B2 Lesson 1: Writing Clear Explanations
Welcome to a new series on expository writing1. This is a style of writing where your main purpose is not to persuade or tell a story, but to explain, describe, or inform your reader about a topic in a clear, logical, and neutral way.
It is the foundation of academic essays, research reports, news articles, and technical manuals. The most important goal is clarity.
The Key Goal: To Inform, Not to Persuade
The biggest difference between expository and persuasive writing is objectivity. Expository writing presents facts, not feelings.
| Expository / Informative (Neutral) | Persuasive / Opinionated (Biased) |
|---|---|
| The Angkor Wat temple complex was built in the 12th century. | Angkor Wat is the most beautiful temple complex in the world. |
| To make Cambodian iced coffee, one typically uses sweetened condensed milk. | The only proper way to enjoy coffee is with sweetened condensed milk. |
Principles for Writing a Clear Explanation
1. Assume the Reader Knows Nothing: Explain your topic simply, as if you are teaching someone for the first time. Define any key terms.
2. Organize Logically: Present your information in an order that makes sense. If you are explaining a process, use chronological order (First, Next, Finally).
3. Be Clear and Precise: Use simple, direct language. Avoid vague words. Use transition words to guide the reader.
4. Be Objective2: Your job is to present information, not your own feelings or opinions. Keep your tone neutral and unbiased.
Expository Writing in Action: Explaining a Process
Let's look at a well-structured expository paragraph that explains how to make a traditional Cambodian iced coffee.
Making a traditional Cambodian iced coffee is a simple process with a few key steps. First, a layer of sweetened condensed milk is poured into the bottom of a glass. Next, strong, dark-roast coffee, often brewed through a small cloth filter, is added to the glass. The coffee and milk are then stirred together thoroughly. Finally, the glass is filled to the top with ice, which chills the drink and dilutes it to the perfect strength for a hot day.
Analysis: Notice that the paragraph has a clear topic sentence, uses logical sequencers (First, Next, Finally), and explains the process clearly without giving an opinion (e.g., it does not say "I think this coffee is delicious").
✍️ B2 Expository Writing Checklist
- ✔️ When I start a new paragraph, does it clearly link to my main idea?
- ✔️ Have I used a linking word or phrase to show the relationship between paragraphs?
- ✔️ Did I put a comma after my linking word (e.g., "However, ...")?
- ✔️ Does the linking word I chose express the correct meaning (e.g., contrast, addition)?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Expository or Persuasive?
Read the sentences below and decide if their purpose is expository or persuasive.
1. The national currency of Cambodia is the Riel, although US dollars are also widely used.
Answer: Expository (It states a verifiable fact).
2. In my opinion, all tourists should use the local currency to better support the national economy.
Answer: Persuasive (It states an opinion and tries to convince the reader).
📝 Homework: Write a Clear Explanation
Your homework is to practice writing a clear, objective, expository paragraph.
Choose ONE of the simple processes or topics below:
- How to prepare the ingredients for a simple dish (e.g., a green mango salad).
- The basic steps of a traditional Cambodian greeting (the Sampeah).
- How to ride a bicycle.
Write one clear, well-organized paragraph (4-5 sentences) explaining the process to someone who knows nothing about it. Remember to use logical sequencers (First, Then, etc.) and to be objective!
Vocabulary Glossary
- Expository Writing: (Noun Phrase) - ការសរសេរបែបពន្យល់ - Writing whose purpose is to explain, inform, or describe a topic. ↩
- Objective: (Adjective) - កម្មវត្ថុ - Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; based on facts. ↩
- To inform: (Verb) - ជូនដំណឹង - To give someone facts or information. ↩
- Process: (Noun) - ដំណើរការ - A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. ↩
- Clarity: (Noun) - ភាពច្បាស់លាស់ - The quality of being easy to understand.