Functional Text What is functional Text?
Definition Functional text is used for everyday information. It is called functional because it helps you function in your day-to-day life.
Everyday Examples If I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies, I would read and follow a recipe. If I wanted to know my friend's phone number, I might search for it online (DEX online). If my English teacher gave a test, I would need to know how to read and follow the directions carefully.
Everyday examples cont. If you were going on a road trip and needed to know how to get there, you would use a … If you were registering for classes through City of Chandler, you would need … If you were going to see a movie and wanted to know when it started, you would look …
Academic and Everyday Examples Internet Atlas Almanac Dictionary Phone Book Encyclopedia Newspaper Magazine Thesaurus Menu Recipes Road maps
Four types/categories of functional text
Follow directions Think of some examples
Reading to Follow Directions Road maps Recipes Bus schedules Manuals Hobby/craft instructions Game directions Building/street signs First aid instructions
Gain Information Think of some examples
Reading to Gain Information Menus Movie ads Sports info. Temperature charts TV schedule School schedule Want ads/classifieds Food labels Store flyers/ads
References Think of some examples
Reading to Use References Dictionary Thesaurus Glossary/index Phone directory/yellow pages Job manual City services directory Table of contents
Fill out forms Think of some examples
Reading to Fill Out Forms Club memberships (Costco) Subscriptions Resumes/job applications School forms (registrations, emergency card) Banking forms Contest/puzzle entries Library card application Book club order forms
Questions Which examples of functional text do you think would be most useful in your life (as a teen)? Why is functional text important?