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Expository writing (EWR112): Course outline (EWR-112)

Course description

Expository Writing is a sequential undergraduate course aimed at refining writing skills in various contexts. Building upon the foundation of the pre-requisite course, Functional English, this course will enhance students’ abilities of producing clear, concise and coherent written texts in English.

 

The course will also enable students to dissect intricate ideas, to amalgamate information and to express their views

and opinions through well-organized essays. The students will further be able to refine their analytical skills to substantiate their viewpoints using credible sources while adhering to established ethical writing norms. Additionally, the course will highlight the significance of critical thinking enabling students to produce original and engaging written texts.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the essentials of the writing process integrating pre-writing, drafting, editing and proof reading to produce well-structured essays.
  • Demonstrate mastery of diverse expository types to address different purposes and audiences.
  • Uphold ethical practices to maintain originality in expository writing.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Expository Writing:

  • Understanding expository writing (definition, types, purpose and applications)
  • Characteristics of effective expository writing (clarity, coherence and organization)
  • Introduction to paragraph writing.

2. The Writing Process:

  • Pre-writing techniques (brainstorming, free-writing, mind-mapping, listing, questioning and outlining etc.)
  • Drafting (three stage process of drafting techniques)
  • Revising and editing (ensuring correct grammar, clarity, coherence, conciseness etc.)
  • Proof reading (fine-tuning of the draft)
  • Peer review and feedback (providing and receiving critique)

3. Essay Organization and Structure:

  • Introduction and hook (engaging readers and introducing the topic)
  • Thesis statement (crafting a clear and focused central idea}
  • Body Paragraphs (topic sentences, supporting evidence and transitional devices)
  • Conclusion (types of concluding paragraphs and leaving an impact)
  • Ensuring cohesion and coherence (creating seamless connections between paragraphs)

4. Different Types of Expository Writing:

  • Description
  • Illustration
  • Classification
  • Cause and effect (exploring causal relationship and outcomes)
  • Process analysis (explaining step-by-step procedures)
  • Comparative analysis (analyzing similarities and differences)

5. Ethical Considerations:

  • Ensuring original writing (finding credible sources, evaluating information etc.)
  • Proper citation and refreshing (APA, MLA. or other citation styles)
  • Integration quotes and evidences (quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing)
  • Avoiding plagiarism (ethical considerations and best practices)

Practical requirment

As part of the overall learning requirements, students will be required to build a writing portfolio having a variety of expository texts and present the same at the end of the course showcasing proficiency in expository writing.

Suggested instructional reading material