1. The causes of the French Revolution. 2. How ravines are formed. 3. Irrigation. 4. Effects of smoking. 5. Lack of exercise. 6. Volcanic eruptions.
(Did you find it necessary to make use of any other method of explanation?
Did you make use of description in any place?)
SUMMARY
1. Exposition is that form of discourse the purpose of which is to explain.
2. The essential characteristics of an exposition are—
a. That it possess unity because it contains only those facts
essential to its purpose.
b. That the facts used be arranged in a coherent order.
3. Exposition is concerned with (a) general terms or (b) general
propositions.
4. The steps in the exposition of a term are—
a. Definition. This may be—
(1) By synonym (inexact).
(2) By use of the logical definition (exact).
b. Division. This may be—
(1) Complete (classification).
(2) Incomplete (partition).
The same principle of division should be followed throughout.
5. Exposition of a proposition may use any one of the
following methods—
a. By repetition.
b. By giving examples.
c. By stating comparisons and contrasts.
d. By making obverse statements.
e. By relating particulars or details.
f. By stating cause or effect.
g. By any suitable combination of these methods.
XI. ARGUMENT
+170. Difference between Argument and Exposition.+—Argument differs from exposition in its purpose. By exposition we endeavor to make clear the meaning of a proposition; by argument we attempt to prove its truth. If a person does not understand what we mean, we explain; if, after he does understand, he does not believe, we argue.