13 Genres Text English

“GENRES TEXT ENGLISH”

Based on generic structure and language feature dominantly used, texts are divided into several types. They are narrative, recount, descriptive, report, explanation, analytical exposition, hortatory exposition, procedure, discussion, review, anecdote, spoof, and news item. These variations are known as GENRES.

1.   NARRATIVE

Narrative text is a text which contains a story well written or not written and there is a series of connected events.

Purpose: To amuse/entertain the readers and to tell a story

Generic Structure:
1. Orientation
2. Complication
3. Resolution
4. Reorientation

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Past Tense
2. Using action verb
3. Chronologically arranged

Example:

                                         Snow White

Orientation
          Once upon a time there lived a little girl named Snow White. She lived with her Aunt and Uncle because her parents were dead.

Complication 1
          One day she heard her Uncle and Aunt talking about leaving Snow White in the castle because they both wanted to go to America and they didn’t have enough money to take Snow White.

          Snow White did not want her Uncle and Aunt to do this so she decided it would be best if she ran away. The next morning she ran away from home when her Aunt and Uncle were having breakfast. She ran away into the woods.
 
Resolution 1
          Then she saw this little cottage. She knocked but no one answered so she went inside and fell asleep.
 
          Meanwhile, the seven dwarfs were coming home from work. They went inside. There they found Snow White sleeping. Then Snow White woke up. She saw the dwarfs. The dwarfs said, “what is your name?” Snow White said, “My name is Snow White.”
 

          Doc, one of the dwarfs, said, “If you wish, you may live here with us.” Snow White said, “Oh could I? Thank you.” Then Snow White told the dwarfs the whole story and finally Snow White and the 7 dwarfs lived happily ever after.

2. RECOUNT

Recount Text is one type of text in the English language retelling of the events or experiences in the past

       

Purpose: to retell something that happened in the past and to tell a series of past event

Generic Structure:
1. Orientation
2. Event(s)
3. Reorientation

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Past Tense
2. Using action verb
3. Using adjectives

Narrative and recount in some ways are similar. Both are telling something in the past so narrative and recount usually apply PAST TENSE; whether Simple Past Tense, Simple Past Continuous Tense, or Past Perfect Tense. The ways narrative and recount told are in chronological order using time or place. Commonly narrative text is found in story book; myth, fable, folklore, etc while recount text is found in biography.
The thing that makes narrative and recount different is the structure in which they are constructed. Narrative uses conflicts among the participants whether natural conflict, social conflict or psychological conflict. In some ways narrative text combines all these conflicts. In the contrary, we do not find these conflicts inside recount text. Recount applies series of event as the basic structure

Example :

          Last week I and my family went to Pangandaran beach for having holiday.

Arrived there, we looked for a hotel. After that I visited spill market to buy swiming dress. Then I went to the beach for swimming and surving. The next day, I visited the souvenir shop. There were many kinds of souvenir. I bought some souvenirs there. Meanwhile my parents and my sister were looking for beach dress at the market. Finally, we went home and we had the holiday.

3. DESCRIPTIVE

Descriptive text is a text that aims to describe or depict an object in detail, as well as explaining about a person, object, or a place.

Purpose: to describe a particular person, place or thing in detail.

Dominant Generic Structure:
1. Identification
2. Description

Language Features:
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using action verb
3. Using adverb
4. Using special technical terms

Example :

What is a Butterfly?

          Butterflies are beautiful, flying insects with large  scaly wings.like all insects, they have six legs, three body parts, a pair of antennae, and compound eyes. The three body parts are the head, thorax (the chest), and abdomen (the tail end). The four wings and the six legs of the butterfly are connected to the thorax. The thorax contains the muscles that make the legs and wings move.

          Butterflies ere very good fliers. They have two pairs, of large wings covered with colourful scales. Butterflies and moths are the only insects that have scaly wings. The wings are connected to the butterfly’s thorax (mid-section). Butterflies can only fly if their body temperature is above 27 degrees Centigrade. Butterflies sun themselves to warm up in cool weather. As butterflies get older, the colour of the wings fades and the wings become ragged.

4.  REPORT

Report Text is text that describes something or objects in general, for example, various objects or natural phenomena, artificial and social exist or occur in our environment. Text peeling an observation report, review, research, observation, or study of objects or animals, people or places.

Purpose: to presents information about something, as it is.

Generic Structure
1. General classification
2. Description

Dominant Language Feature
1. Introducing group or general aspect
2. Using conditional logical connection
3. Using Simple Present Tense

Example :

                                        ELEPHANT

          Elephant is the largest and strongest of all animals. It is a strange looking animal which it has thick legs, huge sides and backs, large hanging ears, a small tail, little eyes, long white tusks and above all, elephant has a long nose, the trunk. An elephant is commonly seen in a zoo, it is hard to find in its natural habitat.

          The trunk is the elephant's peculiar feature. This trunk has various usages. The elephant draws up water by its trunk and can squirt the water all over its body like a shower bath. The elephant's trunk also lifts leaves and put them into its mouth. In fact, the trunk serves the elephant as long arm and hand. An elephant looks very clumsy and heavy and yet an elephant can move very quickly.

5. EXPLANATION

Explanation Text is a text which contains the processes associated with natural phenomena, soisal, science, culture and other

Purpose: To explain the processes involved in the formation or working of natural or socio-cultural phenomena.

Generic Structure:
1. General statement
2. Explanation
3. Closing

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using action verbs
3. Using passive voice
4. Using noun phrase
5. Using adverbial phrase
6. Using technical terms
7. Using general and abstract noun
8. Using conjunction of time and cause-effect.

Example:

                                Making Paper from Woodchips

General statement

          Woodchipping is a process used to obtain pulp and paper products from forest trees. The woodchipping process begins when the trees are cut down in a selected area of the forest called a coupe.

Squence of explanation

          Next the tops and branches of the trees are cut out and then the logs are taken to the mill. At the mill the bark of the logs is removed and the logs are taken to a chipper which cuts them into small pieces called woodchips. The woodchips are then screened to remove dirt and other impurities. At this stage they are either exported in this form or changed into pulp by chemicals and heat. The pulp is then bleached and the water content is removed.

Closing

          Finally the pulp is rolled out to make paper.

6. ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION

analytical exposition can be interpreted as a text that explains thoroughly about an issue involving the opinion of the author

Purpose: To reveal the readers that something is the important case

Generic Structure:
1. Thesis
2. Arguments
3. Reiteration/Conclusion

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using modals
2. Using action verbs
3. Using thinking verbs
4. Using adverbs
5. Using adjective
6. Using technical terms
7. Using general and abstract noun
8. Using connectives/transition

Example :

                                        NUCLEAR POWER

          There are three separate source of hazard in the process of supplying energy by nuclear power. The radioactive material must travel from its place of manufacture to the power station. Although the power station themselves are solidity, built, the container used for the transport of the material are not. There are normally two methods of transport available, namely road or rail. Unfortunately, both of this involve close contact with the general public, since the routes are sure to pass near, or even though, heavy populated areas. 

          Next, there is problem of waste. All nuclear power station produce waste that the most cases will remain radioactive for thousand of years. It is impossible to make these wastes non radioactive, and so they must be stored in one of the inconvenient ways that the scientist have invented. For example, they may be buried under the ground, or dropped into abandoned mines, or sunk the sea. However, theses methods do not solve the problem, since the earthquake could easily crack the containers open. 

7. HORTATORY EXPOSITION

Hortatory Exposition is a type of English text that belongs to the class of Argumentation.

Purpose: to persuade the readers that something should or should not be the case or be done

Generic Structure:
1. Thesis
2. Arguments
3. Recommendation

Dominant Language features:
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using modals
3. Using action verbs
4. Using thinking verbs
5. Using adverbs
6. Using adjective
7. Using technical terms
8. Using general and abstract noun
9. Using connectives/transition
Then what is the basic difference between analytical and hortatory exposition. In simple word. Analytical is the answer of "How is/will" while hortatory is the answer of "How should". Analytical exposition will be best to describe "How will student do for his examination? The point is the important thing to do. But for the question" How should student do for his exam?" will be good to be answered with hortatory. It is to convince that the thing should be done

Example :

Corruption

Thesis
          Do you know what the meaning of corruption is? What is the relation between money and corruption? Well, corruption is common everywhere in the world, even in the United States. It’s just a matter of intensity. However, it is quite shocking when one reliable survey claims Jakarta as the most corrupt place in Indonesia.

Argument 1 

          The survey has made me sad, actually, because I stay and earn a living here in the capital. As most people know, Tanjung Priok port smuggling is not a new thing at all. Entrepreneurs who want to minimize their tax payments tend to do such a thing more often. They even bribe the officials.

Recommendation 

          I believe we should start at the earliest stages in school and I think everyone should be involved in the effort to eradicate corruption. We must not make any distinction.

8. PROCEDURE

Procedure Text is a text in English which has a function to describe the process in making something / run / operate anything that is written with regular steps.

Purpose: to help readers how to do or make something completely

Generic Structure:
1. Goal/Aim
2. Materials/Equipments
3. Steps/Methods

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using Imperatives sentence
3. Using adverb
4. Using technical terms

Example:

How to Make Mango Juice

Materials Needed :

·                a piece of mango

·                a half glass of water

·                a glass of ice pack

·                a spoon of sugar

Steps :

1.         First, peel the mango and clean it

2.        Next, cut the mango into pieces and put them into the juicer

3.        Then, put the water, ice and sugar

4.        After that turn on the juice and wait about 15 seconds

5.        Finally, pour the mango juice into the glass and ready to drink

9. DISCUSSION

To present information and opinions about issues in more one side of an issue, usually opposite each other.

Purpose: to present information and opinions about issues in more one side of an issue (‘For/Pros’ and ‘Against/Cons’)

Generic Structure:
1. Issue
2. Arguments for and against
3. Conclusion

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Use of relating verb/to be
3. Using thinking verb
4. Using general and abstract noun
5. Using conjunction/transition
6. Using modality
7. Using adverb of manner

Example:

                                The Ban on Smoking in Public Places

        Smoking ban in public places has been a hot issue these last months not only in Malta but also in various countries who are discussing the effects a ban would have. There have been several debates on smoking ban. Even though the harmful effects of smoking, both active and passive, are well known and undeniable smoking is far from being in decline; it is spreading among young people in particular quickly. 

        Most controversial debate is going on public smoking ban. The reason is simple, smoking ban affects directly all people rapidly and we can see its effects in a short-term period. There have been a lot of arguments brought up both in favour and against a public smoking ban. Some of the arguments in favour are the following. Smoking ban is one of the controversial ways for reducing smoking and recognizing non-smokers’ right to health protection. The health risks of smoking are clear. Passive smoking does carry risks. Many leading medical and scientific organizations recognize second hand smoke as a cause of a range of life-threatening conditions. The health situation could be drastically improved if one of the risk factors - tobacco - was eliminated. People have a right to protect themselves from smoke inhalation. People shouldn’t have to inhale the ill-effects of other people’s smoking. The creation of smoke-free public places also improves air quality. 

10. REVIEW

Review Text is the text to explain again about a product, either the real and un-real

Purpose: to critique or evaluate an art work or event for a public audience dominant

Generic Structure:
1. Orientation
2. Evaluation
3. Interpretative Recount
4. Evaluation
5. Evaluative Summation

Dominant Language features:
1. Focus on specific participants
2. Using adjectives
3. Using long and complex clauses
4. Using metaphor

Example:

2012 Film Review

          2012 is Roland Emmerich's film which uses the Mayan calendar and other end-of-days prophecies for their doomsday scenario. It imagines the world coming to an end in 2012.

          2012 film brings off a series of wonders. The movie hits its peak early on. It starts when Cusack drives a limo through the streets of Los Angeles as freeways and skyscrapers crumble all around him from the shock of a 10.5 earthquake. The preposterous flying sequence is equally thrilling. The climax occurs aboard the giant ark, when an equipment malfunction almost threatens the entire mission.

          Unfortunately, the crucial sequence is not filmed or edited with the requisite clarity. In 2012 film, Emmerich leaves us befuddled as to exactly what is happening to whom. However, Emmerich' 2012 deserves credit for offbeat casting. Cusack supplies his trademark hangdog charm. McCarthy has perhaps his best role ever as Peet's cocky. Danny Glover lends dignity to the role of the tormented president. Chiwetel Ejiofor, as the chief scientist, brings a moving sense of anguish to a stock role. Platt has fun playing the villain of the piece, and Woody Harrelson also chews the scenery as a bug-eyed radio prophet trying to warn his listeners about Armageddon.

          All in one, 2012's cinematography, production design and visual effects are awards-worthy. Music also propels the movie. It presents American Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert, who provides a rousing anthem over the end credits.

11. ANECDOTE

Purpose: to share with others an account of an unusual or amusing incident

Generic Structure:
1. Abstract
2. Orientation
3. Crisis
4. Reaction
5. Coda.

Dominant Language Features:
1. Using exclamations, rhetorical question or intensifiers
2. Using material process
3. Using temporal conjunctions

Example:

Snake in the Bath

Abstract
          How would you like to find a snake in your bath? A nasty one too!

Orientation
          We had just moved into a new house, which had been empty for so long that everything was in a terrible mess. Anna and I decided we would clean the bath first, so we set to, and turned on the tap.

Crisis
          Suddenly to my horror, a snake’s head appeared in the plug-hole. Then out slithered the rest of his long thin body. He twisted and turned on the slippery bottom of the bath, spitting and hissing at us.

Reaction/Incident
          For an instant I stood there quite paralysed. Then I yelled for my husband, who luckily came running and killed the snake with the handle of a broom. Anna, who was only three at the time, was quite interested in the whole business. Indeed I had to pull her out of the way or she’d probably have leant over the bath to get a better look!

12. SPOOF

Purpose: to tell an event with a humorious twist and entertain the readers

Generic Structure:
1. Orientation
2. Event(s)
3. Twist
Dominant Language Features:
1. Using Past Tense
2. Using action verb
3. Using adverb
4. Chronologically arranged

Example :

Nasrudin Gets a Cow

One day, Nasrudin’s wife told him, “Let’s buy a cow so that we can have milk every day. 

Nasrudin replied, “We don’t have enough space in our yard for my donkey and a new cow.” 

But despite Nasrudin’s objection, his wife persisted until he finally gave in. 

So he bought the cow—and just he predicted, it crowded his beloved donkey in the barn. To end this problem, Nasrudin started to pray one night, saying, “Dear God, please kill the cow, so my wife can’t bother me about it anymore, and so my donkey can live in peace.” 

The next day, Nasrudin went into the barn and was dismayed to discover that his donkey was dead! He looked up and said, “God, I don’t mean to offend you or anything, but let me ask you this—after all these years, do you mean to tell me that you still can’t tell the difference between a cow and a donkey?” 

13. NEWS ITEM

News Items Text is one of the (Types Of Text) which gives the reader information about the events that happen everyday.

Purpose: to inform readers about events of the day which are considered newsworthy or important

Dominant Generic Structure:
1. Newsworthy event(s)
2. Background event(s)
3. Sources

Dominant Language Features:
1. Short, telegraphic information about story captured in headline
2. Using action verbs
3. Using saying verbs
4. Using adverbs : time, place and manner

Example :

Seven Killed in Accident on Jalan Sultan

Newsworthy Event
          Seven people were killed in a collision between a bus, a car and a truck at 10:35 p.m. on Jalan Sultan last night.

Backgroud Event
          The dead were all passengers in the car. Police believe the car may have been trying to overtake the bus when it was struck by a truck coming from the opposite direction. The driver of the car may not have been using his lights, as the truck driver said he did not see the car approaching.

Sources
          The police said the car should not have been trying to pass the bus, since overtaking is not allowed on Jalan Sultan. In addition, the police reported that the car–a small Japanese car–should not have been carrying more than five people. The names of the victims are not yet known.