Understanding Discourse and Exposition Techniques

Discourse

An extended expression in speech or writing.

Exposition

A discourse that gives information, develops an idea, or provides an explanation.

Primary function of exposition

Not to create vivid pictures, although description may at times be a valuable technique.

Purpose of exposition

Merely to explain and inform.

Methods of exposition

Can be done through illustration, classification process, process analysis, comparison and contrast, definition and cause-effect analysis.

Illustration paragraph

Uses examples to make an idea or generalization more specific and detailed.

Smoking

When you smoke, your health will be at risk, and you might be vulnerable to some cancers and lung complications.

Cost of smoking

If a pack of cigarettes costs one dollar, you may need to spend up to 33% of your GDP per capita.

Classification

The process of categorizing or arranging objects, ideas, or information into distinct groups based on shared characteristics or criteria.

Human blood group system

A way of classifying blood based on the presence or absence of antigens that can trigger an immune response.

ABO system

Includes four primary blood types: A, B, O, and AB.

Rh system

Classifies blood as either Rh positive or Rh negative.

Importance of blood classification

Crucial in medical science, especially in safe blood transfusion practices.

Compare and contrast paragraph

Shows either the similarities or the differences between two things.

Coffee or Tea?

An essay exploring the similarities and differences between coffee and tea.

Health benefits of coffee and tea

Both are rich in antioxidants, providing various health benefits.

Caffeine content in coffee

A typical cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.

Caffeine content in tea

Tea contains only 30-70 mg of caffeine per cup, depending on the type.

Cultural significance of coffee

Coffee is deeply rooted in Ethiopian and Yemeni cultures.

Cultural significance of tea

Tea has ancient origins in China and Japan.

Cause and effect essays

Essays that explore how an event or situation came into being (the cause) and what happens because of that event or situation (the effect).

Purpose of cause and effect essays

To explore the 'why' or 'how' of a situation.

Impact of television since 1954

TV has totally changed our lives since it first came out.

Color TV invention year

Color TV was invented in 1962.

Effects of television on lifestyle

We now spend more time inside, watch TV with our families, and interact with people less.

Tips for writing an exposition

1. Draft and decide for a topic sentence. 2. Develop the body of the paragraph. 3. Write a concluding sentence.

Topic sentence in exposition

The central thought of your paragraph that determines the details and succeeding sentences.

Concluding sentence in exposition

May be a restatement of the main idea, a summary of the paragraph, and an evaluation of supporting details.

Forms of exposition

There are two major forms: definition and presentation of procedure.

Definition in exposition

The statement of meaning or significance of the word or term being defined.

Presentation of procedure

A step-by-step statement or explanation of how things are done.

Informal definition structure

Term/species = genus or classification + differentiae.

Components of informal definition

Term or species is the word being defined; genus or classification is the group where the term belongs; differentiae states distinctive characteristics.

Amplified definition components

1. Further explanation 2. Concrete examples 3. Comparison and contrast 4. Word derivation 5. Negative statement 6. Physical description 7. Analysis 8. Basis principle 9. Cause and effect 10. Location.

Narration

The presentation of the sequence of events portrayed by characters who struggle with a particular conflict in the story.

Nature of narration

It is a kind of discourse concerned with action, events in time, and life in motion.

Purpose of narration

To present an event to the reader—what happened and how it happened.

Question answered by narration

What happened?

Types of events in narration

A sequence of events that can be historically true or false, fictional or non-fictional.

Character

A person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work.

Setting

The time and place in which a short story happens; authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons, or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.

Plot

A series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.

Conflict

A struggle between two people or things in a short story; the main character is usually on one side of the central conflict.

Transitions

Words or phrases used in narration to show chronological order and sequence of events.

Description

A form of discourse that intends to make the reader vividly aware of what the writer has perceived through his senses or imagination.

Adjectives

Words that are used to show or give description, which may describe a personality or character, color, shape, feelings, quality, etc.

Narration

The act of telling a story, which involves the use of transitions to show the sequence of events.

Chronological Order

The arrangement of events in the order they occur in time.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a vivid picture for the reader.

Sensory Details

Elements that appeal to the senses, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Direct Experience

The quality of experiencing something firsthand, as conveyed through descriptive writing.

Landscape

The visible features of an area of land, often used in setting descriptions.

Scenery

The natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance, especially when picturesque.

Building

A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory, often described in setting.

Seasons

The four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter) that can influence the setting.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a place and time, often used to enhance the setting.

Emotions

Complex psychological states that involve a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response.

Illness

A condition of being unwell, which can be a source of internal conflict for a character.

Quality

An inherent or distinguishing characteristic or property, often described through adjectives.

Unique

Describing a quality that is one of a kind.

Diligent

Showing careful and persistent effort.

Aggressive

Ready or likely to attack or confront.

Erratic

Not even or regular in pattern or movement.

Extraordinary

Very unusual or remarkable.

Amused

Finding something funny or entertaining.

Generous

Willing to give and share unstintingly.

Fearless

Lacking fear; brave.

Dangerous

Able or likely to cause harm or injury.

Helpful

Providing assistance or support.

Complex

Consisting of many different and connected parts.

Irreplaceable

Too valuable or unique to be replaced.

Ambitious

Having a strong desire for success or achievement.

Brave

Ready to face and endure danger or pain.

Evil

Profoundly immoral and malevolent.

Cooperative

Involving mutual assistance in working toward a common goal.

Gifted

Having exceptional talent or natural ability.

Talented

Having a natural aptitude or skill.

Bitter

Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

Gleeful

Full of high-spirited delight.

Hungry

Feeling or showing the need for food.

Elated

In high spirits; extremely pleased.

Peaceful

Free from disturbance; tranquil.

Angry

Feeling or showing strong annoyance or displeasure.

Comfortable

Providing physical ease and relaxation.

Hopeful

Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

Sad

Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.

Proud

Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of achievements.

Calm

Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other emotions.

Frustrated

Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance resulting from an inability to change or achieve something.

Envious

Feeling or showing envy.

Disturbed

Having had one's peace or tranquility interrupted.

Afraid

Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.

Bored

Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.

Big

Of considerable size, height, weight, or capacity.

Humongous

Extremely large; enormous.

Tiny

Very small.

Large

Of considerable size or extent.

Petite

Having a small and attractively dainty build.

Huge

Extremely large; enormous.

Little

Small in size, amount, or degree.