EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Words for the web Literacy Plus Unit W3

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Main text types Recount Instructions Information Explanation Persuasion Discussion Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to retell events with intention of informing or entertaining the audience Example: A school trip to the zoo Structure: usually consists of a –scene-setting opening –a retelling of events as they occurred –a closing statement Language features: usually consist of –past tense –chronological order (using temporal connectives) Recount Words for the web resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to describe the way things are, such as a range of natural, cultural phenomena Example: Encyclopaedia entry on spiders Structure: usually consists of –an opening, general overview of the topic –more detailed information covering various aspects Language features: usually consist of –present tense –non-chronological Information Words for the web resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to describe how something is done through a sequence of steps Example: A recipe Structure: usually consists of –a statement of what is to be achieved –a list of materials/equipment needed to achieve goal (often with diagram/illustration) Language features: usually consist of –Imperative verbs (do this/that) –chronological order (using temporal connectives) Instructions Words for the web resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to make clear how or why things happen as they do Example: An article about water freezing Structure: usually consists of –a general statement to introduce the topic –a series of logical steps explaining how or why something occurs Language features: usually consist of –simple present tense –using temporal connectives (next, then, after) and/or causal connectives (therefore, as a result of, consequently) Explanation Words for the web resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to argue the case for a point of view Example: A flier against building a road Structure: usually consists of –an opening statement of the main point –arguments supporting the main point – often in the form of point plus example –summary and restatement of the opening position Language features: usually consist of –simple present tense –using logical connectives, e.g. therefore, because, on the other hand Persuasion Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Which text type? Purpose: to present arguments and information from differing viewpoints Example: An article about school uniform Structure: usually consists of –a statement of the issue –arguments for, plus supporting evidence –arguments against, plus supporting evidence –recommendation given as summary and conclusion Language features: usually consist of –simple present tense –using logical connectives, e.g. therefore, because, on the other hand Discussion Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 India (1 of 2) India is a huge and diverse country with a population of more than one billion people and an incredible diversity of wealth, religion, language, customs, art, cuisine and landscape. There are vast divides between rich and poor with almost 30% of the population living in poverty. People from the lowest Hindu caste, known as dalits, women, the elderly and disabled make up the largest proportion of poor people. Population growth is rapid, particularly in urban areas due to migration from rural villages. Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 India (2 of 2) In a country so large, there are vast numbers without sanitation and water. For every 1000 children, 87 die before their fifth birthday, mostly from preventable diseases like diarrhoea. Just 15% of the rural population has access to a toilet – meaning that some 21 million people need to gain access to basic sanitation every year if the Millennium Development Goal of just halving the proportion of people without sanitation is to be met. Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Words for the web Resource 3.2 WaterAid / Juthika Howlader

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Words for the web Resource 3.2 WaterAid / Caroline Irby 2007

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Words for the web Resource 3.2 WaterAid / Marco Betti 2007

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Hot tips for sentence variation Start with a verb ending in -ing… Start with a verb ending in -ed… Start with an adverb ending -ly… Start with an adverb of time, e.g. later Start with a preposition, e.g. over… Start with anything other than a noun or pronoun! Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Emotive language Words and phrases which express feelings and try to make the reader respond with their emotions dirty, dangerous house cold, cramped room filthy, unsafe accommodation Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Imperative verbs Action words which tell or command you to do something Find a pen Complete the form Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Repetition A word, phrase or idea is used two or more times deliberately This is a very, very serious situation Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Hyperbole Using exaggeration for emphasis This is an extremely dangerous situation Coming down the stairs, Gary sounded like a hail of meteorites hitting planet Earth with the destructive power of 20 atom bombs. Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Direct address Using pronouns to speak to you the reader – (e.g. you – the second person) Having to move your family… knowing that you have nowhere else to go Words for the web Resource 3.2

EPD-EN-01© Crown copyright 2009 Inclusive language Pronouns which include the reader and writer together – we/us Together we can make a difference. It is our responsibility Words for the web Resource 3.2