaturesflowersbaby animals Easter & 4th of July
snowcolder temperaturesno flowers bloomingbears hibernateChristmas & New Years
ComparisonSignal Words
• Like, unlike, but, in contrast, on the other hand, however, also, too, as well as
Signal to Reader
• Likenesses and differences are being presented and/or discussed
Cause and EffectSignal Words
• Therefore, so, this led to, as a result, because, if…then…, consequently, cause, effect, in order
to, since
Signal to Reader
• Evidence of causes and effects will be given
Problem and SolutionSignal Words
• Solution, solve, effect, hopeful, concern, challenge, resolve
Signal to Reader
• Problems AND solutions will be discussed. With problem and solution there is ALWAYS a solution
Proposition & SupportSignal Words
• Clearly, logically, surely, in conclusion, therefore
Signal to Reader
• A claim will be made and details will be given to support the claim. Author is trying to persuade
Marking the Text• In order to identify which type of
expository text you are reading and to determine the author’s purpose, it is important to mark the text. When marking the text for nonfiction there are three steps to follow.
Step 1• Number the paragraphs
– Do this first as it will give you a reference point when you are reading
Step 2• Circle key terms, cited authors, and
other essential words or numbers
• To identify key terms consider if the word is repeated, defined by the author, used to explain an idea, a central concept, or relevant to the reading purpose