Expository Writing

Need some background information and inspiration to help you plan expository writing lessons? Check out these links we've collected for our Silver Beach teachers.


What is expository writing anyway? Expository writing is to inform, clarify and explain. It requires analytical thinking: breaking ideas apart, reorganizing them, and developing them fully with details, facts, examples and explanations.


The best place to start is with Tara Felder's excellent on-line writing resources posted on our District's webpages. In following link, she describes expository writing and lists its many purposes. Although it is written for older students, it includes background information and helpful links.

An Overview of the Expository Mode

This page by Tara will help you understand more fully what expository writing is all about.

Teacher Tips for Expository Writing

A quick review of expository writing by the Vancouver School District

Expository Writing Handbook: 3-6 Grade Unit

This 72-page booklet is free to download from Curriculum Services Canada.

Sample Expository Writing Prompts

Tara Felder has collected a half-dozen sites on this page.

Graphic Organizers

An index of graphic organizers organized by State of California On-line Resources for Education.