Being the last of the genres of writing learnt, expository writing instruct, inform, define or to explain a concept or idea. It provides facts, statistics. It involves process analysis (steps to performing a particular task) and content analysis (information provided on a topic). 

Expository writing includes transitional words or phrases, sequencing of paragraphs, a topic sentence (main idea) and main points (supporting details).

Ideas to be developed are critical in this type of writing. 

When engaging students in expository writing, get students to generate lots of ideas specific to the topic. Using varied interactive activities can help to generate ideas. One example is to use pictures to begin expository writing. Put them in order. Discuss with students to help get them to write. Also, reading samples of writing to students can generate ideas.

This genre of writing takes many techniques:

-Causes and Effect

-Problem and Solution

-Comparison/Contrast

-Illustrations/Examples

-Description

-Definition

-Sequence

 A topic can take many different techniques. For example:

Topic: Transportation

It can either be writing using examples or transportation used or a description of the various types of transportation in our country.

Be sure to have students exposed to the different types of techniques.

To get students to write, at first, give them topics to which they are exposed or to which they can relate. Example: Why do I come to school everyday? (Reasons for coming to school) or The importance of helping at home can be a topic. 

Teachers ought to develop sentences with students before they begin to write on the topic. 

Teachers ought to most importantly, engage in modelling of this genre of writing.

Mini lessons are also a great way of focus on needed areas of weakness of students to develop good writing skills.

In lower grades, one paragraph may be sufficient for students to write on a topic. Topic sentence and supporting details must be included.

In the upper grades. students should write at least 2 paragraphs. 

Sample format for expository writing:

1. Main Idea (expressed as a topic sentence)

   a. supporting details 1

   b. supporting details 2

   c. concluding sentence

Remember, expository writing takes a lot of practice and effort. Teacher who actively engage their students in expository writing will gradually develop strategic and independent writers. It is always important to first focus on topics that students can relate to. In that way, they will be able to write and produce ideas on a topic as they become better writers in the writing classroom.

Quote: "Start writing no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." -Louis L'Amour.