Expository and Argumentative Texts: Purpose and Structure

Expository and Argumentative Texts

The study of text types often begins with the fundamental concepts of exposition and argumentation.

Defining Expository Texts

The purpose of expository texts is to inform and provide knowledge about a topic. Their primary didactic goal is to help the receiver understand an idea or expand their existing knowledge.

Expository writing must be orderly, clear, and objective, often mastering the referential function of language. We commonly find these texts in encyclopedias, newspaper articles, and conferences.

Types of Expository Texts

Expository texts can generally be grouped into two main categories:

• Informative Texts: These report clearly and objectively about a topic of general interest and should be easy to understand.
• Scientific Exposition: This forms a highly specialized subgenre, often presenting a high degree of difficulty as it seeks to explain complex phenomena, concepts, or theories. It typically requires the receiver to have prior knowledge of the topic discussed.

Exposition vs. Argumentation

Expository texts are often combined with argumentative texts, as rarely does an exhibition merely give information without the need to prove or justify it. This combination requires the author to present arguments that support the explanation.

However, there is a basic difference between the two:

• The ultimate goal of exposition is to show or explain.
• The ultimate goal of argumentation is to prove or convince.

Structure and Organization of Expository Texts

Organizational Relationships

Expository texts are generally based on a central idea or theme that is subsequently developed. The elements within the text follow specific organizational relationships:

• Logical: Establishing certain facts and demonstrating how they cause specific results.
• Chronological: Used in expositions that approach a subject from a historical perspective, detailing events in sequence.
• Hierarchical: Referring to facts in order of importance, usually moving from the most significant to the least.

The Basic Structure

When selecting information, the author must have a comprehensive understanding of the theme, establish a clear perspective, and consider the assumed knowledge level of the receiver.

The basic structure of expository texts consists of three essential parts:

1. Introduction: The issue is raised. This section usually enters directly into the topic, defining it or explaining some necessary background information.
2. Development: This section addresses the main issue, including subthemes and exemplifications (examples).
3. Conclusion: This summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis that was expressed at the beginning.

Ordering Information: Deductive vs. Inductive

The overall flow of information can follow two primary organizational patterns:

• Deductive (Analyzing): The text starts with a general idea or thesis statement and then proceeds to explain or exemplify it using specific details.
• Inductive (Synthesizing): The text moves from particular cases or examples toward a general conclusion or summary.

Linguistic Features of Expository Writing

The most characteristic linguistic forms found in expository texts include:

• Syntax

  The syntax favors declarative sentences, predominantly simple structures. Attributive sentences abound, along with markers of logical relationship (e.g., Cause, Consequence, Illustration).

• Lexicon

  The vocabulary is clear and precise, mainly denotative (objective meaning). Specific adjectives are frequently used.

• Verb Tense and Person

  The verb is usually in the timeless present. The third person and impersonal forms dominate, though the first person is often found in non-fiction texts.