Why might expository text be more challenging for students?

Expository text is designed to inform or explain ideas, and it often includes complex ideas and concepts that require deeper comprehension skills. One of the main challenges students face with expository text is its density of long, difficult, and unfamiliar vocabulary. This type of text often includes terminology that may not be commonly used in everyday language, which can hinder the students' understanding and ability to engage with the material.

The inclusion of numerous technical terms and specialized vocabulary can create barriers to comprehension, especially for students who may not yet have the reading skills to decode or understand these challenging words. As students read expository texts, they need to use context clues and prior knowledge to infer meanings, which can be difficult when the text contains many unfamiliar terms. This vocabulary density makes it essential for educators to provide support, such as pre-teaching vocabulary or using graphic organizers to help students navigate expository passages.

In contrast, other options present scenarios that are less common with expository texts. For example, illustrations and visual aids can often accompany expository writing, enhancing understanding rather than detracting from it. The description of poetic structure and the presentation of fictional information are also not characteristic of expository text, which is primarily focused on factual information and clear explanations.