EXPLORING EXPOSITORY TECHNIQUES                                                                                                                       

Exposition is a writing technique used by a writer when his/her intention is to explain something, to analyze an idea, to classify a thing, to give the correct definition of term, to make others follow directions, to point out similarities or differences, to clarify causes and effects, to present data, to interpret research work, and others.

Therefore, many textbooks and other printed or electronic material make use of this type of writing. It is probably the most utilized form of writing.

CLASSIFICATION

Classification is dividing something into groups, classes, categories, etc. This is normally done in accordance with several criteria (standards or principles on which judgments are based).

Classification is done by the writer when he/she believes that there are shared qualities or characteristics about a subject matter.

How to Classify

One way of classifying objects or ideas is to look for relationships among them and to organize them into groups. It may either be on the basis of their similarities or differences.

DEFINITION

There are times when we are asked by people around to us define or give meaning to an unfamiliar word. How do you reply? Do you find yourself saying "it is like this...," "it resembles that...." "it is similar to...?"

When we define words or unfamiliar terms, we give concise but exact meanings of unfamiliar words and special meanings of familiar words. For people of all ages, definition is a useful technique in oral or written communication. It is particularly a must for a technical writer to be able to define the terms with, multiple meanings and those that are unfamiliar to the reader

Methods of Defining Terms

There are two methods of defining terms: simple and extended definition. A simple definition could be formulated by bearing in mind its three parts: the species, genus, and differentia. This method of definition is commonly used in technical writing whether formally, semi-formally, or non-formally.

When using simple definition, note that a species or the term to be defined may be introduced by a determiner, Page | a genus or the class/category where the term belongs is always connected to the species by a linking verb. Both 6 species and genus can be introduced by a determiner. To make the definition complete, a differentia is written

to give the characteristics of the term that make it different from other terms belonging to the same genus. Another method of defining a term is by expanded definition. This is done by stipulation, operation, explication, cause and effect, classification, example, and other rhetorical functions.

Informal definition on the other hand does not follow a pattern. The only objective is to give meaning to a word that is unfamiliar or explain the special meaning of a familiar word. Word meanings enter informal definition by means of providing denotative or connotative meaning. Denotation is the basic literal meaning or the dictionary meaning of words while connotation is the additional shade of meaning that words imply aside from its dictionary meaning. Connotation is the positive or negative associations a word naturally carries.

DESCRIPTION OF A PROCESS

There are writing tasks that entail an explanation of how something works, how something is done, or how Page | something is made. That is why knowing how to describe a process will enable a technical writer and his/her 7 reader to perform or do something.

In describing a process, a writer explains the arrangement of a sequence in chronological order. As it is used in technical writing, the process is akin to mechanism description. Here, process description includes sequence, instructions, and procedure.

There are two separate concepts which we must briefly explain here: "How to do something" and "How something occurs." The first calls for instructions or procedure; the second, for sequence.

In like manner, process is also a description of equipment, materials, and procedures. Graphic materials are used for detailed presentation of the process. The writer makes use of sequence markers to follow the natural or mechanical system.

When we describe a process or procedure, we often use the present passive tense: is/are + v+ed. For example: is manufactured, is controlled, etc.

When describing a process, we use sequence markers to link sentences like first, second, then, next, subsequently, finally, at last.

DESCRIPTION OF MECHANISM

We may belong to different fields and disciplines but there are certain machines or apparatuses that we use to make our work easier. Description of a mechanism is an explanation of a system or parts of an apparatus. This includes the characteristics and functions of a piece of the device and the totality of the mechanism.