Attributes of Good Expository Writing
ORIGINALITY of topic or treatment. The intended audience considers reading the piece worthwhile, because they are given new information that interests them or because they are entertained by the way the information is presented, or both.
A clear THESIS, or controlling idea, that is maintained throughout the piece. Every paragraph and every sentence directly or indirectly helps to support the thesis.
Distinctive, appropriate, and consistent TONE and point of view.
A STYLE that is both correct and compelling.
--CONCRETE LANGUAGE (DESCRIPTION, METAPHOR)
--STRONG VERBS
--ABSENCE OF CLICHE, REDUNDANCY, WORDINESS
--VARIETY OF SENTENCE LENGTHS AND STRUCTURES
--CORRECT GRAMMAR AND USAGE, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, CAPITALIZATION
See the grammar and style website for more clarification.
Conventional FORMAT. Adhering to standard format allows the writing to communicate without visual distractions.
An intriguing TITLE that suggests the specific thesis or main idea.
An OPENING that hooks the reader and introduces the main idea(s).
A full, clear, well-reasoned EXPLANATION of each important idea. Among the strategies that can help to explain ideas fully are definition, division and classification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, narration, and description.
Specific EXAMPLES that prove or illustrate each idea. Examples go hand and hand with explanation. Good expository writing intertwines explanations and examples using the strategies listed above under EXPLANATION.
Sensible PARAGRAPHING & topic sentences. Each paragraph discusses one idea; a new paragraph indicates a new idea. It is often useful to have a topic sentence that states clearly the paragraph's main idea. The topic sentence is often, but not always, the first sentence in a paragraph.
ORGANIZATION of ideas that is both logical and dramatic. Keep related ideas close together. Try to make your paper build in excitement.
Helpful TRANSITIONS between sentences, ideas, and paragraphs. A good transition clearly shows the connection between the previous idea and the upcoming idea. A new paragraph usually has a transition in its first sentence.
A satisfying CONCLUSION. A conclusion may restate or reinforce the thesis with fresh language or a metaphor or an example. It may echo a key image or phrase from earlier in the piece. It may even introduce a new idea for the reader to reflect on.
Written by Rob Thais