| Abstract: | A framework for analyzing the structure of large expository texts is specified, based on notions from the rhetoric. Rhetoric books used to teach freshman composition classes have been surveyed for common patterns, and two separate text structures have been identified. One is the functional structure, which helps the reader construct a coherent mental representation; the other is the rhetorical structure, which organizes content. The framework specifies elements and linkages for the two structures that typically are present in the well-designed text. The usefulness of the framework is demonstrated with the analysis of a sample text, Modern Rhetoric (Brooks & Warren, 1972). |
