Hortatory Exposition Text

Definition of Hortatory Exposition

A Hortatory exposition is a type of spoken or written text that is intended to explain the listeners or readers that something should or should not happen or be done. To strengthen the explanation, the speaker or writer needs some arguments as the fundamental reasons of the given idea. In other words, this kind of text can be called as argumentation. Hortatory exposition text can be found in scientific books, journals, magazines, newspaper articles, academic speech or lectures, research report etc. Hortatory expositions are popular among science, academic community and educated people.

Hortatory exposition is a text which represent the attempt of the writer to have the addressee do something or act in certain way.

Generic Structure of Hortatory Exposition

a.  Thesis                      : Statement or announcement of issue concern.

b.  Arguments              : Reasons for concern that will lead to recommendation.

c.   Recommendation    : Statement of what should or should not happen or be done based

 on the given arguments.

Language Feature of Hortatory Exposition

ü Focusing on generic human and non human participants, except for speaker or writer referring

   to self.

ü It uses mental processes. It is used to state what the writer or speaker thinks or feels about

   something. For example: realize, feel etc.

ü It often needs material processes. It is used to state what happens, e.g..has polluted… etc.

ü Using abstract noun; policy, advantage, etc

ü Using action verb

ü Using thinking verb

ü Using modal adverb; certainly, surely, etc

ü Using temporal connective; firstly, secondly, etc

ü Using evaluative words; important, valuable, trustworthy, etc

ü Using passive voice

ü Using simple present tense and Present Perfect Tense

Example of Hortatory Exposition

"The Importance of Speaking English"

English nowadays has an important role in our daily life. It is the massive means of communication. Is there a strong argument which says that English will not give any benefit?

Learning to speak English well may be the best way to improve our life. It seems all the people in the world have agreed to use English to talk to each other. About 1,500,000,000 people in the world speak English. While another 1,000,000,000 are still learning English.

If we can communicate in English, we can contact people from all over the world. We can talk about our ideas and opinions on Internet discussion groups. We can chat with other interesting people to learn about their life and culture.

If we can communicate in English, we can travel more easily. English is spoken in more than 100 countries. If we lost, we can ask directions or ask for help. Who knows, English will save our life  somewhere someday.

That is why we should make every effort possible to find somebody to speak with. Where can we find people who can speak English with us? We can find them at school, shopping mall, tourist destination, etc

Above all, don't be afraid to speak English. We must try to speak, even if we make mistakes. We cannot learn without mistakes. So, speak English as much as possible!