EXPOSITORY TEXT: CHARACTERISTICS, STRUCTURE, TYPES, EXAMPLES - LITERATURE - 2024

An expository text is a written expression that aims to inform and disseminate content on a specific topic. In general, the expository texts are composed of objective information, which contains a series of data that are explained in a precise way.

For example, a fragment of expository text is: “It has been shown in numerous investigations that practicing physical exercise brings many health benefits, not only for the body but also for the mind. These benefits include the regulation of blood pressure, increased physical resistance, stress reduction and increased self-esteem. "

An expository text is a written expression that aims to inform and disseminate content on a specific topic. Source: pixabay.com

In the previous example, it can be observed that the writer presents a series of data that inform the reader about the positive consequences of doing physical activity. For this reason, it is established that the objective of expository texts is to provide readers with some new knowledge on a particular topic.

In general, the expository texts have detailed descriptions; however, they can also contain definitions and comparisons of concepts, along with some examples.

Likewise, it is common to find them in magazines, journalistic and scientific articles, encyclopedias, web pages and in all kinds of manuals, such as in the instructions of a board game, in the elaboration of crafts or in cooking recipes.

In conclusion, it can be said that an expository text wishes to teach something new to its potential readers, who come to the text to answer their questions regarding a given topic. In addition, expository texts are very common and used in many areas, so their structure may vary according to the information they contain.

Characteristics of the expository texts

An expository text is characterized by:

- Inform readers

Expository texts seek to inform the reader or receiver. For this to happen efficiently, the text must be written clearly and precisely.

- Objectivity

Expository text is usually objective, as it usually does not present the writer's opinions. For example: “Matter is the main component of all bodies and is susceptible to change. It can have all kinds of shapes and has physical properties that can be perceived through the senses. "

- Establishes an unequal relationship between sender and receiver

Within the expository texts, the writer has knowledge that the receiver (or reader) does not know; the sender's duty is to instruct the receiver on a given subject. Therefore, it is an unequal relationship, since the receiver ignores information that the sender does know.

- Use a language and a structure that varies depending on the audience

The structure of the expository texts is not rigorous; This happens because it will depend on the public to whom the information is directed. It happens in a similar way with language, since it can vary according to the type of reader.

Below is an example of an expository text aimed at a child audience: "Syllables are a set of sounds that can be pronounced in a single stroke of voice." Instead, this is how the same information would be presented but aimed at a more adult audience: "A syllable is a phonological division that occurs between the release of the air and the emission of the voice."

As can be seen, information aimed at a child audience has a simpler language, while content aimed at an adult audience is more complex.

Structure (parts)

In general, an expository text follows the typical introduction-development-conclusion structure. However, some authors propose that this type of text can also have the following parts:

- Issue

Expository texts originate from a problem or a question that you want to solve. Source: pixabay.com

Expository texts originate from a problem or a question that you want to solve. For example: How did life originate on earth? How do you prepare a cake? What is an expository text?

- Resolution

An expository text begins with the answer to the question posed by the reader. For example:

How did life originate on earth? Resolution: “Three-quarters of the earth's surface is covered with water, so life began in water. As the mechanisms of living beings became more complex, they moved to the earth, but kept water as the main component of their bodies. "

- Conclusions

After answering the doubt or question, the expository texts can end with a conclusion that encompasses the main ideas of the exposed content. Continuing with the previous example, the conclusion could be the following: “Earth is a planet bathed in water, which makes it so special. Therefore, water on our planet is synonymous with life ”.

Types of expository texts

- According to its content

According to their content, the expository texts are classified as:

Informative

Expository texts originate from a problem or a question that you want to solve. Source: pixabay.com

They are those whose content is aimed at a large number of people. Its language is simple and does not require prior knowledge for its understanding. An example of an informative text can be an encyclopedia.

- Specialized

Specialized expository texts have content that is aimed at a specific group of people, such as scientists. Source: pixabay.com

Specialized expository texts have content that is aimed at a specific group of people, so they require prior knowledge to be understood. This happens mainly with scientific texts or with any more advanced research of a university nature.

- According to the way you present the information

The expository texts can also be cataloged according to the way in which they organize the information:

Definition - description

They are those that present the information in a descriptive way through definitions and concepts. For example: "Photosynthesis is a chemical process that occurs in plants, which allows them to transform inorganic matter into organic matter from sunlight."

Typology - classification

In this case, the information is presented from classifications. For example: “Animals can be classified into vertebrates (such as birds, fish, reptiles and mammals) or invertebrates (such as insects, jellyfish or snails); they are also classified as mammals (such as humans, bears, dolphins, and cats) or oviparous (such as birds and fish). ”

Question answer

The question scheme is one of the most used in informational texts. Source: pixabay.com

It is one of the most used classifications, especially on web pages. It is about starting the text from a question.

For example: “What are the most nutritious foods? Nutritious foods are those that contain a high concentration of nutrients within their chemical composition. Among the most important are eggs, oily fish, nuts, and spinach. "

Differences - similarities

They are those that place the information from comparisons between concepts that may be different or similar. For example: “Soft waters are those that do not have minerals, so they are not considered suitable for human consumption. On the other hand, hard waters contain many minerals such as magnesium and calcium; these are suitable for human consumption. "

Examples of expository texts

Below are some examples of expository texts:

- Basic pet care

Source: pixabay.com

Having a pet is a source of joy and satisfaction for many people, however, bringing home a pet also involves a series of responsibilities and attentions. If all these responsibilities are fulfilled, the health and well-being of our pets will be guaranteed. To obtain this, it is necessary to consider the following:

- Feeding. Like humans, animals must maintain a balanced diet to keep them healthy and strong. Veterinarians recommend a diet based on dry foods, avoiding raw foods and some human snacks that are not suitable for pets (such as chocolate).

- Hygiene. To maintain the health of our pets, it is necessary to monitor their hygiene. The experts assure that the baths must be carried out at least before turning one month; The fur should also be brushed and the nails trimmed (if you have cats or dogs).

- How to create a web page?

Currently, one of the most effective ways to publicize artistic talents, products, services or companies is through a website. To create it, it is recommended to follow the following steps:

- Define the main theme of the website.

- Acquire a domain for web pages.

- Acquire a hosting service.

- Select a platform that allows you to build and design the website.

- Start posting content.

- What are the differences between soccer and football?

Although in Spanish these two sports have the same name, they are actually quite different in several respects. They stand out from them:

- The duration of the game: the football game lasts ninety minutes, separated by half with a fifteen-minute break. In contrast, football lasts about sixty minutes and has forty-second breaks.

- The uniform: soccer players wear simple clothing consisting of shirts and shorts. On the other hand, in American football players wear a more complex clothing that involves the use of shoulder pads and helmets.

- How to increase self confidence

In order to function successfully in any area of ​​life (at school, university, work, interpersonal relationships), people need to feel confident and self-confident. However, sometimes social pressure, stress, or daily worries inhibit the confidence that we all carry within.

To increase self-confidence, the following actions can be taken:

- Remember past successes. This will send optimistic signals to the brain and provide a sense of triumph, making the person more comfortable with their abilities.

- Interpret nerves as something positive. Although nerves can generate anxiety, they can also be used for motivation and enthusiasm; If the person learns to perceive them as a rush of adrenaline, they can use this feeling to their advantage.

- Surround yourself with people who make you grow and motivate you. The people who are chosen as a company are very important, since they have a remarkable influence on our lives. For this reason, experts recommend choosing friends that motivate you and make you perceive the good things that characterize you.

References

1. Álvarez, A. (2010) The expository text and its writing. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from Redalyc: Redalyc.org
2. Encyclopedia of examples (2019) Expository text. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from examples.co
3. Gardey, A. (2010) Definition of expository text. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from definicion.de
4. Paradiso, J. (1996) Expositive text comprehension. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from magazines.um.es
5. SA (2015) What is expository text? Definition, types & examples. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from study.com
6. SA (sf) Type of essay text: expository and argumentative. Retrieved on April 11, 2020 from alexandrecollonge.com