Expository Text: Characteristics, Functions And Types
The expository text is a type of speech in which very varied themes are expressed, in the most objective and precise way possible They can be about practically anything, such as medicine, chemistry, ornithology.
Below we will look in more depth at their main characteristics, the way they are structured and the two main types of expository texts.
The expository text is the type of speech in which concepts, ideas or facts are expressed in the most objective and precise way possible It focuses mainly on explicitly reporting the most important points of a topic, situation or fact. The author must leave aside all personal opinions, which is why the third person singular is used as a textual resource in these texts.
Generally, these texts are those used in dissemination, especially to publicize various ideas or concepts to a wide audience. Likewise, there are also more specialized expository texts, in which topics belonging to various fields are presented, such as scientific, legal, academic, historical, and many more.
As expository texts can be found on endless topics and fields, there is no minimum length for this type of text. It will all depend on the topic being addressed, ranging from a simple paragraph to an entire book
It is very important to understand that expository texts and argumentative texts are very different things. In the second case, an opinion is presented, with the intention of convincing the reader, in addition to disseminating the author’s ideas.
Characteristics of expository texts
There are several characteristics that define expository texts.
1. Structure and language
The expository texts They can present a wide variety of topics such as historical events, description of biological processes, social phenomena, gardening…
Whatever the topic, the information is presented with a clear structure, with the text organized into several sections.
The type of language is precise, appropriate for the topic being discussed. The use of ambiguous terms is avoided, although it is not intended to go into topics other than the main one in too much depth.
They are considered formal texts, since they do not use colloquial language but one that is more educated and does not depend on the context to be understood.
2. Content
The objective of expository text is to present an idea and help the reader learn about a specific topic.
This is why the content does not only come in the form of written text, but also may be accompanied by indexes, tables of contents, glossaries, appendices and other resources depending on how pertinent it is to the topic presented in the same text.
Also, as a mnemonic and organizational support, the text is accompanied by photographs, subtitles, illustrations, graphs, diagrams, tables and schedules.
3. Objectivity
The expository text tries to be objective. It is because of that No personal opinion should be presented on the topic presented When writing a text of this type, we try to collect all the appropriate information and facts that are relevant.
When writing about a topic, it must be assumed that the reader does not know, at all, about the topic that is being presented, so you must write in great detail, even things that may seem obvious.
4. Focused on the main topic
It is very important that in an expository text the direction is not lost That is, you must remain focused on the topic that is being presented, without wandering into other matters.
You should also avoid explaining information that is not relevant to make the main topic more understandable.
One of the methods used in expository writing is the discussion of similarities and differences between the topic presented and any that are related without going into too many details about this second one.
It is not necessary to list all the similarities and divergent characteristics, but to choose some of the most important ones to highlight how different they are and help the reader differentiate them.
6. Cause and effect
In the expository text, especially if the topic has to do with the social and natural sciences, explains how things influence each other, that is, cause and effect relationships You can begin, for example, by introducing an event and then name and analyze the causes that caused that specific event to occur.
Structure
Although the structure of the text varies depending on the topic, in essence the following patterns can be highlighted.
Basic structure
This structure is shared with narrative and argumentative texts, only The facts presented are not literary in nature nor is a personal opinion expressed unlike how it happens in these two texts.
1. Introduction
It is the first part and it describes the points that will be explained throughout the text. The introduction must be explanatory and eye-catching, in order to capture the reader’s attention and give them an idea of ​​what they are going to read
2. Development
It is the expository body of the text. In this part The most relevant points of the topic in question are explained in detail The development must be organized, coherent and logical, without neglecting objectivity and precision.
3. Conclusion
The main function in the conclusion is make a compilation of the information presented throughout the text and highlight the most important features of the topic that has been addressed.
The logical structure refers to how the coherent development of the presented topic occurs. We have, mainly, four types of logical structures.
1. Synthesizing or inductive
The ideas are explained in a reduced way at the beginning but, progressively, exposing them in more detail in broader points of the topic
2. Analytical or deductive
First, the general ideas are explained and then move on to the more specific ones.
3. Framed
In the framed structure, the theme is exposed in the development to pass, in the conclusion, a change of the main idea.
4. Parallel
In the parallel structure all the ideas of the text have the same relevance That is why no special organization is required.
Types of expository texts
Mainly, expository texts can be presented in two forms.
1. Informative
The informative texts are those whose purpose is to explain a topic of general interest, aimed at broad sectors of the population
This type of speech does not require very specialized language, nor is the reader expected to have too deep knowledge of the subject matter addressed in them.
Some examples of informative texts that we can find are school textbooks, newspaper and encyclopedia articles or, without going any further, this same article.
2. Specialized
Unlike informative texts, specialized texts are those that are based on explaining, in detail, a complex topic They are aimed at an audience with knowledge in the area of ​​the topic developed.
The language used is more technical and deep, making it necessary to know the specific vocabulary to be able to understand the text in its entirety. Commonly, these texts are those that are developed in fields such as medicine, chemistry, mechanics, law…
Some examples of specialized texts are articles from scientific journals final degree and master’s thesis, doctoral theses…
