Exposition

Comparison/ contrast

An essay pattern treats similarities and differences between two subjects.

To inform, to explain, to analyze

3 purposes of exposition

Analogy, causal analysis (cause and effect), classification, comparison and contrast, definition, illustration, process analysis.

7 primary methods of exposition

Identification

As a method of exposition refers to focusing on the main subject of the essay. It involves the clear location of the subject within the context or situation of the composition.

Series

As a technique in prose is the presentation of several items, often concrete details or similar parts of grammar such as verbs or adjectives, in rapid succession.

Motif

In an essay is any series of components that can be detected as a pattern.

Spatial order

In descriptive writing is the careful arrangement of details or materials in space- for example, form left to right, top to bottom, or near to far.

Definition

In exposition is an extension of a words meaning through a paragraph or an entire essay.

Linear order

In paragraph development means the clear line of movement from one point to another.

Unity

Is a feature in an essay whereby all materials relate to a central concept and contributes to the meaning as a whole.

Analogy

Is a form of comparison that uses a clear illustration to explain a difficult idea or function. It's unlike a formal comparison in that it's subjects of comparison are from different categories or areas.

Classification

Is a form of exposition in which the writer divides a subject into categories and then groups elements in each of those categories according to their relationship with another.

Hyperbole

Is a form of figurative language that uses exaggeration to overstate a position.

Causal analysis

Is a form of writing that examines causes and effects of events or conditions as they relate to a specific subject. Writers can investigate the causes of a particular effect or the effects of a particular cause or combine both methods.

Exposition

Is a major form of discourse that informs or explains. is the form of expression required in much college writing, for it provides facts and information, clarifies ideas, and establishes meaning.

Understatement

Is a method of making a weaker statement than is warranted by truth, accuracy, or importance.

Process analysis

Is a pattern of writing that explains in a step by step way how something is done, how it is put together, how it works, or how it occurs. The subject can be a mechanical device, a product, an idea, a natural phenomenon, or a historical sequence.

Rhetorical question

Is a question only asked to emphasize a point, introduce a topic, or provoke thought, but not to elicit an answer.

Rhetoric

Is the art of using words effectively in speaking or writing.

Anithesis

Is the balancing of one idea or term against another for emphasis.

Development

Refers to the way a paragraph or an essay elaborates or builds upon a topic or theme

Symbol

Something, normally a concrete image, that exists in itself but also stands for something else or has greater meaning.