Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or evocative comparison. It uses an ordinary sentence to refer to something without directly stating it.
An expository essay is an essay in which the writer informs the reader about information. Like in your typical high school research papers. The method most commonly used when writing this type of essay is compare and contrast.