Reading

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

Have wings
The author lists
characteristics,
features, and
examples to describeeat insects They fly

a subject. Bats
 Description
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• Such as, for example, • A list of characteristics

for instance, most will follow
important, in front,
beside, near
 Sequence
The author lists items or events in
numerical or chronological order.
Helps the reader understand how
events are related Almost 300 males
competed in the
1896 Olympics
Modern Olympics
began in 1896
Olympics ended
in 394 A.D.
Olympics began
in 276 B.C.
 Sequence
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• First, second, third,

before, on (date), not • A sequence of events or
long after, after that, steps in a process is
at the same time, being described
finally, then
 Comparison
The author explains no snow
warmer temperatures

how two or more flowers

baby animals

Summer and Winter

things are alike or Easter & 4th of July

different. seasons – sun shines

sports are played

snow
colder temperatures
no flowers blooming
bears hibernate
Christmas & New Years
 Comparison
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• Like, unlike, but, in • Likenesses and

contrast, on the other differences are being
hand, however, also, too, presented and/or
as well as discussed
 Cause & Effect
The author explains one or more
causes and the resulting effect or
effects.
 Cause and Effect
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• Therefore, so, this led • Evidence of causes and

to, as a result, because, effects will be given
if…then…, consequently,
cause, effect, in order
to, since
 Problem & Solution
The author states
a problem and
lists one or more
solutions for
the problem.
 Problem and Solution
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• Solution, solve, effect, • Problems AND solutions

hopeful, concern, will be discussed. With
challenge, resolve problem and solution
there is ALWAYS a
solution
 Proposition & Support
• The author makes a claim/statement
and supports it with details
 Proposition & Support
Signal Words Signal to Reader

• Clearly, logically, surely, • A claim will be made and

in conclusion, therefore 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