What is the purpose of expository writing?

The purpose of expository writing is to explain or describe something clearly and logically. This type of writing aims to inform the reader by providing facts, ideas, or processes without the presence of personal opinions or emotional language. Expository writing is often used in academic settings, technical writing, and when conveying complex information clearly.

By focusing on providing explanations, definitions, or descriptions, expository writing helps the reader understand a subject matter comprehensively. It establishes a solid foundation of knowledge necessary for further learning or critical thinking. In contrast, other types of writing serve different purposes: narrative writing tells a story, persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, and descriptive writing focuses on painting a vivid picture with details.