1. Narrative Narrative Tips: Set the scene Who or What, When, Where
Orientation * sets the scene and mood, introduces characters
Usually includes
When, Where, Who or What
Complication * dilemma or problem that sets off the events
A dilemma or problem which disrupts the normal life or comfort of
the characters and sets off a sequence of interesting events.
Sequence of events * triggered by the complication
May include:
A description of events at the happen eg
First… Next… Later… After…
Resolution * climax or ending where the problem is resolved
A Narrative
Tells a story, mainly used to entertain, motivate or teach
Aims to get attention and maintain interest.
A Story?
So many types to choose from!
*Real Life Drama *Fantasy *Adventure *Science Fiction
*Mystery *Classic *Fairy Tale *Legend *Myth *Fable
Narrative Tips:
Set the scene
Who or What, When, Where
Introduce a problem or complication
Describe the events that follow… in order
Describe the ending
New paragraph for each part
Word Focus:
Nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs
Tense
Past (usually), Present (dialogue)
Style
Descriptive, Entertaining

2. Transactional - Invitation
Invitation Tips
Address people by their names or group
Include details of:
What
When
Where
What to bring
Include sender details
Explain how to reply
Word Focus:
Capital letters, spelling peoples names correctly
To * name, names or group
People’s names
Details * of the event
What: Party, Lunch, Farewell, Morning Tea
When: Date, Time
Where: Address, Location
Dress: Casual, Formal
Please Bring: if applicable
From * sender details
Your name and address
Response * details of how to reply
R.S.V.P (means please reply)

3. Transactional - Letters
Sender * address or letterhead
Return address
Phone and (optional)
To * date, name and address, saluation
Date
Name and address (for formal letter)
Salutation or greeting eg. Dear ….
Message * full details of message
Details often include:
* Introduction
* Message
* Personal comments
A Letter
A letter is a written message
There are many different sorts of letters
* News or Recounts
eg letters to friends
* Responses
eg apologies or acceptance, complaints
* Requests or transactions
eg business letters
Letter Tips:
Write your address and the date
Greet people using their name
Write your message politely
Sign your name at the end
Word Focus:
Spelling names and addresses correctly
Capital letters

4. Transactional - News News Tips Headline * statement to get attention
Use attention grabbing words in the headline
Put the most important facts in the lead:
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Explain the headline and lead in the body
Use separate paragraphs for each point
Include opinions or comments
Write your name in the byline
Headline * statement to get attention
Eg CHILDREN IN CHARGE OF NEWS!
Lead * who, what, where, when, why, how
Body * explanation and additional info
Comment * optional
Byline * the writer of the article

5. Recount Recount Tips: A Recount Set the scene
Orientation * introduction – setting the scene
Gives details of:
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Events * what happened – in chronological order
What happened?
First, Next, Soon, During, After, Later, Eventually, Finally
Conclusion * personal comment (optional)
What did you think, feel or decide about the events that happened?
A Recount
A recount retells past events or experiences
Sequences events in the order they happened
A Recount?
1. Now, where will I start?
2. I will need to get everything in order.
Recount Tips:
Set the scene
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Write about the events in the order they occurred
End with a comment
New paragraph for each part
Word Focus:
Time connectives, adjectives
Tense
Past
Style
Personal
First person

6. Procedure Procedure Tips: Explain what is to be done
Goal * tells what will be made or done
May include a brief description of the finished product
Requirements * list of what is needed
List my include:
* Ingredients
* Utensils
* Materials
* Tools
Steps * in order of what is to be done – include diagrams if needed
Steps usually start with an action verb
Steps are numbered in order 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps clearly explain:
* What needs to be done
* How it needs to be done
A Procedure
* Tells how to do or make something
* May include pictures or diagrams
Procedure Tips:
Explain what is to be done
List everything that will be needed
Number all the steps in order
Write short, clear instructions
Word Focus:
Action verbs
Tense
Simple present
Style
Instructional
Second or third person

7. Report Report Tips: Start with a definition or a brief classification
Introduction * definition or classification of the subject
May include a definition, classification or brief description
Description * important facts about the subject
Facts about the subject, set out in paragraphs
Subheadings are often used
May include photos, pictures, maps or diagrams
Conclusion * summary or comment (optional)
A Report
An information report can be published in many different ways
* A poster or chart
* A brochure
* A computer slide show
* As part of a newsletter
An information report often provides information by stating facts
Often describes a class of things
Report Tips:
Start with a definition or a brief classification
Include the most important facts about your topic
End with a summary or comment
New paragraph for each part
Word Focus:
General terms eg use “bikes” rather than “my bike”
Tense
Timeless present
Style
Impersonal
Third person

8. Explanation Explanation Tips: An Explanation
Introduction * general statement about the topic
May include
* A definition or question
* A brief description
Explanation * series of explanatory statements
Statements written in sequential order to explain:
* How something works OR
* Why something happens
Conclusion * summary or comment
* A summary or recommendation
* A general comment about use or history
An Explanation
Explains how something works or why something happens
Explanation Tips:
Introduce your topic with a definition or brief description
Explain important points in order
Sum up or comment
New paragraph for each point
Word Focus:
Technical or scientific words, action verbs, conjunctions
Tense
Simple present
Style
Impersonal
Second or third person

9. Discussion Discussion Tips: Describe the issue first
Issue * introduction to the issue or topic
States what the issue is
States that different groups have different views
May introduce the groups for and against
Arguments * points and evidence – for and against
FOR
First point of view for: Who? What do they think? Why?
Second point of view for: Who? What do they think? Why?
Next point of view for: etc
AGAINST
First point of view against: Who? What do they think? Why?
Second point of view against: Who? What do they think? Why?
Next point of view against: etc
Conclusion * summary or a recommendation
Summarise the arguments
What you recommend? Why?
A Discussion
Presents both sides of an issue
Outlines arguments for and against the topic
The issue
FOR and AGAINST
1. Supporting views include
2. Opposing views include
3. In summary
4. So I think… because….
Discussion Tips:
Describe the issue first
Include arguments FOR and AGAINST
Sum up or make a recommendation
New paragraph for each part
Word Focus:
Nouns, pronouns, words or points that link arguments
Tense
Present or past
Style
Objective (fair)
Second or third person