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WHAT ARE THE MAIN TEXT TYPES? - Coggle Diagram
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TEXT TYPES?
LITERARY TEXTS
SEEK TO ENTERTAIN, ENLIGHTEN, OR ELICIT EMOTION THROUGH A CREATIVE USE OF LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE
FACTUAL TEXTS
ENDEAVOR TO INFORM, INSTRUCT, OR PERSUADE THROUGH THE USE OF FACTS AND INFORMATION.
DISCUSSION TEXTS
Purpose
: to explore more than one point of view on a given subject in order to reach an informed opinion or to make a decision on an issue.
Structure
: Generally speaking, discussion texts will begin by providing background information on the issue before introducing the central area or areas of contention.
POETRY
Purpose
: As with all literary genres of writing, poetry can be written to serve a wide variety of purposes. For example, poetry can be written to entertain, to inform, to amuse, to share knowledge, pass on culture, to advance culture, etc.
Structure
: The different types of poetry make use of a variety of different structures. There are way too many to list here. That said, the structure of poetry usually revolves around the use of rhyme schemes, rhythmical patterns, grammatical patterns, and line and stanza length.
EXPLANATORY TEXTS
Structure: Explanatory texts usually open with a general statement that introduces the topic to be explored, for example, “During the winter, some birds migrate to warmer parts of the world.” The various steps of the process are then explained in a logical order.
Purpose
: Explanatory texts move beyond providing straightforward descriptions to looking at things like causes and reasons. They move beyond retelling what happened, such as in a simple report, to address the why and how of what happened.
NARRATIVE
Purpose
: The purpose of narrative texts is to tell a story. That said, there can be many reasons for storytelling in the first place; for example, myths can be told to explain natural phenomena, and legends can be used to pass on cultural beliefs.
Structure: They all begin by establishing the setting and introducing characters. A problem or complication is then introduced, which serves as the driving force behind the ensuing events. After the rising action reaches a dramatic high point or climax, a resolution is achieved, and the story ends.
INSTRUCTIONAL / PROCEDURAL TEXTS
Purpose
: Instructions and procedural texts communicate rules or processes to follow. They are commonly found in games, household appliances, recipes, etc.
Structure
: This type of text begins with a defined objective or goal, which will often form the title. Usually, a list of resources, equipment etc will then be included, followed by a step-by-step description of the process to be followed to achieve the desired outcome.
DRAMA
Purpose
: The purpose of drama is largely to entertain through storytelling. Drama can also be used to provide social commentary, communicate culture, amuse, and inform too.
Structure
: It has its own distinct writing conventions, such as the use of dialogue and stage directions, and it often follows the same types of plot structures as other forms of narrative storytelling.
NON-CHRONOLOGICAL REPORTS
Purpose
: The purpose of non-chronological reports given information and detail about something that happened, but without being tied to providing a linear account in terms of time.
Structure: Though non-chronological reports don’t conform to the usual chronological structure of reports, there is generally an underlying logical structure at work, albeit not a temporal one. Information is often grouped by category and the report tends to move from a general opening statement on the topic to detailed and specific information as the report progresses.
RECOUNTS
Purpose
: Recounts focus on retelling events and are generally intended to inform and/or entertain.
Structure: Recounts often open with a scene being set or other devices that establish context. They provide an account of the events that took place, usually in chronological order.