Video: Organizational Patterns for Expository Writing

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  • 0:04 Expository Writing
  • 1:00 Cause and Effect
  • 2:02 Sequence & Order of Importance
  • 3:48 Compare and Contrast
  • 4:38 Problem Solution
  • 5:22 Lesson Summary
Contributors: Angela Janovsky
Instructor
Angela Janovsky
Instructor:
Angela Janovsky

Introduction to Expository Writing

Expository writing is a style of writing used to convey information or explain concepts. Common examples include essays, newspaper articles, academic journals, and encyclopedias.

Writers employ organizational patterns to structure expository writing, thereby helping the readers to comprehend. The choice of a specific pattern is contingent upon the information and the writer's purpose.

Cause and Effect Pattern

Cause and effect is a pattern that explains one or more causes along with their corresponding effects. This pattern is most effective for topics or goals that highlight certain actions and their outcomes.

Sequence Pattern

Sequence is a pattern of writing organized in chronological order. This pattern is applicable in many different situations and topics.

Order of Importance Pattern

Order of importance is a pattern of writing that presents the most significant idea, followed by the second most important, and so on, ending with the least important. This pattern is especially used in persuasive content.

Compare and Contrast Pattern

Compare and contrast is a pattern of writing that presents the similarities and differences between two or more ideas or concepts. It is frequently used in informative writings, which aim to provide unbiased information.

Problem Solution Pattern

Problem-solution is a pattern of writing that identifies a specific problem and offers several solutions to address this problem. This structure is applicable to a wide range of topics. In persuasive writing, you present the problem, explore solutions, and argue for the best option. In informative writing, all solutions are outlined, letting the reader choose the most suitable one.

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