Come Visit My Hometown!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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What Is Expository Writing?

Expository writing is all about explaining or informing. The word expository starts with ex, just like explain!

In this type of writing, your job is to teach your reader something new. You might explain how to do something, describe a place, or share information about a person or event.

Think of expository writing as “exposing” the facts—opening up a topic so your reader can see and understand it. You won’t tell your opinions; you’ll stick to the facts and organize them in a way that makes sense.

Here are some examples of expository writing.

• A “How-To” article that gives step-by-step directions

• A report or essay that explains a topic

• A newspaper or magazine article

• A travel brochure (just like you’ll create today!)

The Three-Part Structure

Every strong expository piece has three main sections.

1. The Introduction

The introduction is where you grab your reader’s attention and introduce your topic. There are many ways to do that.

Ask a question: Have you ever walked through a town that tells its story through every street corner?

Share a fun fact: My hometown has more bicycles than cars!

Tell a quick story: Last summer, the whole town gathered for a pancake breakfast downtown!

This is also where you tell your reader what your writing will be about—maybe “the best things to do in my hometown.”

2. The Body

This is where you explain and organize your main ideas. Each paragraph should have one main idea—like one place to visit or one fun activity.

Start each paragraph with a topic sentence and fill it with supporting details that tell your reader more.

For example: If you visit the town park, you can feed the ducks, rent a paddle boat, or enjoy a picnic under the old oak tree.

Keep each idea in its own paragraph so your writing stays clear and easy to follow.

3. The Conclusion

At the end, you’ll wrap up your piece. The conclusion reminds the reader of what they learned and gives a sense of closure. It’s like saying goodbye to your visitor.

If you love history, fun, and friendly people, my hometown is the perfect place to explore!

Stay Organized

Good expository writing is organized like a map. You wouldn’t want your reader wandering in circles! Each part of your essay should connect smoothly.

You can use a Planning Map for Expository Writing, such as the one under Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar, to help you keep your ideas in order.

• Start with your introduction box, where you’ll write a few sentences that introduce your town.

• Then, fill in your body paragraph boxes with your main ideas—maybe a museum, park, or special event.

• Add supporting detail boxes for each paragraph.

• Finally, write your conclusion that ties everything together.

Explore the Planning Map for Expository Writing Example.It shows how one student wrote about Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The introduction mentions interesting places to visit, and each paragraph focuses on one main attraction, like the Liberty Bell.

Keep It Clear and Simple

When writing your essay, use these helpful tips.

• Be specific: Tell exactly what your reader should know.

• Use transition words: Words like first, next, then, and finally help your writing flow smoothly.

• Leave out extra details: Stick to your topic—no wandering off about the weather unless it helps your point!

• Use action verbs: Write in the active voice—say “You can explore the old fort” instead of “The fort can be explored.”

Get Creative!

Now that you’ve learned how to explain and organize your ideas clearly, you’re ready to practice expository writing about your hometown.

In the Got It? section, you’ll start planning and drafting your own writing piece using your planning map.

Get ready to show the world what makes your hometown shine!