Understanding Text: Structure, Types, and Linguistic Features

Vocabulary

Text is the maximum linguistic unit. It consists of content that has the same purpose and is linked together. It may also be formed by a single word. A text is a set of statements, words uttered in a certain tone. It differs from a sentence because it does not have to have a subject and predicate structure, such as "HELP!" or the sign of a pharmacy.

• Cohesion: The statements are related by linguistic mechanisms that create a union.
• Coherence: This is a property of text where there is a union between its component statements. This is achieved through thematic unity (all parts address the same subject) and a logical spatial arrangement. Everything has to be ordered.

Expository texts are specialized texts directed at expert readers. They often appear with many informative clarifications. Argumentative texts present an idea or defend a position on an issue. They seemingly have an objective order, but the full gist of the text is to use arguments to support a position.

Linguistic features of argumentative texts include antithesis and antinomies. An essay is a written text where the author gives their opinion about a subject.

• Hyponymy: A semantic relationship where one word is a specific instance of another (e.g., "pink" is a hyponym of "color", "bed" is a hyponym of "furniture").
• Hypernymy: A semantic relationship where one word is a general category that includes another (e.g., "flower" is a hypernym of "rose", "furniture" is a hypernym of "chair").

Connectors Classification

• Result: "So"
• Contrast: "But", "In the end"
• Order: "In case of"
• Conditional: "If"
• Explanatory: "That is", "Because"

Grammatical morphemes (verb, number, and gender) create a match.

Linguistic Elements

• Deictic/Words used to signal
• Repetitions/Examples: "but", "no", "I want", "sleep", "lounge", "shadow"
• Semantic/Examples: "epidemics", "black and white", "meningitis", "awakening", "dreams"
• Pronouns: "me", "she", "he", "so"
• Connectors/Examples: "and", "further", "however", "but"
• Concordance/Example: "a (masculine singular) crazy (masculine singular)", "she (feminine singular) every (feminine singular)"

Types of Texts According to Form of Address

• Narrative: Tells a true or fictional story that happens to some characters in a specific time and place.
• Descriptive: Describes an object or a person in detail.
• Dialogue: There is more than one issuer, and the sender and receiver change their roles.
• Exposition: Seeks to transmit information. Key features are order and clarity.
• Argumentation: Seeks to convince and provides options and arguments.

Characteristics of Expository Texts

Expository texts use precise words, clarity, and a technical or scientific lexicon. They also have specific structures:

• Title
• Introduction (main idea)
• Development (possibilities)
• Conclusion (repeats the main ideas of the text)

Objectivity can also be found through indicative verbs in the third person and impersonal sentences.

Expository texts are also characterized by the use of a technical or scientific lexicon that contributes to clarity. There are two types of recipients for these texts: those for published texts and those for specialized texts.

Characteristics of Expository Language

• Clarity: Use of explanatory sentences.
• Accuracy: Use of accurate data (e.g., dosage, tablets for those over 18, important footnote for women).
• Objectivity: Use of scientific/technical vocabulary (e.g., polio, lymph, doxylamine, excipient, headache).

Common topics in expository texts include sex, drugs, alcohol, and social networks.