Expository Writing: Tips and Tricks

1. The soft copy should be in Microsoft word in one SINGLE file.
2. The file name should include the student’s number as given in the attached list and his/her name. Examples are cicada and Zulu.
3. The subject of the email that includes the soft copy of the assignment should include (1) the student’s number as given in the attached list, (2) his/her name, and (3) the phrase ‘LEMPEL assignment’.
4. The font should be Arial and the size should be 11. It should be justified.
5. The line spacing should be DOUBLE.
6. Each table/figure should have a number and a caption that should be placed above the table/figure.
7. The margins: top=2. CM; bottom=2. CM; left=3. CM; right =2. CM.
8. The headings should be left-aligned, bold, and in upper case.
9. The sub-headings should be left-aligned, bold, and italic.

Assessment Scheme Components Marks

Suggestions on how to write expository writing. The type of assignment you are writing in Lexicon of English (LEMPEL) is an expository essay.

Although it is advisable that you refer to books on how to write expository texts, some suggestions on how to write such type of academic texts are given below: What is an expository essay? The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the students to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea (present and explain), and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can e accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following. A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment (please refer to LEMPEL guidelines for writing the assignment). This should be done in Step 3 in the assignment which is Introduction in which the students are required to state clearly the purpose(s) of writing the essay/ argument.

If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion. These can be done through using transition markers such as however, although, with reference to, as a result of, etc. Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without a logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

You may need to find a list of words/ phrases/lexical bundles that are recommended in writing academic essays/ assignments. Body paragraphs that include evidential support. This should be done in Step 4 in the assignment which is the body of the assignment in which the students are required to divide the body of the assignment into sub-sections. Each subsection should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience.

It is important to note that each subsection in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the introductory section (Step 3 in the assignment). Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal). Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence. A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point in the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce NY new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

A Сomplete Argument

It is important to note that the students should consider the assignment in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate.

There should interaction between you and the readers of your assignment. In this interaction, there should be a beginning, middle, and end to it. Each paragraph or subsection should give the readers a complete covered thought. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The Five-Paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays.

If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of: an introductory paragraph three evidential body paragraphs a conclusion The student/writer should not only focus on this format of expository essay. Rather the writer should also attempt to cover the topic(s) he/she states in the first paragraph (the introductory paragraph).