Expository and Literary Discourse: A Comprehensive Guide
Expository Discourse
Characteristics
Expository discourse identifies the sender as having greater knowledge about the subject, which is shared with the receiver.
Communicative Situation
This refers to the specific time and place where communication occurs, the environment in which the sender intends to communicate “something” to a receiver.
A key characteristic is the difference in understanding between sender and receiver regarding the subject.
Oral Expository Discourse
Structure
- Introduction or theme
- Development
- Conclusions
Features
- Precise and goal-oriented style
- Use of the third person singular
- Specific and precise vocabulary
- Short sentences
- Use of definitions and examples
- Dominance of the representational or referential function
Characteristics of a Good Speaker
- Credibility
- Managing nervousness/learning to relax
- Focusing on the message, not oneself
- Commitment to the speech
- Mastery of nonverbal communication
- Control of interferences or crutches
- Spontaneity and naturalness
- Mastery of body language and gestures
Producing an Expository Text
Planning
- Selecting a topic relevant to the course or societal interests
- Studying the chosen topic
- Structuring the topic into three parts (introduction, development, conclusion)
- Providing examples to illustrate abstract ideas
- Considering aspects like volume and posture
Realization
- Choosing a suitable approach for the communicative purpose
- Using vocabulary appropriate to the subject and audience
- Adhering to the allotted time
- Addressing raised questions if necessary
Written Expository Text
Written expository text should be clear and understandable to the reader, with greater precision.
Coherence
Coherence expresses the logical relationship between ideas.
- Organization of ideas: presenting information logically
- Thematic unity: maintaining a central theme
- Consistency: ensuring ideas in different sections align
Appropriateness
Using language appropriate to the sender’s purpose, receiver, and situation.
Cohesion
Cohesion is the explicit logical relationship between words and phrases, forming larger units of meaning.
Classification of Connectors
- Addition
- Explanation
- Time
- Enumeration
- Opposition
- Comparison
- Cause
- Example
- Reformulation
- Correction
Literary Text
Literary text allows the reader to imaginatively recreate a world based on existing elements but governed by its own laws.
Literary Genres
- Narrative: representative or informative function; aims to convey events through fictional characters.
- Lyrical: expressive or emotive function; highlights feelings and ideas from an intimate viewpoint.
- Dramatic: appellative function; focuses on dialogue between characters and between sender and receiver.
Narrative Genre
Includes literary works written in prose.
Narrative Structure
Orderly presentation of events, forming the plot, with a structure of introduction, development, and outcome.
Narrator
- Direct style: repeats character dialogue verbatim.
- Indirect style: uses third-person singular.
- Free indirect style: combines both styles.
Narrative Subgenres
- Epic: extensive composition recounting heroic deeds.
- Epic poem: singing the exploits of a hero.
- Romance: highlights a particular episode from an epic poem.
- Novel: long narrative with in-depth development of elements.
- Story: short narrative piece.
Proverbs
A collection of proverbs offering wisdom and advice on various life situations.