Common text types
Know your text types
- Each writing task is a text type with its own rules.
- An email is to one person; an article is for many readers.
- A report gives facts; a review gives an opinion.
Explore
Which text type is this?
Reader plus tone identifies the text type from a single line.
Practice
A report mainly…
A report gives factual information.
Practice
An ___ is written for many readers, like a magazine. (article / email)
An article reaches a general audience.
Purpose and reader
- Each text type has its own purpose, reader and tone.
- A notice and a leaflet give short, clear information.
- An essay argues a point of view.
Every text type sits somewhere on the line from informal to formal
Practice
An essay…
An essay argues a point of view.
Match style to type
- Before you write, ask: what text type is this?
- Then choose the right style and format.
- The right style earns marks for register.
Practice
All text types use exactly the same style.
No — each text type needs its own style.
Name that text
- "Hi Leo, guess what happened at training…" — one reader, warm tone: an email.
- "This report outlines the results of the sports survey." — facts for a person in charge: a report.
- "Ever wondered why we all love noodles at midnight?" — many readers, a hook: an article.
- Spot the reader and the tone, and the text type names itself.
Practice
Match each text type to its reader.
Know the reader and the tone chooses itself — that is the register mark.
Key idea
- Email, article, report, review, essay — each is different.
- Each has its own purpose, reader and tone.
- Match your style to the text type.