1. GENRES IN WRITING

2. RECOUNTS Retelling of a personally-experienced event
Common in children’s writing, journals or diaries
Information is organized in time sequence with short paragraphs
Personal, informal language
Present or past verb tenses

3. NARRATIVES
Telling of a story with setting, characters, problem and solution
Purpose is to entertain or inspire
Information is organized into paragraphs usually in chronological order
Formal or informal language
Variety of tenses

4. PROCEDURES Explains how something is generally done or a goal achieved
Found in operating manuals, recipes, game or craft instructions
Information is presented in a logical sequence of small steps to achieve end result or goal
Verbs figure prominently
Present tense often used

5. REPORTS Provides general factual information about a particular topic
Found in non-fiction text, newspapers, and on the internet
Facts are presented in a concise and accurate manner - technological or specialized vocabulary may be used
Use of formal, objective style with present verb tenses

6. EXPOSITIONS
Presents a position or opinion on a socially-significant topic
Theory-based with facts used to support beliefs or thesis
Organized with explanation of the position, supporting evidence and conclusion reinforcing position
Use of logical structure and linking words (e.g., if…then, first…secondly)