St Aloysius College Literacy Strategy: Checklist of genres and text types
EXPOSITION
(ARGUMENT)
(Factual genre)
An exposition argues or persuades for or against
Structure
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A lead-in sentence to state the topic and capture interest
Introduction should include signpost sentences to the issues to be raised
One paragraph per main idea.
Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence containing an assertion
Arguments should show logical progression
Prioritise and sequence arguments
Conclusion summarises content
Conclusion contains no new information
Conclusion restates your view in different words
Language features
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It is best to avoid using the first person
Use strong modal verbs such as “must, “should”, “will not”
Use words expressing certainty: definitely, ultimately, undoubtedly, unequivocally
Linking words and phrases expressing cumulation: Furthermore…; In addition…;
Moreover…
Acknowledge sources of information
Avoidance of “I” is not always possible in an argument essay e.g. “I believe…”
More information
More ideas and examples of expositions can be found in
o Targeting text (series), Blake Education, Glebe N.S.W.
o Anderson, M 1997, Text types in English, Macmillan, South Melbourne.
o English Elements (series), Jacaranda Wiley, Milton, Qld.
o Whitfield, M 2001, Targeting writing across the curriculum, Blake Education, Glebe,
N.S.W.
o Schill, J 1998, On track: working with texts, Heinemann, Port Melbourne.
o Excel essential skills (series), Pascal, Glebe, N.S.W.
o Understanding text types (poster series), R.I.C., Balcatta, W.A.
St Aloysius College Literacy Strategy: Checklist of genres and text types