Argumentative & Hortatory Text — Definition, Purpose, General Structure, Characteristics, and Language Features

 

Argumentative and Hortatory Text

A.    Argumentative Text

1.     Definition of Argumentative Text

Analytical exposition text is a text that contains the author's view on an issue or problem and is accompanied by supporting arguments. This text is persuasive in nature and aims to invite readers to pay attention to the issues discussed. Usually, this type of text can be found in newspaper editorials, scientific journals, and others. 

2.     Purpose of Argumentative Text

-        According to Kenang Tri Hatmo, M.Pd. in the book Indonesian Writing Skills, the purpose of writing argumentation text is to convince readers that the ideas, ideas, and opinions are true and proven.

-        Pardiyono argues in the book Prestasi Bisa! Definitely Pass UASBN for Elementary School Grade VI: Indonesian, the purpose of argumentation text is to present an opinion that is complemented or reinforced by presenting data as evidence. Thus, the opinion that is raised is correct and acceptable.

-        Sahrul Romadhon also explained in the book Managerial Writing Skills: Tips for Successful Writing a Variety of Fiction and Nonfiction Texts, argumentation text is intended to influence readers to accept the ideas or statements put forward by the author, both on logical and emotional considerations.

From some of these explanations, the purpose of argumentation text is to express the author's reasons for a problem in society, by presenting evidence in the form of facts that can be accounted for in order to influence readers.

3.     General structure of Argumentative text

-        Thesis

The initial explanation, statement of the topic, and the writer's opinion on the topic.

-        Arguments

Arguments that reinforce the writer's opinion. These arguments usually consist of several points and can be accompanied by supporting examples or data.

-        Conclusion

The last paragraph contains a conclusion that restates the writer's opinion. Usually, this paragraph can be characterized by expressions such as In conclusion, From the facts above, In a nutshell, and so on.

4.     The characteristics of argumentation:

-        Written based on rational or fact-based analysis.

-        Able to show evidence and the truth of an issue raised.

-        Written objectively so that limits are needed to avoid emotional impressions.

-  Uses denotative language or language that is true and firm, besides that it is not convoluted.

5.     Language Features of Argumentative Text

-        Emotive words, or words that evoke feelings or emotions. Usually, they use adjectives. For example, in the soto koya story, there are adjectives like delicious, strong, and rich.

-        Affirming conjunctions, so that the sentences and paragraphs flow and are not jumpy. Usually, in English, the words used are however, meanwhile, thus, besides that, then, so, as a result, and so on.

-        Tense. The type of tense used is present tense, because the argumentation text discusses many general matters and facts that are not limited by time.

 

B.    Hortatory Exposition Text

1.     Definition of Hortatory Text

Hortatory exposition text is also an exposition text that contains the author's opinion on an issue accompanied by supporting arguments. This text is persuasive and aims to influence the reader to agree with the views written. If, for example, when reading this text, the reader will think something like "Oh yes, that's right", it means that the purpose of writing this text has been successfully achieved.

2.     Purpose of Hortatory Text

Hortatory texts serve the purpose of persuading or encouraging readers to adopt certain attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. These texts are often found in persuasive speeches, essays, opinion pieces, or advertisements. The primary aim is to motivate the audience to take action or embrace a particular viewpoint. 

3.     General structure of hortatory exposition text

-        Thesis

Initial explanation, statement of the topic, and the author's opinion on the topic.

-        Arguments

Arguments that reinforce the author's opinion. This argument usually consists of several points and can be accompanied by supporting examples or data. Because it aims to influence, the points of argument must be strong.

-        Recommendation

The final part of the hortatory exposition text not only contains the conclusion of the points that have been discussed, but also provides advice or recommendations for the reader. An example is the action that the reader should take after reading the text.

4.     The Characteristics of hortatory text:

Hortatory text is a type of discourse that aims to persuade or encourage the audience to take a particular course of action or adopt a specific point of view. The characteristics of hortatory text typically include:

1.     Persuasive Language:

Hortatory texts use persuasive language to influence the readers or listeners. This may involve the use of strong and emotional words to evoke a response.

2.     Imperative Sentences:

Hortatory texts often use imperative sentences or commands to directly instruct or advise the audience. This contributes to the sense of urgency and persuasion.

3.     Adverbs of Frequency:

Adverbs of frequency such as "always," "never," "often," etc., may be employed to emphasize the importance of taking a certain action consistently.

4.     Modal Verbs:

Modal verbs like "should," "must," "ought to," etc., are commonly used in hortatory texts to express necessity, obligation, or recommendation.

5.     Use of Personal Pronouns:

The use of personal pronouns such as "we," "us," and "our" helps create a sense of unity between the speaker or writer and the audience, fostering a feeling of shared responsibility.

6.     Appeals to Emotion:

Hortatory texts often appeal to the emotions of the audience to make a stronger impact. Emotional language, anecdotes, and vivid descriptions may be employed for this purpose.

7.     Positive Tone:

Generally, hortatory texts maintain a positive and encouraging tone. The goal is to inspire and motivate rather than criticize or condemn.

8.     Call to Action:

Hortatory texts typically include a clear call to action, urging the audience to do something specific. This can range from making a lifestyle change to supporting a cause.

9.     Rhetorical Devices:

The use of rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and rhetorical questions can enhance the persuasive effect of hortatory texts.

10.  Clarity and Coherence:

Hortatory texts are usually well-organized with a clear structure. The ideas are presented in a logical sequence to facilitate understanding and acceptance of the message.

11.  Cohesive Devices:

The use of cohesive devices like transition words and phrases helps connect ideas and create a smooth flow of argumentation within the hortatory text.

5.     Language Features of Hortatory Text

-        Uses simple present tense, because this text describes an opinion that is not bound by time references.

-        Presents an argument, so there are conjunctions such as firstly, secondly, furthermore, in addition, etc.

-        There are relating verbs, modal verbs, thinking verbs, and action verbs.

-        Use evaluative words such as important, valuable, etc.

-        Uses passive voice or passive sentences.

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