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大家好！欢迎来到《实用英语写作》在线课程。从今天开始，我们学习说明文写作：说明清晰方法多

说明文是用来阐明事物或事理的文章。说明的对象可以是某一客观事物的特点、性质、操作程序等，也可以是某种抽象概念或科学原理、自然现象或社会现象，有时甚至是某种观点。因此，说明文是学生、科学家或其他专业人员经常使用的文体。说明文的写作方法有多种，常用的有举例法、分类法、过程分析法、因果分析法、比较与对照法等等。虽然说明方法有多种，目的却只有一个：清晰明了地解说实体事物或抽象事理的特点和本质。那么，实现说明清晰的原则是什么呢？如何写出一篇成功的举例说明文呢？Let’s begin our class.

The expository essay is a totally objective composition. Differing from other types of essay, the writer’s job is to explain and inform without offering an opinion or developing an argument. The most important quality of exposition is clarity. To achieve clarity we should keep the following principles in mind. (1) Limit our subject. It is impossible to explain many things clearly in a short essay. (2) Prepare enough materials. A reader often finds abstract discussions hard to follow if not illustrated by concrete examples. (3) Present facts and views in proper order. They may be in the order of time, space, or importance depending on the nature of the subject. (4) Keep sentence structures simple and clear. Avoid ornamental as well as ambiguous expressions.

When we write an expository essay, we should first examine the topic and decide which writing methods we can use. The most common methods include development by example, comparison and contrast, cause and effect analysis, and process analysis. Each method has its own features.

Today we’ll focus on the writing method: Development by Example.

If you use the writing method: development by example, you should know how to choose examples. You may use relevant facts, statistics, personal experiences, incidents, or stories to support the point in the essay. But the number of examples you use depends on the topic of the writing. (1) In some case, you may find that a series of short examples fit your purpose, illustrating clearly the idea you are presenting to your readers. (2) You may decide to use two or three examples to provide the best support for your topic. (3) You may also find that in some case, one long, detailed example is more useful than several shorter ones.

Now, let’s take an example to see how to write an expository essay successfully. The topic is Out-of-Class Activities. We can write this essay with development by example.

Before writing the essay, we should make an outline and have a clear structure of the essay.

Outline

Introduction:

Thesis statement: Many other out-of-class activities provide opportunities to interact with other students.

Body:

Example 1: Students may join a sports group, which organizes athletic events and services for students.

Example 2: Students interested in the same subject often form a club through the student affairs office.

Example 3: Students might join other clubs on campus that involve individuals with similar interests or hobbies.

Example 4: Other noncredit courses also provide opportunities for you to meet others.

Conclusion:

In general, students can always join some kind of out-of-class groups and interact with other people to develop their social skills.

The first part is introduction. There is thesis statement……. The second part is body. There are four examples…….. The third part is conclusion……

Next, follow the outline to write the whole essay. Don’t forget the principles to achieve clarity. Please read the introduction, paragraph one.

All work and no play can be almost as bad as all play and no work. As a college student, getting your degree should be one of your main goals. Your classes do occupy much of your time. But you also need to develop friendships and get involved in other activities. Many students think that the only place to meet people on campus is the student union or student center. However, many other out-of-class activities provide opportunities to interact with other students. (Thesis statement)

In the introduction, the author puts out the thesis statement in the last sentence and made the point clear. Now let’s go on to the body of the essay.

First, students may join a sports group, which organizes athletic events and services for students. These activities focus on competition that encourages sportsmanship, leadership, health, and fun. Second, students interested in the same subject often form a club through the student affairs office. This helps them develop friendships with others. Third, students might join other clubs on campus that involve individuals with similar interests or hobbies. Membership often depends on grade point average or other criteria. Finally, other noncredit courses also provide opportunities for you to meet others. (Four examples)

In the body, we should illustrate clearly the idea we are presenting to our readers. Here the author uses four examples to illustrate the thesis statement. And also use transitional words first, second, third, finally to connect each example coherently. Now, let’s read the last paragraph.

In general, students can always join some kinds of out-of-class groups and interact with other people to develop their social skills. Thus they are no longer simply going to college; they are part of college life. (Conclusion)

In the conclusion, the author emphasizes the main point and better impresses the readers. The transitional expression in general makes the flow of thoughts smooth. You can also conclude your expository essay by restating your thesis and summarizing the points that lead to your conclusion.

Ok, let’s make a summary of what we talk about today. We learn the principles to achieve clarity of exposition. And we practice how to write a successful expository essay with development by example. Hope you can put them into your own writing. Remember that practice makes perfect.

All right! Today we’ll stop here. Thank you. See you next time.