What is an exposition?

There are many definitions of the word ‘exposition’. However, for this entry we define an exposition as writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain. 

 

For the interest of others, exposition in fiction can also take the form of an information dump such as this paragraph. An information dump serves the purpose of making the text or film 'complete' by either providing a dump of information to fill up plot gaps or making them wordy. This usually causes them to become dry, thus being subjected to the critique of many.

 

Back to my point.

  

The purpose of an exposition is to inform, explain, analyze, or define. Expositions can be found in mainly four types, namely modes of discourse, argumentation, description and narration. Discourse expositions discuss ideas of the author in an attempt to impose these ideas on the readers. These ideas can range widely, from global issues to daily issues. Argumentation expositions argue about a certain topic, usually trying to disprove a statement or belief. Description expositions use the five senses to provide readers with a mental image or feeling about the subject. Narration expositions simply tell the reader about events that happened.