Tuesday, March 24, 2009

What is an exposition?

So, what is an exposition?

Let's talk about rhetorical modes first. Rhetorical modes (also known as modes of discourse) are basically the major types of writing, namely argumentation, description, narration, and of course: exposition.

Let's set some boundaries: it is easy to mix up argumentation and exposition. Argumentation aims to push a point by providing various evidences/logical reasoning that supports the point. Exposition, however, aims merely to discuss a point: to analyse it, to dissect it, to provide various viewpoints.

Some examples of exposition writing are textbooks, research reports etc. It can even be used as a literary technique (although this is a rather dangerous tactic to employ).

Anyway, I'm sure I'll learn more about exposition as the term progresses.

No comments:

Post a Comment