Definition of
Expositive text
He coherent set of statements with communicative intent is known as text. the adjective expositoryfor its part, refers to that or what it exposes (that is, that makes something manifest or makes it known).
These two concepts allow us to approach the definition of expositive text. These are texts whose purpose is to convey information and disseminate knowledge about a certain topic. They are characterized, therefore, by the display of objective data together with their corresponding explanations.
The expository text can be addressed to the general public or to a group of readers with specific interests. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between informative expository texts (which aim at a wide range of people and do not require prior knowledge of the topic they are dealing with) and specialized expository texts (which, given their high degree of difficulty, require previous knowledge related to their content).
- Structure of an expository text
- Most common strategies
- The author of an expository text
- Related Topics Tree
Structure of an expository text
The most common structure of expository text includes a core concept together with a wide range of complementary information. Likewise, it is usually structured through a presentationa development and one conclusion. At the end of reading, it is expected that the reader has acquired new knowledge thanks to the effective presentation of the topics by the author.
The detailed description, the comparison of concepts, the examples and the definitions are some of the linguistic resources most used by the majority of the authors of this type of text. Regarding the format in which they are usually found, we can mention encyclopedias, manuals, scientific magazines, newspaper articles and even the rules of a board game, written in its corresponding instruction booklet.
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Most common strategies
Often the central point is presented and a series of related concepts are defined that are essential for the understanding of the first one; Finally, when all the necessary tools are available, the main theme is returned to and explained in detail. This structure should reflect the intellectual growth of readers, who start with a vague idea of what they want to learn and become, after reading, knowledgeable about a subject.
When it comes to very extensive, very broad topics, the texts are usually divided into two or more parts, as is the case with scientific texts and certain newspaper articles presented episodicly.
See also: Critical reading
The author of an expository text
As in any written work of an informative nature, an expository text requires its author to have knowledge of the topics that it develops through it. Whoever comes to read it has a need to satisfy, which may well revolve around learning a subject or researching a very precise issue; he does not go in search of an artistic vision nor of more questions than he carries before beginning.
Given that the consumption of a text is a very specific phenomenon and easy to delimit, regardless of the complementary consultations that are carried out later, it is important that the author takes precedence over the concerns of the readers when choosing and organizing the content. In order to achieve a product that effectively meets the expectations of the public, the writer must ensure that they are taken into account from the conception of the work.
It is very important to remember that an expository text should not include personal opinions, especially those that may provoke readers in a negative way; some examples are racist or anti-religious comments, or contempt for a famous person or company. These elements are typical of the tabloid text, since they seek to generate violent reactions in the public, and are the starting point for controversies and verbal attacks, which currently take place mainly on the Internet.
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