Effective Expository Texts, Reports, and Brochures
Expository Texts
The intent of any text is to communicate. To address an issue objectively and orderly, we use an expository text.
Features
- Objectivity: The author should not express personal opinions but present information objectively and neutrally.
- Structure: The text must be clear and well-organized.
Standard Structure
- Introduction: Introduces the topic.
- Development: Presents the main and supporting ideas, often including examples.
- Conclusion: Revisits and summarizes the main idea.
Types Based on Audience
- Disclosure Texts: Report on a topic of general interest, appealing to a broad audience.
- Specialized Texts: Written for and directed towards experts in a specific subject.
The Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
The resume, or CV, is an expository document containing an individual’s personal data, education, and work history. It serves as a cover letter, and its goal is typically to secure employment.
Key Sections of a Resume
- Personal Data: Includes name, date and place of birth, address, phone number, and email address.
- Education: Details academic background, usually listed chronologically from the most recent qualification to the earliest.
- Professional Experience: Outlines career path, noting current and previous jobs, duration of employment, location, and companies worked for.
- Courses and Professional Development: Lists training or courses relevant to professional improvement.
- Additional Information: May include languages spoken, computer skills, hobbies, or other pertinent details.
Expository texts aim to present a subject objectively and orderly to others.
Subtypes of Expository Texts
- Descriptive-Explanatory Texts: Provide a technical description or explanation.
- Expository-Narrative Texts: Explain data or events in a narrative sequence.
- Expository-Argumentative Texts: Present information while including some element of argument or opinion (though striving for overall objectivity).
Expository texts are common in daily life. Remember their key characteristics:
Key Characteristics Revisited
- Objectivity: Essential, especially in expository-narrative texts; personal opinions should generally be avoided.
- Order: Organizing information effectively is crucial. Information can be presented from specific details to a general overview or vice versa.
The Report
A report is an expository text designed to present data and conclusions on a specific topic, often related to work or science.
Features
- Theme: Typically relates to the workplace or scientific fields.
- Clarity, Conciseness, and Order: Information must be presented clearly, briefly, and in a logical sequence.
- Language: Uses formal language, often with a serious tone and specialized terminology (jargon).
- Visual Aids: Information is frequently supported by graphics, charts, illustrations, etc.
- Sources: All sources of information must be cited appropriately.
The success of research often depends on its effective communication to the relevant audience. Presenting research results follows established conventions for form and content.
Report Writing Essentials
- Sources: Consult various reliable sources of information.
- Order: Ensure information is clear, concise, and direct.
- Language: Use precise language, appropriate terminology, and a formal lexicon.
- Visual Aids: Incorporate relevant graphics, images, tables, or other illustrative materials to support the text.
The Brochure
A brochure is a printed document used for informative or advertising purposes.
Features
- Space: Usually limited to a single sheet, often folded (e.g., tri-fold), requiring concise information tailored to the available space.
- Order: Uses clear and attractive titles and subtitles to organize information.
- Graphic Elements: Includes photographs, illustrations, and other visuals to enhance understanding and appeal.
- Language: Typically uses simple and direct language to explain or promote something effectively.
Classification
- Informative/Disclosure Brochures: Aim to explain or clarify something (e.g., museum guides, tourist information).
- Advertising Brochures: Promote products, services, places, or events, aiming to attract consumer attention.
Brochures promote an idea, product, or service and can be found in various locations, such as retail outlets or distributed via mail.
Creating an Effective Brochure
To achieve their goal, brochures require careful planning and structure:
- Topic Selection & Objective: Clearly define the item or idea to be promoted and identify the target audience.
- Research: Conduct thorough research on the subject to select the most important and relevant data.
- Structuring Information: Organize the collected data logically within the brochure’s layout.
- Image Selection: Choose high-quality, relevant images and graphics that support the text and enhance visual appeal.