CHAPTER 2 : EXPLORING EXPOSITORY TECHNIQUES

Chapter Objectives

1. Differentiate the forms of technical writing.

2. Explain principles involved in writing classification, process, definition, and
description of a mechanism.
3. Apply the principles learned by applying them in writing.

Introduction

Exposition is a writing technique used by a writer when his/her intention is to

explain something, to analyze an idea, to classify a thing, to give the correct definition of
a term, to make others follow directions, to point out similarities or differences, to clarify
causes and effects, to present data, to interpret research work, and others.

Therefore, many textbooks and other printed or electronic material make use of
this type of writing. It is probably the most utilized form of writing.

This chapter shall be divided into four lessons which will explain the nature and
use of the following expository techniques as they are applied in technical writing:
classification, definition, description of a process, and description of a mechanism.

LESSON 1 - Classification

“In the old days, you would have one lawyer to handle everything: speeding tickets,
buying a house, contracts, litigation, real estate, copyrights, leasing, entertainment,
intellectual property, forensic, accounting, criminal offenses… the list goes on. Now, you
have to have a separate lawyer for each one of those categories!” – James Belushi

Discussion

Classification is dividing something into groups, classes, categories, etc. This is

normally done in accordance with several criteria (standards or principles on which
judgments are based).

Classification is done by the writer when he/she believes that there are shared
qualities or characteristics about a subject matter.
LESSON 2 – Definition

“Without words, without writing and without books there would be no history, there could
be no concept of humanity.” – Herman Hesse

Discussion

There are times when we are asked by people around to us define or give
meaning to an unfamiliar word. How do you reply? Do you find yourself saying “it is like
this …,” “it resembles that …,” “it is similar to …?”

When we define words or unfamiliar terms, we give concise but exact meanings
of unfamiliar words and special meanings of familiar words. For people of all ages,
definition is a useful technique in oral or written communication. It is particularly a must
for a technical writer to be able to define the terms with multiple meanings and those
that are unfamiliar to the reader.

Methods of Defining Terms

There are two methods of defining terms: simple and definition.

A simple definition could be formulated by bearing in mind its three parts: the
species, genus, and differentia. This method of definition is commonly used in technical
writing whether formally, semi-formally, or non-formally.

When using simple definition, note that a species or the term to be defined may
be introduced by a determiner, a genus or the class / category where the term belongs
is always connected to the species by a linking verb. Both species and genus can be
introduced by a determiner. To make the definition complete, a differentia is written to
give the characteristics of the term that make it different from other terms belonging to
the same genus.

Species Genus Differentia

(term to be defined) (the class where the term (a characteristic of the term)
belongs)
Language is a form of communication.
An architect is a professional who designs buildings.
Communication is a process of giving and receiving
information.

Another method of defining a term is by expanded definition. This is done by

stipulation, operation, explication, cause and effect, classification, example, and other
rhetorical functions.
Example:

Communication is a systematic process in which people interact with and through

species genus differentia (containing explication and example

symbols to create and interpret meanings.

Informal definition on the other hand does not follow a pattern. The only
objective is to give meaning to a word that is unfamiliar or explain the special meaning
of a familiar word. Word meanings enter informal definition by means of providing
denotative or connotative meaning. Denotation is the basic literal meaning or the
dictionary meaning of words while connotation is the additional shade of meaning that
words imply aside from its dictionary meaning. Connotation is the positive or negative
associations a word naturally carries.

LESSON 3 – Description of a Process

“Writing the perfect paper is a lot like a military operation. It takes discipline, foresight,
research, strategy, and, if done right, ends in total victory.” –Ryan Holiday

Discussion

There are writing tasks that entail an explanation of how something works, how
something is done, or how something is made. That is why knowing how to describe a
process will enable a technical writer and his/her reader to perform or do something.

In describing a process, a writer explains the arrangement of a sequence in

chronological order. As it is used in technical writing, the process is akin to mechanism
description. Here, process description includes sequence, instructions, and
procedure.

There are two separate concepts which we must briefly explain her: ‘how to do
something” and “How something occurs.” The first calls for instructions or procedure;
the second, for sequence.

In like manner, process is 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 to follow the natural or mechanical system.

When we describe a process or procedure, we often use the present passive

tense: is/are + v + ed. For example: is manufactured, is controlled, etc.
 When describing a process, we use sequence markers to link sentences like
first, second, then, next, subsequently, finally, at last.

Now, let us read the passage on “How do you make paper from a tree?” It is an
article written by Stacy Wonders published in wonderpolis.org.

LESSON 4 – Description of Mechanism

“If a writer knows enough about what he is writing about, he may omit things that he
knows. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one ninth of it being above
water.” – Ernest Hemmingway

Discussion

We may belong to different fields and disciplines but there are certain machines
or apparatuses that we use to make our work easier. Description of a mechanism is an
explanation of a system or parts of an apparatus. This includes the characteristics and
functions of a piece of the device and the totality of the mechanism.

It also 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 is its function?
 What does it look like?
 How does it work?
 What are its principal parts?

Note: Look for an example for each expository technique.

Reference:

Rosales, MJ.D, Galano, E.A & Riviera, JA.A. (2019). Technical writing: a resource
guide to writing across disciplines. Lorimar Publishing, INC. 776 Aurora Blvd.,
cor. Boston Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila