How to make an EXPOSURE TEXT?

The expository text is a document in which a concept, an idea or a fact is written or described objectively, providing specific data that help the reader to position themselves and understand what is being exposed. Its main function is communicative, since this type of text informs about the topic that is being dealt with through a formal and specific vocabulary. Let’s take a closer look at the main characteristics of an expository text:

• Specific vocabulary: these texts use a specific and quite formal vocabulary, in accordance with the discipline in question. It is a formal language and with great precision so that the text is clear and concise.
• They provide references: In addition, expository texts usually provide many references to the reader through examples, reformulations or definitions of key concepts.
• Target text: One of the main characteristics of the expository texts is that, being objective, they lack the personal opinions of the author. That is why they are usually written in third person.
• Denotative lexiconAlthough we have already discussed the vocabulary, it should be noted that these texts use clear and general concepts that do not lead to confusion. Double meanings or hidden meanings must be avoided, since the reader does not have to make their own interpretation of the text, but rather follow it strictly.

Types of expository texts

The characteristics of these documents will also depend on the type of expository text that we have to write. There are the following:

• Informative: texts aimed at a broad audience that may not have prior knowledge of the subject to be discussed. They are mainly found in newspapers, academic books, or other publications of widespread consumption.
• Specialized: texts aimed at a specific public sector that does have a high level of knowledge on the subject at hand, since they are highly technical and complex and use a specific vocabulary. These documents are common in areas such as medicine, science, economics or law, among other areas.

Depending on the type of structure of the story, we can also differentiate between:

• Inductive: going from a concrete concept to a generic conclusion.
• Deductives: going from the general to the specific.

It is worth mentioning that the expository texts differ from the argumentative ones because the former do not try to convince, but rather give exact and objective data about the area they are dealing with. If, for example, you wonder how to make an argumentative expository text, you should take into account a mixture of characteristics of both types of text; you will have to expose specific data but, now, with the aim of convincing the reader.

The structure of an expository text must maintain a clear hierarchy so that the reader understands the message clearly, directly and concisely, without causing confusion. The text must maintain a basic structure divided into three parts: introduction (where the idea is presented), development (to provide all the necessary data) and conclusion (where the presentation is concluded and the most important aspects are collected). Let’s see in more detail what are the parts of an expository text to consider:

Introduction

The first part of any text should be used to introduce the reader to the next topic. In the introduction of an expository text, the main theme should also be presented in a simple and practical way to guide and place the reader in the text. What are you going to talk about? Why is it relevant?

Development

After the introduction, the development of the topic begins. It is the most important part of the text, since it must be expose the arguments, concepts, ideas or data that help the reader to understand the subject in its depth. The text must be presented in a clear, orderly and coherent manner, always following a logical order that allows the exposition to be understood in its entirety after the author has done the pertinent research work in this regard.

conclusion

To close the text, a conclusion must be included. This part is essential to summarize all those important ideas that have been exposed throughout the text; keep in mind that the objective of this part is synthesize the main ideas of the topic and, later, determine the results obtained or the final conclusion of the text.

With the main concepts of the expository text clear, the time has come to know the step by step so that you can write your own text. Next, we give you a example of how to make an expository text so that it complies with all the premises previously commented.

Search the topic to expose

Are you clear about what you are going to explain? Before starting the writing, it is very important to be clear about the topic to be exposed. Once you have selected the topic, you will have to prepare it by making a list with all those details or data that you want to include in the text as an explanation. If you see that the list is very long, focus only on the most important ones to make a pleasant text and avoid being overwhelming.

Preparation prior to writing

During the preparation period, you will have to gather all the data and references that you must use to make your presentation. Remember that it is an objective text in which the author must provide data to support your thesis.

During the previous preparation you will also have to decide the approach you will give to the exposed topic. Of course, it is important to avoid giving opinions and based only on objective data.

Who are you talking to?

In addition to the topic and focus, before you start writing you will have to determine the audience you will be addressing. The text should be adapted Depending on the readers you are addressing, you will not use the same vocabulary if you write an expository article for a newspaper as if you have to do a more technical and formal doctoral thesis. Will you do an informative or specialized expository text?

Paragraph layout

Once you have all the previous elements clear and you have carried out the relevant research, you must distribute all the information in different paragraphs so that it is coherent and can be linked step by step, as it is essential that the reader does not lose the thread of the text. To make it easier for you, consider the introduction, the middle, and the conclusion.

Writing begins

Time to write! Start the writing by following the basic structure and keep these tips in mind:

• Short sentences– Write short sentences to prevent the reader from getting lost and having to reread them.
• Connectors: in addition to making use of the main list of concepts that you must add, we advise you to use connectors so that the ideas are well intertwined throughout the story
• Formal language: do not forget to use a formal and specific lexicon, as well as avoid general words that do not contribute anything, such as “thing, do, problem …”. Try to find the right terms so that the text is credible and natural.
• SynonymsThese types of texts are based on a single topic or idea, so you should use enough synonyms to avoid creating repetitive text.

Final revision

Once you have the finished text, let it sit for a while and go over it to polish it. The idea is that first you make a draft on which you can work and improve it, discarding those empty phrases, repetitive words or ideas that have not been well integrated. The review is also essential to check that there have been no spelling mistakes and to make sure that the concept you wanted to express has been transmitted correctly.

We advise you to review this article on How to conclude an essay, where you will find other interesting guidelines.

An expository text can cover any topic, concept, idea or fact that you want to present in a precise way so that other people can expand their knowledge. However, if you don’t know what to write about, here are some examples of expository texts that arouse a lot of interest today:

• The consequences of environmental pollution
• Can you fight global warming individually?
• The sustainable city
• Environmental energy law
• The…