What are the TEXT types CONVENTIONS
In this section students will find a guide to factors that have to be taken into account in structuring texts.
When structuring a text (written or oral), students must consider the following factors:
- Language features
- Language structures
- Language conventions
In this section, for each type of text and for each of the factors mentioned above, we will provide detailed information.
It is essential that students are exposed to a wide range of texts during the language ab initio course, and are aware of the language features that each text entails. This will help students address the requirements of Criterion C: conceptual understanding in the Paper 1 written task.
The context, purpose and audience of the text, and whether the text will be spoken or written, will determine the language chosen.
The newspaper article
A newspaper article is a piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication. Teachers can use the following video t...
The essay
An essay is a piece of writing that gives the writer's own argument. Teachers can use the following video to teach how to write an essay. ...
The diary or journal entry
The diary or journal entries are individual pieces of writing that form people's personal journals, and express their thoughts, feelings, interests an...
The email
An e-mail (electronic mail) is an exchange message between computers, by telecommunication. Teachers can use the following video to teach how to writ...
The interview
An interview is a conversation with a person or questioning a person. It can be conducted for television, radio or newspaper. A particular form of in...
The invitation
An invitation is a written or verbal request inviting someone to go somewhere or to do something. Teachers can use the following video to teach...
The letter (formal)
A letter (formal) is a form of written communication, containing information or a message, sent by one person to another, to convey the message....
The letter (informal)
A letter (informal) is a form of written communication, containing information or a message, sent by one person to another. It contains...
The note, message
A note or message is a brief record of something written down to assist the memory or for future reference. A common type of note is the Thank you no...
The blog
A blog (shortening of 'weblog') is an online journal or informational website displaying information in the reverse chronological order. The latest in...
The postcard
A postcard is a piece of card, usually with a picture on one side, which people can write on and send to other people without using an envelope....
The proposal
A proposal is a plan or an idea, which is presented for people to think about and decide upon. It can be written or oral. Purpose of the commun...
Maps, charts and tables
Maps A map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface. Maps presen...
The report
A report is a document that presents information in an organised format for a specific audience and purpose. Teachers can use the following vid...
The review
A film or book review is the analysis of a film or book made by one person or collectively, expressing the opinion on the movie or book. Teache...
The speech or talk
A Speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience. Teachers can use the following video to teach how to write the text of a speech....
The story or narrative
A story or narrative is a spoken or written account of connected events. Purpose of the communication To entertain, amuse, or in...
The text message
A text message is an electronic communication sent and received by mobile phone. It is usually called text or sms. It is sent to s...
The survey
A survey is a collection and examination of behaviors, opinions or points of view made by asking people questions. In the page Survey ...
The advertisement
Advertisements are public notices designed to inform and motivate people to purchase goods and/or services. Teachers can use the following videos to...
The poster
Posters are large pieces of printed paper that include pictures and writing. They are made to be displayed on a wall or other flat surface, and may be...
The notice board
A notice board is a board on a wall on which notices can be fixed. In a company, notice boards can also be used to display graphs, data, fac...
The menu
A menu is a list of food and beverages, with prices, offered to customers. There are different types of menu, the two main ones bei...
The timetable
A timetable is a text showing the times when particular events are to take place. A school timetable is a list that shows the times...
Social media posting/chat room
Social media posting/chat is the action of publishing your messages (posts) online and interacting with others on their posts. Teachers can...
The list
A list is any enumeration of a number of items. Lists can be ordered or unordered, depending on whether the items are grouped in a particu...
The invitation card
An invitation message is a short written or spoken request to come to an event such as a party, a meal, or a meeting. Teachers can...
The invitation letter
An invitation letter is a document that presents a formal request for the presence of an individual, a group of people or an organization at an event....