As a future journalist, mastering what is expository writing changed my entire perspective

[DEREK]

When I first started journalism school, I thought I was above "basic" writing concepts. I mean, I'd been writing for my high school paper, I knew how to string sentences together—I was ready for the advanced stuff! So when my first-year writing professor spent weeks drilling us on what is expository writing, I'll admit I checked out a bit. But then something clicked during my internship at a local newspaper last summer. My editor kept sending back my articles with the same note: "You're telling me what happened, but you're not explaining why it matters."

And I realized—that's exactly what expository writing is! It's not just reporting facts; it's making those facts MEANINGFUL to your reader. It's providing context, explaining connections, and helping people understand the world around them.

Here's what I've learned about expository writing in journalism:

1. The inverted pyramid is expository —most important info first, then supporting details. You're explaining the story efficiently so readers get what they need quickly.
2. Context is everything —expository writing answers the "why should I care?" question that every reader has.
3. Clarity is kindness —the best journalists explain complex issues so anyone can understand them. That's expository writing at its finest.
4. Objectivity doesn't mean boring —you can explain facts in an engaging way without adding opinion. Feature writing does this beautifully.

My question for other journalists or writers: What's the best example of expository writing you've ever read? I'm looking for models to study—pieces that explain something complex in a way that's clear, engaging, and memorable. Drop your recommendations below!

Also, any tips for making "boring" topics (like city budget meetings, which I cover way too often ) actually interesting to readers? I need all the help I can get!

 

[SamuelS]

So many young writers skip over the fundamentals because they think they're "boring," but you've nailed exactly why they matter. Expository writing is the skeleton of good journalism—without it, you just have a pile of facts with no structure.

For city budget meetings (I feel your pain ), try finding the human angle. A budget isn't just numbers—it's "the city just cut funding for after-school programs" or "they're raising water rates again." Connect the data to real people's lives. That's expository writing in action!

Also, read anything by Amanda Ripley. She explains complex systems like the justice system with such clarity. Pure gold!