Mastering Textual Sequences: The Key to Effective Texts

Objectives

1. Understand that textual sequences are structures that organize information in a text according to the author's objective.

2. Identify and differentiate the five textual sequences: narrative, descriptive, argumentative, expository, and instructional.

Contextualization

Textual sequences are fundamental for the construction of effective and coherent texts. They organize information in a way that allows the reader to easily understand the author's message. For example, when writing a cake recipe, we use an instructional sequence to ensure that the steps are followed correctly. In a scientific article, we use the expository sequence to present information clearly and objectively. In a marketing campaign, an argumentative text can be used to convince the audience to buy a product. Identifying and correctly applying these sequences are essential for effective communication in various contexts.

Relevance of the Theme

In the current context, the ability to identify and correctly use textual sequences is a valuable skill in various professions. Marketing, technology, education, and journalism professionals, among others, rely on these skills to create clear, persuasive, and well-structured content. Understanding and mastering textual sequences is crucial for academic and professional success, as it ensures clarity and effectiveness in written communication.

Narrative Sequence

The narrative sequence is used to tell a story or report events. It is characterized by the presence of characters, a plot, and a setting, and generally follows a structure with a beginning, middle, and end.

• Involves characters, plot, and setting.

• Follows a linear structure with a beginning, middle, and end.

• Used in short stories, novels, reports, and biographies.

Descriptive Sequence

The descriptive sequence is used to detail characteristics of an object, person, place, or situation. It focuses on creating a mental image for the reader through sensory details and adjectives.

• Details physical and sensory characteristics.

• Uses many adjectives and detailed descriptions.

• Common in descriptions of settings, characters, and products.

Argumentative Sequence

The argumentative sequence is used to defend a viewpoint or convince the reader of a certain opinion. It is characterized by the presentation of arguments, evidence, and counterarguments.

• Defends a viewpoint or opinion.

• Uses arguments and evidence to convince the reader.

• Common in essays, editorials, and persuasive speeches.

Expository Sequence

The expository sequence is used to explain or inform about a certain topic clearly and objectively. It is characterized by the logical organization of information and the absence of personal opinion.

• Explains or informs about a topic clearly and objectively.

• Logical organization of information.

• Common in scientific articles, manuals, and educational texts.

Instructional Sequence

The instructional sequence is used to provide instructions or describe processes. It is characterized by the use of sequential and detailed steps to ensure that the reader can follow and execute a task correctly.

• Provides instructions or describes processes.

• Uses sequential and detailed steps.

• Common in instruction manuals, recipes, and tutorials.

Practical Applications

• In marketing, argumentative texts are used to convince the audience to buy products or services.
• In technology, instructional manuals help users understand how to use new devices.
• In journalism, narrative sequences are used to tell stories engagingly and captivatingly.

Key Terms

• Narrative Sequence: Textual structure used to tell a story or report events.

• Descriptive Sequence: Textual structure used to detail characteristics of an object, person, place, or situation.

• Argumentative Sequence: Textual structure used to defend a viewpoint or convince the reader.

• Expository Sequence: Textual structure used to explain or inform about a topic clearly and objectively.

• Instructional Sequence: Textual structure used to provide instructions or describe processes.

Questions

• How can the choice of textual sequence influence the clarity and effectiveness of a text?

• In what situations in your daily life do you encounter each of the textual sequences?

• Which textual sequence do you find most challenging to use and why?

Conclusion

To Reflect

Understanding and correctly applying textual sequences is an essential skill for producing clear and effective texts. Throughout this lesson, we explored the five main textual sequences: narrative, descriptive, argumentative, expository, and instructional. Each of them has unique characteristics and is applied in different contexts, from creating engaging stories to developing instructional manuals. Reflecting on how these sequences influence the clarity and persuasion of a text is fundamental to improving your communication skills in both the academic environment and the job market. By mastering these structures, you will be better prepared to face challenges in text production and stand out in various professional fields.

Mini Challenge - Textual Sequence Challenge in Daily Life

To consolidate your understanding of textual sequences, this practical challenge will lead you to identify and use these sequences in situations from your daily life.

• Choose an activity or situation from your daily life that involves written communication (for example: writing a social media post, drafting an email, creating a to-do list).
• Identify the most suitable textual sequence for that situation.
• Write the text using the chosen textual sequence.
• Briefly explain why you chose that textual sequence and how it helped organize the information effectively.
• Share your text and your explanation with a colleague or in a study group to get feedback.