Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Expository Discourse

Definition: 

Expository discourse is a discourse that explains or describes a topic.

It does not primarily present contingent events or focus on a performer of actions, but rather tends to present the following kinds of propositions:

  • Existential
  • Stative
  • Equative

 

Features
 
  • Information is logically oriented around a theme.
  • Third person pronoun forms are used.
  • Texts are not oriented around a specific agent.
Parts
 
  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Supporting argumentation
  • Evaluation of the solution
Examples: 
  • Explanations of cultural norms
  • Explanations of legal matters
  • Explanations of the teachings of the forefathers
Source: