Understanding Different Text Types: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Posted on Jan 28, 2025 in Social Anthropology

Factual Description

Describes the characteristic features of particular people, places, and objects.

  • Identification: General orientation to the topic. (Dentist definition)
  • Description: A simple description of features or characteristics of the topic (What a dentist does)

Information Report

Gives generalized information about an entire class of things, e.g., snakes, cities.

  • General Statement: Identifies the subject of the report
  • Description: Descriptions of the aspects of the object. (Triangle)

Procedure

Tells how to make or do something by giving a sequence of steps to follow.

  • The goal of the activity: What are you trying to do?
  • Materials: A list of materials
  • Steps: Sequence of steps. (Making a portfolio)

Procedural Recount

Records the steps taken to carry out an investigation. Practical learning experiences in science and technology.

  • Aim: Provides a context by stating the purpose of the investigation; may also locate the investigation in time and place
  • Record of Events: Sequential records of the methods used in the investigation.
  • Results: What happened; a statement of the results, findings, etc. (The water cycle)

Factual Recount

Factual recounts tell us what happened by documenting a series of events and evaluating their significance.

  • Orientation: Sets a context for understanding the events that follow; provides background information about who, where, when
  • Record of events: Recounted in chronological order
  • Reorientation: Rounds off the sequence of events, usually by resetting events in time. (Federation and Captain Cook)

Explanation

Explains scientifically how technological and natural phenomena come into being.

  • Identification: Identifies and gives information about the phenomenon
  • Explanation sequence: Phases of the process and causes. (Making paper from woodchips)

Exposition

Persuasive text types that argue a case for or against a particular point of view. Some expositions persuade the reader to think in a certain way.

  • Statement of position: What it is you are trying to convince the reader
  • Series of arguments: Various paragraphs, arguments in paragraphs for the text.
  • Reinforcement of position: Affirms the writer’s point of view. (Dogs: I think dogs…)

Discussion

To look at one issue from a range of perspectives before making a judgment or recommendation.

  • Identification: Provides a context for the discussion by introducing an issue
  • Arguments for and against: Arguments in paragraphs
  • Conclusion: Sum of both ideas and your opinion. (Text: school uniforms)

Literary Description

Characteristic features of a particular person.

  • Identification: Optional, gives general orientation to the subject
  • Description: Describes features or characteristics of the subject. (Rosemary and Lili, age 9)

Narrative

Entertains and instructs through dealing with unusual development of events.

  • Orientation: Describes a setting in time and place; introduces the main characters.
  • Complication: Sequence of events (problem)
  • Resolution: Deals with the attempts to solve or overcome the problem. (Letter: Dear Aunty Sally)

Response

Used to summarize, analyze, and respond to literary texts.

  • Context: Gives background information
  • Opinion: Qualities of the text. (Factory at Horta de Ebro). The name of the painting is…

Literary Recount

Retells a series of events for the purpose of entertainment

  • Orientation: Sets of context for understanding the events that follow
  • Record of events: Recounted in chronological order
  • Reorientation: Rounds off the sequence of events, usually by resetting events in time. (Finding Nemo)