Exploring Expository Techniques

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:
1. differentiate the forms of technical writing;
2. explain principles involved in writing classification,
process, definition, and description of a mechanism;
and
3. apply the principles learned by applying them in
writing.
Prepared by: Gabriela C. Flores
Exposition is a writing technique of a writer
with the intention to explain something, to
analyze an idea, to classify a thing, to give
correct definition of term, to make others
follow directions, to point out similarities or
differences, to clarify cause and effect, to
present data, to interpret research works,
and others.
Expository Techniques:

✓ Classification

✓ Definition

✓ Description of a process
✓ Description of a mechanism
 Classification
✓ itis dividing something into groups
classes, categories, etc.
✓ normally done in accordance with
several criteria (standards or
principles based on judgement)
✓ done when the writer believes that
there are shared qualities or
characteristics about a subject
matter
How to classify?
•One way of classifying
idea or object is to look
for the relationships
among them and
organize them into
group.
•It may either be on the
basis of their similarities
or differences.
Activity: One way of classifying objects or ideas
is to look for the relationships among them and
organize them into groups. Try to find similarities or differences
by classifying them into identifiable categories.

Adjective Carlos P. Garcia ignition Singapore

Cambodia Noun verb Fidel Ramos
Car seat Rodrigo Duterte engine oil Philippines
 Definition
✓ Definition
is a useful technique in oral or written
communication.
✓ Itis a must for a technical writer to be able to define the
terms with multiple meanings and those that are unfamiliar
to the reader.
✓ When we define words or unfamiliar terms, we give
concise but exact meanings of unfamiliar words and
special meanings of familiar words.
Two Methods of Defining Terms

1. Simple definition

2. Extended definition
Simple definition can be
formulated by its three parts:
1. Species
2. Genus
3. Differentia
Note: This method of definition is usually used in technical writing
whether formally, semi-formally, or non-formally.
 Genus (the class where the tem Differentia (a characteristic of the
Species (Term to be defined)
belongs) term)

Language is a form of communication

An architect is a professional who designs building

of giving and receiving information

Communication is a process
in an understandable manner
 Expanded definition
is done by stipulation,
operation, explication,
cause and effect,
classification, example, and
other rhetorical functions
 species
Communication is a genus
systematic process in
which people interact
with and through Differentia
symbols to create and (containing
explication
interpret meanings.
and
example )
 Pointers in defining terms

1. Never give definitions of a term that include any of its

derivatives (for example: definition is the act of defining).
2. Do not use “is where” or “is when” to define a term (Do not
say “Christmas is when Jesus Christ is born” or “A classroom is
where you will find students).
3. Use the simple present tense (active and passive voice).
4. Use relative clauses to give additional information.
 Description of a Process

There are writing task that entail an explanation of:

➢ how something works;
➢ how something is done;
➢ how something is made.
Process description includes:
✓ Sequence

✓ Instruction

✓ Procedure
Two separate concepts in description
of a process:
1. how to do something
2. how something occurs
 Process of Description
✓ Itis also a description of equipment, materials, and
procedures.
✓ Graphic materials are used for detailed presentation of
the process.
✓ The writer makes use of sequence markers (first, second,
then, next, subsequently, finally, at last) to follow the
natural or mechanical system.
✓ Indescribing a process or procedure, use the present
passive tense : is/are + verb + ed (For example: is
manufactured, is controlled, etc.)
 Description of Mechanism

✓ It is an explanation of a system or parts of an apparatus.

✓ Itincludes the characteristics and functions of a piece of
the device and the totality of the mechanism.
✓ Italso explains the arrangement and shape of an object
in space.
In writing a description of a
mechanism, the writer may be
guided by the following questions:
➢ What is it (equipment, machine, device, apparatus)?
➢ What are its principal parts?
➢ What is its function?
➢ What does it look like?
➢ How does it work?
1. In your field of specialization, what types
of tasks would entail the use of
classification, definition, description
of a process, and description of
mechanism?
2. Which of the above mentioned expository techniques are
particularly useful in your field of specialization? How?
3. Which of the expository techniques do you think are less
likely to be used? Why?
4. Aside from discourse markers, what other knowledge did you
gain from this chapter?
5. What do you need to strengthen as a future professional in
order to become a good or better expository writer?
Thank you