An Introduction to the unit Functional Text Types An Introduction to the unit

The Text Types Text types come in many different forms. We use text types everyday, and we don’t even realise. Text types tell us about human experiences in imaginative ways. Their purpose is to make readers think, laugh, cry or be entertained. Visual elements, such as pictures, can be used by the narrator to help communicate meaning.

Literary and Factual Text Types Literary text types are those that are used for entertainment purposes and are not necessarily based on fact. Examples of literary text types include narratives, recount and diary entries. Factual text types are those that are used for informative purposes. These text types require information and knowledge of an event, concept or idea and the impact that they have on an individual. Examples of factual text types include information reports, exposition, recount, explanation and discussion.

The Different Text Types What do they do? Example Narrative Narratives tell us a story and teach us about someone else’s experience. Procedure Procedures give us instructions about how to do something. Exposition An exposition gives us an argument from one person’s perspective. Explanation An explanation tells us how something works or occurs. Diary Entry Diary entries allow us to express our most personal feelings and ideas without anyone else judging what we think.

The Different Text Types What do they do? Example Information Report Reports give us information about an event, how it occurred and its impact on people. Recount A recount inform us about how an event occurred, including what happened before and after. Discussion Discussions allow us to read an argument from both sides, from an objective point of view. Letter Writing a letter allows us to communicate closely with a friend (like in personal letters) or with a potential employer.

Narratives A revision

What is a narrative? Narratives tell a story and entertain the audience. The purpose of a narrative, other than providing entertainment, can be to make the audience think about an issue, teach them a lesson or engage their emotions.

What types of narratives are there? Write a list of 4 different types of narratives that exist.

Features of a narrative Constructing a narrative Orientation – this is the beginning of the story where everything is established. (Who, what, when and where) Complication – this is the problem that causes the story to start. (Why did the events occur the way that they did?)

Sequence of events – where the characters react to the complication. Resolution – this is where the complication (or problem) is solved. Coda – this is an optional step that provides a comment or moral based on what has been learned from the story.

Grammatical features of a Narrative Narratives usually include the following grammatical features: Nouns - these identify the specific characters and places Adjectives - provide accurate descriptions of the characters and settings Verbs - show the actions that occur in the story Time words - connect events, telling us when they occurred.

Writing a narrative Decide on a possible topic, or event. It could be something that has already happened to you, or something you’re wanting to happen. Examples include: “If I won a million dollars, I would…” “Where am I? Is this…” Life has many paths to walk along. Did I get lost?

Planning your narrative Orientation – who, what, when, where? Complication – what happens? Sequence of events – what happens to help you solve the problem, leads up to the climax in your story Resolution – how is the problem solved? Coda – moral to your story

Analysing your narrative What are the language features that you use in your narrative? Can you identify the different parts of your narrative? What is the purpose of your narrative? What is your narrative about?

Writing an analysis In half a page, use the questions on the previous slide to help you write an analysis. Make sure you write each of your ideas in a separate paragraph, rather than put them into the same paragraph.