Expository Writing FINAL BJU

Emphasis

Techniques for emphasizing key ideas in writing.

Sentence fragments

Use intentionally for effect to emphasize a key idea.

Repetition

Repeat words, phrases, or structures to reinforce ideas.

Rearrangement

Position words or phrases at the beginning or end of sentences to highlight them.

Coherence

Strategies to achieve logical flow in writing.

Transitions

Use clear transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

Key words and phrases

Repeat for consistency.

Pronouns and synonyms

Use to connect ideas logically.

Logical sequence

Arrange ideas in a logical sequence (chronological, spatial, etc.).

Dangling Participles

A participial phrase without a clear subject, leading to ambiguity.

Misplaced Modifiers

Modifiers placed too far from the word they describe, causing confusion.

Sentence Combining

Purpose: Improve sentence flow and avoid choppiness.

Conjunctions

Use (and, but, or) to combine sentences.

Relative clauses

Use to combine ideas.

Appositives

Employ to combine ideas into compound or complex sentences.

Vague Pronoun References

Occurs when it's unclear what the pronoun refers to.

Absolute

A phrase that modifies an entire sentence, often consisting of a noun and a participle.

Infinitive

The base form of a verb preceded by 'to.'

Relative Clause

A dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun and modifies a noun.

Appositive

A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun.

Participle

A verb form used as an adjective.

Subordination

Combining ideas using dependent clauses to show their relationship.

Coordination

Linking ideas with coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).

Prepositional Phrase

A phrase beginning with a preposition and ending with its object.

Gerund

A verb ending in -ing used as a noun.

'That' Clause

A clause beginning with 'that,' often functioning as a noun.

'Wh-' Clauses

Clauses beginning with words like 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' etc.

Analyze the situation

Purpose, audience, constraints.

Narrow your topic

Focus on a specific aspect.

Organize your writing

Create a clear structure.

Consequential

Says something meaningful.

Clear

Easily understood by readers.

Organized

Logical structure.

Economical

Concise and to the point.

Grammatically correct

Free of spelling errors.

Preparation and planning

First stage of writing.

Drafting

Second stage of writing.

Incubating

Third stage of writing.

Revising

Fourth stage of writing.

Editing and proofreading

Final stage of writing.

Audience

Who will read your work?

Purpose

Why are you writing?

Persona

How do you present yourself? (language, tone, authenticity).

Illustrative example

Method to get started in writing.

Quotation

Method to get started in writing.

Anecdote

Method to get started in writing.

Scene-setting description

Method to get started in writing.

Thesis/summary paragraph

Method to get started in writing.

Paragraph Lengths

Short: Fewer than 75 words; Medium: 75-200 words; Long: Over 200 words.

Global (large-scale) revising

Reorganize structure, strengthen arguments.

Local (small-scale) revising

Clarify sentences, improve style.

Editing

Addresses grammar, spelling, and formatting.

Revising

Focuses on content and organization.

Editing Checklist

Meet assignment specifications, ensure accuracy and consistency, eliminate awkward phrasing, fix grammar errors and spelling mistakes, final proofreading.

Defining a word

Go beyond the dictionary definition; use examples, comparisons, and contrasts.

Cause and Effect

Analyze reasons and outcomes.

Crafting Paragraphs

Develop ideas with clarity and coherence.

Classification Strategies

Organize ideas into clear categories.

Comma Usage

Master rules for clarity and grammatical correctness.