EXPOSITION

An exposition is a piece of text that presents one side of an issue. If you have ever tried to persuade someone to believe something or if you have argued with someone, then you have used the exposition text type. The purpose of an exposition text is to persuade the reader or listener by presenting one side of an argument.

The example of exposition texts are:

• Advertisements
• Spoken argument
• Editorials
• Legal defenses

Features of an exposition

Constructing an exposition

The steps for constructing an exposition are:

1. An introductory statement that gives the author’s point of view and previews the argument that will follow – in some text, the opening statement may be ‘attention grabbing’.
2. A series of arguments that aim to convince the audience, picture mat also be used to help persuade the audience.
3. A conclusion that sums up the arguments and reinforce the author’s point of view.

Language features of an exposition 

1. The use of words that show the author’s attitude (modality).
2. The use of words that express feelings (emotive words).
3. The words to link cause and effect.

The example of an exposition

Structure	Address to the jury	Language features
Introductory statement that gives the author’s point of view	Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution will prove to you that the accused is guilty. He had the motive, opportunity and ability to commit the crime and this will be shown in the evidence presented to you.	Linking words: Secondly Finally Emotion words showing author’s attitude. Chance
A series of arguments that aim to convince the audience	Firstly, the accused needed money. He was in debt, owing the bank over $100.000. He had no chance of repaying this; therefore, he needed quick money. That is why he stole the Macquarie Diamond. Secondly, the accused had the opportunity. As a security guard he could come and go from the exhibition of the diamond without causing suspicion. He had plenty of time on the night of the robbery to take the diamond, hide it and then return to his post before the next guard came on duty. Finally, the accused had the ability to take the Macquarie Diamond. He had knowledge of the alarm system and had keys to unlock the display case.
Conclusion	On this evidence you have no other choice but to find him guilty.

Source: Text Type In English; Mark and Kathy Anderson; MACMILLAN; 2003