Hortatory Exposition Text
A. Definition & Purpose
Hortatory Exposition is a type of text that presents arguments to persuade the reader or
listener that something should or should not be the case.
Purpose:
To persuade the readers or listeners that something is important or should be done.
B. Generic Structure
1. Thesis → States the issue and the writer’s opinion
2. Arguments → Reasons and evidence to support the opinion
3. Recommendation → Suggests what should or should not be done
C. Language Features
Simple present tense
Modal verbs: should, must, ought to, need to
Connectives: therefore, however, because of that, in addition
Emotive words: terrible, wonderful, important, essential
Persuasive expressions: I believe that…, It is necessary to…, We should…
D. Example Text
Title: Students Should Wear School Uniforms
Thesis:
Wearing school uniforms should be mandatory for all students.
Arguments:
First, school uniforms help reduce social inequality among students. Everyone wears the
same, so there is less pressure to wear trendy or expensive clothes.
Second, uniforms create a sense of unity and discipline in school. Students can focus more on
learning instead of fashion.
Recommendation:
Therefore, all schools should implement a strict school uniform policy.
E. Activities
1. Pre-Reading Activity
Brainstorming Discussion (in pairs or groups):
“What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing school uniforms?”
List at least 3 ideas and share them with the class.
2. While-Reading Activity
Reading Comprehension
Read the example text above, then answer questions:
o What is the writer's opinion?
o How many arguments are presented?
o What is the recommendation?
Label the Structure
Identify which parts of the paragraph are Thesis, Arguments, and Recommendation.
3. Post-Reading Activity
Group Debate:
Topic: "Online learning should replace classroom learning."
Divide the class into two groups: Agree and Disagree. Each group prepares at
least 2 arguments and 1 recommendation.
Writing Task:
Write your own hortatory exposition text (100–150 words) on one of the following
topics:
o "Students should bring their own lunch to school."
o "Mobile phones should be banned in classrooms."
o "Public transportation should be free for students."
F. Exercises
Exercise 1 – Vocabulary Match
Match the words with their meanings:
No Word Meaning
1 Persuade a. express a reason or opinion
2 Argue b. advise what should be done
3 recommend c. make someone do something by reasoning
4 Equality d. being the same in status
5 Unity e. being together as one
Exercise 2 – Structure Identification
Read the text below and label each paragraph with: Thesis, Arguments, or
Recommendation.
Text Title: "Why We Should Save Electricity"
Electricity is one of the most important resources we use daily. It powers our homes, schools,
and workplaces.
First, saving electricity helps reduce pollution. Power plants release harmful gases into the
air. If we use less electricity, less pollution is made.
Second, saving electricity can lower our electricity bills. Turning off lights and electronics
when not in use saves money.
Therefore, we should all make a habit of using electricity wisely
Exercise 3 – Writing Practice
Write a hortatory exposition text on the topic:
"Why Teenagers Should Limit Screen Time."
(Include thesis, two arguments, and a recommendation.)
