EXPOSITORY DISCOURSE

Definition

Expository discourse is a discourse that explains or describes a topic.

It does not primarily present contingent events or focus on a performer of actions, but rather tends to present the following kinds of propositions: existential, stative, equative

Feature:

·      Information is logically oriented around a theme.

·      Third person pronoun forms are used.

·      Texts are not oriented around a specific agent.

Parts:

·      Problem

·      Solution

·      Supporting argumentation

·      Evaluation of the solution

Examples:

·      Explanations of cultural norms

·      Explanations of legal matters

·      Explanations of the teachings of the forefathers

How to Write Expository Discourse?

·      Select a topic:

Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it manageable within the space of an essay

·      Write a thesis sentence:

Be sure the thesis statement(or sentence) expresses a controlling idea that is neither too
broad nor too specific to be developed effectively

·      Select a method of development:

Check through all the methods before you finally settle on the one
which will best serve your thesis:

·      Organize the essay:

Begin by listing the major divisions which the body paragraphs in your essay will discuss; then fill in the primary supports that each body paragraph of the essay will contain

·      Write topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay:

For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that directly relates to the thesis sentence.

·      Write the body paragraphs of the essay:

Each body paragraph should develop the primary support covered in that paragraph's topic sentence.

·      Furnish a paragraph of introduction:

An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of the essay, introduce the divisions in the body paragraphs of the essay, and gain the interest of the reader

·      Write a paragraph of conclusion:

ü  Restate the thesis and divisions of the essay.

ü  Bring the essay to an appropriate and effective close.

ü  Avoid digressing into new issues

Source: Ida Masters Hollowell, James A. Levernier, A. Franklin Parks, Structuring Paragraphs: A Guide to Effective Writing. 2nd ed. New York: St. Martin's,1986.