Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. The creator of an expository text can not assume that the reader or listener has prior knowledge or prior understanding of the topic that is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather then blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve our skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.
What are some Expository Organizational Patterns?
1．Description
1.1 Definitions: The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples.
1.2 Pattern
Description
1.3 Cue Words
for example, characteristics are
1.4 Example
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black blue, green, red, and yellow. At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.
2．Sequence
2.1 Definitions: The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.
2.2 Pattern
Sequence
2.3 Cue Words
first, second, third; next; then; finally
2.4 Example
The Olympic games began as athletic festivals to honor the Greek gods. The most important festival was held in the valley of Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. It was this festival that became the Olympic games in 776 B.C. These games were ended in A.D. 394 by the Roman Emperor who ruled Greece. No Olympic games were held for more than 1,500 years. Then the modern Olympics began in 1896. Almost 300 male athletes competed in the first modern Olympics In the games held in 1900, female athletes were allowed to compete. The games have continued every four years since 1896 except during World War II, and they will most likely continue for many years to come.
3．Comparison
3.1 Definitions: The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different.
3.2 Pattern
Comparison
3.3 Cue Words
different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand
3.4 Example
The modern Olympics is very unlike the ancient Olympic games. Individual events are different. While there were no swimming races in the ancient games, for example, there were chariot races. There were no female contestants and all athletes competed in the nude.
Of course, the ancient and modern Olympics are also alike in many ways. Some events, such as the javelin and discus throws, are the same. Some people say that cheating, professionalism, and nationalism in the modern games are a disgrace to the Olympic tradition. But according to the ancient Greek writers, there were many cases of cheating, nationalism, and professionalism in their Olympics too.
4．Cause and Effect
4.1 Definitions: The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects.
4.2 Pattern
Cause and Effect
4.3 Cue Words
reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because
4.4 Example
There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.
What are some Expository Organizational Patterns?
1．Description
1.1 Definitions: The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples.
1.2 Pattern
Description
1.3 Cue Words
for example, characteristics are
1.4 Example
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black blue, green, red, and yellow. At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.
2．Sequence
2.1 Definitions: The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.
2.2 Pattern
Sequence
2.3 Cue Words
first, second, third; next; then; finally
2.4 Example
The Olympic games began as athletic festivals to honor the Greek gods. The most important festival was held in the valley of Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. It was this festival that became the Olympic games in 776 B.C. These games were ended in A.D. 394 by the Roman Emperor who ruled Greece. No Olympic games were held for more than 1,500 years. Then the modern Olympics began in 1896. Almost 300 male athletes competed in the first modern Olympics In the games held in 1900, female athletes were allowed to compete. The games have continued every four years since 1896 except during World War II, and they will most likely continue for many years to come.
3．Comparison
3.1 Definitions: The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different.
3.2 Pattern
Comparison
3.3 Cue Words
different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand
3.4 Example
The modern Olympics is very unlike the ancient Olympic games. Individual events are different. While there were no swimming races in the ancient games, for example, there were chariot races. There were no female contestants and all athletes competed in the nude.
Of course, the ancient and modern Olympics are also alike in many ways. Some events, such as the javelin and discus throws, are the same. Some people say that cheating, professionalism, and nationalism in the modern games are a disgrace to the Olympic tradition. But according to the ancient Greek writers, there were many cases of cheating, nationalism, and professionalism in their Olympics too.
4．Cause and Effect
4.1 Definitions: The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects.
4.2 Pattern
Cause and Effect
4.3 Cue Words
reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because
4.4 Example
There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.