A Tutorial on Expository Discourse: Structure, Development, and Disorders in Children and Adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Developmental Psychology
• Education

Background:

• The Common Core State Standards emphasize expository texts across all academic disciplines.
• Expository texts present linguistic and cognitive complexities that can challenge all students.
• These complexities may pose additional difficulties for children and adolescents with language impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians with background information on the structure, development, and challenges of expository texts.
• To address difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, and writing expository texts.
• To highlight areas for research and clinical practice to support students with language difficulties.

Main Methods:

• The tutorial is based on an extensive narrative review of relevant literature.
• Research studies were systematically searched and identified.
• Studies were qualitatively discussed, with intervention studies assessed for research design strength.

Main Results:

• The review identifies strengths and weaknesses in the current research landscape concerning expository text comprehension and production.
• Specific challenges in expository text processing for individuals with language difficulties are detailed.
• Gaps in knowledge and clinical practice are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Future research is needed to advance understanding and support for students struggling with expository texts.
• Clinicians should be aware of the evidence base and demand rigorous research for practice.
• The findings aim to foster discussion and guide future research and clinical endeavors.