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TextTypology Complete
TextTypology Complete
Genres reflect differences in external format and situations of use, and are
defined on the basis of systematic non-linguistic criteria.
Text types may be defined on the basis of cognitive categories or linguistic
criteria.
Text types are "a conceptual framework which enables us to classify texts in terms of
communicative intentions serving an overall rhetorical purpose" (Hatim and Mason
1990:140).
Based on cognitive properties, Werlich (1976) includes five idealized text types or
modes (adopted by Hatim and Mason 1990, Albrecht 1995, Biber 1989 -based on
linguistic criteria):
Source:
http://www.talkingpeople.net/tp/skills/writing/talleres_michelle/textualanalysis/intro_
TA_03.html
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TEXT TYPOLOGY (DETAILED)
NARRATIVE TEXTS are about EVENTS taking place. They tell you a story. When
you write a narrative, a story, you have to give readers the setting first (people
involved, time/space, problem), so that they have a framework of reference. Then you
have to develop the problem and finally solve it. WATCH OUT!: They often include
DESCRIPTIONS, too, and DIALOGUES and MONOLOGUES!
Structure: Beginning – Problem - Resolution - Ending!
The purpose of narrative text is to entertain, to tell a story, or to provide an aesthetic literary
experience. Narrative text is based on life experiences and is person-oriented using dialogue and
familiar language. Its structure uses that of stories. The genres that fit the narrative text structure
are: folktales (e.g. wonder tales, fables, legends, myths, realistic tales), contemporary fiction,
mysteries, realistic fiction, historical fiction.
A Story Map
Setting The place
Characters The beings involved
Beginning
Bloody hell! There's always a problem! Or say, the knot,
Problem
the source of tension
The action that takes place
The middle of a narrative is organized around a plot:
Middle Events initiating events, subsequent events, rising excitement and
climax (the high point in the story where the problem is
solved).
End Resolution Solving the problem or just its outcome or ending
End The point of the story?
ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS are about ideas. They show the process of supporting
or weakening another statement. "Defending a position" means EXPLAINING the
ideas & GIVING REASONS for them.
Structure:
• Classical • Other side questioned: no direct
a. Introduction (the purpose of my...) refutation, mainly posing
b. Explanation of the case under questions.
consideration (there are two
different approaches to this issue...
historically the debate...)
c. Outline of the argument (the
difficult points are the following...
+ as it was said above...)
d. Proofs supporting the argument
(as a matter of fact... it cannot be
forgotten... furthermore... what is
more…)
e. Refutation (even though... it is
obvious that... nobody would
believe that...)
f.Conclusion (on the whole... as a
result... as a conclusion... finally...
summing up...)
Other:
• Pros and cons discussion: pro-con-
pro-con or con-pro-con-pro.
• One-sided argument: no
counterarguments.
• Eclectic approach: some of the
views on the subject.
• Opposition's arguments first, author's
arguments
Traditionally it has been believed…;
it seems to be a fact...
EXPOSITORY TEXTS
The main purpose of expository text is to inform or describe. Authors who write
expository texts research the topic to gain information. The information is
organized in a logical and interesting manner using various expository text
structures.
Structure: Presentation – Development -Summary/Conclusion
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TEXTS TYPES:
LANGUAGE FEATURES (LINGUISTIC MARKERS)
NARRATIVE TEXTS
Purpose: To amuse/entertain the readers and to tell a story
Dominant Language Features (linguistic markers):
1. Using past tense
2. Using action verbs
3. Chronologically arranged
4. Using transitions of time
DESCRIPTIVE TEXTS
Purpose: to describe a particular person, place or thing in detail.
Dominant Language Features (Linguistic markers):
1. Using simple present tense
2. Using action verbs
3. Using stative verbs
4. Using adverbs
5. Using special technical terms
6. Using adjectives
EXPOSITORY TEXTS
Purpose: To explain the processes involved in the formation or working of natural
or socio-cultural phenomena.
Dominant Language Features (Linguistic markers):
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using action verbs
3. Using passive voice
4. Using noun phrase
5. Using adverbial phrase
6. Using technical terms
7. Using general and abstract noun
8. Using conjunction of time and cause-effect.
INSTRUCTIVE TEXTS
Purpose: to help readers how to do or make something completely
Dominant Language Features (Linguistic markers):
1. Using simple present tense
2. Using Imperatives
3. Using adverbs
4. Using technical terms
ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS
Purpose: to present information and opinions about issues in more one side of an
issue (‘For/Pros’ and ‘Against/Cons’)
Dominant Language Features (Linguistic markers):
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using thinking verbs
3. Using general and abstract nouns
4. Using conjunctions/transition
5. Using modality
6. Using adverbs of manner
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The main purpose of expository text is to inform or describe. Authors who write
expository texts research the topic to gain information. The information is
organized in a logical and interesting manner using various expository text
structures.
Paragraphs in this pattern list pieces of information (facts, ideas, steps, etc.).
The order of the fact listing may reflect the order of importance or simply another
logical order. The author may signal this pattern through the following words:
one, two, first, second, third, to begin, next, finally, most important, when, also,
too, then, to begin with, for instance, for example, and in fact.
This involves putting facts, events, or concepts in order of occurrence. The author
traces the development of the topic or gives the steps in the sequence. The author
may signal this pattern through the following words: on (date), not long after,
now, as, before, after, when, first, second, then, finally, during, finally, and until.
The author points out likenesses (comparison) and/or differences (contrast) among
facts, concepts, events, people, etc. The author may signal this pattern through the
following words: however, but, as well as, on the other hand, not only...but also,
either...or, while, although, similarly, yet, unless, meanwhile, nevertheless,
otherwise, compared to, and despite.
Cause-Effect Text Pattern
The author shows how facts, events, or concepts (effects) happen or come into
being because of other facts, events, or concepts (causes). The author may signal
this pattern through the following words: because, cause, since, therefore,
consequently, as a result, this led to, so, so that, nevertheless, accordingly,
if....then, and thus.
The author shows the development of a problem and the solution(s) to the
problem. The author may signal this pattern through the following words:
because, cause, since, therefore, consequently, as a result, this led to, so, so that,
nevertheless, accordingly, if....then, and thus.
Source:
http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/venekaml/Lewis%20and
%20Clark/EXPOSITORY%20TEXT%20STRUCTURES.htm
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SAMPLES OF TEXTS
I have a close Friend. She is beautiful, attractive and trendy. She always wants to
be a trend setter of the day. She always pays much attention on her appearance.
Recently, she bought a new stylist foot legs from blowfish shoes products. Thes
shoes really match on her.
Her new blowfish women's shoes are wonderful. When she is walking on that
shoes, all her friends, including me watch and admire that she has the most suitable
shoes on her physical appearance. The style, bright color, and brand represent her
as a smart woman of the day. She really has a perfect appearance.
She is really mad on that shoes. She said that the products covered all genders. The
blowfish men's shoes are as elegant as she is. The products provide varieties of
choice. Ballet, casual, boot athletic shoes are designed in attractive way. The
products are international trader mark and become the hottest trend.
Ingredients:
10 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or breast with skin removed)
1 cup plain yoghurt
Spices:
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust according to preference)
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon cumin powder
½ tablespoon mustard
½ tablespoon Garam Masala powder
Optional spices:
few pods of cardamos
pinch of saffron
Salt to taste
Preparation:
1. Mix all spices with yoghurt and butter to make marinating sauce.
2. Prick the chicken and apply the sauce. Cover chicken and marinate overnight
inside a refrigerador (for at least 4 hrs)
3. Grill the chicken in regular way (for better result, apply melted butter to the
chicken just before you grill).
4. Cook chicken until brownish (or way you prefer).
5. Serve sliced onion (ring) and lemon wedges with the tandoori chicken. Also,
serve. Lemon juice can be sprinkled on the cooked chicken to add zesty flavor.
Memory is critical to humans and all other living organisms. Practically all
of our daily activities—talking, understanding, reading, socializing—depend on
our having learned and stored information about our environments. Memory allows
us to retrieve events from the distant past or from moments ago. It enables us to
learn new skills and to form habits. Without the ability to access past experiences
or information, we would be unable to comprehend language, recognize our friends
and family members, find our way home, or even tie a shoe. Life would be a series
of disconnected experiences, each one new and unfamiliar. Without any sort of
memory, humans would quickly perish.