Exposition 

One of the key ways to develop a piece of writing is to use the technique of exposition.   Exposition means to provide background information on the people, places, things, and ideas that are central to the piece of writing.  Think of the first chapter of a novel or the first part of a movie or television show.  What happens?  Often, you learn about the situations or conflict in the story to be told, about the people involved, when and where these events are taking place.  This − sometimes called “back-story” − is information that is central to your understanding of what will come later.   In narratives, exposition usually sets out the cast of characters (and their basic roles and character traits), when and where the narrative takes place (the setting), and the basic conflict or event that the narrative will address.    In compare-contrast and argument essays, exposition (which usually comes soon after the introduction of the piece) usually provides descriptions and background on the things being compared or on the general topic of the argument. 

Here are a couple of examples of some uses of exposition as a way of developing an essay:

In a short piece narrating the story of some charitable actions or accomplishments of a non-profit organization called the Sunlight Foundation (or arguing that these actions are admirable), a writer might use exposition to discuss what the Sunlight Foundation is, what it does, and perhaps a bit of its history: 

[Introduction] This morning, in a ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Walter Childers awarded the annual Richmond Medal of Service to the Sunlight Foundation.  This organization embodies the highest ideals of service to the community, and we as citizens of this city should emulate this organization’s dedication and integrity.

[Exposition] The Sunlight Foundation is a charitable organization founded by University of Richmond students Suzy Markos and Will Sams in Richmond, Virginia in 2004.  Sunlight’s mission is to provide free home-cleaning and housekeeping services to disabled and elderly people living in the greater Richmond area.  Sunlight volunteers, working with local healthcare providers and social workers, identify citizens who are unable to clean their own homes, and either provide direct, volunteer cleaning services or contract with a local cleaning service company to ensure that the elderly or disabled person has a clean and safe place to live.    

Exercise:  Expository Paragraph Practice

As practice, write a short expository paragraph giving some basic background information on one of the following topics:

1. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
2. Rosa Parks, Civil Rights activist
3. Sexual harassment in the workplace.

What information would be relevant and important for readers to know about this subject? What might a particular audience already know about these things?  What would a writer need to tell them?   You should consider brainstorming or generating ideas (see The Writing Process, Chapter 05) on these topics prior to writing your paragraphs.