Reading Reading Expository Text Expository Text

Reading Reading Expository Text Expository Text

Expository Texts include:

text books, non-fiction trade (library) books, newspaper & magazine articles, directions, essays, speeches, user manuals (how-to guides), government documents

(such as the driver’s license test booklet).

There are certain elements found in expository text, each type of element makes its own demands on the reader:

description, sequence, comparison, cause & effect, problem & solution, proposition & support.

Description

The author lists characteristics, features, and examples to describe a subject.

 

Bats

Have wings

They fly

sleep in daytime

hang

ups

ide

down

diff

ere

nt

ki

nds

they

are

mam

mal

suse soundwaves

eat insects

DescriptionSignal Words

• Such as, for example, for instance, most important, in front, beside, near

Signal to Reader

• A list of characteristics will follow

SequenceThe author lists items or events

in numerical or chronological order.

Helps the reader understand how events are related

Olympics began in 276 B.C.

Olympics ended in 394 A.D.

Modern Olympics began in 1896

Almost 300 males competed in the 1896 Olympics

SequenceSignal Words

• First, second, third, before, on (date), not long after, after that, at the same time, finally, then

Signal to Reader

• A sequence of events or steps in a process is being described

Comparison

The author explains how two or more things are alike or different.

Su

mm

er a

nd

Win

ter

seasons – sun shines sports are played

no snowwarmer temperaturesflowersbaby animals Easter & 4th of July

snowcolder temperaturesno flowers bloomingbears hibernateChristmas & New Years

ComparisonSignal Words

• Like, unlike, but, in contrast, on the other hand, however, also, too, as well as

Signal to Reader

• Likenesses and differences are being presented and/or discussed

Cause & EffectThe author explains one or more

causes and the resulting effect or effects.

Cause and EffectSignal Words

• Therefore, so, this led to, as a result, because, if…then…, consequently, cause, effect, in order

to, since

Signal to Reader

• Evidence of causes and effects will be given

The author states a problem and lists one or more solutions for the problem.

Problem & Solution

Problem and SolutionSignal Words

• Solution, solve, effect, hopeful, concern, challenge, resolve

Signal to Reader

• Problems AND solutions will be discussed. With problem and solution there is ALWAYS a solution

Proposition & Support• The author makes a

claim/statement and supports it with details

Proposition & SupportSignal Words

• Clearly, logically, surely, in conclusion, therefore

Signal to Reader

• A claim will be made and details will be given to support the claim. Author is trying to persuade

Marking the Text• In order to identify which type of

expository text you are reading and to determine the author’s purpose, it is important to mark the text. When marking the text for nonfiction there are three steps to follow.

Step 1• Number the paragraphs

– Do this first as it will give you a reference point when you are reading

Step 2• Circle key terms, cited authors, and

other essential words or numbers

• To identify key terms consider if the word is repeated, defined by the author, used to explain an idea, a central concept, or relevant to the reading purpose

Step 3• Underline the author’s claims and

other information that is relevant to the reading purpose– Claim: An arguable statement that

should be supported with data, facts, and other backing

– Claims can be anywhere in the text– There may be more than one claim