EXPOSITORY
WRITING
EXPLAINING IT ALL
WHAT IS EXPOSITORY
WRITING?
Definition: Expository writing is a type of
writing that explains a topic to a reader.
Purpose: To inform, explain, or clarify.
Examples: How-to articles, research
papers, news articles, textbooks
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Clear and concise language: Use simple and direct words.
Factual information: Present accurate and verifiable data.
Logical organisation: Structure the text in a clear and easy-to-
follow manner.
Objective tone: Avoid personal opinions and biases.
TYPES OF EXPOSITORY
WRITING
Process analysis: Explains how to do something (e.g., how to bake a cake)
Cause and effect: Explains why something happens and the results (e.g.,
the effects of climate change)
Comparison and contrast: Explains similarities and differences between
two things (e.g., dogs vs. cats)
Problem and solution: Identifies a problem and suggests solutions (e.g.,
solutions to traffic congestion)
Definition: Explains the meaning of a concept or term (e.g., defining
democracy)
EXPOSITORY WRITING
IN ACTION
UNDERSTANDING AND CREATING
EFFECTIVE BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION
NOTICE
LETTERS
Definition: Formal written communication between
individuals or organizations.
Types: Business letters, cover letters, complaint letters, letters
of request etc.
Key elements: Header, salutation, body, closing, signature.
MEMOS
Definition: Internal communication within an organization.
Purpose: Inform, instruct, or persuade employees.
Key elements: Title “MEMORANDUM”, Header, Body
MEMOS
How to Format a Memo:
To whom it is being sent and/or position in organisation
From whom it is sent and/or position in organisation
Date on which it is written (month, day, year)
Subject of memo (preview phrase; not a sentence)
EMAILS
Definition: Electronic communication between individuals.
Key elements: Subject line, salutation, body, closing,
signature.
Etiquette: Professional tone, clear subject line, concise
content.
EMAILS
How to Format an Email:
To whom it is being sent and/or position in organisation
Cc and/or Bcc if necessary
Subject of memo (preview phrase; not a sentence)
Greetings/Salutations
Body
NOTICE
NOTICES NOTICE
Definition: Short, formal announcements.
Purpose: Inform employees or the public about events,
changes, or policies.
Key elements: Clear and concise language, prominent
placement.
NOTICE NOTICES NOTICE
How to format a Notice:
Name of the organisation
The word NOTICE
Date
Subject/Title
REPORTS
Definition: Detailed and organized presentation of
information.
Types: Informational, analytical, recommendation.
Structure: Introduction, body, conclusion, recommendations.
REPORTS
Reports should be:
Helpfully organised - information is placed in logical order/sequence
Objective - not based on personal feelings or opinions; unbiased
Comprehensive - including required details
Accurate - factual/based on facts
REPORTS
FORMAT
Address of reporter
Date
Name of person report is addressed to
Title of person report is addressed to
Address of person report is addressed to
Subject/Title
Body
Complimentary close
Signature of reporter
Name of reporter
Title of reporter
REPORTS
Approach to Report Writing:
Identify the problem/topic
Interrogate the situation: Use your 5 Ws (6 if you include How).
Who: Main individuals or organisations involved.
What: Describe the event or series of events.
Where: State the relevant location(s) at which the event(s) took place.
When: Give dates and times as accurately and specifically as possible.
Why(optional): Explain the purpose of the report (significance or necessity of it). Also, where possible, explain
why certain events occurred.
How (optional): Explain how important events occurred.
REPORTS
Approach to Report Writing:
Structure reports chronologically. Give details of events and actions in the order in which they occurred.
Be as detailed as possible. Include what was seen and heard, inclusive of overheard dialogue (using reported
speech).
Write in the appropriate Point of View (POV). The question will determine which perspective you write from. It will
most likely be first or third person.
Describe the environment in which the events occurred if it has influence on the event (e.g. weather, lighting, debris
etc.)
Include any immediate responses, verbal or action-based, from the individuals involved.
Have a brief conclusion that mentions what happened after the incident and, if there are any recommendations for
further investigation etc. mention as well.
ARTICLES
What is an article?
An article is a written composition in prose, typically non-fiction, on a specific topic, which stands as an
independent part of a publication (book, magazine, newspaper etc.)
ARTICLES
What is the purpose of an article?
Articles can be written:-
To entertain so that the reader enjoys reading.
To persuade the reader’s opinion
To analyze or break down a topic in order to help readers understand it better
To argue a case for something
To describe the details of a place, person, event or thing.
To explain how or why something works
To inform the reader of something
To instruct the reader on how to do something
ARTICLES
Types of Articles
Academic articles: scholarly works that are often lengthy and involve research, analysis and exploration of
data. These articles will include an abstract, literature review, methodology, presentation and analysis of data,
discussion of results, conclusion and bibliography/works cited.
Entertainment or Special-interest articles: these types of articles are exciting for the writer and even more so
for the reader. They are generally found in magazines and in the entertainment section of newspapers.
Newspaper articles: provide unbiased factual information in a simple format. The information included should
be verifiable and the language used in these types of articles should be easy to understand to ensure that the
average reader can consume the information.
ARTICLES
Structure of an Article
Similar to an essay, an article should include:
An introduction
A body (consisting of 3 elements/paragraphs)
A conclusion
Tips on Writing Articles
1. Grasp your reader’s attention. You should have an interesting opening line that captures your reader’s
attention and makes them want to keep reading. Also, your introduction should not be too lengthy as this
can discourage readers.
2. Keep it short and sweet. Your paragraphs should be short and to the point. Do not include excessive
details and don’t repeat yourself unnecessarily.
ARTICLES
Tips on Writing Articles (cont’d)
1. Grasp your reader’s attention. You should have an interesting opening line that captures your reader’s
attention and makes them want to keep reading. Also, your introduction should not be too lengthy as this can
discourage readers.
2. Keep it short and sweet. Your paragraphs should be short and to the point. Do not include excessive details
and don’t repeat yourself unnecessarily.
3. Make it meaningful. Ensure that your content has substance, that is, that it conveys meaning and allows the
reader to get a better understanding.
4. Tell a story! People love stories and always respond well to a compelling story.
5. Show, then tell. State what the point is THEN explain. DO NOT jump into an explanation, example, anecdote
etc. without first establishing your point. This rule should guide the overall structure of your writing. Present,
explain, synthesize.
