PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

MODULE 4: Communication for Information and Persuasion Purposes

21st century Theme: Health Literacy

In this unit, you are expected to perform varied tasks of varying nature, both written and spoken, to develop your 21 st
century skills and competencies necessary to succeed in your academic journey. Also, you will be engage in
disseminating information for the purpose of informing and influencing individuals on a matter that affects everyone
throughout his life: health. By way of the lessons you will have the great honor of being a health ambassador of
wellness and advocate of healthy living and lifestyle. It will be both challenging and rewarding. Bring it on.

Lesson 1: Informative Communication versus Other Forms of Communication

This lesson will dwell on three of the four forms of discourse – Exposition, Description and Narration—in the discussion
of health literacy. It is necessary for you to distinguish each type, for each of these discourses differs from one another in
their style and purpose. Most of your writing tasks involve these modes of discourse which make it imperative for you to
understand them.

At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

1. Differentiate the three forms of discourse
2. Discuss the uniqueness of each type in relation to a relevant topic on health literacy
3. Familiarize to the different methods of exposition
4. Create an infographic about healthy and lifestyle with the purpose of informing its intended readers.

The Modes of Discourse

The Traditional Modes of Discourse is a fancy way of saying writers and speakers rely on four overarching modes:
Description, Narration, Exposition, and Argumentation. Exposition has many supporting and clarifying modes of
discourse, listed in italics below.

1. Description
This is the first of the four traditional modes of discourse. The point of description is to paint a verbal picture and tell
what things are like. This mode tends to rely on spatial order (top to bottom, left to right, etc.). But the item can be
described based on the order of importance.

2.
Narration
This is the second of the four traditional modes of discourse. The point of narration is to tell a story. this mode relies
mostly on chronology (time order) or order of importance.

3.
Exposition
This is the third of the four traditional modes of discourse. Exposition is its own rhetorical mode and one of the four
main modes of discourse. However, it is also the main one that acts as a mother mode to several baby modes (please
note that mother and baby are used by me alone. The babies can certainly stand on their own as adults). So exposition
serves as an umbrella term for several modes including itself. The list below is not exhaustive.

Exemplification (Illustration)
Exemplification is also called illustration because the writer uses examples to highlight or explain
(illustrate) his or her point. Exemplification is most often used as part of other rhetorical modes.

Cause/Effect (Cause/Result)
The mode of cause/effect traces reasons (causes) and outcomes or results (effects).

Comparison/Contrast (Contrast)
Comparison/Contrast looks at similarities (comparison) and differences (contrast). Because anytime you
look at comparing something differences are assumed by what is said or not, this mode is often just called
"contrast."

Definition (Extended Definition)

Definition is based on explaining a term, concept, idea, etc. Since obviously providing a one sentence
definitions is not enough for a whole paper, one needs to provide examples (see exemplification/illustration
above). That is why sometimes this mode goes by the name "extended definition."

Division/Classification
Division/Classification is much like comparison/contrast, except two or more items are examined.

Process (Process Analysis)

 Process explains how something is done. At times a whole essay can be written explaining how
something is done or accomplished. But in order to really flesh it out, it needs analysis, which is why this mode is
also called "process analysis." Therefore, the writer needs to extend the process to include why things are done
or happen when they do and why that might be important.

Problem/Solution
Problem/Solution is concerned with presenting or highlighting an issue (problem) and how it was/is
resolved (solution).

4.
Argumentation
This is the fourth of the four traditional modes of discourse. The point of argumentation is to convince the reader with
logic.

Activity 1: What I Know

Wellness should be everybody’s goal, but what is wellness? What does it mean? Is wellness the same as being
healthy? Share your insights.

Activity 2: It Makes Sense

In this activity you will attempt to create a picture of wellness. You will work with a partner and must agree on
the choice of person who will be the subject of the discussion. (Example, Hidilyn Diaz).
Writing Task: Think of a person who you think is a model of wellness. In a paragraph, describe that person.
Listening/Speaking Task: Tell your partner of an experience related to your health, it can be a story. Once done,
discuss with your partner the ff. questions.
o In terms of PURPOSE, MODE, LANGUAGE USE, and IDEA ORGANIZATION, How similar and different are
the following?
1. Your definition of wellness in activity 1
2. Your description in writing tasks
3. Your story about your experience in listening/speaking task

SEVERAL METHODS OF DEVELOPING AN EXPOSITION.

The focus is on the exposition as a discourse that gives information, develops an idea or provide an explanation. Its
primary function is not to tell a story, although exposition often uses narration as one of many techniques. Its primary
function is not to create vivid pictures, although description may at times be a valuable technique of exposition. The
primary purpose of exposition is not to convince, although logical arguments and persuasion frequently use exposition
as one of their techniques. Simply told, the primary purpose of exposition is merely to explain and inform.

Methods of Exposition

In Paragraph and its Development, the common methods of developing both the paragraph and the longer theme are:
(1) by details, or particulars;
(2) by examples;
(3) by repetition;
(4) by comparison and contrast;
(5) by cause and effect.
In a single theme perhaps all methods will be used to some extent, but at first we should be careful to confine ourselves
to one method in a single paragraph.
In exposition two particularly useful methods are illustration by examples and illustration by comparison and contrast.
We crave the example just as we jump at the specific word, and everybody naturally makes comparisons and contrasts.
However, we shall need practice in all the methods mentioned.

Exposition By Details

The following paragraph has been developed by details.

One of the most picturesque methods of hunting the poor deer is called "floating." The person, with murder in
his heart, chooses a cloudy night, seats himself, rifle in hand, in a canoe, which is noiselessly paddled by the guide, and
explores the shore of the lake or the dark inlet. In the bow of the boat is a light in a "jack," the rays of which are shielded
from the boat and its occupants. A deer comes down to feed upon the lily-pads. The boat approaches him. He looks up,
and stands a moment, terrified or fascinated by the bright flames. In that moment the sportsman is supposed to shoot
the deer. As an historical fact, his hand usually shakes, so that he misses the animal, or only wounds him; and the stag
limps away to die after days of suffering. Usually, however, the hunters remain out all night, get stiff from cold and the
cramped position in the boat, and when they return in the morning to camp, cloud their future existence by the
assertion that they "heard a big buck " moving along the shore, but the people in camp made so much noise that he was
frightened off. - C. D. Warner, "A-Hunting of the Deer," in "In the Wilderness."

Exposition By Examples

The paragraphs are developed using some instances or examples.

Exposition By Repetition

The following is an example of development by repetition.

The life of the birds is a series of adventures and of hairbreadth escapes by flood and field. Very few of them
probably die a natural death, or even live out half their appointed days. What perils beset their nests, even in the most
favored localities! The cabins of the early settlers, when the country was swarming with hostile Indians, were not
surrounded by such dangers. The tender households of the birds are not only exposed to hostile Indians in the shape of
cats and collectors, but to numerous murderous and bloodthirsty animals, against whom they have no defense but
concealment. They lead the darkest kind of pioneer life, even in our gardens and orchards, and under the walls of our
houses. Not a day or a night passes, from the time the eggs are laid till the young are flown, when the chances are not
greatly in favor of the nest being rifled and its contents devoured, - by owls, skunks, minks, and coons at night, and by
crows, jays, squirrels, weasels, snakes, and rats during the day. Infancy, we say, is hedged about by many perils; but the
infancy of birds is cradled and pillowed in peril. - John Burroughs, "Signs and Seasons."

In the following selection, underline instances of repetitions of words and of thought.

The Life of Johnson is assuredly a great, a very great work. Homer is not more decidedly the first of heroic poets,
Shakespeare is not more decidedly the first of dramatists, Demosthenes is not more decidedly the first of orators, than
Boswell is the first of biographers. He has no second. He has distanced all his competitors so decidedly that it is not
worthwhile to place them. Eclipse1 is first, and the rest nowhere. - Macaulay, "Essay on Johnson."

Exposition By Comparison And Contrast

We have become a spendthrift race. Extravagance is the order of the day. James J. Hill told us the other morning
that our trouble is not the high cost of living, but the cost of high living - privately and publicly the wild waste of natural
resources. Four generations ago our forefathers had to their west a vast untouched continent, rich in timber, ores, and
soil fertility beyond anything the white man had ever found. The entire population of the country, scattered along the
Atlantic seaboard, was limited to a couple of million people. These vast natural resources were successfully exploited,
our wealth increased as if by magic, and to-day our population of ninety millions has occupied the whole continent from
ocean to ocean, but not without leaving its mark upon the land. Our forests, laid low by giant mills, are more than half
cut. Our streams and lakes have been looted of their fish by water wheels and steam-drawn seines. Our mines of ores
and coal are beginning to show signs of depletion. Our soil, with impaired fertility, now yields eighteen and twenty
bushels in place of the forty of the virgin prairies. At the end of it all we are beginning to see that our national wealth is
not all the product of wise and intelligent labor. Largely, we have done no more than transmute, and often recklessly,
our natural resources into the uses, ornaments, extravagances of our civilization: foodstuffs, houses, clothes, railroads,
palaces, monuments, elegances of living, lavish show of gold and silver. - Edward A. Rumely, "Our Public Schools as
Preparatory for Practical Life."

Exposition By Cause And Effect

The following paragraph is an example of development by cause and effect.

The mammy was the zealous, faithful, and efficient assistant of the mistress in all that pertained to the training
of the children. Her authority was recognized in all that related to them directly or indirectly, second only to that of the
mistress and master. She regulated them, disciplined them, having authority indeed in cases to administer correction.
Her regime extended frequently through two generations, occasionally through three. From their infancy she was the
careful and faithful nurse, the affection between her and the children she nursed being often more marked than that
between her and her own children. She may have been harsh to the latter; she was never anything but tender with the
others. Her authority was, in a measure, recognized through life, for her devotion was unquestionable. The young
masters and mistresses were her "children" long after they had children of their own. They embraced her, when they
parted from her or met with her again after separation, with the same affection as when in childhood she "led them
smiling into sleep." She was worthy of the affection. At all times she was their faithful ally, shielding them, excusing
them, petting them, aiding them, yet holding them up to a certain high accountability. Her influence was always for
good. She received, as she gave, an unqualified affection; if she was a slave, she at least was not a servant, but was an
honored member of the family, universally beloved, universally cared for - "the Mammy."- Thomas Nelson Page, "The
Old South."

Activity 3: We’ll Figure It Out

Below are several methods of developing an exposition , they may be employed individually or in combination with one
another.

1.Definition:

A fitness trainer (Morgan) gives the definition of wellness as defined by the World Health Organization:
“Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity.”
Another fitness trainer (Johnson) also gave a definition of wellness as :
“Wellness is much more than the absence of illness; it is health-promoting behaviors to achieve your full
potential. In other words, wellness is the pursuit of your best possible health and well- being. It is a conscious
choice, self directed and self motivating.”
 Based on the given definitions, define “wellness” in your own words.

2.Examples:

 Name other individuals who fit a picture of wellness. Give at least three examples.

3.Comparison:

 If you were to compare yourself to a Filipino dish, what dish will that be? Why? Explain the analogy in relation to
wellness.

4.Analysis:

Experts of wellness mention five components of wellness. An individual should strive to have a healthy balance
of these aspects of wellness: emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual. Explain at least three of the
components of aspects of wellness that the person you admire possesses. What are your proofs that thus
person exemplifies these aspects of wellness?
a.__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

5. Process description:
 What regimen, routine, or schedule did he/ she follows? Explain at least one.
6. Cause and Effect:
 At this point in his /her life, where is the person now? How successful is he/she? What has the person achieved
in life?

Activity 4: Infographics.
As an advocate for wellness, create an infographics showing the top ten (10) most important tips and
suggestions to follow for healthy living and healthy lifestyle among today’s millennials. The five (5) dimensions of
wellness must be covered. Think of an interesting title.

Criteria for Grading:

Content and Focus 20 pts.
Organization 10 pts.
Visual Appeal 10 pts.
Citation 5 pts.
TOTAL 45 pts.

SELF-REFLECTION:
There are endless important practical applications of expository, descriptive, and narrative writings both in and
out of school.
Is one form of discourse superior to the others? Or do they complement each other?
References:
https://chestofbooks.com/languages/english/Composition/173-Methods-Of-Exposition.html
Jonna Marie A. Lim, PhD, Irene Blanco- Hamada, PhD, Elen Joy P. Alata, MAEd, Purposive Communication, Rex Book
Store, Inc.