Discursive articulation of the Opinion article genre in the light of a modular model of discourse analysis

Abstract

This article aims to bring an understanding of how discourse construction functions in a specific genre, the opinion article. Based on the Model of Modular Discourse Analysis, we show that, in the attempt to convince the reader of a determined point of view, the author of an article employs various linguistic maneuvers, and reflected in the way that sections of the discourse are arranged hierarchically, with each section having different functions, such as functions of argument, development, commentary etc. To this end, we describe the relationships between the different parts of one specific article, addressing, initially, the way in which the author organizes the main sections of discourse, and secondly, how organization is arranged within these sections. The study allows us to verify that although the opinion article genre is monologic, the process of its production implies constant dialogue with the other, resulting in great complexity in its discursive organization.