statement in their book that states, the purpose of an exposition is to persuade the reader or listener by presenting one side of an argument, that is, the case ‘for’ or
the case ‘against’.
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d. Characteristics of Exposition Text
The characteristics of an exposition text, as states by Anderson and Anderson, mainly consists of three parts, introductory statement, arguments, and
the conclusion
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as described in details below. The first paragraph is the introduction. This is where the writer states the
topic that is addressed in the text. The introduction is important because this is where the writer establishes the point of view of the exposition.
The following paragraphs are used to present arguments, make different points, called claims, about the topic. Each paragraph addresses one part of the
exposition topic. Each paragraph will make a point, give the reason for that point and then provide evidence for that point. To help support the point of view, visual
elements can be used. These elements include charts, photographs, drawings or graphs. Visual elements often help the audience to better understand the topic.
The conclusion is the closing of an exposition. This is where the writer sums up the ideas discussed in the text. A conclusion can also address and
respond to another point of view on the topic. In analytical exposition, the conclusion takes form in a reiteration. Reiteration is a restatement of writers point
of view on a certain topic that contained in the first paragraph. While in a hortatory exposition, the conclusion is written as a recommendation. In this
recommendation, the writer propose a statement of what should or should not happen or be done based on the given arguments. This recommendation is used to
argue a case for against a particular position or point of view and it purposes a suggestion in the end of the argumentation.
18
Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson, Text Types in English 3, South Yarra: MacMillan Education Australia PTY LTD, 1998, p. 22
19
ibid.
e. Function of Exposition Text
As stated by Randall E. Decker in his book, Patterns of Exposition, there are some functions of exposition text, namely:
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a. The primary function of exposition is to itself merely to explain. It means that the main function of an exposition is to explain the writer’s intention to the
reader through a written material so that the reader can get what the reader or speaker intends to deliver.
b. To tell a story or relate a happening, because exposition often uses narration as one of many techniques. When exposition text uses narration in its delivering
technique it is often used by the writer to tell a story or relate a happening so that the reader can get the correlation between parts of the story.
c. To create vivid pictures for the reader about a story. Exposition text which uses description in its delivering technique often used to help the reader get
very clear images about the story that delivered through a written material. d. To convince or persuade the reader about the writer point of view. Exposition
text which uses logical argument and persuasion often used by writers to deliver their thought to the reader so that the reader can be convinced to agree
the writer’s point of view about certain problem.
f. Features of Exposition Text
There are four important elements that take account on an exposition text as described in details below.
a. Formal tone – in an exposition text, the writer avoids slang and colloquialisms and uses formal language wherever possible.
b. Third person – in an exposition text, the writer should not use “I” because the writer should present the arguments from third person point of view.
c. Opinion – exposition text writing must present the writer’s opinion about the topic. The opinion should be presented in formal tone and use third person
point of view.
20
Randal E. Decker, Patterns of Exposition, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1966, p. xi.
