Please provide me tips on the fundamentals of expository writing

Question

In my school, we were never exposed to expository writing. Now I am entering college this Fall, and I need to learn the fundamentals of expository writing and also practice writing. I am starting practice with my SAT writing book where I have to write essays based on the reading prompts given, but it seems I am not doing well.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear you are having trouble.

Expository writing is meant to inform the reader, rather than entertain or persuade him, so you must report, explain, or describe something.

In the first paragraph, be sure to state your topic clearly.  Start off with a good "grabber," then give several examples or explanations, and finish up with a sentence that merges into your next section.

The next two or three paragraphs (the body of your essay) expand on the points you mentioned in the intro.  This is the important part!  You have to support or explain the broad statements you made to begin with.  This section is key to a good grade:  you have to back up your premise, show off your fabulous vocabulary, etc. while being as creative as possible.

Finish up with a concluding paragraph that states the topic again, in different words from the introduction, and summarizes your points from the body.  Wrap it all up in a final concluding sentence, which should have some sparkle.

Here are some key points from a Florida school advising students how to ace their state writing test (http://www.sbac.edu/~idylwild/writingtip...

*Keep to the topic. Do not stray or go off on a tangent.

*Use great vocabulary. You want to show that you have a good command of words that is above and beyond what the average student your age knows.

*Organize yourself well. Never make a statement that you do not back up or support. Develop that support well.

*Use transitions such as first, second, third, next, before or after, and finally.

Expository writing actually is easier than some other types because you don't have to make things up completely out of your imagination.  Good luck to you!

[Does anyone else hate the new Yahoo comment, "You seem to have used a lot of punctuation?"]  

Answer 2

try drafting before writing...and add more imagination into it...then you will the 'feeling' which is necessary in doing it...good luck