A guide to understanding different types of writing and text types.
Reading and writing are complex skills that demand much from students. As they progress, we must assist them in going beyond grammar, punctuation, and spelling and understanding the conventions and structures of the various text types or genres.
By understanding the significance of each text type, educators can tailor their teaching strategies to meet the specific demands of different written contexts.
When students comprehend the purpose of an essay they have been assigned, they can approach it strategically and customize it to the intended audience.
Whether students are deciphering a Shakespearean sonnet, grappling with a scientific research paper, or crafting a persuasive argument, a nuanced understanding of text types will help them confidently navigate the intricacies of language.
In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of literary and factual text types. For greater insight, be sure to read the full guides attached to each type.
What are the main text types?
There are many ways to categorize the broad range of reading and writing materials we encounter daily. But, generally speaking, it’s helpful to think of them in terms of two overarching and broad categories: factual and literary.
We will discuss various sub-categories that fall under these two broad categories. It’s worth noting that different curricula might refer to text types in varying ways. For instance, a recount is also known as a personal narrative in certain regions, and there are several text types with multiple names.
FACTUAL TEXTS
ENDEAVOR TO INFORM, INSTRUCT, OR PERSUADE THROUGH THE USE OF FACTS AND INFORMATION.
LITERARY TEXTS
SEEK TO ENTERTAIN, ENLIGHTEN, OR ELICIT EMOTION THROUGH A CREATIVE USE OF LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE.
Factual Text Types
ARGUMENTATIVE Texts
An argumentative essay is a type of writing in which the author takes a stance on a particular issue or topic and presents arguments and evidence to support that position.
The primary goal is to persuade the reader to adopt the author’s viewpoint or consider it seriously, at the least.
Argumentative Texts are commonly assigned to students in grades three and above. They require them to critically analyze information, develop a clear thesis or main idea, and present a well-structured and reasoned argument.
Argumentative essays are used for debates, policy advocacy, public discourse, critical thinking development, research, and expressing personal views, contributing to social and intellectual dialogue.
| Argumentative Text Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | A discussion, or Argumentative text aims to explore more than one point of view on a given subject to reach an informed opinion or to decide on an issue. |
| Structure: | Generally speaking, discussion texts will provide background information on the issue before introducing the central area or areas of contention. At this point, the text will then explore the various arguments for and against with an examination of the supporting evidence. The conclusion will summarise both sides of the argument before giving a recommendation based on the writer’s evaluation of those arguments. |
| Main Features: | The title is often in the form of a question Written in the present tense Specific examples follow generic statements Arguments are sometimes supported by diagrams, illustrations etc |
Quick Writing Activity: An effective way to lead to writing a discussion text is to hold a discussion or debate in the classroom on a contentious issue or a topic that piques the interest of your class. For example, Should video games be considered a sport? or should homeschooling replace traditional schooling due to technology?
The style of an argumentative essay is typically formal, and the tone is persuasive. The writer should aim to engage the reader and convey the issue’s importance.
Biographies
Biographies are written accounts of people’s lives, providing a comprehensive and detailed narrative of their experiences, achievements, and societal impact. These works offer insight into the individual’s character, contributions, and the historical or cultural context in which they lived. Biographies can take various forms, including books, articles, documentaries, or online profiles, and they are valuable for preserving and sharing the stories of notable individuals.
Examples of biographies include “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Anne Frank, “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson, and “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough. Biographies play a crucial role in documenting the lives of influential individuals, preserving their stories, and inspiring readers with accounts of human achievement and resilience.
| Biographical Text Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else. The purpose is to provide your audience with a factual recount of significant events and insight into what type of personality traits they may have had. |
| Structure: | Biographies follow a chronological structure, detailing a person’s life from birth to significant events, accomplishments, and impact, providing a comprehensive narrative of their journey and contributions. |
| Features | Written in the past tense, depending upon the status of your person of interest. Biographies provide facts about events, dates, times, etc. (Timelines may be useful here.) Biographies are written from the third-person perspective. |
Quick Writing Activity: As a warm-up to biographical writing, Students imagine themselves as the subject of the biography and write diary entries from that person’s perspective. This activity encourages empathy, deepens understanding of the character’s emotions, and fosters creative expression while maintaining a connection to factual information.
DISCUSSIONS
A discussion essay is a type of academic writing that presents and explores different perspectives on a given topic.
Unlike an argumentative essay, where the author takes a specific stance and argues in favour of it, a discussion essay requires the writer to consider various viewpoints, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each, and present a well-rounded view of the issue.
The goal is not necessarily to persuade the reader to adopt a particular position but to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Discussion essays are often assigned in academic settings to assess students’ ability to analyze complex issues, consider different perspectives, and present a well-reasoned discussion. They are commonly found in subjects such as philosophy, sociology, and political science, where exploring diverse viewpoints on a topic is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
| Discussions Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | The title is often in the form of a question Written in the present tense Specific examples follow generic statements Arguments are sometimes supported by diagrams, illustrations, etc The language in a discussion essay is typically formal, and the tone is objective. |
| Structure: | A discussion, or Argumentative text, aims to explore more than one point of view on a given subject to reach an informed opinion or to decide on an issue. |
| Main Features: | The title is often in the form of a question Written in the present tense Specific examples follow generic statements Arguments are sometimes supported by diagrams, illustrations etc The language in a discussion essay is typically formal, and the tone is objective. |
Quick Writing Activity: An effective way to lead to writing a discussion text is to hold a discussion or debate in the classroom on a contentious issue or a topic that piques the interest of your class. For example, Should video games be considered a sport? or should homeschooling replace traditional schooling due to technology?
The style of an argumentative essay is typically formal, and the tone is persuasive. The writer should aim to engage the reader and convey the issue’s importance.
EXPOSITORY TEXTS & Explanatory ESSAYS
Explanatory texts, expository texts, or explanatory essays are written compositions that aim to provide information, clarify concepts, or explain a particular subject to the reader. The primary purpose of explanatory texts is to convey factual information in a clear, organized, and easily understandable manner. These texts can be found in various forms, including essays, articles, manuals, textbooks, and reports.
| Explanatory Text Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | Explanatory texts move beyond straightforward descriptions to look at causes and reasons. They move beyond retelling what happened, such as in a simple report, to address the why and how of what happened. |
| Structure: | Explanatory texts usually open with a general statement that introduces the topic to be explored, such as “During the winter, some birds migrate to warmer parts of the world.” The various steps of the process are then explained in logical order. |
| Features: | Explanatory texts usually open with a general statement that introduces the topic to be explored, such as “During the winter, some birds migrate to warmer parts of the world.” The various steps of the process are then explained in logical order. |
Suggested Activity: Task students with going to the library and gathering a range of explanatory texts on various topics. In groups, students go through these texts analyzing the various features they have in common. From their findings, students draw up a detailed list of criteria they can use to write their explanatory texts later.
Information Reports
Information reports, often categorized as expository or informative writing, are compositions that present factual information on a specific topic in a clear, concise, and organized manner. These reports aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject, and they are commonly found in educational, scientific, and professional contexts. Information reports follow a structured format and are characterized by their focus on delivering objective information without personal opinions or biases
Examples of information reports include scientific research papers, academic reports, technical manuals, and informational articles. These reports serve the purpose of presenting information objectively, helping readers gain insights into a specific topic, and serving as a valuable resource for reference and learning.
| Informative Texts Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | The purpose of an informational text is to provide readers with information on a chosen topic by providing them with facts, most commonly in the form of an information report. |
| Structure: | Informative Writing generally opens with a definition, classification or brief description of the subject before using the body of the text to explain facts about it. These facts are organised by logical subheadings and can be supported by pictures, maps or diagrams. |
| Features | Written in the third person perspective, detached from emotive language. Specialized vocabulary and language related to the subject are used. Comparative language provides a context in areas such as size, speed and age. Frequently, the passive voice is employed. It may contain several subheadings. Often include tables, maps, diagrams, or images. |
Suggested Activity: Students will enjoy creating an information report about their favourite animal. Providing facts and information about aspects such as appearance, habitat, movement, food and life cycle. Images and Diagrams will significantly enhance the finished product.
Procedural Texts & INSTRUCTIONAL ESSAYS
Procedural texts, also known as procedural documents or instructional texts, are written compositions that provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform a specific task or achieve a particular goal. Their primary purpose is to inform the reader about a process, procedure, or set of instructions clearly and concisely. These texts are often found in instructional manuals, recipe books, user guides, technical documents, and other contexts where a systematic set of instructions is necessary.
Procedural texts are essential for conveying information in a format that is easily accessible to individuals who need to perform specific tasks or follow a particular process.
| Procedural Text Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | This type of text begins with a defined objective or goal, which often forms the title. Usually, a list of resources, equipment, etc., will be included, followed by a step-by-step description of the process to achieve the desired outcome. Often, the written process is supported by diagrams and/or illustrations. Occasionally, the diagrams or illustrations may replace the written text entirely. |
| Structure: | This type of text begins with a defined objective or goal, often forming the title. Usually, a list of resources, equipment, etc., will be included, followed by a step-by-step description of the process to achieve the desired outcome. Often, the written process is supported by diagrams and/or illustrations. Occasionally, the diagrams or illustrations may replace the written text entirely. |
| Features | The title indicates the process described, e.g. How to… Includes resource/equipment list The process is described step-by-step using bullet points, numbers etc Time connectives are used to organize writing (first, next, then, finally etc.) Imperatives used Diagrams / Illustrations are used to support or replace text. |
Suggested Activity: Partner students up for this writing task. Ask the students to think of something they know how to do well. It could be anything from how to tie shoelaces to how to perform a cartwheel. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as the student clearly understands how to do it. Students then write an explanatory text that explains how to do it. Partners swap their work with each other. They then try to perform the task exclusively following the explanation within the text. If they can’t perform the task as it’s meant to be done, then the writer needs to redraft their work until it can be done.
Persuasive Texts / OPINION WRITING
Persuasive texts cover a broad collection of opinions, and argumentative writing styles are designed to sway the reader’s opinion towards a specific viewpoint or prompt them to undertake a particular action. These texts employ language, style, and tone strategically to present compelling arguments, evidence, and reasoning, aiming to convince the audience. They are prevalent in diverse contexts, encompassing academic writing, advertising, public speeches, and opinion pieces.
Examples of persuasive texts include opinion articles in newspapers or magazines, political speeches, advertising campaigns promoting products or services, letters of recommendation, and persuasive essays within academic settings.
| Persuasive Text Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | The purpose of persuasive type texts is to convince the reader of the merits of adopting a particular viewpoint or taking a specific course of action. |
| Structure: | Beginning with an opening statement or thesis statement, persuasive texts start by summing up the viewpoint to be presented. The body paragraphs then organize, present, and elaborate on this viewpoint. A closing statement then restates and reinforces the original thesis of the text. |
| Features | Written in the simple present tense Moves from a general point to specific points Uses logical connectives (therefore, because of this, this proves that) Employs rhetorical devices Uses facts and evidence to support arguments Addresses reader directly Employs various methods of psychological persuasion |
Suggested Activity: Distribute copies of a persuasive text to students in groups. For example, this could be an advertisement or newspaper editorial. Challenge students in their groups to identify various persuasive strategies employed within the text, whether in terms of structure, presentation, visuals, or language. Students can compare and contrast their findings between groups.
Non-chronological reports
Non-chronological reports are informative writing that presents information about a particular topic without following a strict chronological order. Unlike narratives or historical accounts that organize information based on a sequence of events over time, non-chronological reports present facts, descriptions, and details in a logical and thematic structure. These reports are commonly used in educational contexts, informational articles, and reference materials.
Examples of non-chronological reports include scientific reports, encyclopedia entries, informational articles in magazines, and educational materials. These reports are valuable for presenting information in a structured and thematic manner, making them accessible for readers seeking specific details about a particular topic.
| Non Chronological Texts Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | The purpose of non-chronological reports is to give information and detail about something that happened, but without being tied to providing a linear account in terms of time. |
| Structure: | Though non-chronological reports don’t conform to the usual chronological structure of reports, there is generally an underlying logical structure at work, albeit not temporal. Information is often grouped by category, and the report moves from a general opening statement on the topic to detailed and specific information as the report progresses. |
| Features | Often written in the present tense, third person Sometimes written in the past tense, e.g. on a historical event Frequently, the passive voice is employed Usually focused on general subjects It may contain several subheadings Dispassionate in tone May include tables, diagrams, or images |
Suggested Activity: An informational leaflet is one form of a non-chronological report. Challenge students to produce an information leaflet on something they know, such as a local attraction or historical site. When students have completed their leaflets, please encourage them to review each other’s work and offer feedback.
Recounts
Recounts are a form of writing that involves retelling past events or experiences. The primary purpose of a recount is to inform or entertain the reader by providing a detailed account of what happened. Recounts can take various forms, including personal narratives, diary entries, news reports, or historical retellings. They often use a chronological structure to present events in the order in which they occurred.
Personal narratives, autobiographical accounts, eyewitness testimonies, travel diaries, and historical retellings are examples of recounts. They serve as a means of sharing personal experiences, preserving memories, and conveying information about past events in a compelling and engaging way.
| Recount Texts Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | Recounts focus on retelling events and are generally intended to inform and/or entertain. |
| Structure: | Most often written in the past tense as text type relates events that already happened. Time connectives are used extensively to organise chronology, e.g., first, next, after that, etc. Details are used extensively to flesh out the bare bones of the events. |
| Features | Most often written in the past tense as text type relates events that already happened. Time connectives are used extensively to organise chronology, e.g. first, then, next, after that, etc. Details are used extensively to flesh out the bare bones of the events. |
Suggested Activity: In the library, challenge students to gather as many different types of recounts as possible. In their groups, students review the various recounts and compile a list of criteria for this text type. As a whole class, the groups share their results. Encourage students to pay particular attention to the range of topics that can be presented as recounts and how this can affect the language style. For example, recounting a science experiment will use more technical and formal language than the informal and personal style that might be employed to recount a travel adventure.
Literary Text Types
Poetry
Poetry is a form of artistic expression that uses language to evoke emotions, convey images, and create a rhythmic and musical effect. It is a genre of literature characterized by a heightened use of language, often employing techniques such as meter, rhyme, and metaphor. Poems come in various forms and styles, each with its own unique structure and purpose. Poetry is a rich and diverse literary tradition that allows for creatively exploring themes, emotions, and perspectives.
Examples of famous poets include William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou. Poetry can take various forms, including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and epic poems. Its versatility allows poets to experiment with language, form, and structure to create unique and expressive works.
| Poetry Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | As with all literary genres, poetry can serve various purposes. For example, poetry can be written to entertain, inform, amuse, share knowledge, pass on culture, advance culture, etc. Poetry comes in many forms; sometimes, these forms have specific purposes. For example, limericks are crafted to amuse readers, while elegies are usually written to praise or mourn someone. |
| Structure: | The different types of poetry make use of a variety of different structures. There are way too many to list here. That said, the structure of poetry usually revolves around the use of rhyme schemes, rhythmical patterns, grammatical patterns, and line and stanza length. |
| Features | As with all literary genres, poetry can serve various purposes. For example, poetry can be written to entertain, inform, amuse, share knowledge, pass on culture, advance culture, etc. Poetry comes in many forms, and sometimes, these forms have their own specific purposes. For example, limericks are crafted to amuse readers, while elegies are usually written to praise or mourn someone. |
Suggested Activity: Find an anthology of poetry that groups poems together according to themes. Task your students to look at poems exploring a common theme. Have the students look at the features these poems have in common and the features that differ. Can the students identify the different types of poems?
Narrative
A narrative is a form of writing that tells a story or recounts a series of events. Narratives can take various forms, including short stories, novels, autobiographies, and even some types of essays. The primary goal of a narrative is to engage the reader by presenting a compelling and coherent sequence of events that unfold over time using the story elements of character, setting, plot, theme and conflict.
Examples of Narratives include Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
Narratives entertain, inform, or convey a message through the artful arrangement of events and characters in a story.
| Narrative Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | The purpose of narrative texts is to tell a story. That said, there can be many reasons for storytelling in the first place; for example, myths can be told to explain natural phenomena, and legends can be used to pass on cultural beliefs. Storytelling is a means to entertain and inform readers and allows writers to express themselves creatively and imaginatively. There are many types of narrative text, including myths, fables, traditional tales, novels, short stories, etc., to name but a few. |
| Structure: | There are many narrative text types, but broadly speaking, they all begin by establishing the setting and introducing characters. A problem or complication is introduced, which serves as the driving force behind the ensuing events. After the rising action reaches a dramatic high point or climax, a resolution is achieved, and the story ends. |
| Features | Most often written in the past or present tense Most often, it uses the third or first-person perspective Characters are often recognisably human in their motivations and actions Language is used creatively to paint a picture in the reader’s mind Storytelling may be supplemented by the use of images |
Suggested Activity: This task can be completed using novels, short stories, or even concerning movies the students are familiar with. Have the students draw an x and a y-axis on a piece of paper. Students label the x-axis time and the y-axis action. Students then plot and label the narrative’s introduction, complication, rising action, climax, and resolution. The more intense the action at each point of the story, the higher on the y-axis the point will be plotted. The points are then joined with a line. This will give the students a sense of the ‘shape’ of the story. Internalizing an understanding of this general storytelling pattern will help students immensely in their writing.
Drama
Written drama, often known as a play or script, is a form of literature designed for performance on stage. It involves creating characters, dialogue, and a plot structure to convey a narrative through the characters’ interactions and conflicts.
Written drama incorporates dramatic elements, such as setting, conflict, climax, and resolution, to engage an audience emotionally and intellectually.
Playwrights employ unique techniques, including dialogue, stage directions, and sometimes monologues, to bring their stories to life in a theatrical context, offering a distinct blend of literary and performative artistry.
| Drama Overview | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: | As with narrative texts, the purpose of drama is primarily to entertain through storytelling. Drama can also provide social commentary, communicate culture, amuse, and inform. While there are similarities between narrative storytelling and dramatic storytelling, drama endeavours to tell a story by enacting it on the stage, usually requiring the use of dialogue as a primary means of moving the story on. |
| Structure: | As drama is primarily concerned with storytelling, it often follows the same plot structures as other narrative forms, along with various conventions particular to this form. For example, a novel might have chapters and parts, whereas a drama has scenes and acts. Drama also has written conventions that distinguish it from prose storytelling, such as its extensive use of dialogue and occasional stage directions. |
| Features | The story is related largely through dialogue, with the page showing the characters’ names and the words they speak. Organisational information included, such as set descriptions and stage directions. Story structures common in narrative texts are also used here |
Suggested Activity: Students can explore the different conventions, similarities, and differences between prose and drama by taking a story written in a prose genre, such as a fable, short story, etc., and converting it into a script for a drama.
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In Conclusion
Understanding the various aspects of the different writing genres will help students navigate writing that serves a wide range of purposes.
It will also help students with their own text compositions. Understanding the various underlying text structures will provide students with an effective means of organizing their work, helping to ensure their writing is fit for purpose.
Exposing your students to as many different genres as possible and providing opportunities to explore how these text types operate will go a long way to helping them develop into adaptive and organized readers and writers in the future.
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