Non-Chronological Reports

Purpose: to describe the way things are.

Examples Structure Language Features
• Letter • Opening contains a • Present tense
general classification
• Non fiction book • Technical vocabulary
• A description of their relevant to the subject
• Information leaflet
chosen subject
• Descriptive and factual
• Catalogue
• Paragraphs about different language
• Magazine article aspects of the subject
• General language
• Conclusion
• Third person
 Recounts
Purpose: to retell events, telling what happened, a sequence of events.
Examples Structure Language Features
• Personal story • A ‘scene setting’ opening. • Past tense
• Diary • Recount of events as they • First or Third person
occurred.
• Experiment • Use conjunctions
• In chronological order.
• Retelling events • Focus on specific people or
• A closing statement events, not general topics.
• A biography or
summing up the main
autobiography.
points.
• Newspaper article

Purpose: to explain how something works or why something occurs.
Examples
• What causes a tsunami?
• What causes the seasons?
• How does the Moon affect
the tides?
Explanations
Structure Language Features
• General statement to • Present tense
introduce the topic
• Third person
• In chronological order
• Use temporal and causal
• Organised around a series conjunctions
of events
• Include diagrams to add
information
• Formal voice
 Persuasion
Purpose: to argue the case for a particular point of view, to persuade others.
Examples Structure Language Features
• Adverts • Often begin with a • Present tense.
question.
• Answers to questions • Use temporal conjunctions.
• Clear presentation of the
• Leaflets • Exaggeration and Flattery.
point being argued.
• Brochures • Catchy names and
• Arguments
slogans.
• Posters
• Summary of the
arguments followed by a
restatement of the opening
argument.
 Instructions and Procedures
Purpose: to instruct how something should be done through a series of sequenced steps.
Examples Structure Language Features
• Step-by-step guides • Statement of what is to be • Present tense
achieved/needs to be done.
• Recipes • Imperative and formal
• Materials/equipment/ tone
• How to…
items needed.
• Second person
• Activity Instructions
• Sequenced steps
• Detailed factual
• Science investigations
• In chronological order. information
• Diagram or illustration.
 Discussions or Balanced Arguments
Purpose: to present arguments and information from differing viewpoints.
Examples Structure Language Features
• Should school children • Usually starts with a • Present tense
wear a uniform? question
• Conjunctions
• Should dogs be kept on a • Opening statement
• Third person
lead in public places? introducing the issue
• Impersonal voice
• Arguments for/against
• Formal tone
• Conclusion
• Technical vocabulary