【Logical Japanese】 Master the Art of Expository Writing!
Hello! Thanks for opening these notes.
You might feel like "Japanese language passages are difficult and I'm not good at them..." but don't worry!
The "expository writing" (ronjutsubun) we are going to learn about is actually like a "puzzle" or a "strategy guide for a game." Once you understand the rules, anyone can learn how to decode them.
Mastering expository writing will also help you develop the ability to explain your own opinions clearly to others. Let's take it one step at a time, together!
1. What is an Expository Passage? (The Basics)
In short, an expository passage is "a piece of writing that explains one's thoughts on a specific theme using a logical flow."
The goal isn't just to shout "I like this!" or "I hate that!"; it's to provide the reasoning—"Why do I think that?"—to convince the reader and make them say, "Aha, that makes sense!"
★ Know the Difference from "Opinion Essays" (Kansoubun)
- Opinion Essay (Kansoubun): Centered on your own subjective (shukan) feelings, such as "I felt this way."
- Expository Passage (Ronjutsubun): Centered on objective (kyakkan) reasoning, such as "Based on these facts and data, we can conclude this."
【Analogy】
Imagine you are recommending a new game to a friend.
Saying, "This game is literally the best, you have to play it!" is just an opinion/impression.
Saying, "This game has great graphics (Reason 1), the story is full of plot twists (Reason 2), and you can finish a round in 15 minutes, so it's perfect for busy people (Reason 3). That's why I recommend it," is an example of expository logic!
【Key Point!】
An expository passage is made up of a "Question (Q)", an "Answer (A)", and the "Reasons/Evidence" that connect the two.
2. The "Basic Form" of Expository Writing: The Three-Part Structure
Expository writing has a set "mold." Just by knowing this form, your reading speed will improve significantly!
① Introduction (Joron): Setup and Problem Statement
This is where the theme (the question) is presented—"What are we going to talk about?"
It often starts with something like, "Communication via SNS has become the norm, but is it really inferior to face-to-face communication?"
② Body (Honron): Explanation and Evidence
This provides specific reasons and examples (concrete examples) to back up your opinion. This is the longest part of the passage.
It is often organized with transition phrases like "First of all..." and "Secondly..."
③ Conclusion (Ketsuron): Summary
Finally, you firmly restate your claim (the answer).
You might wrap it up by saying, "Therefore, SNS has different strengths than face-to-face communication, and it cannot be said to be simply inferior."
【Trivia】
You often hear about "Ki-sho-ten-ketsu" (a common four-part narrative structure), but for expository writing, the three-part "Introduction-Body-Conclusion" structure is standard. Including a "ten" (a sudden twist or change in direction) would just confuse the reader!
3. The "Magic Wand" for Decoding: Conjunctions
The secret to not getting lost while reading an expository passage is to pay attention to "conjunctions". Conjunctions act like "road signs" that show the direction of the text.
- "However," "But" (Adversative): What follows is what the author really wants to say! (Most important!)
- "In other words," "That is to say" (Restatement): This indicates they are simplifying a difficult point.
- "Because," "The reason is" (Reasoning): A sign that evidence is about to be explained.
- "Therefore," "Consequently" (Conclusion): A sign that the final summary is beginning.
【Common Mistake】
Do you skip over the sentences that come after a "but"? Actually, the author's main claim is often hidden right after a "but." This is a high-frequency target for test questions!
4. Tips for Thinking "Objectively"
In expository writing, you don't need your own emotions; you need objective evidence that anyone would find convincing.
● Distinguishing Fact from Opinion
When reading, distinguish between what "actually happened (Fact)" and what "the author thinks (Opinion)."
- "The temperature is 30 degrees today." → Fact
- "It's so hot today that I can't stand it." → Opinion
【Level Up!】
The technique of "Contrast" (taihi) is frequently used in expository writing. By comparing two things—"A is like this, but B is like that"—the author makes their own opinion stand out more clearly. Once you spot these contrasts, the author's logic will become much clearer.
5. Reading and Analysis Checklist
It might feel difficult at first, but simply being aware of these points will make a dramatic difference!
【Summary Checklist】
- What is the "Question"? (What problem is the author tackling?)
- What is the "Answer (Claim)"? (What is it they ultimately want to say?)
- "What are the reasons?" (Why can they say that?)
- Mark the "Conjunctions"! (Grasp the flow of the argument.)
【Final Advice】
Reading an expository passage is an "intellectual conversation" with the author. Try reading it while thinking to yourself, "Oh, I see, they think that! But why?" Engaging with the text this way will help you naturally follow the logical flow.
Start with short passages—that's totally fine! Let's enjoy the puzzle of logic, one step at a time!