The UK’s Number

One Functional
Skills Service

Functional Skills
English Level 2

Reading: Text Types

Lesson Overview
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson students will be able to:
• Understand why writers use different type of texts
• Identify text types based on their formatting features

Specification points covered:

L2.16- Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information in a range of straightforward and
complex sources
L2.17- Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and
bias
What are the different types of text?
Text types are the different formats that a text can be written in. Writers have to select an appropriate text type for their audience and
purpose.

Some common text types include:

• Articles
• Newspaper articles
• Magazine articles
• Online articles
• Letters
• Emails
• Leaflets
• Reports
• Posters
• Forum posts
Articles
Articles are either written because the writer wants the reader to learn something, or
because the writer wants to convince the reader to agree with their opinions.

There are many different types of article:

• Newspaper articles: usually use a formal style, and inform the reader about current
events.
• Magazine articles: usually use a slightly more informal style. They can be written
to entertain, to argue, or to inform the reader about a topic of interest.
• Online articles: can be written in the style of a newspaper article or a magazine
article.

Look out for:

• Headings • Captioned photographs
• Subheadings • Lines and text boxes
• Author attribution • Long paragraphs
• Date • Columns
 Letters and Emails
Letters have:

Letters and emails are usually written to an individual or an organisation. • Postal addresses
• The date
• A polite greeting
These text types can be written for a variety of different people and • A sign-off
purposes. This means that they can have a range of styles and tones.

• They can be formal (if written to a company or an individual that the

writer does not know well) or informal (if written to friends or family).
Emails have:
• They might be written to describe something, instruct the reader, • Email addresses
inform them, or even persuade them. This means that you should • A subject line
read the text carefully so that you can work out who it has been written • A polite greeting
to and why. • A sign-off
Leaflets, Flyers and Posters
Leaflets, flyers and posters are usually used to: Look out for:
• Persuade the reader to do or buy something • Contact details
• Briefly inform the reader about something
• Bright colours
• Images
If their main purpose is to persuade, these texts types are likely to
be quite informal, e.g. use a conversational tone and include a • Graphics
range of different persuasive language techniques. • Headings
• Subheadings
If their main purpose is to inform, these text types are likely to be
more formal, e.g. have a detached tone, and include lots of facts • Logos
(potentially using graphics like charts and graphs to illustrate
statistics also).

These features can vary between texts. For example, an

informative leaflet might use informal language and techniques
like direct address to the reader in order to make it sound more
light-hearted. Make sure that you read each text very carefully!
Reports
Reports are usually written for a company or organisation. You might see reports
on health and safety incidents or the number of sales that a company has made for
example.

Reports are written to give people information that they can use to make important
decisions. Often, a report will contain an introduction to explain what the issue is,
and a conclusion with recommendations as to what the next steps should be to
achieve a certain goal.

Reports are always:

• Very formal
• Highly informative

Look out for:

• Headings and subheadings
• Introductions and conclusions
• Facts and statistics
• Graphs or charts
Forum posts
Forum posts are online comments from a range of contributors. They will often resemble
a discussion, as different people will give their opinions on a topic or question.

Forum posts tend to be:

• Short
• Opinionated
• Informal

Individually, forum posts are quite short and lack detail. This is because the writers just want to give their opinions, and they can
contribute even if they have not done very much research on the topic or if they don’t have strong reasons to support their view.

Individual forum posts are likely to be very biased, as writers will generally give one-sided opinions with little evidence. However,
when all forum posts are considered, you will probably see a balance of different opinions. Some people might be more positive and
some might be more negative, meaning that the overall level of bias will be low.
Text Types Examples
What type of text is this? (Answer on the next slide)

To: sarahslater99@[Link]
From: ryantheman43@[Link]
Subject: Hiking this weekend?

Hi Sarah,

Long time no see! What are your plans for the weekend?
I was thinking we could go hiking if the weather is nice.
There's a new trail I’ve been wanting to check out, and it’s
supposed to have some amazing views. Let me know if
you’re interested!

Best wishes,
Ryan
Text Types Examples
Answer to the previous slide: It’s an email! Notice the email addresses and
subject line at the top. Emails are generally addressed to just one person or
organisation, and they can vary in formality depending on the audience.

Have another go! What type of text is this? (Answer on the next slide)

The Future of Fashion

By Gloria Glamour
29.07.2024

We explore the latest trends in sustainable fashion, featuring interviews with top
designers and eco-friendly brands.

From biodegradable fabrics to innovative recycling processes, the fashion

industry is evolving. Read on to discover how these changes are shaping the
future and what you can do to stay ahead in style...
Text Types Examples
Answer to the previous slide: It’s an article. As it focuses on a topic
related to people’s lifestyles, and uses techniques such as direct
address to entertain and engage the reader, it is likely to be from a
magazine.

What type of text is this? (Answer on the next slide)

Annual Financial Trends: July 2023 - July 2024

This document provides an outline of the financial performance of the

company over the past year, including revenue, expenses, and profit
margins.

Key highlights include:

• A 10% increase in overall revenue
• A successful reduction in operational costs by 5%.

The document also provides insights into the company’s future financial
strategies and projected growth for the upcoming year.
Text Types Examples
Answer to the previous slide: It’s a report. Reports are very formal documents
that inform the reader. They are usually written on behalf of a business and
organisation, and help the reader to make decisions.

What type of text is this? (Answer on the next slide)

City Council Approves New Park

By Parker Greenwood
29.07.2024

In a unanimous decision yesterday, the city council approved the construction of a

new park in downtown. The project aims to provide more green spaces for residents,
offering a place for recreation and relaxation. Construction is set to begin next month,
with an expected completion date of spring next year. Local businesses and
community members have shown strong support for the initiative...
Text Types Examples
Answer to the previous slide: It’s newspaper article. Newspaper articles tend to be very factual, maintaining a formal tone
and often containing quotes from official sources and experts.

What type of text is this? (Answer on the next slide)

Favourite Books of 2024

JavidReader: Hi everyone! What are some of your favourite books that you've read in 2024? I've just finished "The Midnight Library"
by Matt Haig, and it was fantastic. The concept of exploring different lives through a magical library really resonated with me.

bookMark: Hey @JavidReader! "The Midnight Library" is definitely a great read. One of my favourites this year has been "Project Hail
Mary" by Andy Weir. It’s a thrilling sci-fi novel with a lot of heart. The science is fascinating, and the story is gripping from start to
finish.

PaigeTurner: I agree with both of you, those books are amazing. Another book that stood out to me this year is "Klara and the Sun"
by Kazuo Ishiguro. It’s a beautifully written story about artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. I found it both thought-
provoking and emotional.

JavidReader: "Klara and the Sun" is on my reading list! Thanks for the recommendation, @PaigeTurner. I’ve heard a lot of good
things about "Project Hail Mary” as well, @bookMark. Seems like I’ve got some great reads ahead of me!

bookMark: No problem, @JavidReader. Happy reading! Let us know what you think once you’ve finished them.
Text Types
Examples
Answer to the previous slide: It’s
an online discussion forum! There
are different contributors providing
their own opinions about books
they have read or want to read.

This text type is very likely to come

up in your reading exam, so it’s a
good idea to remember that:

• It is likely to give a balance of

positive and negative opinions,
so be somewhat biased, but less
biased than texts that give only
one opinion.
• It is likely to be very informal and
chatty
Practice Questions
Q1- What type of text is this? (1 mark)

Q2- What does the graph show you? (1

mark)

Q3- This text is the first page of The Water

Corporation's yearly overview. Can you
think of any organisational features that
are likely to be included in the rest of the
overview? (1 mark)

Q4- Has this text been written with an

appropriate formality for the text type? (1
mark)

Q5- Who is likely to be the audience for

this text? (1 mark)
 Answers
Q1- What type of text is this? (1 mark)
Report

Q2- What does the graph show you? (1

mark)
It shows the increase in sales over
time/ over the years

Q3- This text is the first page of The Water

Corporation's yearly overview. Can you
think of any organisational features that
are likely to be included in the rest of the
overview? (1 mark)

Bullet points, numbers,

footnotes/references, text boxes,
headings, subheadings, paragraphs
 Answers
Q4- Has this text been written with an
appropriate formality for the text type? (1
mark)

Yes (it’s a formal text, which is the

appropriate formality for a report)

Q5- Who is likely to be the audience for

this text? (1 mark)

The water corporation business/the

company, management, the CEO
(accept similar answers)
Practice What We Have Learnt
Click here for more questions

Questions

Click here for the answers

Answers
Homework
Complete the topic test 1.2 Text Types