Examples Structure Language Features • Letter • Opening contains a • Present tense general classification • Non fiction book • Technical vocabulary • A description of their • Information leaflet • Relevant to the subject chosen subject • Catalogue • Descriptive and factual • Paragraphs about different • Magazine article aspects of the subject • Language
• Conclusion • General language
• 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 Explanations Purpose: to explain how something works or why something occurs. Examples Structure Language Features • What causes a tsunami? • General statement to • Present tense introduce the topic • What causes the seasons? • Third person • In chronological order • How does the Moon affect • Use temporal and causal the tides? • Organised around a series conjunctions of events • Include diagrams to add information • Formal voice Persuasive Texts 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 slogans • Arguments • 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 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