Genre of The Text

Genre of the Text
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Genre of the Text

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Analytical Exposition Text

Analytical exposition is a text that elaborates the writers idea about the phenomenon surrounding.
Its social function is to persuade the reader that the idea is important matter.
Generic structure of analytical exposition:
Thesis, introducing the topic and indicating the writers position;

Argument 1, explaining the argument to support the writers position;
Argument 2, explaining the other arguments support the writers position more;
Reiteration, restating the writers position.
Language feature of analytical exposition:
Using relational process;

Using internal conjunction;
Using causal conjunction;
Using general nouns, e.g. car, pollution, etc;
Using abstract nouns, e.g. policy, etc;
Using technical verbs, e.g. species of animals, etc;
Using relating verbs, e.g. that is important, etc;
Using actions verbs, e.g. we must do, etc;
Using thinking verbs, e.g. some people believe, etc;
Using modal verbs, e.g. we must preserve, etc;
Using modal adverbs, e.g. certainly, surely, etc;
Using connectives, e.g. firstly, secondly, etc;
Using evaluative language, e.g. important, valuable, etc;
Using passive voice, e.g. are changed, etc;
Using simple present tense.
Example of analytical exposition:

Laptop as Students Friend
Conventionally, students need book, pen, eraser, drawing book, ruler and such other stuff.
Additionally, in this multimedia era, students need more to reach their progressive development.
Students need mobile keyboards to record every presented subject easily. Of course it will need more
cost but it will deserve for its function.
First, modern schools tend to apply fast transferring knowledge because the school needs to
catch the target of curriculum. Every subject will tend to be given in demonstrative method.
Consequently students need extra media cover the subject. Since there is a laptop on every students
desk, this method will help student to get better understanding.
Secondly, finding an appropriate laptop is not difficult as it was. Recently there is an online
shop which provides comprehensive information. The best is that the shop has service of online
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shopping. The students just need to brows that online shop, decide which computer or laptop they
need, and then complete the transaction. After that the laptop will be delivered to the students
houses. That is really easy and save time and money.
From all of that, having mobile computer is absolutely useful for students who want to catch
the best result for their study. Buying laptop online is advisable because it will cut the price. This
online way is recommended since online shop also provides several laptop types. Students just need
to decide which type they really need.
Anecdote Text
Anecdote is a text which retells funny and unusual incidents in fact or imagination. Its purpose is to
entertain the readers.
Generic structure of anecdote:
Abstract;
Orientation;
Crisis;
Incident;
Coda.
Language feature of anecdote:
Using exclamation words, e.g. its awful!, its wonderful!, etc;

Using imperative, e.g. listen to this, etc;
Using rhetoric question, e.g. do you know what?, etc;
Using action verb, e.g. go, write, etc;
Using conjunction of time, e.g. then, afterward, etc;
Using simple past tense.
Example of anecdote:
There was a black family in Scotland years ago. They were Clark family with nine children.
They had a dream to go to America. The family worked and saved. They were making plan to travel
with their children to America. It had taken several years but finally they had saved enough money.
They had gotten passport. They had booked seats for the whole family member in a new liner to
America.
The entire family was full of anticipation and excitement with their new life in America.
However few days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor sewed up
the boy. Because of the possibility of getting rabies, there were being quarantined for long days. They
were in quarantine when the departure time came. The family dreams were dashed. They could not
make the trip to America as they had planned.
The father was full of disappointed and anger. He stomped the dock to watch the ship leaved
without him and his family. He shed tears of disappointment. He cursed both his son and God for the
misfortune.
Five days latter, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland. The ship, the mighty Titanic, had
shank. It took hundreds of passenger and crew with it. Titanic which had been called the unsinkable
ship had sunk. It was unbelievable but it was.
The Clark family should have been on that ship, but because of the bitten son by a dog, they
were left behind. When the father heard the news, he hugged the son and thanked him for saving the
family. He thanked God for saving their lives. It was a blessing behind a tragedy. (Source: Look
Ahead 2).
Recount Text
Recount is a text which retells events or experiences in the past. Its social function is either to inform
the purpose, to entertain or to retell the events to audience. There is no complication among the
participants and that differentiates from narrative.
Recount is a piece of text that retells past events, usually in the order in which they happened. The
purpose of a recount is to give the audience a description of what occurred and when it happened.
Types of recount:
Personal recount, these usually retell an event that the writer was personally involved in;
Factual recount, recording an incident, e.g. a science experiment, police report;
Imaginative recount, writing an imaginary role and giving details of events, e.g. A day in the
life of a pirate, and How I invented.
Generic structure of recount:
Orientation, introducing the participants, place and time;

Events, describing series of event that happened in the past;
Reorientation, it is optional. Stating personal comment of the writer to the story.
Language feature of recount:
Introducing personal participant, e.g. I, my group, etc;

Using chronological connection, e.g. then, first, etc;
Using linking verb, e.g. was, were, saw, heard, etc;
Using action verb, e.g. look, go, change, etc;
The recount has a title, which usually summarizes the text;
Specific participants, e.g. Mum, The Crab, etc;
The basic recount consists of three parts, the setting or orientation - background information
answering who, when, where, why. Events are identified and described in chronological
order. Concluding comments express a personal opinion regarding the events described;
Details are selected to help the reader reconstruct the activity or incident (factual recount);
The ending may describe the outcome of the activity (e.g. In a science activity (factual
recount));
Details of time, place and incident need to be clearly stated (e.g. At 11.15 pm, between Reid
Rd and Havelock St., a man drove at 140 kilometers toward the shopping centre (factual
recount));
Descriptive details may also be required to provide information (e.g. He was a skinny boy
with a blue shirt or Red sneakers and long tied back hair (factual recount));
Includes personal thoughts/reactions (imaginative recount);
Using material processes, e.g. was walking, etc;
Focusing on temporal sequences;
Describes events;
Using adverb;
Passive voice may be used;
Example of recount:
Tour in Bali
There were so many places to see in Bali that my friend decided to join the tours to see as much
as possible. My friend stayed in Kuta on arrival. He spent the first three days swimming and surfing
on Kuta beach. He visited some tour agents and selected two tours. The first one was to Singaraja, the
second was to Ubud.
On the day of the tour, he was ready. My friend and his group drove on through mountains.
Singaraja is a city of about 90 thousands people. It is a busy but quiet town. The streets are lined with
trees and there are many Old Dutch houses. Then they returned very late in the evening to Kuta.
The second tour to Ubud was a very different tour. It was not to see the scenery but to see the
art and the craft of the island. The first stop was at Batubulan, a center of stone sculpture. There my
friend watched young boys were carving away at big blocks of stone. The next stop was Celuk, a
center for silversmiths and goldensmiths. After that he stopped a little while for lunch at Sukawati
and on to mass. Mass is a tourist center.
My friend ten-day-stay ended very quickly beside his two tours, all his day was spent on the
beach. He went sailing or surfboarding every day. He was quiet satisfied.
Report Text
Report is a text which presents information about something, as it is. It is as a result of systematic
observation and analysis.
Informative reports are written about living things like plants and animals and non-living things like
cars or oceans. An information report is used when we talk and write about, e.g. Bikes. When writing
a description we only talk/write about one specific thing, e.g. My Bike.
Generic structure of report:
General classification, stating classification of general aspect of thing, such as animal, public
place, plant, etc, which will be discussed in general;
Description, describing the thing which will be discussed in detail, part per part, customs or
deed for living creature and usage for materials, habit/behavior or uses if no natural.
Language feature of report:
Introducing group or general aspect (generic participant);

Using conditional logical connection, e.g. when, so, etc;
Using simple present tense;
No temporal sequence;
Nouns and noun phrases are used rather than personal pronouns. The use of personal
pronouns is limited;
Some reports use technical or scientific terms;
Linking verbs are used, e.g. is, are, has, have, belong to, to give coherence;
Uses some action verbs, e.g. climb, eat, etc;
Technical vocabulary;
Usually accompanied by photographs, diagrams, maps, etc.
Example of report:
Many people call platypus duckbill because this animal has a bill like duckbill. Platypus is a
native Tasmania and southern and eastern Australia.
Platypus has a flat tail and webbed feet. Its body length is 30 to 45 cm and covered with a thick
and woolly layer of fur. Its bill is detecting prey and stirring up mud. Platypus eyes and head are
small. It has no ears but has ability to sense sound and light.
Platypus lives in streams, rivers, and lakes. Female platypus usually digs burrows in the
streams or river banks. The burrows are blocked with soil to protect it from intruders and flooding. In
the other hand, male platypus does not need any burrow to stay.
Spoof Text
Spoof is a text which tells factual story, happened in the past time with unpredictable and funny
ending. Its social function is to entertain and share the story.
Generic structure of spoof:
Orientation, sets the scene;

Events, writer tell what happened;
Twist, provide the punch line.
Language feature of spoof:
Focusing on people, animals or certain things;

Using action verb (material processes), e.g. ate, ran, saw, etc;
Using adverb of time and place;
Told in chronological order;
Use of past tense.
Example of spoof:
Mrs. Andrews and Her Clever Losing Cat
Mrs. Andrews had a young cat and it was the cats first winter. One evening, the cat was
outside when it began to snow heavily. Mrs. Andrews looked for it everywhere and shouted its name.
But she didnt find it. So, she telephoned the police and said, I have lost a small black cat. Has
anybody found one?
No, maam, said the policeman at the other end. But, cats are very strong animals. They
sometimes live for days in the snow and when it melts or somebody finds them, they are quite
alright.
Mrs. Andrews felt happier when she heard that. I think you are right, officer, she said. And
besides, our cat is very clever. She almost talks.
The policeman was getting rather tired. Well, then, he said. Why dont you put your
telephone down? Perhaps she is trying to telephone you now.
Narrative Text
Narrative is a text focusing specific participants. Its social function is to tell stories or past events and
entertain the readers. Narrative deals with problematic events which lead to a crisis or turning point
of some kind, which in turn finds a resolution.
The basic purpose of narrative is to entertain, to gain and hold a readers interest. However narratives
can also be written to teach or inform, to change attitudes/social opinions e.g. Soap Operas and
Television Dramas that are used to raise topical issues. Narratives sequence people/characters in
time and place but differ from recounts in that through the sequencing, the stories set up one or more
problems, which must eventually find a way to be resolved.
Generic structure of narrative:
Orientation, introducing the participants and informing the time and the place;
Evaluation, it is optional, used to a stepping back to evaluate the plight;
Complication or problem, describing the rising crises which the participants have to do with;
Resolution, showing the way of participant to solve the crises, better or worse;
Reorientation, it is optional.
Language feature of narrative:
Using processes verbs;

Using linking verbs and linking words of time;
Using temporal conjunction and temporal circumstances;
Using material processes, behavioural and verbal processes;
Using relational processes and mental processes;
Using mental verbs and action verbs;
Focus on specific and usually individualized participants;
Some dialogue may included, using present or future;
Connectives, linking words to do with time;
Specific nouns, strong nouns have more specific meanings, e.g. oak as opposed to tree;
Use of the senses, where appropriate, the senses can be used to describe and develop the
experiences, setting and character, e.g. what does it smell like, what can be heard, what can be
seen-details, what does it taste like, what does it feel like;
Imagery of narrative:
Simile, a direct comparison, using likes or as or as though, e.g. The Sea looked as rumpled as
a blue quilted dressing gown or The wind wrapped me up like a cloak;
Metaphor, an indirect or hidden comparison, e.g. She has a heart of stone or He is a
stubborn mule or The man barked out the instructions;
Onomatopoeia, a suggestion of sound through words, e.g. crackle, splat, ooze, squish, boom,
e.g. The tires whir on the road or The pitter-patter of soft rain or The mud oozed and
squished through my toes;
Personification, giving nonliving things (inanimate) living characteristics, e.g. The steel
beam clenched its muscles or Clouds limped across the sky or The pebbles on the path
were grey with grief;
Rhetorical questions, often the author asks the audience questions, knowing of course there
will be no direct answer. This is a way of involving the reader in the story at the outset, e.g.
Have you ever built a tree hut?
Types of narrative:
There are many types of narrative. They can be imaginary, factual or a combination of both;
They may include fairy stories, mysteries, science fiction, romances, horror stories, adventure
stories, fables, myths and legends, historical narratives, ballads, slice of life, personal
experience.
To help students plan for writing of narratives, model, focusing on:
Plot, e.g. what is going to happen;

Setting, e.g. where will the story take place, when will the story take place;
Characterization, e.g. who are the main characters, what do they look like;
Structure, e.g. how will the story begin, what will be the problem, how is the problem going
to be resolved;
Theme, e.g. what is the theme/message the writer is attempting to communicate, etc.
Example of narrative:
The Legend of Toba Lake
Once upon time, there was a handsome man. His name was Batara Guru Sahala. He liked
fishing. One day, he caught a fish. He was surprised to find out that the fish could talk. The fish
begged him to set it free.
Batara Guru could not bear it. He made the fish free. As soon as it was free, the fish changed
into a very beautiful woman. She attracted Batara Guru so much. He felt in love with that fishwoman. The woman wanted to marry with him and said that Batara Guru had to keep the secret
which she had been a fish. Batara Guru agreed and promised that he would never tell anybody about
it.
They were married happily. They had two daughters. One day Batara Guru got very angry
with his daughter. He could not control his mad. He shouted angrily and got the word of fish to his
daughters. The daughters were crying. They found their mother and talked her about it.
The mother was very annoyed. Batara Guru broke his promise. The mother was shouting
angrily. Then the earth began to shake. Volcanoes started to erupt. The earth formed a very big hole.
People believed that the big hole became a lake. Then this lake is known as Toba Lake.
Hortatory Exposition Text

Hortatory exposition is a text which represents the attempt of the writer to have the addressee do
something or act in certain way.
Generic structure of hortatory exposition:
Thesis;
Arguments;
Recommendation.
Language feature of hortatory exposition:
Focusing on the writer;

Using abstract noun, e.g. policy, advantage, etc;
Using action verb, e.g. we must act, etc;
Using technical verb, e.g. species of animal, etc;
Using thinking verb, e.g. I believe, etc;
Using modal adverb, e.g. certainly, surely, etc;
Using modal verb, e.g. we must preserve, etc;
Using temporal connective, e.g. firstly, secondly, etc;
Using evaluative words, e.g. important, valuable, trustworthy, etc;
Using relating verb, e.g. should be, must be, etc;
Using passive voice;
Example of hortatory:
Where Should Be After School?
The National examination result will be publicly enounced in next short time. Euphoria will
flood for those who get success. In the other hand, it will be sorry to hear that there are some of them
do not succeed in their national final examination. For those who succeed soon will think to decide,
where will they be after graduating high school? Actually it will be easy to decide for those has been
arranged and thought earlier but for those have not planned yet, it will be quite confusing.
Continuing study or looking for work is the primary choice among them. When they think
about continuing study, they will think hard about the time and cost. How long the higher study will
last? And how high is about the cost. In the same way, when they think about straight seeking job,
what skill and competence they have got is a big matter of questioning. So, doing both choices in the
same time is an alternative.
Continuing study as well as seeking job is possibly done but it will be hard for them.
Conventionally studying in the university needs much time to spend especially in the first year. It is
true because they have to do and adapt a lot of things in their new higher school. It will be very hard
to looking for job. Therefore it should come to their mind of continuing studying at higher school
from their own home. As result, the available time will be more flexible for them. Then it will be very
possible to seek job and get the appropriate one. This type of studying is publicly known as distance
learning.
As the alternative method of studying, besides the conventional studying which students and
the lecturer have to meet in the fixed time and place regularly, distance learning provides possibility
to grow better. Possibly working and studying surely will create high quality graduate. Distance
learning should appear as a considerable choice for them.
Discussion Text
Discussion is a text which presents a problematic discourse. This problem will be discussed from
different viewpoints. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic, and social text.
Discussion used to support ideas presented in sequence to justify a particular stand or viewpoint that
a writer is taking.
A discussion usually consists of the following:
A statement of position at the beginning;

A logical sequence;
The argument is put forward in a series of points with back up evidence;
A good argument shows cause and effect. This is the connection between an action and what
leads to it, e.g. The fish died as a result of pollution in the water or Violence in movies
contributes to violence in society;
A summing up or restating of position at the end.
Generic structure of discussion:
Statement of issue, stating the issue which is to discussed;

List of supporting points, presenting the point in supporting the presented issue;
List of contrastive point, presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point;
Recommendation, stating the writers recommendation of the discourse.
Language feature of discussion:
Introducing category or generic participant;

Generic terms relevant to the subject i.e. degradation, conservation, etc;
Use of comparison and contrast words i.e. also, as, like, similar to, although, differs from,
however, etc;
Use of linking words i.e. on the other hand, although, in contrast to, this is supported by, in
spite of, however, etc;
Language indicating judgment and values i.e. very funny, depressing, etc;
Using present tense;
The writer uses repetition of words, phrases and concepts deliberately, for effect;
Use of passive voice i.e. verbs in which the subject is acted upon and not doing the action.
This helps structure the text (e.g. We would like to suggest that an enquiry be held into the
running of the steel mills and Water is being polluted);
Conjunctions that can exemplify and show results - they are usually used in concluding
statements to finalize arguments;
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Verbs are used when expressing opinions (e.g. I think ... are the best! and We believe
students should not be stopped from eating junk food!);
Using thinking verb, e.g. feel, hope, believe, etc;
Using additive, contrastive, and causal connection, e.g. similarly, on the hand, however, etc;
Using modalities, e.g. must, should, could, may, etc;
Using adverbial of manner, e.g. deliberately, hopefully, etc.
Example of discussion:
Hunting Fox
Foxhunting is a subject that provokes very strong feelings. Many people believe that it is cruel
to hunt a fox with dogs and totally agree with its ban.
Many farmer and even conservationists, however, have always argued that the fox is a pest
which attacks livestock and must be controlled.
Explanation Text
Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to forming of natural, social, scientific and cultural
phenomena. Explanation text is to say why and how of the forming of the phenomena. It is often
found in science, geography and history text books.
There are two basic types of explanation which focus on:
How (e.g. how does a pump work, how does a computer work, how are mountains
formed, how does a spider spin a web);
Why (e.g. why do some things float or sink, why is the ozone layer getting thinner, why
does iron go rusty, why do living things need food).
Generic structure of explanation:
General statement, stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained;

Sequenced explanation, stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena;
Closing.
Language feature of explanation:
Featuring generic participant, e.g. sun, rain, etc;

Using chronological connection, e.g. to begin with, next, etc;
Using action verbs, e.g. go, do, help, etc;
Using passive voice, e.g. are changed, is sealed, etc;
Using non human participant, e.g. the sea, the jungle, etc;
Use of nouns tends to be general rather than specific, e.g. cars, boats, spiders, schools, etc;
Using conjunction, e.g. and, so, then, after this so, etc;
Example of explanation:
How Day and Night Happen?
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The sun seems to rise in the morning, crosses the sky during the day and sets at night.
However the sun does not actually move around the earth. Earths turning on its axis makes it look as
if the sun is moves. The earth makes a complete turn on its axis for 24 hours. It is called as rotation. It
causes day and night. The earth also moves around the sun. It takes 365 days or a year. This process is
called revolution. The revolution process causes the changes of the season.
Procedure Text
Procedure is a text that shows a process in order. Its social function is to describe how something is
completely done through a sequence of series. Procedure is same meaning with instruction.
Generic structure of procedure:
Goal, showing the purpose;

Material, telling the needed materials;
Step one to end or methods, describing the steps to achieve the purpose.
Language feature of procedure:
Using temporal conjunction;

Focuses on generalized people rather than individuals, e.g. first you take, rather than first I
take, etc;
The reader is often referred to in a general way, i.e. pronouns you or one;
Detail information on how;
Using action verb, e.g. dont cut, mix, crack, etc;
Detail factual description;
Using technical language;
Using adverb to tell how the action should be done, i.e. for five minutes, etc;
Begin with verbs and are stated as commands;
Using time words or numbers;
Using imperative sentence.
There are different procedural texts for different purposes:
Texts that explain how something works or how to use instruction or operation manuals (e.g.
how to use the video, how to operate the computer, the tape recorder, the photocopier, etc);
Texts that instruct how to do a particular activity e.g. recipes, rules for games, science
experiments, road safety rules;
Texts that deal with human behavior (e.g. how to live happily, how to succeed, etc).
Example of procedure:
Planting Chillies
Planting is a nice activity in our spare time. The following is guided information on how to
plant a chilli-plant easily. Here are the steps.
Firstly, dry a handful seeding under the sunlight. Secondly, put the seeding on the soil. It
should be in open area. Next, wait it. There will come out the sprout after that let it be bigger.
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Finally, put it in another big pot. It will soon grow bigger and bigger and yield us some fresh
chillies soon.
News Item Text

News item is a text which informs readers about events of the day. The events are considered
newsworthy or important.
Generic structure of news item:
Main event (newsworthy events);

Elaboration (background events, participant, time, place);
Resource of information.
Language feature of news item:
Focusing on circumstances;
Using material process;
Using projecting verbal processes in sources stages;
Short, telegraphic information about story captured in headline.
Example of news item:

Indonesian Maid Beheaded
An Indonesian housemaid has been executed in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of killing
her employer, the Saudi Interior Minister said.
The woman was beheaded in the Southern Asir province in what was the second execution in
the country.
The maid was earlier found of suffocating her female boss and stealing her jewellery. Rape,
murder and other serious crimes can carry the death penalty in the conservative desert kingdom.
Last year, Saudi Arabia, which follows a strict interpretation of Syria, Islamic law executed
more than 130 people.
Review Text
Review is a piece of a text that shows the critique to some events or art for readers. Sample of review
are film and book, etc.
Generic structure of review:
Orientation (or identification);

Evaluation 1;
Interpretative recount;
Evaluation 2 (if any);
Evaluative summation.
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Language feature of review:
Focus on participant;
Using adjective, e.g. bad, good, etc;
Long clausal and complex;
Metaphor.
Example of review:
Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix
I absolutely love the Harry Potter series, and all of the books will always hold a special place in
my heart.
I have to say that of all of the books. However, this was not my favorite. When the series began
it was as much of a feel good experience as a huge mug of hot cocoa. The stories were bright, fastpaced, intriguing, and ultimately satisfying.
The Order of The Phoenix is different kind of book. In some instances this works. You feel a
whole new level of intensity and excitement by the time you get to the end. I was truly move by the
last page. Other times the book just has slowed to a trot here, and parts of it do seem long, as if were
reading all about Harry just hanging out- instead of having his usual adventures. Reading in detail
about Harry cleaning up an old house, for example, housekeeping is still housekeeping, magical or
not, and Im not very interested in doing it or reading about other people doing it.
A few order changes in this book, the real world comes much more into play rather that the
fantasy universe of the previous book. And Harry has apparently been taken off this meds. I know
that he had a lot to be grumpy in this book, especially with being a teenager and all, but the sudden
change in his character seemed too drastic. He goes from being a warm-hearted, considerate person to
someone who will bite his best friends heads off over nothing. It just seemed like it did not fit with
his character, like he turned in to a walking clich often angry teen overnight.
The real story seemed to happen in the last 1/3 of the book. And this part I loved. I actually
liked the ending (and yes, I cried!) as sad as it was. It packed a punch and it made me care about the
story even more. Still a really good book, with some editing it would have been great.
Description Text
Description is used in all forms of writing to create a vivid impression of a person, place, object or
event e.g. to describe a special place and explain why it is special, to describe the most important
person in your life, or to describe the animals habitat in your report. In other words, description text
is to describe a particular person, place, or thing.
Descriptive writing is usually used to help a writer develop an aspect of their work, e.g. to create a
particular mood, atmosphere or describe a place so that the reader can create vivid pictures of
characters, places, objects, and more.
Language feature of description:
To engage a readers attention;

To create characters;
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Focus on specific participants;
Using attributive and identifying processes;
Frequent use of epithets (adjective or adjective phrase) and classifier in nominal groups;
Linking verbs;
To set a mood or create an atmosphere;
To bring writing to life;
Aims to show rather than tell the reader what something/someone is like;
Relies on precisely chosen vocabulary with carefully chosen adjectives and adverbs;
Is focused and concentrates only on the aspects that add something to the main purpose of
the description;
Sensory description - what is heard, seen, smelt, felt, tasted. Precise use of adjectives, similes,
metaphors to create images/pictures in the mind e.g. Their noses were met with the acrid
smell of rotting flesh;
Strong development of the experience that puts the reader there focuses on key details,
powerful verbs and precise nouns.
Generic structure of description:
Identification, identifies phenomenon to be described;

Description, describes parts, qualities, characteristic.
Example of description:
Natural Bridge National
Natural Bridge National Park is a luscious tropical rainforest. It is located 110 kilometers south
of Brisbane, and is reached by following the Pacific Highway to Nerang, and then by travelling
through the Numinbah Valley.
This scenic roadway lies in the shadow of the Lamington National Park. The phenomenon of
the rock formed in to a natural arch and the cave through which a waterfall cascades is a short one
kilometer walk below a dense rainforest canopy from the main picnic area. Swimming is permitted in
the rock pools. The picnic areas offer toilets, barbecues, shelter sheds, water and fireplaces, overnight
camping is not permitted.
Argument Text
To support ideas presented in sequence to justify a particular stand or viewpoint that a writer is
taking. The writers purpose is to take a position on some issue and justify it.
An argument usually consists of the following:
A statement of position at the beginning;

A logical sequence;
The argument is put forward in a series of points with back up evidence;
A good argument shows cause and effect. This is the connection between an action and what
leads to it, e.g. The fish died as a result of pollution in the water or Violence in movies
contributes to violence in society;
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A summing up or restating of position at the end.
Types of arguments:
To plead a case - letters to the school principal/local council with regard to current issues;
To promote/sell goods and services - advertisement writing to promote the school
concert/sports;
To put forward an argument - school uniforms should not be compulsory.
Language feature of arguments:
The argument is written in the timeless present tense. This might change to the past if
historical background to the issue was being given. If predictions are being made the tense
might change to the future;
The writer uses repetition of words, phrases and concepts deliberately, for effect;
Verbs are used when expressing opinions, e.g. I think ... are the best! or We believe
students should not be stopped from eating junk food;
Strong effective adjectives are used;
Thought provoking questions are used. These may be asked as rhetorical questions.
Rhetorical questions: a question asked only for effect, not for information (e.g. Would you
give your pre-scholar matches to play with?);
Use of passive verbs to help structure the text;
Written in the timeless present tense;
Use of pronouns (I, we, and us) is used to manipulate the reader to agree with the position
argued (e.g. We all know that smoking causes cancer so we do not smoke);
Use of emotive language i.e. words that will appeal to the reader's feelings, e.g. concern,
unreasonable, should, etc;
Use of passive voice i.e. verbs in which the subject is acted upon and not doing the action.
This helps structure the text (e.g. We would like to suggest that an enquiry be held into the
running of the steel mills or Water is being polluted);
Conjunctions that can exemplify and show results - they are usually used in concluding
statements to finalize arguments.
More language features:
Debates, which are conducted orally, are a form of argument in which two opposing points of
view are stated and both sides are argued. Supporting evidence for each side is put forward
and finally an opinion is stated based on the two arguments.
Exposition text
Purpose An exposition attempts to persuade the reader to believe something by presenting one side
of the argument.
The three parts of an exposition are:
An introductory statement presents the writers point of view and previews the arguments to
be presented;
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A series of arguments that aim to persuade the reader new paragraph for each new
argument. A topic sentence introduces the new argument;
A conclusion sums up arguments and reinforces writers point of view.
Examples: Ads, editorials, legal defense.

Generic structure of exposition:
Introductory statement;
Argument 1;
Argument 2 (if any);
Argument 3 (if any);
Recommendation/reinforcement.
Language feature of exposition:
Emotive words that show feelings and attitudes;

Words that link cause and effect i.e. otherwise, firstly, secondly, finally, etc;
You can use second person words like commands;
Generalizations (broad statements to support ideas);
Using arguments drawn from research, and statements of others to support the point;
Cause and effect words i.e. because, causes, stems from, consequently, leads to, etc;
Linking words i.e. in addition, also, moreover, as well, etc;
Powerful descriptive words (i.e. sensational!).
Example of exposition:
Our Schools Cleanliness Degree
To improve comfort and cleanliness at the school, there should be an increasing number of dust
bins.
When we look at classroom, school corridors and schoolyard, there papers, mineral water cops,
straws, and napkin everywhere. The condition of unseemliness really hinders learning and teaching
environment. They can be filled out with water coming from the rain. This can be placed for mosquito
to spread out.
Anyway, I notice that most of the students have responsibilities for their school environment.
They put their litter on the proper place but some of them are not diligent enough to find the dust
bins. The numbers of the dust bins in the school are not enough. More dust bins should be put beside
each step, outside of the classrooms and some along of the corridors. Probably one dust bin should be
in every ten meters. So when students want to throw away their litters, they can find the dust bins
easily.
When school is equipped with sufficient dust bins, students do not have problem of discomfort
any more. So, provide more dust bins and school will be very clean and become a very nice place to
study.
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Analytical Exposition Text

Thesis, introducing the topic and indicating the writers position;

Language feature of analytical exposition:

Using relational process;

Example of analytical exposition:

Language feature of anecdote:

Using exclamation words, e.g. its awful!, its wonderful!, etc;

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Generic structure of recount:

Orientation, introducing the participants, place and time;

Language feature of recount:

Introducing personal participant, e.g. I, my group, etc;

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Language feature of report:

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Introducing group or general aspect (generic participant);

Orientation, sets the scene;

Language feature of spoof:

Focusing on people, animals or certain things;

Language feature of narrative:

Using processes verbs;

To help students plan for writing of narratives, model, focusing on:

Plot, e.g. what is going to happen;

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Hortatory Exposition Text

Language feature of hortatory exposition:

Focusing on the writer;

A statement of position at the beginning;

Generic structure of discussion:

Statement of issue, stating the issue which is to discussed;

Language feature of discussion:

Introducing category or generic participant;

Generic structure of explanation:

General statement, stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained;

Language feature of explanation:

Featuring generic participant, e.g. sun, rain, etc;

Goal, showing the purpose;

Language feature of procedure:

Using temporal conjunction;

There are different procedural texts for different purposes:

News Item Text

Main event (newsworthy events);

Language feature of news item:

Example of news item:

Orientation (or identification);

Language feature of review:

To engage a readers attention;

Using simple present tense;

Generic structure of description:

Identification, identifies phenomenon to be described;

A statement of position at the beginning;

A summing up or restating of position at the end.

Language feature of arguments:

More language features:

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Examples: Ads, editorials, legal defense.