Expository text: characteristics, functions and types

The expository text is a type of discourse in which a wide variety of topics are expressed, in the most objective and precise way possible.. They can be from practically anything, like medicine, chemistry, ornithology.

Next we will see in more depth its main characteristics, the way in which they are structured and the two main types of expository texts.

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What is an expository text?

The expository text is the type of discourse in which concepts, ideas or facts are expressed in the most objective and precise way possible. It focuses mainly on explicitly informing about the most important points of a topic, situation or fact. The author must put aside any personal opinion, it is for this reason that in these texts the third person singular is used as a textual resource.

Generally, these texts are the ones that are used in dissemination, especially to present various ideas or concepts to a wide audience. Likewise, there are also more specialized expository texts, in which topics are presented. belonging to various fields, such as scientific, legal, academic, historical, and many more.

As expository texts can be found in an endless number of themes and fields, there is no minimum extension for this type of text. Everything will depend on the topic that is addressed, ranging from a simple paragraph to a whole 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, as well as disseminating the author's ideas.

Characteristics of expository texts

There are several characteristics that define expository texts.

1. structure and language

expository texts They can present a wide variety of topics., such as historical events, description of biological processes, social phenomena, gardening...

Whatever the subject, the information is presented with a clear structure, the text being organized into several sections.

The type of language is precise, suitable for the topic that is being treated. The use of ambiguous terms is avoided, although it is not intended to go too deeply into topics other than the main one.

They are considered formal texts, since they do not use colloquial language, but a more educated one that does not depend on the context to be understood.

2. Content

The objective of the expository text is to expose an idea and help the reader to learn about a specific topic.

This is why the content does not only come in the form of a 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 exposed in the same text.

Also, by way of mnemonic and organizational support, the text is accompanied by photographs, subtitles, illustrations, graphs, diagrams, tables and schedules.

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3. Objectivity

The expository text tries to be objective. It is because of that No personal opinion should be presented on the subject matter.. During the writing of a text of this type, it is a question of collecting all the appropriate information and the facts that are relevant.

When writing about a subject, it must be assumed that the reader does not know anything about the subject matter. you are exposing yourself, so write down everything in detail, even things that might seem like the obvious.

4. Focus on the main topic

It is very important that an expository text does not lose its course.. That is, you must remain focused on the subject that is being exposed, without wandering into other matters.

You should also avoid explaining information that is not relevant to make the main topic more understandable.

5. Contrasting information

One of the methods used in expository writing is the discussion of similarities and differences between the topic exposed and some that is related, without going into too much detail about this second one.

You don't need to list all the similarities and divergent features, but you do need to choose a few of the most important ones to highlight how different they are and help the reader tell them apart.

6. Cause and effect

In the expository text, especially if the theme has to do with the social and natural sciences, explains how things influence each other, that is, cause and effect relationships. You can start, for example, by introducing an event and then name and analyze the causes that led to that particular event.

Structure

Although the structure of the text varies depending on the theme, essentially the following patterns can be highlighted.

basic structure

This structure is shared with narrative and argumentative texts, only that The facts that are presented are not of a literary nature, nor is a personal opinion exposed., 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 should 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.

logical structures

The logical structure refers to how the coherent development of the topic presented 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 with more detail in broader points of the topic.

2. analysing or deductive

First, the general ideas are explained, before going 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 ways.

1. informative

informative texts are those whose purpose is to explain a topic of general interest, aimed at broad sectors of the population.

These kinds of speeches do not require highly specialized language, nor is it expected that the reader will have too deep knowledge of the matter that is 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 very article.

2. specialized

Unlike informative texts, specialized texts are those that are based on explaining, in detail, a complex topic. They are aimed at a public with knowledge in the area of ​​the subject matter developed.

The language used is more technical and deep, being 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, rights...

Some examples of specialized texts are scientific journal articles, final degree and master's projects, doctoral theses...

Bibliographic references:

• Smith, C. S. (2003). Modes of Discourse: The Local Structure of Texts. Cambridge University Press. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-521-78169-5.