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Expository Writing Reference Guide

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Expository Writing Reference Guide

Use this guide to plan and strengthen an expository piece. Expository writing informs readers or explains a topic using clear organization, accurate details, and evidence. Read the reference, then help a community garden team explain how to grow healthy plants.

Expository Writing: The Reference

PURPOSE: Expository writing informs, explains, describes, or gives instructions. It is not mainly written to tell an invented story or persuade readers to agree. STRUCTURE • Introduction: Hook the reader, name the topic, and state the main idea or focus. • Body paragraphs: Develop the focus with facts, examples, explanations, and details. Give each paragraph one clear job. • Conclusion: Restate the main idea in fresh words and bring the explanation to a satisfying close. Do not introduce a brand-new main point. SIGNAL WORDS • Sequence: first, next, then, finally • Cause and effect: because, therefore, as a result • Compare and contrast: similarly, however, unlike • Examples: for example, for instance, such as A STRONG PARAGRAPH Topic sentence → supporting detail or fact → explanation of how the detail supports the topic. Use precise words, group related ideas, and check that facts are accurate.

Mini-Source: A Garden That Grows

A community garden can turn an unused patch of land into a place to grow food and learn. Before planting, gardeners loosen the soil and remove weeds so young roots have room to spread. They choose an open area where plants can receive steady light. After planting seeds, gardeners water the soil gently; too much water can wash seeds away. As seedlings grow, gardeners check for dry soil and pull weeds that compete for water and space. These steps help plants grow, and the garden can provide fresh vegetables for nearby families.

1.Which choice best describes the purpose of the mini-source, “A Garden That Grows”?
  • To explain steps and reasons for growing plants in a community garden
  • To persuade readers that every family must grow vegetables
  • To entertain readers with an imaginary garden adventure
  • To describe one gardener’s feelings about a rainy day
2.Write the main idea of the mini-source in one sentence. Do not list every detail.
3.Match each signal word to its job in an expository piece.
  • Next
  • As a result
  • Unlike
  • For example
  • Cause and effect
  • Introduce an example
  • Compare and contrast
  • Sequence
4.Which detail from the mini-source best supports the idea that gardeners must choose a suitable place for their plants?
  • Gardeners choose an open area where plants can receive steady light.
  • A community garden is a place to learn.
  • Gardeners pull weeds as seedlings grow.
  • Fresh vegetables can go to nearby families.
5.In the mini-source, why do gardeners water the soil gently after planting seeds? Use a cause-and-effect signal word in your answer.
6.A writer plans an explanation of how to start a garden. Put these parts in the best order: conclusion, body steps, introduction.
7.A paragraph’s topic sentence is: “Careful watering helps garden seeds grow.” Which sentence does NOT support that topic sentence?
  • Water the soil gently so the seeds stay in place.
  • Check the soil to see whether it is dry.
  • A garden can be a relaxing place to visit.
  • Young seeds need water as they begin to grow.
8.Add one explanatory sentence after this fact: “Gardeners remove weeds from the garden beds.” Explain why this step helps the plants.
9.A piece explains how preparing soil, choosing a sunny spot, and watering carefully help a garden grow. Which conclusion best fits?
  • With prepared soil, sunlight, and careful watering, gardeners give plants a strong start.
  • The first garden in history was probably very large.
  • Next, buy a new pair of gardening gloves.
  • Many people enjoy eating different kinds of vegetables.
10.Write a short paragraph explaining one way a community garden can help a neighborhood. Include a topic sentence, at least two supporting details, and a conclusion. Use a signal word such as “for example,” “because,” or “as a result.”

3 printable pages

  • Expository Writing Reference Guide, page 1 of 3: Expository Writing: The Reference, Mini-Source: A Garden That Grows

    Page 1

  • Expository Writing Reference Guide, page 2 of 3: 2. Write the main idea of the mini-source in one sentence. Do not list every detail.

    Page 2

  • Expository Writing Reference Guide, page 3 of 3: 8. Add one explanatory sentence after this fact: “Gardeners remove weeds from the garden…

    Page 3

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