TEXT TYPES
Presented By: Harriet
Mawuena Aku
Addigbo
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Diary/Journal Entry
• Narrative Report
Discussion
• Descriptive
Response
• Expository Poetic
Journalistic
• Argumentative / Persuasive Transactional
• Instructional Exemplification
Compare and Contrast
• Procedural Cause and Effect
• Recount Critical Review
NARRATIVE
• Purpose: A narrative text aims to tell a story to the reader. It isn’t always just
about telling a story for entertainment, though. The purpose of narrative text
also lies in its capacity to engage the reader’s imagination, impart a moral
lesson, or just simply pass on a tale through generations. For example,
narrative stories are used in folklore and folktales to pass-on cultural values
and stories.
• Style: The style of a narrative text is distinctive. It employs a chronological
sequencing of events. Coherent, right-branching sentences, varying in length,
create rhythm and draw the reader into the unfolding story. Active voice is
favored to maintain directness and immediacy, bringing scenes alive.
• Structure: Beginning with an orientation, it introduces characters, setting,
and time. Short initial sentences establish the context. The complication, the
next part, presents problems or conflicts. A series of sentences, varying in
length and complexity, takes the reader through ups and downs. Ultimately,
the story reaches a resolution, where the achievement or solution is laid out.
DESCRIPITIVE
• Purpose: A descriptive text is designed to describe something in a detailed manner. The writer
attempts to paint a vivid image in the reader’s mind, often by intricately describing an object,
person, place, experience, or situation.
• Style: Adjectives play a significant role in a descriptive text. They enrich the text, adding depth to
the description. Similes, metaphors, and other figurative language might also be used for more
creative descriptions. The sentences can be diverse, ranging from concise statement of facts to
long, detailed depictions.
• Structure: A descriptive text often starts with a short, general overview of what is being described.
Then, it delves into details, exploring appearance, characteristics, functions, and other aspects. It
closes with a brief summary or a final remark on the described subject.
EX0POSITORY
Purpose: The main goal of an expository text is to inform or explain. It aims to provide the
reader with comprehensive information about a specific topic. This type of text gives out
facts and provides deep insights, explaining complex concepts or procedures in a manner
that the reader can understand.
Style: The style of an expository text is systematic and straightforward. It has an emphasis
on clarity. It avoids ambiguity and confusion.
Structure: Beginning with an introduction that briefly outlines the topic, an expository text
then offers a well-structured exploration of distinct aspects of the topic. Each paragraph
introduces a different point related to the topic. The conclusion summarizes the main points
and offers final insights.
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ARGUMENTATIVE /PERSUASIVE
Purpose: An argumentative or persuasive text is structured to persuade the readers by presenting
a point of view. It defends a position regarding an issue or topic, using reasoned arguments, facts,
statistics, and real-life examples to convince readers and lure them into adopting this point of view.
Style: These texts should be precise, logical, and grounded in evidence. The use of rhetorical
devices like ethos, logos, and pathos can help persuade and appeal to the reader’s sense of ethics,
logic, or emotions.
Structure: Key here is to map out a clear and structured argument, often presenting the most
compelling points at the beginning and end of the piece. Consider using an essay plan. Your piece
may start with a clear statement of the thesis or position. Then, provide supporting evidence and
arguments, section by section. Each paragraph can offer a different reason or piece of evidence
supporting the thesis. A conclusion is then needed to sum up the argument, restate the thesis, and
call the reader to action.
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INSTRUCTIONAL
Purpose: An instructional text serves to provide instructions or directions on how to do
something. It aims to guide the reader through a sequence of steps to achieve a certain goal
or complete a task efficiently.
Style: Unlike persuasive texts, instructional texts should not try to convince anyone of
anything. Your job is to strictly provide facts. The language is direct, to-the-point, and
unambiguous.
Structure: Instructional texts usually start with an overview of the task or goal, and possibly,
what the end result should look like. Following that, a list of materials or requirements would
come next. After this, a step-by-step guide detailing how to accomplish the task is written.
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PROCEDURAL
Purpose: Procedural texts are designed to guide the reader through a sequence of actions or
steps necessary to accomplish a specific task. These tasks might be related to cooking, science
experiments, emergency procedures, or machinery operation, among others.
Style: Procedural texts are characterized by precise and unambiguous language. It is critical
that the wording is exact to ensure clear communication of instructions.
Structure: Procedural texts should be written with the same goal in mind as instructional
ones: begin with an overview of the task, followed by any necessary materials or preparation
steps. Next, a detailed, step-by-step procedure is included. It often concludes with any
necessary follow-up instructions or warnings.
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RECOUNT
Purpose: The purpose of a recount text is to retell past events, usually in chronological
order. It serves to provide a detailed account of an event, experience, or historical
occurrence.
Style: A recount is usually descriptive and personal, involving a chronological presentation
of events, with expressive language to convey emotions or impressions that the writer felt
during the events.
Structure: A typical recount text starts with the introduction, setting the scene, and often
specifying the time, place, and participants involved. The series of events then unrolls in
the order they occurred. Finally, it concludes with a personal comment, reflection, or
evaluation of the event.
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REPORT
Purpose: Report texts are written to present information about a subject. The subject could range
from real-world entities like animals, humans, or natural phenomena to abstract concepts like
principles, theories, or ideas.
Style: Reports are communicated objectively without the use of personal pronouns or subjective
language. They contain facts, statistics, and specific information related to the subject, presented
in a clear, systematic manner.
Structure: A report usually begins with an introduction, defining the topic and offering a brief
overview. A series of sections or subheadings then ‘chunk’ the content to make it easy to
navigate, each covering different aspects of the topic. A conclusion or summary often ends the
report.
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DISCUSSION
Purpose: A discussion text is intended to present multiple perspectives on a specific issue, allowing the reader to
consider all angles before forming their own viewpoint. It aims to deepen understanding and foster a broader
perspective by objectively exploring diverse opinions and arguments related to a topic.
Style: Discussion texts use neutral, unbiased language. The writer presents all sides of the argument fairly and
objectively, without leaning towards supporting one over another.
Structure: The text begins with an introduction of the issue at hand. This is followed by presenting point and
counterpoint for each aspect of the issue, examining arguments in favor and against it. An effective discussion text
ends with a conclusion or summary that encapsulates the multiple perspectives without indicating a personal
preference
RESPONSE
Purpose: A response text serves to provide a personal interpretation or reaction to a piece of content, such as a
book, film, article, or speech. It aims to deepen the understanding of the original content, examine its components,
and express personal thoughts, feelings, and reactions to it.
Style: Response writing is subjective, reflecting the opinion and personality of the writer. Despite the writer’s
personal voice being apparent, a good response should maintain an even-handed and critical approach.
Structure: Commence with an overview of the content being responded to, including its title and creator. Next, give a
brief summary or description of the content. Following this, present your personal reactions, impressions, and points
of critique. Lastly, conclude by summarizing your views and stating your final thoughts.
POETIC
Purpose: The purpose of a poetic text is to convey emotions, experiences, concepts, and ideas using creative and
imaginative language. It’s a form of verbal art that uses aesthetics and rhythmic qualities to charm and engage
readers.
Style: Poetic language heavily incorporates figurative and connotative language. It frequently uses devices such as
similes, metaphors, rhyme, rhythm, assonance, and alliteration to create a specific mood or emotion.
Structure: The structure of a poem can vary vastly – it may adhere to a specific form (like sonnets, haikus, or
limericks) complete with rules regarding rhyme, meter, and stanza length, or it may be free verse, with no such
rules.
JOURNALISTIC
Purpose: Journalistic texts aim to report news stories to inform readers, viewers, or listeners about events
happening locally or globally. These texts provide factual information about real-world event in a balanced, fair,
accurate, and comprehensive manner.
Style: Journalistic writing requires use of clear, concise, and direct language. The language is primarily factual and
explanatory, striving to be impartial and unbiased.
Structure: Journalistic texts usually adopt the “inverted pyramid” structure. The most crucial information is
presented first – summarizing the ‘who, what, where, when, why, and how’ of the story. Following paragraphs
provide further details and context, with the least important information towards the end.
TRANSACTIONAL
Purpose: Transactional texts serve to communicate an intended message between individuals or organizations.
Common examples include emails, reports, proposals, business letters and memos.
Style: The tone and style of transactional texts depend on their intended audience and purpose. Formality levels
may vary – generally, they are written in clear, straightforward language.
Structure: Transactional texts usually start with a salutation or an introduction, followed by the body containing
the key message or information. They end with a closing, which may include a call-to-action, a closing remark or a
sign-off.
EXEMPLIFICATION
Purpose: Exemplification texts are those which use examples to make a point, stress a point, or clearly present
a pattern or form. These texts aim to make abstract ideas concrete, clarify concepts, or provide evidence
supporting statements or theories.
Style: The language of exemplification texts is straightforward and facts-based, leveraging detailed examples
to make concepts clearer and more understandable.
Structure: They start with a thesis statement or main idea. Next, they introduce and elaborate various specific
examples to exemplify and prove the thesis statement. Finally, a conclusion wraps up the discussion and
reiterates how the examples support the main idea.
COMPARE AND
CONTRAST
Purpose: Cause and effect text is written to identify and explain the reasons or causes for an event or
behavior and the resulting effects or outcomes. It establishes a relationship between variables and events.
Style: Clarity is particularly important in cause and effect writing because it should aim to lucidly explain
causal chains where one thing leads to another.
Structure: Generally, the text starts with an introduction to the event. This is followed by the ’cause’ section
explaining its origins or reasons. Then comes the ‘effect’ section detailing the outcomes, consequences, or
results. Lastly, a conclusion synthesizes the major points and may contain author’s opinion on the event.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Purpose: Cause and effect text is written to identify and explain the reasons or causes for an event or behavior and
the resulting effects or outcomes. It establishes a relationship between variables and events.
Style: Clarity is particularly important in cause and effect writing because it should aim to lucidly explain causal chains
where one thing leads to another.
Structure: Generally, the text starts with an introduction to the event. This is followed by the ’cause’ section
explaining its origins or reasons. Then comes the ‘effect’ section detailing the outcomes, consequences, or results.
Lastly, a conclusion synthesizes the major points and may contain author’s opinion on the event.
DIARY/JOURNAL
ENTRY
Purpose: A diary or journal entry is written to express personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences, making them a
form of autobiographical writing. The objective is self-reflection, documentation of life events or ideas, and
emotional exploration.
Style: Being highly personal, these texts don’t normally adhere to strict stylistic protocols. Language is informal and
conversational, representing the writer’s voice.
Structure: Diary or journal entries do not follow a strict format. They often start with the date and proceed with
the entries. Entries can range from brief notes to detailed narratives.
CRITICAL REVIEW
Purpose: A critical review analyses, interprets, and appraises a text or other work (like a film or play). It’s meant
to provide an evaluation of the item’s merit, significance, value, or relevance, based on careful examination and
evidence-based claims.
Style: Even though a critical review presents the writer’s opinion, it should be a balanced, logical, and
professional examination of the work.
Structure: A traditional critical review includes an introduction summarizing the key details of the work being
reviewed, the body containing the evaluation, and a conclusion summarizing the review.
CONCLUSION
Understanding text types allows you to effectively communicate ideas and information to your
target audience. It provides a structured framework that guides the writing process, enhancing
clarity and coherence. Additionally, it aids in comprehension, helping readers navigate and
understand the text in its intended way. Lastly, knowledge of text types helps improve critical
reading skills, enabling readers to discern the underlying purpose and structure of various texts.
THANK YOU