GENRES IN WRITING

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

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

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

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

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)