Father Barber S.J.

School
Subject: Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

Learning Guide: Expository Text.

Name: Course:

Learning objective:

- Identify some characteristics of expository discourse in specific texts.

Identify the topic and main ideas in expository texts.

What is expository text?

The expository text is a type of discourse that is characterized by containing explicit and clear information about
a specific topic, that is, in this type of texts the referential function of language prevails since its purpose is
inform. On the other hand, the strict organization of the text aims to increase the audience's knowledge of
who it is directed at.

Some main features are:

Predominantly referential function, that is, it only deals with real and verifiable events, not opinions or things.
subjective.

Privilege of the first person plural and the formal speech register, that is, use of a varied and precise vocabulary.
avoiding repetitions, etc.

Concrete information and a simple, brief vocabulary are used.

A logical order is used so that the reader or listener does not get lost. Example: introduction, development, and conclusion;
use of titles and subtitles, etc.

Basic structure of the expository text

The general and basic structure of an expository text consists of three parts: introduction, development, and conclusion.
 Father Barber S.J. School
Subject: Language and Communications
Professor: Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

A - The introduction: it presents the topic of the text, exposes the purpose of the author, the procedures to
Follow and facts to develop. A pleasant and suggestive tone should prevail in order to awaken the reader's interest.

B - The development: in this part, the ideas are logically organized according to the type of expository organization that
you choose. An objective analysis of the facts is established by providing data, examples, different points of view about the
theme, etc.

C - The conclusion: it is a brief synthesis of what has been presented. It summarizes the most relevant aspects of the topic discussed and
draw a conclusion derived from the above that can be presented as a personal opinion. Also, it is possible
include suggestions and projections.

Internal structure of the expository discourse

The variety of expository text formats is found in scientific books, encyclopedias, newspaper articles, etc.
However, there are some models of global organization with which the information can be ordered as desired.
expose.

Sequence structure

Description structure

Comparison-Contrast Structure

Enumeration structure

Cause-effect structure

Problem-solution structure

In each of these structures, linguistic words or expressions called textual markers are usually used.
They are an indicator to recognize the structure of the text and facilitate its understanding.
Expository structures are also a powerful tool for learning to write in an orderly manner, which is
It will translate both in the division of paragraphs of the writing and in the formulation of the sentences.

Sequence structure
A series of ideas is presented that compare and contrast the differences and similarities of an object. To do this, one can
use analogies and descriptions using terms such as the following: similar to, different from, in opposition to, such
as, on the other hand, conversely, among others.

Typical textual markers of this structure are first, then, next, finally.

Example:

In the evolution of national football, three major phases stand out. In the 1970s, the German influence begins.
in the style of play. Tactical order and discipline transformed into one of the pillars of the team. Years
Later, in the 1980s, Brazil's harmonic style of play captivated the footballing palate of fans, and it was
this style of play captured the interest of the entire country. Already in the nineties, the defensive style of the Italians arrived
to impose itself as a new gaming trend, being the one that has predominated since then.

The characteristic graphic organizer of this structure is the following:

 Father Barber School S.J.
Subject: Language and Communications
Professor: Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

Description structure

This structure is typical of texts or fragments that expose the characteristics of a certain object or phenomenon.
One can describe, for example, a landscape, a painting, a scientific instrument, a person, etc.

In the description structure, spatial markers are common: to the left, below, on both sides, behind.

Example:

The house was located in Las Cruces, next to a large forest. It had a big garden made up of beautiful
carnations and red roses. The rooms, beautifully decorated, had a large interior space. Its warm
the decoration was only comparable to the beauty of the landscape.

The characteristic graphic organizer of this structure is the following:

Comparison-Contrast Structure

The comparison-contrast structure characterizes texts in which the similarities and differences between
two or more objects or phenomena. An example of this class would be a text that compares gold and pyrite,
explaining the similarities and differences between them.

In this structure, markers are used that express analogy (likewise, in the same way) or contrast (in
change, however, unlike.

Example:

Gold and bronze have a yellowish color and an intense shine, which makes them very similar. However, both are
they differ, among other things, by their weight and hardness: gold is a soft but very heavy material, while the
bronze is lighter and harder.

The characteristic graphic organizer of this structure is the following:

 Father Barber S.J. School
Subject
Professor: Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

Enumeration structure

This structure is typical of expository texts in which various elements with a characteristic are presented.
common. They have this structure, for example, the classifications or the texts in which the elements are stated that
belong to a certain group.

Typical markers of the enumeration structure are the distributive connectors (on one hand, on the other).

Example:

Some poisonous animals can kill a human. The box jellyfish ranks first in the
list. This jellyfish is capable of killing a human just by touching it. The golden frog follows it on the list. Although it has
just 1 milligram of poison spread in your body can kill 20 people. Then, we found the octopus of
blue rings. This small animal, which measures between 12 and 20 cm, is capable of killing in a matter of minutes.

The typical graphic organizer of this structure is as follows:

Cause-effect structure

This structure appears in texts that analyze the causes and consequences of an event or phenomenon. It is common, for
example, in texts of a historical or scientific nature in which events or the reasons that have been presented
driven to a situation or triggered a process.

Among the typical markers of the cause-effect structure are the words cause and consequence themselves, and some others.
connectors such as because, since, in such a way that, consequently.

Example:

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of migratory birds traveling from North America towards
South America. This is partly due to global climate change. However, the main cause of
this event is the adoption of protective measures by Latin American countries that have taken measures to
achieve the increase in the bird population.

The characteristic graphic organizer of this structure is the following:

 Father Barber S.J. School
Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

Problem-solution structure

The problem-solution structure is typical of texts in which a conflicting situation is presented and a solution is proposed.
measure or a series of measures that can contribute to solving it.

The text markers of this structure are the words problem and solution themselves or some of their synonyms.
(conflict, crisis, measures)

Example:

Every winter in Chile, heavy rains occur that cause very serious problems: houses get flooded, the
rivers collapse, the sewage system fails and people are exposed to respiratory diseases. For
To fundamentally stop these problems, public policies for protection, prevention, and control are required.

The characteristic graphic organizer of this structure is the following:

Types of expository texts

- Informative: provides information about a topic of interest, does not require specialization to understand it. Example: the
dissertation, conference, etc.

- Specialized: requires prior knowledge of the topic. Examples: Reports, laws, articles, etc.

BASIC FORMS OF EXPOSITORY DISCOURSE.

Expository texts are those that inform about different aspects of reality. To achieve this
purpose resorts to the basic forms of discourse.

1. The definition: discursive form that refers to the essential constitutive properties or traits of objects.
When we define something, we refer to it from a general and timeless perspective.
 Father Barber S.J. School
Subject: Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

Example: "Crustacean: Arthropod with branchial respiration, two pairs of antennae, body covered by a
shell and some of the legs with pincers, like the lobster.

2. The description: a discursive form that refers to states or qualities of animals, things, landscapes, and
scenarios. The objective of a description is to represent something through language, that is, to achieve that the
a receptor that reads or listens to a description can understand what is described without the need for direct experience.

Example: The chair in my room is made of wood, white in color, and its base is made of fabric.

Types of description:

a) Objective description: Its purpose is to inform without expressing a personal point of view.
sender. Scientific and technological texts are objective.

b) Subjective description: The sender conveys their personal view of the object. Literary texts are
subjective.

Example: Juicy Zeppelin that quenches thirst. Your red meat is an invitation to pleasure. In the mouth, you melt into
refreshing delight. In gardens, fairs, and markets, you brighten the eye with your wild green and in the scorching summer
You reign at the table with your radiant face, lady freckled.

3. Characterization: discursive form that refers to people, characters.

Types of characterization:

a) Physical characterization (Prosopopoeia): when we refer to the visible external appearance of beings.
Example: "He was an old man with a long white beard, mustache stained yellow by nicotine, red blanket,
high heels, straw hat, and a basket under the arm

b) Psychological characterization (Etopeya): When we refer to the traits of their personality and their
way of acting. Example: "As a good Sagittarius, Nicolás is the cheerful and optimistic centaur who moves forward.
with a steady stride in a life full of obstacles. Expansive; in this case, besides handsome and seductive.

c) Portrait: Include both aspects: physical and psychological.

Satirical portrait: The character's defects and virtues are exaggerated, seeking a comedic effect or
burlesque.

e) Laudatory portrait: The positive traits of the person or character are highlighted.

4. The narration: It refers to facts or situations that occur or develop in a chronological sequence.

We can observe that, while the first three forms (definition, description, characterization) give us
they allow to say what certain objects are and how they are, the narrative aims to recount what happens to a
object (experiences, facts or situations).

These forms do not occur in isolation. Depending on the discourse in question, one or the other will acquire greater relevance.
For example, in a story, narration will be predominant, accompanied by description.
 Father Barber School S.J.
Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

5. The comment: it is a speech in which the purpose of informing the recipient is predominant while expressing an opinion.
about the subject being discussed.

Example 1: The pending biochemistry classes were held yesterday in front of an enthusiastic student body.

The commentary speech can be associated, for example, with the type of text of the journalistic editorial and the
literary or film criticism, as in all of them information is provided and at the same time an opinion is expressed
about the topics discussed.

The news.

The news consists of three parts: headlines, introduction or lead, and the body of the information.

The caption and the headline: They have the mission of providing the essentials of the information. But they also have the
The objective is to arouse the reader's interest, inviting them to read the news. Hence its importance. The caption usually
provide the context in which the news develops, it is optional to put it above the headline.

The summary: it is a synthesis of the most important parts of the text, so it must be eye-catching.

-Lead or Introductory Paragraph: It is the first paragraph or a few opening lines that summarize the essential aspects of the news event. Its
writing answers the five fundamental questions: who, what, when, where, and why. One of them may be missing.
such elements or add others: for what, how, etc.
 Father Barber School S.J.
Subject: Language and Communications
Professor: Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

The body of the news: it can be shorter or longer and add more or fewer details to what was said in the 'lead'. When
It consists of several paragraphs, it is customary for them to follow a decreasing order of importance.
(inverted pyramid); and this for this reason: if the space limits require it, when composing the page you may
omit one or more paragraphs starting from the end, so that only the less relevant information is removed.

CHARACTERISTICS
a) Truthfulness: the facts or events must be true and, therefore, verifiable.
b) Objectivity: the journalist should not be reflected in it by introducing any opinion or judgment.
value. The news should not reveal who wrote it, only that it has an author because it provides a
selection of reality, in such a way that the journalist chooses the elements that seem interesting and relevant to them. But
In no case will your opinion be shown.
c) Clarity: the facts must be presented in an orderly and logical manner.
d) Brevity: the facts must be presented briefly, without repetitions or irrelevant data.
e) Generality: the news must be of social interest and not personal.
f) Current events: the facts must be current or recent.
Proximity: the events delivered generate more interest if they are close to the receiver.

Exercise: Read the news and complete the missing structures, also, you must answer the 5 basic questions of every
news.
 Father Barber School S.J.
Subject: Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

a) What happened?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b) Who did it happen to?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c) When did it happen to you?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

d) Where did it happen?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

e) How did it happen?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 Father Barber S.J. School
Subject: Language and Communications
Professor: Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

The letter.
The letter is, like the news, a type of expository text, commonly used and very important.

According to communication theory, in the letter there is a sender who sends a written message directed to a receiver.

There are different types of letters and depending on the purpose of the letter, it will vary according to the person or people involved.
those of us who write, that is, the recipients. This in turn implies the nature of the language that is used and the utilization
of certain formalities that give it the characteristic seal. The types of letters are very diverse and can be classified
according to its purpose and theme.

Some of these types of letters are:

Of friendship or family: they are those letters we send to people we trust: family or
friends with diverse purposes, to inform about health status, to give news, birthday greetings, wedding, baptism,
etc.
Presentation: This letter is addressed to a person who holds a specific position in a company or institution,
pointing out a set of personal qualities in order to obtain a job or acceptance of some sort
personal requirement.
Of information or commercials: it corresponds to those letters that financial institutions and companies use.
commercial letters in general. These letters are very formal and widely used in jobs.
Circulars: they are letters addressed to many people at the same time; therefore, they are impersonal.
About love: they are those letters that we have all written at some point and whose purpose is to account, in a private way,
of a deep feeling towards another person.

The letter of recommendation.

The letter of recommendation is a very commonly used tool during a selection process, as it serves to have
more reference about the experience and characteristics of a candidate.

It is a letter written by a person in which they highlight personal, professional or

academic credentials of another person. The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to support a person in a process of
application, whether it is for employment, to obtain a scholarship, or to be awarded a fund in a contest. For
In general, these letters highlight a set of qualities that should satisfy the interest of the person in the company.
taller or institution recipient, responsible for the decision to hire you, choose or access the request that is made.
Usually, the recommendation letter complements the information contained in the resume. A very
It is important to consider the significance of the person signing, what should be taken into account when requesting this type.
from the letter.

Structure of the letter of recommendation:

1. Identification: as in any letter, in this part it should be considered, first of all, the name of the person to whom
is addressed to, titles, if applicable, and their position or function within the institution. Due to the nature of this type of letters,
in second place and in the first paragraph, mention the name, titles and the position of the person who recommends and the
name and titles of the recommended person.

2. Context: In a couple of paragraphs that follow, there should be information about the time the recommended person works or
has served in the institution and/or the time that the person who recommends is known for. Likewise, it must
mention the work or activities performed by the recommended person, always from the perspective of the one who
recommend and clearly and specifically, in positive terms, the professional and personal characteristics of the
 Father Barber S.J. College
Subject: Language and Communications
Yasna Mancilla Sandoval
Osorno - Chile

recommended person. Although the letter of recommendation usually highlights positive aspects of the applicant or
recommended, special care must be taken not to exaggerate or overdo it in the approaches, so that it does not lose its objective and
validity.

3. Recommendation: In another paragraph and as the name indicates, one proceeds to recommend the person through phrases.
support objectives aimed at highlighting the contribution that will be made to the new company or institution in this new job stage
academic.

4. Closure: a final paragraph includes a warm farewell and the willingness of the recommending person to be consulted.
for additional information or to clarify any doubts that may arise. Contact information must be included
who recommends: phone, address, and email.