Chapter 7-Exposition
Exposition is kind of like narration–except for completely different!! You might be asking, “How is that possible?” Well, remember how you may have thought that you had no experience with narrative writing, but it turned out that you had read and written narration many times in your life? The same can be said for exposition. You may think you don’t know what it is, but truth be told–you probably do.
Have you ever read a newspaper, magazine, journal entry, recipe, webpage article, or science book? If the answer is yes, then you are more familiar with expository writing than you may think.
That said, exposition is a completely different genre than narration. If you recall, in narration, your purpose is to tell a story. In exposition, the purpose is to provide information about a given topic.
Here are some tips for writing a great informational piece:
- Be objective. This means that you are including facts only. The purpose is not to tell a story; instead, you are providing facts. In exposition, you should not include your opinion.
- Exposition often uses third person point of view. So, you may want to leave out pronouns such as “I,” “me,” or “you. (This will depend on your teacher’s instructions.)
- Write about a topic that you are already familiar with. Although you may want or have to do some research as part of an expository assignment, it is helpful to start with a topic you have some background knowledge about.
- Follow the “typical” organizational pattern of an academic essay: introduction, body, and conclusion; of course, include a strong thesis statement.
Types of Expository Writing
Compare & Contrast
- In this writing style, the author analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or combining both compare and contrast. The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle (small) differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
Problem & Solution
- The purpose of problem and solution writing is to identify a problem and propose a valid solution to address it. This type of writing is often used to explore complex or controversial issues, provide critical analysis of problems, and suggest practical solutions. Through problem and solution writing, writers can effectively communicate their ideas and recommendations to their audience.
Cause & Effect
- Cause and effect writing is used to explain why things happen and what results from those actions or events. It helps people understand the connections between different situations and events, and can be used to propose solutions to problems. This type of writing helps readers gain insight into complex issues by analyzing the causes and effects of a particular situation. It’s important to note–just like compare and contrast, this type of writing might examine the causes, the effects, or both.
Definition
- The purpose of a definition essay is to, well, define a term, and although this type of writing may seem simple, it’s not. Believe it or not, in many academic circles, definition writing is done in the form of entire essays! (I mean multiple pages long!) The writer typically does this by choosing a difficult to define term, and that term is usually abstract. Some examples of definition essay topics might include friendship, love, beauty, or truth.
Process
- A process essay is a type of writing that explains how to do something or how something works–think of a recipe or an instructional manual. It involves breaking down a complex task or concept into a series of smaller, more manageable steps that can be easily followed by the reader. The goal of a process essay is to provide clear and concise instructions that help the reader accomplish a specific task or understand a process. To write a process essay, start by selecting a topic that you are familiar with and breaking it down into steps. Be sure to organize your essay logically and use clear and concise language. Finally, include any helpful tips or advice that may assist the reader in completing the task successfully.
Descriptive
- Descriptive writing is a style of writing that seeks to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind by using sensory details and figurative language. The goal of descriptive writing is to create a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to visualize and feel what the writer is describing. This style of writing often employs adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, and other literary devices to help create a vivid and engaging image in the reader’s mind. Descriptive writing can be used to describe people, places, events, and objects, and is often used in literature, poetry, and creative writing. It can also be used in more practical contexts, such as travel writing or product descriptions, or even to describe your favorite sports player!
Student Activity 1: Guess the Writing Style
After reading about the types of expository writing above, read these short paragraphs; can you determine the type of expository writing present in each paragraph?
- The terms “introvert” and “extrovert” are often used to describe a person’s personality, but they have notable differences. Introverts are typically reserved and tend to enjoy solitary activities, while extroverts are outgoing and enjoy socializing with others. Furthermore, introverts are known to be reflective and introspective, while extroverts tend to think out loud and process information through interaction with others. It is also worth noting that introverts may find large gatherings and social events overwhelming, while extroverts tend to thrive in such settings. Nonetheless, both personality types have their strengths and can lead to success in various fields, such as business, education, and the arts.
- Honesty is the quality of being truthful, transparent, and free from deceit or deception. It involves being straightforward and sincere in one’s words and actions, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. Honesty is a fundamental value in personal and professional relationships, as it builds trust, credibility, and respect. When individuals prioritize honesty, they are more likely to maintain healthy and positive relationships with others, as well as develop a strong sense of self-integrity. Conversely, when honesty is lacking, it can lead to conflict, misunderstandings, and a breakdown of trust. Honesty is a virtue that can be cultivated through practice and self-reflection, and it is an essential component of ethical behavior.
- Climate change is a critical problem caused by increasing greenhouse gases. To address it, we must transition to sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, reduced fossil fuel use, green policies, and education. By taking action, we can mitigate its impacts and create a better world for future generations.
- Excessive use of electronic devices has become a common habit among people of all ages. This behavior has led to several negative effects on both physical and mental health. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and insomnia. Additionally, prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. On the mental health front, excessive use of electronic devices has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and decreased social interaction. Furthermore, it has been found to negatively impact academic and work performance. Overall, the cause of these negative effects is excessive screen time, and the effects include physical and mental health problems, decreased productivity, and social isolation.
- The Grand Canyon is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world. It is a vast and awe-inspiring landscape that stretches for over 277 miles in length and up to 18 miles in width. The Canyon’s unique geological formations and multi-colored layers of rock are a testament to millions of years of natural erosion and geological processes. Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the Canyon, hike along its trails, or raft down the Colorado River that runs through it. The Canyon’s panoramic vistas are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the sun illuminates the rocks in hues of orange, red, and gold. The Grand Canyon is a place of unparalleled beauty and natural wonder that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits it.
- Brewing coffee is a simple process that involves a few key steps. First, grind the coffee beans to a consistent size, depending on the brewing method used. Next, heat water to the desired temperature and add it to the coffee maker or brewing device. If using a drip coffee maker, add the ground coffee to the filter and turn on the machine. For other methods, such as a French press or pour-over, add the coffee grounds to the device and slowly pour the hot water over them, allowing the coffee to steep. Once the coffee is brewed, remove the filter or plunger and pour the coffee into a mug. Add any desired additions, such as milk or sugar, and enjoy. Clean up the brewing device and dispose of the used coffee grounds properly. With a little practice, anyone can brew a delicious cup of coffee at home.
Chapter Questions:
- Name and briefly describe the six types of expository writing.
- What is the purpose of exposition?
- Give a real world example of a place or item in which you would find exposition.
- T/F: You can NEVER use first person pronouns when writing exposition.
Student Examples
Contrasting Cultures and Costumes: Mexico and the United States
Written by Andrea Alvarez
Every single country in the world is different from all the others. But how is it possible for two neighboring countries to be so different? A great example of this is Mexico and The United States. These nations are two of the three that conform North America. These countries border at the Northern part of Mexico and the Southern Part of the USA. They are different in every possible aspect. Starting with the fact that the USA is bigger in territory and population than Mexico, but the differences do not end there. Culturally and socially speaking, the differences become wider and more extreme.
The population and size of the countries are some of the biggest and most obvious differences; however, the other obvious contrast that can be easily appreciated is their first
language. In America, they speak English because they were conquered by England. On the other side, Mexico ́s language is Spanish because the Spaniards were the ones who conquered this part of America. The difference between the languages is crystal clear. However, in the Spanish that is spoken in Mexico they have several idioms that come from English. Culturally speaking there are also several differences. For example, in Mexico, they celebrate “Día de Muertos” which is a tradition held on November 1st and 2nd. The tradition consists of preparing offerings for relatives who have already passed away. It is thought that on those days, they came back to this world to enjoy the food, music, and all kinds of things they enjoyed in their lifetimes. In contrast, in the USA, they celebrate Halloween. A few years ago it was thought you needed to wear costumes to pass unnoticed with the ghosts that walk around the World to celebrate the end of the harvest and the beginning of the winter. Another significant difference between the two neighbors is that in Mexico, they do not celebrate Thanksgiving, while in America, it is one or even the most important holiday of the year.
Another cultural contrast is the eating schedule. In Mexico, they have breakfast at 8:00 am, lunch at 3:00 pm, and dinner at around 8:00-10:00 pm. While in the USA, everything is earlier. To illustrate, lunch is at noon and dinner is normally around 6:30-7:00 pm. In fact, this change of eating times is one of the things international students struggle with the most when they come to America. Making emphasis on time and schedules, the last evident cultural difference is that Americans are punctual. When they say something starts at 6:00 pm, it does, and people must be five to ten minutes early to be considered on time. While in Mexico it is common to tell people to arrive at a certain time, expecting them to be at least fifteen minutes late.
Diversity does not end in just the notorious aspects such as times and schedules. There are more differences people find when they have lived in various places. In this case, social relationships and communication are also an enormous contrast people find. In Mexico, people are warm and welcoming. They say that if you know a Mexican, you have a friend. Mexicans always try to make people feel loved. However, in the USA, people are colder and more direct. They say things exactly how they are and face to face. The American way is known for being more helpful in professional aspects because they make everything clear from the beginning. This brings back to the point of social relationships. In Mexican family relationships, it is common to be close to your whole family and regularly see and talk to each other. However, in the US, it is not that common to be close to the family (Not including direct family). This difference is reflected in friendships and love relationships ́ too.
To conclude, the two countries are different in almost every possible aspect. However, both are great countries that have a lot to offer to the rest of the world. All the differences are what create diversity, and this is crucial to have an interesting world. Eating schedules, languages, population, costumes, and relationships are just some of the million diverse factors that make the world an interesting place where people can learn and enjoy every day.
Causes of Stress in Teenagers
Written by Laura Rubio
The teenage years are the stage where kids become young adults. The term, teenager, is defined as people who are between 13-18 years old (Standford Medicine). This select group of people tends to be a vulnerable part of society who are encountering different changes in their environment. Teenagers deal with multiple transitions. Their toys and games are not innocent anymore. Their social groups are often ruder and crueler. Additionally, their bodies are adapting to new hormones that will impact their skin, weight, and growth. Some families are not open to listening. In consequence, this impacts the levels of stress on them. The principal cause of teenagers’ stress is related to athletic performance, social pressure, and family issues.
One of the first ways that teenagers experience stress is through sports. Athletic performance is common in schools and colleges. Usually, young students are working hard to get onto a select team, and older teens are pushed into looking for scholarships in sports to have access to a good education for a successful future. Teenagers can face elevated levels of stress in this position related to athletic life. There are long days of practice, pressure from coaches, restrictions with their food, social pressures, and limited time for homework. Keeping the balance is not easy. This has a negative impact on teenagers to the point that some of them start to use performance-enhancing drugs. “Recent studies have shown as much [as] a 60% increase in steroid use among high school athletes” (Schwab). This is alarming because these kinds of drugs are dangerous. They can cause hair loss, acne, early heart attack, and psychiatric problems. Athletic performance and sports can influence stress on teenagers.
Another cause of teenagers’ stress is social pressure through social media. The virality of information goes through different channels like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Most of the time, the information is fake and not legitimate. There are no regulations. Everyday, teenagers are exposed to negative comments which can even become bullying. This can affect teenagers’ lives. They can exclude themselves, and their mental health may be impacted with low self-esteem. Additionally, social media creates difficulties in communication, and in the worst scenario, teenagers can start to experiment with thoughts of suicide. In addition to social media, there are other forms of media that cause stress. Magazines, blogs, and famous lifestyles set unachievable or imaginary standards, which cause stress in teens.
The role of families is another concern related to teenagers’ stress, and it is the most important. If families are supportive, stable, and loving, teenagers will grow up in safe environments that will give them confidence for future situations. In contrast, if the case is different and families are dysfunctional with a lack of attention and miscommunication, teenagers are more susceptible to developing stress and reacting to it in a negative way. In addition, abuse of kids will deeply impact their lives. Some examples of dysfunctional families are parents who get divorced, have financial problems, live in an abusive environment, or have drug and addiction issues. Family is the root of kids. Therefore, if the environment is not healthy, teenagers will experience extra stress.
In conclusion, being a teenager already generates a level of stress for all the changes that they are having in their life. These transitions can be physical or mental. Society also challenges this age with other aspects related to athletic performance, social pressure, and family issues. In fact, the consequences can be underestimated in society. Bullying, suicides, and health issues are just some examples of how teenagers can end up if they do not receive the appropriate support and help to manage their stress.
Works Cited
Park, Ju-Young, and Insook Lee. “Factors influencing suicidal tendencies during COVID-19 pandemic in Korean multicultural adolescents: a cross-sectional study.” BMC Psychology, vol. 10, no. 1, 21 June 2022, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A708351569/OVIC?u=sain32367&sid=bookmark-OVIC& xid=d268468a. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.
Schwab, Greg. “Steroid Use Among High School Athletes Is a Growing Problem.” Steroids, edited by Laura K. Egendorf, Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010376207/OVIC?u=sain32367& sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=4e236b5f. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023. Originally published as “Testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce, and Tourism,” 2002.
Schwab, Greg. “Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs Is a Problem Among Teens.” Performance Enhancing Drugs, edited by Louise Gerdes, Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010285230/OVIC?u=sain32367&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=b3919ebf. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023. Originally published as “Testimony from Greg Schwab of Vancouver, Washington,” Hearing on Steroid Use in Professional Baseball and Anti-Doping Issues in Amateur Sports BBefore U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, 2002.
“Teen fashion under the influence.” Age [Melbourne, Australia], 31 Jan. 2022, p. 14. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A690924184 /OVIC?u=sain32367&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=29fbedc9. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.
“Title of the Growing Child Adolescent 13 to 18 Years.” Stanford Children’s Health, https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=the-growing-child-adolescent-13- to-18-years-90-P02175
How to Survive in the First Semester as an International Student
Written by Daira Sancci
As an International Student with a lower English level, I successfully survived my first college semester in the United States. When I came here, I was afraid of language difficulties and incredibly nervous about taking college classes. However, I became successful by taking small steps toward improvement.
The first step is leaving shame and fears at home. As a non-native speaker, you do not know all the pronunciations and words, so do not be afraid to fail. You come to the U.S. to learn, so you will need help understanding.
The second step to surviving your first semester in the USA is participating in class and asking questions of the teachers. I mentioned this because people often stay quiet and keep their inquiries to themselves, which does not benefit them; always ask questions. The teacher has an answer for everything.
The third step is you need to practice your English. Try to remember the translation of every word and use your logical knowledge to interpret words, which will help you a lot more than a translator. Moreover, in your home, speak in English. Even if you do not feel comfortable, talk in English, and speak loudly. This is extremely helpful! Even if the pronunciation or the order in the sentence is wrong, keep speaking and thinking in English.
Next, keep your mind open. Everybody should consider the different attitudes of different students, whether international or American. Just because someone has a different attitude of behavior does not mean something is wrong or right. It is just different. Try to avoid judging the differences between cultures. Learn about others to try to understand them better.
Finally, changing the language on your devices is always a good idea. By watching TV in English with closed captions, you can catch the facial expressions and tones. Try listening to the national radio because they speak slowly. You may begin to understand very quickly, and in this way, you are forcing your brain to think in English.
Following this easy guide, your chances of improving your English and surviving the first-semester will increase. You will begin to feel more comfortable with the language and you won’t be as afraid to speak English. You may make a few mistakes, but remember, you are smart enough to speak more than one language.