Characteristics Of Expositorty Essays

Characteristics of Expository Essays                                                                                           2

What Characteristics Make these Expository Essays?
      I chose to view “Setting the Table,” (The Art of Cookery) and “How to Clean a Fish,” (Gary Popseck, Fishing Florida Online Magazine) These articles are expository because they have a short, defined thesis as their introduction. “Setting the Table,” explains the virtues of a properly set table, and “How to Clean a Fish,” states there are “three primary ways to clean a fish.” Both essays prove the thesis through example and facts. They also separate the information from the thesis into smaller groups; therefore, showing the complete process in a series of steps. “Setting the Table” gives written, numbered, directions on the proper placement of dinnerware and utensils; whereas, “How to Clean a Fish” uses written instruction and pictorial example to explain the three correct ways to clean and fillet fish.
What Type of Organization is used to Develop the Essays?
    “Setting the Table,” and “How to Clean a Fish,” use the informative process to organize the data; thereby, in steps, listing the proper way to achieve a result. The first article explains the steps from one to ten. In contrast, the second article uses paragraphs and pictures to move from one sub-topic to the next.
Why did the Author Choose This Type of Organization?
    I believe that using the informative process to present their essays allowed both writers a proper format to give instruction on a specific topic. In reading, “Setting the Table,” it is easy to follow since it is concise in describing the proper tableware for a perfect table setting. The author can give a reason for each item at the table as he/she explains why, and how, it is used. This creates an effective easy to understand essay. If the author uses space order to present the idea, he or she will take a different approach to the same subject,...