Expository Texts: Characteristics and Structure
Exposure is a type of speech by which an issuer seeks to explain a topic clearly and orderly, for example, a history book.
Pragmatic Aspects
The communicative function predominates, specifically the referential function, as the important thing is the issue. Objectivity is the most important characteristic. The intention of the sender is didactic, therefore, it must be clear and precise, using ideas and referencing reliable information sources.
Depending on the type of receiver, two types of texts are distinguished:
- a) Disclosures: For a topic of general interest to a wide audience not specialized in the theme. Avoiding nonessential technicalities, there is a clear organization, etc.
- b) Specialized: Aimed at people specializing in a subject. It dispenses with abstracts and requires more precision.
Structural Issues
A fundamental feature is the clear and consistent management of content. The basic outline is as follows:
- Introduction: The author sets out and defines the subject matter and presents information, for example, definitions.
- Development: Ideas and data are presented. It is the most extensive part.
- Conclusion: Usually (but not always) includes a summary of the most important points.
It is also necessary to take into account how ideas are related. There are two basic ways:
- a) Deductive (Analytical Structure): Specific ideas are extracted from general concepts. The author begins by stating the theme and then develops an online exhibition to analyze the initial idea.
- b) Inductive (Synthesizing Structure): Going from the particular to the general. The author presents specific information first and then concludes.
In addition to these schemes, certain expository procedures are used to logically organize the information in the text. Some common ones are:
- Sequences of ideas based on logic (e.g., cause-effect, problem-solution).
- Definitions of concepts with some difficulty.
- Technical descriptions.
- Lists of properties, parts, and qualities.
- Exemplification and comparison.
- Argumentation.
Finally, abstract ideas are sometimes used to facilitate understanding.
Linguistic Aspects
Lexical-Semantic Level
Vocabulary is used with denotative meaning (with the exception of some literary exposures, where it can also be connotative). Typically, there is:
- Use of jargon.
- Lack of action verbs (predominantly indicating state or mental process).
- Occurrence of specified adjectives (descriptive and evaluative).
- Use of expository nouns.
Syntactic Level
Characterized by the presence of discourse markers. It is necessary that the author is clear, concise, and properly discusses and organizes the information at all times.
Sentence Syntax: As the referential communicative function predominates, declarative sentences are used (sometimes hesitant sentences appear). Characteristic is the use of the third person and tends to eliminate the presence of the subject-text speaker with impersonal and passive reflex sentences. The use of the 1st and 2nd person indicates a more subjective issuer. In very formal communicative situations (academic in nature), the plural of modesty is used (e.g., “we have noted”), and sometimes the same form is used as a social plural (e.g., “as we know”). The frequent predicate type is the use of attributive sentences and nominal structures. Coordination, subordination, juxtaposition, and abundant adjectives and adverbs also appear.
Phonological and Morphological Levels
These levels involve the correct use of formal language. In general, verbal morphology is the use of the present indicative and the imperfect indicative.