Understanding Text Types: Narrative, Argumentative, Expository

Understanding Narrative Text Structures

A narrative is a type of text that includes real and imagined events.

Narrative Pacing: Condensation and Expansion

Narrative pacing varies based on techniques like chaining:

• Condensation

  Events are presented in a condensed way, often utilizing narrative ellipses.

• Expansion

  The narrative is delayed or even paused to include additional elements, such as descriptions. The action slows down to focus on character traits.

Narrative Structure: External and Internal

In a narrative, both external structure (chapters, parts, treatises) and internal structure are distinguished.

Types of Narrators: First, Second, and Third Person

• Third-Person Narrator Perspectives

  • Omniscient: All-knowing.
  • Observer: Only reports what can be seen.

• First-Person Narrator Perspectives

  • Hero Narrator: The protagonist tells their own story (real or fictional autobiography).
  • Supporting Character Narrator: A witness who has seen the development of the facts. Sometimes, there are multiple witnesses.

• Second-Person Narrator Perspective

  Involves a splitting of the ego. The narrator creates the effect of telling the story to themselves or a split ego.

Time in Narrative: Historical and Procedural

• Narrative Time: External or Historical

  The period or time in which the narrative is set. It may be explicitly stated or inferred from the atmosphere, characters, customs, etc.

• Narrative Time: Procedural Duration

  This refers to the duration of the events recounted in the story. It can span a lifetime or several days. The author selects interesting moments and omits (ellipsis = temporal distortion) those considered unnecessary.

Understanding the Narrative Space

The physical or conceptual environment where the narrative unfolds.

Narrative Receivers: Recipient and Narratee

There are two types of receivers:

• The Recipient

  The intended reader for whom the author created their work.

• The Narratee

  A particular subject or community to whom the narrator explicitly identifies and tells the story.

Exploring Argumentative Text

Its objective is to express or refute opinions in order to persuade a recipient. Argumentation is often combined with exposition, so in addition to the appellative function, a referential function also appears.

Structure of Argumentative Texts

Argumentative texts usually organize content into three sections: introduction, development, and conclusion.

Discursive Procedures in Argumentation

Argumentative texts share discursive procedures with expository texts, including:

• Definition: Used to explain meanings of concepts.
• Comparison: Illustrates and explains concepts more understandably.
• Citations: Reproductions of texts issued by experts, used as arguments of authority.
• Exemplification: Provides concrete examples to support the thesis.

If the text belongs to the scientific field, it often contains many technical terms.

Characteristics of Expository Text

It aims to inform and disseminate knowledge, predominantly serving a referential function. It can be informative (for a general public) or specialized (high difficulty).

Purpose and Characteristics of Expository Text

Key characteristics include an objective approach, a clear trend, predominance of factual information, and the use of specific vocabulary.

Key Resources for Expository Writing

Common resources include definition, classification, comparison, illustration, or description.