Expository Compositions

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view. Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.
Key characteristics of an expository essay include:
Clarity and Conciseness
Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
Objective Tone
Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
Objective thesis statement (see below)
Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

Expository/Example 1
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Important of Technology”

Answer
How important is technology in our lives? Take a moment to look around you. We are surrounded by technology. It does not matter what time of day or where we are, almost everything we touch or use is created by technology. In the last 100 years, there has been tremendous technological changes. In communications, for instance, we have moved from humble telephone to using the Internet for global communication. If the telephones of the early twentieth century only allowed two persons to use the device at any one time, by the end of that century, video conferencing had enabled people from different corners of the world to hear and see each other in real time as long as they are connected. Businessmen, politicians, governments, or just anybody can benefit from this technology If scholars in the earlier part of the last century had to go through shelves in libraries and browse through tonnes of books to get information, today's scholars need not leave the comforts of their rooms to source for materials. By just typing in key words on a reliable search engine followed by a click of the mouse, they will get tonnes of materials related to the topic of their search. The Internet has brought knowledge to our doorstep. Now, millions of students around the world can carry out their research electronically without leaving their homes. Just like in other fields, the business world has also benefited from advancement in technology. The clicking sounds of the abacus are now replaced by the soft taps of the cash registers as purchases are totalled up efficiently and accurately. Similarly, storekeepers no longer have to stock using thick books. When the bar code on a package is scanned at the checkout counter, the sale is automatically registered and recorded in the company's sales records, enabling the storekeeper to keep tabs on his stock. Likewise, if a customer needs to check the price of a product in a large and busy supermarket, he only needs to take it to a special scanner to have the bar code scanned. The price of the product and other information like the weight and the shelf-life of the product will be displayed on the screen immediately. The medical field has benefited much from technology. The CAT scan and the PET scan have enabled doctors to look inside the human body to locate tumours or signs of unusual growths. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology allows us to convert scanned images of text into searchable digital documents. Similarly, the ultrasound has allowed gynaecologists to identify the gender of unborn babies in pregnant mothers. The ultrasound is also able to pick up certain in foetuses. This information will help parents and doctors decide on the next course of action. Technology in science has also helped change the lives of millions of people around the world. People suffering from renal failure can have their life prolonged through dialysis machines, patients with breathing difficulties are kept alive with respirators while premature babies are given a better chance of survival in incubators. The benefits of technology in medical science are indeed enormous. Countless great advances that we enjoy today have been based on concepts of engineering, biology, physics and chemistry that were discovered hundreds or even thousands of years ago. These 'gifts' have given us the comforts and conveniences that we enjoy today without which life would be very different.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 2
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Global Food Crisis”

Sample Answer
In this composition, I wish to discuss the causes and effects of the global food crisis. I shall also consider what can be done to meet the challenge of this crisis.
The global food crisis is fast moving to a critical stage. Unless something is done, there will be food riots and protests in many countries. Mass hunger and starvation may occur in many poor countries. Millions may die.
Countries without food may go to war against others. One theory is that there is enough food to feed the world. But the food is not being distributed fairly.
Corruption, hoarding and civil war are making it difficult for food to reach the poor. If this is the truth, there is hope for mankind because we can all campaign for a fairer distribution of food for all.
However, there is a different view as well. There is an acute shortage of food supplies because of overpopulation and the economic boom in China and India: Millions of rural farmers have given up farming to take up jobs in factories. Food production has fallen but there is a greater demand for food. This has caused prices to soar.
Another factor is the growth of the meat industry especially the beef industry. Grains are being channelled to feed and fatten farm animals in order to obtain meat for export. This is again raising the price of grain. In addition to this, the growing use of corn and soya bean to feed the biofuel industry has sky-rocketed food prices.
What is to be done? We have to take short-term and long-term measures The short-term measures are mainly lifestyle changes. We have to be more austere in our lifestyle. People in the middle and lower income group may have to eat at home and cut down on going out for meals.
Some people may choose to reduce meat in their diets. We may need to cut down on luxuries such as cigarettes, drinking and on annual holidays.
The long-term measures should be aimed at raising food production in the poor countries. We have to improve agricultural research in every way. Better seeds and fertilisers are needed to increase yield. We can also increase food production through aquaculture and rearing livestock. Agricultural training is therefore very important in poor countries. We also need to improve irrigation in dry areas.
Our future depends on the ready supply of food. We cannot afford to neglect this problem because it affects the future of mankind. Hunger and starvation for millions means war and death are near at hand! .

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 3
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“Effect of Human Activity on the Environment”

Sample Answer
Human beings, more than any other living organism on earth, have brought about tremendous change to the environment. As the human population grows, more forest are cleared to make way for houses and factories. As a result, many species of flora and fauna are lost.
Land is also required for agriculture to produce enough food for the increasing population. This clearing of land has resulted in the siltation of rivers. This happens when rain falls and washes loose soil into rivers. Rivers then become choked with this loose soil. The siltation of the rivers in turn leads to flash floods in low-lying areas. The loss of forests has also resulted in increased temperatures and a decline in rainfall. When trees are cut, the carbon cycle is disturbed, resulting in an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. This increased level of carbon dioxide leads to global warming. This is why many areas in the world have now reported higher temperatures.
Here in Malaysia, it has been noted that temperatures in Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands have increased and these hill resorts are no longer as cool as they used to be. Global warming has led to fear of the polar caps melting. If this happens, massive flooding will take place. Many low-lying countries will be submerged.
The increased amount of industrial activity has led to increased air, water and land pollution. Factories belch poisonous gasses into the environment and in the event of rain, such chemicals are washed into the water tables and into rivers. The increase in population has also led to growing mountains of urban solid waste in municipal waste dumps the world over.
The environment has also suffered greatly from unrest in various parts of the world. Improved warfare has led to the total devastation of large areas of land. During the Iran-Iraq war in the 1990s, oil wells were burnt, causing thick clouds of smoke to form and choke the air. Today, with the use of nuclear warheads, the environment is further threatened by radiation. We have done great harm to Mother Earth. It is time we become more responsible towards our environment.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 4
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Lure of Advertising”

Writing Tips:
You may write on:
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
• what advertising is and how it works;
• purpose of advertising;
• types of advertisements;
• advice consumers.

Answer
Advertising is a lucrative business. It is public promotion and deals with the publicising of a new product, service or idea. The main purpose of advertising is to persuade consumers to purchase a product or service, while providing information about it at the same time. Another purpose is of course, to promote the new product or service in order to boost sales. In short, advertising creates demand for a product.
Advertising is mainly carried out through print and electronic media. Print media range from brochures and posters to billboards, magazines and newspapers. Electronic advertising, on the other hand, includes radio, television and the Internet. It often employs the use of catchy jingle and tunes to persuade, attract and tempt the consumers. Advertising preys on our vanity. We all desire to be admired and accepted, whether socially, physically intellectually or professionally. We desire prestige and status, and think we can achieve it simply by using a product carrying a renowned brand like Calvin Klein or Versace.
Advertisements have the power to influence our thoughts and emotions, and lure us into buying a product or service we may have no need for. They are successful because we, consumers, are gullible and vulnerable to the sales gimmicks and strategies used by marketers. We succumb easily to irresistible offers like Puy one, get one free' and 'Free gifts’ Consequently, we end up purchasing a product or service,
Advertisements work because they usually present, misleading and untruthful information to create a sense of desire for the product in a consumer. Ultimately, we have the right to choose what we do or do not want. As business become increasingly competitive, advertisements will become more aggressive by the day. We, therefore, need rational and exercise our rights as consumers and need to be marketers take control of our lives through advertising.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 5
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Importance of Eating a Balanced Diet”
Writing Tips:
You can look at the food pyramid to see what a balanced diet should consist of.

Answer
We all know that we have to eat to survive but how many of us are careful with what we eat? Many of the food or drinks that we consume have no nutritional value but bring harm to our bodies instead. At the same time, there is some misunderstanding about a balanced diet. It is not just about eating a variety of food but eating the right food that supplies our body with a balanced variety of nutrients. Using the food pyramid as a guide is a good way to ensure that we are eating a balanced diet.
According to the pyramid, a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables, moderate in protein and low in fats is the best. Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, the vital nutrients for good health. They are also a great provider of dietary fibre and the main source of antioxidants, which protect our body against cancer and coronary heart diseases. Vitamin supplements cannot replace the combating effects of natural vitamins and minerals found in fruit and vegetables.
Protein is essential for growth and repair of body tissues. A diet short of protein will lead to muscular waste or a breakdown of muscles in the body. However, excess protein in the diet is not good either. If the body in inefficient in disposing it, broken down protein in the form of uric acid will accumulate in the joints, leading to gout.
Carbohydrates found in starchy food such as rice and potatoes supply the body with energy and are the body’s fuel. The bulk of a balanced diet should be made of carbohydrates. However, when eaten in excess, carbohydrates are converted and stored in the body as fats. Hence, eating in moderation is again the key to a healthy body.
Fats are a rich source of energy in the diet. They have essential roles to play in the well-being of our body. However, are needed in smaller quantities compared to other nutrients for an efficient working body A deficiency in fatty acids may result in stunted growth in children or the slow healing of wounds, hair loss and scaly skin. On the other hand, a high intake of fat in the diet and a lack of exercise will lead to obesity. A diet that is restricted or imbalanced will deprive the body of essential nutrients and may open the door to a host of medical problems and diseases. Hence, it is good practice to be conscious of what we eat and to monitor the intake.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 6
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Pros and Cons of Getting an Overseas Education"
Writing Tips:
Pros:
You will learn to think more broadly.
You will make lifelong connections.
You will build your language skills.
Cons:
Studying abroad can be expensive.
There will be language barriers.
You may experience culture shock.

Answer
In today's challenging society which demands meritocracy, securing a good education seems to be the top priority of parents and students. In their search for a good education, many have opted for foreign universities. Though foreign education may seem to be the preferred choice for those who can afford it, it is not without its pros and cons.
One of the advantages of studying overseas is that it helps to broaden our horizon. When we are in a foreign land, we meet people from diverse cultures and societies. This will expose us to the different ways in which other people think and live. As a result, we broaden our minds and learn tolerance and respect.
Being on our own also means that we have to be independent. We have to be responsible for our own actions and learn to cope with problems on our own. In other words, being away from home makes us grow up quicker and teaches us to assume adult responsibilities faster such as managing our time well. These responsibilities help to shape our character, making it the most important aspect of studying away from home.
However, studying overseas has its pitfalls too. For one, the cost is very much higher compared to our local institutions where the fees are heavily subsidised. Therefore, not many parents can afford to send their children overseas. Those who can afford it have to make many sacrifices to see their children through tertiary education.
There is the fear of losing one's identity and culture when one is overseas for a long time. There have been cases of students who end up forgetting their roots after spending a few years overseas, and they have difficulty integrating into Malaysian society. There is also the possibility of students going wayward as their parents are not there to keep an eye on them.
Making the decision to study overseas is, therefore, not an easy one. Some people can become independent and responsible, while others may fail to achieve what they have set out to do. These are important factors to weigh before making a final decision to study overseas.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 7
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“Curbing Child Abuse"
Answer
Child abuse is not only about causing physical injury. It can take other forms too. For instance, leaving young children alone at home without any adult supervision and subjecting them to starvation or endless scolding are other examples of child abuse.
However, the most common form of abuse involves subjecting children to physical pain. A number of child abuse cases reported in the country were committed by people who had been entrusted to look after the child. Child minders and parents of the child are the common culprits of this horrible act.
There is not one conclusive reason for adults to inflict pain on the young and helpless. However, financial and marital problems may be at the top of the list for reasons of ' abuse. The loss of a job or the worry about escalating debts may result in adults letting out their frustration on children. The pressures of life may also be a contributing factor to the escalating number of abuse cases. There are also adults who think that caning is the only way to discipline a child, but sometimes they do not realise that the force they use can injure the child.
Although some children are free from physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse can leave a psychological scar on their lives. After being subjected to repeated scoldings and hurtful remarks, these children may grow up withdrawn, nervous, submissive and later become introverts who have low self-esteem and confidence.
Hence, public awareness needs to be raised concerning the consequences of abuse on children. Every individual in society should play a role in curbing this social ill. Neighbours should not turn a blind eye to any case of child abuse, but instead, they should make reports to the police so that the offender can be booked and charged. Abusers need to be punished and sent for counselling to make them realise that their beastly act is unacceptable. Violence and cruelty should not be a way of life. Every child has the right to live a happy life. With co-operation from the public, children will get to enjoy what they rightly deserve.

Written by: Azman J. Singh

Expository/Example 8
Write a composition of about 350 words on the following topic.
“The Danger of Smoking"

Answer
Answer Everyone knows smoking is bad for health. Yet why do people smoke? The reason is that a person gets addicted because of the additives and chemicals like nicotine added to the tobacco during manufacturing. This is done to improve the flavour and increase the rush of nicotine when the cigarette is lit. Most people are unaware of the harmful additives and chemicals in cigarettes.
Smoking endangers health and life. Findings have shown that cigarettes kill about half of all regular long-term smokers. Most die prematurely from smoking-related causes like lung cancer. Smoking also shortens a person's life span by five to ten years according to reports. Smoking not only endangers the smoker himself but also the people around him. Repeated exposure to secondhand smoke can increase a person's risk of cancer. Studies show that secondhand smoke stimulates tumour growth. It also increases a person's risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and asthma. It has also been linked to respiratory problems, including pneumonia and weak lungs in children.
Smoking among teenagers in Malaysia is a cause for concern. In June 2001, the Malaysian Health Ministry disclosed that fifty teenagers each day were lighting up their first cigarette. This can be seen in students smoking in public places and even on school premises. There is, thus, a heed for anti-smoking campaigns in schools. These campaigns must be aggressive to raise teenagers' awareness of the hazards of smoking and educate them not to underestimate the risks and overestimate the ease of quitting. Teenagers must be informed of the harmful additives in cigarettes. Most of all, these campaigns must focus on preventing teenagers from picking up the smoking habit in the first place.
There are ways to kick the smoking habit such as sucking on a candy, taking a cold shower or exercising when one feels the urge to smoke. Still, experts agree that the most effective way is to go 'cold turkey'. This is to simply quit on a chosen day. Having a healthy and long life can be one's choice and decision. Therefore, choose wisely- choose not to smoke.

Written by: Azman J. Singh


Additional guides


More Examples

Answer:
Smoke That Kills

A smoker can easily be identified in any group. Not only does he reek of stale smoke but he also has bad breath, much to the dread of non-smokers. However, the effects of smoking are far more insidious than the offensive smell associated with smokers.
Cigarette smoke contains many toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide, nicotine and carcinogens that cause irreparable damage not only to the smoker but also to those around him who inhale the smoke.
Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, thus causing fatigue and panting even with the slightest physical exertion. The lack of oxygen in the body acts as a catalyst that accelerates the ageing process, causing wrinkles. Nicotine contained in cigarette smoke reduces the activity of the brain and nervous system. It also raises the risk of high blood pressure. Nicotine causes the contraction of blood vessels which decreases the body's blood supply. This ultimately leads to heart attacks.
Smokers are at a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancers because cigarette smoke contains carcinogens. Long-time smokers often develop cancers of the mouth, larynx and lungs. Smoking endangers not only the smoker himself but also those who inhale secondary smoke—smoke exhaled by smokers. In view of the many dangers of smoking, more smoking cessation programmes should be introduced to smokers.

Word bank:
insidious - spreading gradually catalyst without being noticed but causing serious harm
Catalist - something that causes change
accelerates - speeds up
carcinogens - cancer-causing agents
larynx - voice box

Answer:
Truancy tops the list of misdemeanours by our students. Almost every day, students are caught playing truant. Although it is not a serious problem, it must be nipped in the bud.
Truancy means being absent from school without a valid reason. Students play truant for a number of reasons. Most of them play truant because of negative peer influence. They follow their friends who skip school. Financial problems can also cause a student to stay away from school. This explains why students who play truant are mainly from the lower-income groups. Learning problems is another cause of truancy. Students who find academic subjects difficult or boring would prefer to play truant. Some students who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will frequently be absent. The fear of bullying or harassment may also cause timid students to play truant.
If left unchecked, truancy can lead to juvenile delinquency and numerous other negative outcomes. Youths who play truant have an increased risk of dropping out of school. School dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, as prospective employers are concerned about attendance of their potential employees. Regular school attendance is also important for academic success. If a student often plays truant, he may fail his examinations. Students who play truant also have low self-esteem and become social misfits.
To curb truancy, initiatives must be taken. Prevention is the key. Early intervention can tackle the problem. Students who often skip classes should be given counselling. Parents should check with teachers and school authorities periodically to monitor students' attendance. Police patrols will also deter repeat offenders.

Word bank
Misdemeanours - bad conduct
Prospective - potential
Nipped in the bud - stopped when it has just begun
patrols - checks
juvenile delinquency bad or criminal behaviour, usually of young people

Answer:
Good evening, honourable judges, teachers and friends.
I am glad to have been given this opportunity to talk to you today. The title of my speech is 'Social Ills Among Teenagers'. A lot has been said about the deviant behaviour of teenagers. Our education system, the media, teenagers themselves and their parents have been blamed. There is no need to point an accusing finger at any particular group, but keeping mum over the issue is tantamount to condoning it. Our youths are our most valuable assets. They are the future leaders of the nation. The harm has already been done and it is now up to us to undo it.
One of the main reasons why our youths go astray may be the lack of parental supervision. Nowadays, both parents go out to work. Children are left in the care of foreign maids and child-minders. As a result, they are faced with the twin threats of disintegrating family values and the rising trend in social ills and criminal activities among teenagers. Parents should closely monitor their children and pay more attention to their needs.
When parents are often too busy pursuing their own careers to spare some thought for the welfare of their children, children grow up with little moral guidance. When they do not get love and attention at home, they seek attention from others who may or may not come from similar backgrounds. Thus, the social ills affecting our youth may be a reflection of a much larger problem, such as the disintegration of the family unit.
Ladies and gentlemen, the media may also play a part in the moral degradation among teenagers. Television programmes which show violence and sex and glorify other negative aspects should be restricted. There should also be stricter enforcement of the ban on pornographic material.
Teenagers with little or nothing to do during their spare time usually take to the streets. Therefore, recreational facilities such as those found in sports complexes should be available to all youths. At present, existing recreational facilities seem to be exclusively either for the rich or for older people. The establishment of teen clubs and community centres that do not charge high fees and that specially target teenagers should be given top priority. The programme is a good step towards achieving this goal.
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, everyone, including religious, educational and social institutions, as well as individuals and the media, must cooperate with the authorities to combat the social ills afflicting our teenagers. It is important that people, especially Greetir youths, do not get into the rut of moral decay. There should be a thorough study of the problem before a proper strategy can be mapped out to channel our youths towards healthier lifestyles.
Thank you for your kind attention and have a nice day.

Word bank:
Point an accusing finger - accuse or blame
monitor - observe closely
Keeping mum - keeping quiet
Combat - fight against
Tantamount - equal
Afflicting - affecting
Condoning - tolerating an offence
Get into the rut of without moral decay - get used to a life without moral values
Disintegration - break-up

Answer:
Good morning, boys and girls.
Can you imagine a world without books and other kinds of reading material? Today, we enjoy such a wide array of reading material — books, magazines, newspapers, comics and so on. Yet, we do not seem to make an attempt to read. In a recent survey to find out about the reading habits of our students, we discovered that a majority of students hardly read. What a shame! Obviously, students do not realise the pleasures and benefits of reading. This is why I am standing here in front of you — to tell you about the benefits of reading.
It has been said that reading is exercise for the mind. This is because reading provides input and stimulates the mind. Today, there are millions of books and other reading material dealing with different subjects on the market, which are read for information, knowledge and recreation. Perhaps the cheapest source of information is the newspaper, which is read by almost everyone to keep up with the latest developments in the world. Apart from this, there are various magazines and books on topics such as health care, economics, politics and hobbies, which are not only informative and useful if a person wants to broaden his mind, but may provide entertainment as well. One can read to keep up with the news, for self-improvement or simply for relaxation.
Reading is good for one's creativity. This is because the reader has to imagine the scenes that are described in a story, unlike a person watching a film, where there is little left to the imagination. Studies have suggested that people who read a lot are more creative than those who often watch movies or television. As such, one of the benefits of reading is that it encourages a person to use his imagination.
Moreover, reading also helps to enrich and improve a person's language. There are certain words which are seldom used in spoken language but occur more often in writing. A person who reads comes across many such words and thus increases his vocabulary. When speaking, we often do not use complete or properly constructed sentences. In writing, only grammatical, well-constructed sentences should be used. Reading, therefore, introduces a person to a wider vocabulary, and correct grammar. To conclude, reading is the best way to acquire knowledge and information, besides being a form of entertainment. Reading also helps unleash our creative powers. Last but not least, there is no better way of gaining a better command of a language than through reading.
So, boys and girls, now that you know the benefits of reading, I'm sure you will make an attempt to do more reading.
Thank you.

Word bank:
Wide array - great variety
Creative powers - imagination, creativity