Understanding type of text; a

complete overview
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.

NARRATIVE
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

TheFoxandTheCat

One day a cat and a fox were having a conversation. The fox, who was a conceited creature,
boasted how clever she was. 'Why, I know at least a hundred tricks to get away from our mutual enemies,
the dogs,' she said.
I know only one trick to get away from dogs,' said the cat. 'You should teach me some of yours!'
Well, maybe some day, when I have the time, I may teach you a few of the simpler ones,' replied
the fox airily.
Just then they heard the barking of a pack of dogs in the distance. The barking grew louder and
louder - the dogs were coming in their direction! At once the cat ran to the nearest tree and climbed into
its branches, well out of reach of any dog. 'This is the trick I told you about, the only one I know,' she
called down to the fox. 'Which one of your hundred tricks are you going to use?'
The fox sat silently under the tree, wondering which trick she should use. Before she could make
up her mind, the dogs arrived. They fell upon the fox and tore her to pieces.
A single plan that works is better than a hundred doubtful plans.

RECOUNT
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

Pangandaran Beach

The tour to Pangandaran Beach started on holiday last semester. We decided to go to Pangandaran
Beach by our motorbike. That was very interesting tour. Riding a motorbike from my hometown,
Cirebon, to Pangandaran Beach with my best friends made me feel exited.

The tour to Pangandaran Beach began at 09.00 a.m. in the morning and it took 5 hours riding to
Pangandaran Beach. There were so many story that my friends and I got when we were in the tour
such as there was my friend who got lost, ran out of fuel in the middle of jungle, and so forth. But it was
interesting, because it was the first moment that I ever had in touring.

We arrived at Pangandaran Beach at 02.00 p.m. and we stright to move to the beach. At beach we just
lied down there to stretch our muscle because of 5 hours riding. We also had a lunch there by eating
some foods that we brought from Cirebon. That was very nice moment when we shared our own food to
others.

After we had enough rest, we began to explore Pangandaran Beach. Started by exploring the beach, and
the sea using rented boat. Then we went to dive by renting some diving equipment. We could see many
coral there. We just had 2 hours to enjoy Pangandaran Beach because we had to come back to Cirebon.

We came back to Cirebon at 04.00 p.m. It was imposible to ride in the night, so we just decided to stay
over in our friend house in Ciamis and we started to come back in the morning. That was very nice
experience that I and my friends ever had. We would never forget that moment.

DESCRIPTIVE
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: MacQuarie University

Macquarie University is one of the largest universities in Australia. This year, in 2004, it
celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The university is located at the North Ryde Greenbelt, Sydney, where the New South
Wales government sets aside 135 hectares for the institution. In 1964, Macquarie area was a
rural retreat on the city fringe, but today the campus and its surroundings have evolved beyond
recognition. The North Ryde District has grown into a district of intensive occupation anchored
by a vibrant and growing university.
Blessed with a fortunate location and room to breathe, Macquarie can be proud of that
careful planning that retains and enrich the universitys most attractive natural features. A
pleasing balance between buildings and plating is evident across the campus. This emphasis on
the importance of landscape has created images of Macquarie as a place that members of the
university are most likely to pleasurably recollect.
One of the highlights of the landscape is the Mars Creek zone. It comprises landscaped
creek sides and valley floor, a grass amphitheatre, and artificial lake surrounded by rocks and
pebbles, native plants and eucalypts.
Today, a railway station is under construction. In three years1 time, Macquarie will be
the only university in Australia with a railway station on site. Macquarie is poised to be the most
readily accessible in Sydney region by rail and motorway, yet retaining its beautiful site.

REPORT
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

THE PELICAN REPORT

The white pelican is one of the most successful fish-eating birds.

When the water is shallow enough for the birds to reach the fish, the formation breaks up
as each bird dips its bill into the water to scoop up its meal. As the bird lifts its head, the water
drains from its bill leaving the fish which are then swallowed. Pelicans are among the oldest
group of birds, Fossils of this genus have been found dating back 40 million years.

EXPLANATION
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.

Making Paper from Woodchips

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.
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.
Finally the pulp is rolled out to make paper.

ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION
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

Cars should be banned

Cars should be banned in the city. As we all know, cars create pollution, and cause a lot
of road deaths and other accidents.
Firstly, cars, as we all know, give contribution to the most of the pollution in the
world. Cars emit deadly gas that causes illness such as bronchritis, lung cancer, and
triggers off asthma. Some of these illnesses are so bad that people can die from them.
Secondly, the city is very busy. Pedestrians wander everywhere and cars commonly hit
pedestrains in the city, which causes them to die. Cars today are our roads biggest killers.
 Thirdly, cars are very noisy. If you live in the city, you may find it hard to sleep at night,
or to concentrate on your homework, and especially when you talk to someone.
In conclusion, cars should be benned from the city for the reason listed.

HORTATORY EXPOSITION
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

Corruption

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.
Its just a matter of intensity. However, it is quite shocking when one reliable survey claims
Jakarta as the most corrupt place in Indonesia.
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.
Well, I think the measures taken so far to overcome the problem by punishing the
corruptors is still not far enough. We have to prevent the younger generations from getting a bad
mentality caused by corruption.
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.
PROCEDURE
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

How to Make a Cheese Omelet

Aim/ Goal
How to Make a Cheese Omelet

Materials
Ingredients
1 egg, 50 g cheese, cup milk, 3 tablespoons cooking, oil, a pinch of salt and pepper.
Utensils
Frying pan, fork, spatula, cheese grater, bowl, plate.

Steps
1. Crack an egg into a bowl
2. Whisk the egg with a fork until it is smooth
3. Add milk and whisk well
4. Grate the cheese into the bowl and stir
5. Heat the oil in a frying pan
6. Pour the mixture into the frying pan
7. Turn the omelet with a spatula when it browns
8. Cook both sides
9. Place on a plate; season with salt and pepper
10. Eat while warm.

DISCUSSION
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

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal mined in various part of the
world. The first large scale of nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria, England
in 1956.
Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engine. Nuclear power
produces around 11% of the world's energy needed, and produces huge amounts of energy. It cause
no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:
It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.
It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse
effect.
It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium.
It produces small amount of waste.
It is reliable.
On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried
for many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a lot of
money has to be spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear accident ca be a major
accident.
People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the 1990's nuclear power was the
fastest growing source of power in many parts of the world.

REVIEW
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
Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix

I absolutely love the Harry Potter series, and all of the books will always hold a special place
in my heart.
I have to say that of all of the books, however, this was not my favorite.
When the series began it was as much of a "feel good" experience as a huge mug of hot cocoa.
The stories were bright, fast-paced, intriguing, and ultimately satisfying.
Order of the Phoenix is a different kind of book. In some instances this works...you feel a
whole new level of intensity and excitement by the time you get to the end. I was truly moved by the
last page. Other times the book just has a slightly dreary, depressing feel. The galloping pace of the
other books has slowed to a trot here, and parts of it do seem long, as if we're reading all about Harry
"just hanging out" instead of having his usual adventures. Reading in detail about Harry cleaning up
an old house, for example - housekeeping is still housekeeping, magical or no, and I'm not very
interested in doing it or reading about other people doing it.
A few other changes in this book - the "real" world comes much more in to play rather than
the fantasy universe of the previous books, and Harry has apparently been taken off his meds. I know
that he had a lot to be grumpy in this book, especially with being a teenager and all, but the sudden
change in his character seemed too drastic. He goes from being a warm-hearted, considerate person
to someone who will bite his best friend's heads off over nothing. It just seemed like it didn't fit with
his character, like he turned into a walking clich of the "angry teen" overnight.
The "real" story seemed to happen in the last 1/3 of the book, and this part I loved. I actually
liked the ending (and yes, I cried!) as sad as it was. It packed a punch and it made me care about the
story even more. Still a really good book, with some editing it would have been great.

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

Snake in the Bath

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

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.

Suddenly to my horror, a snakes 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.

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 shed probably have leant
over the bath to get a better look!

Ever since then Ive always put the plug in firmly before running the bath water.

SPOOF
Purpose: to tell an event with a humorous 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

Penguin in the Park

Once a man was walking in a park when he come across a penguin.

He took him to a policeman and said, "I have just found this penguin. What should I do?"
The policeman replied, "take him to the zoo".
The next day the policeman saw the same man in the same park and the man still carrying
the penguin with him. The policeman was rather supriseed and walked up to the man and asked
"why are you still carrying that penguin about? Didn't you take it to the zoo?"
"I certainly did" replied the man.
"And it was a great idea because he really enjoyed it, so today I am taking him to the moviest,
and the next day I'll take it to the beach. It'll be so much fun" said the man.

NEWS ITEM
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.
 Seven Killed in Accident on Jalan Sultan

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.
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.
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 cara small Japanese car
should not have been carrying more than five people. The names of the victims are not yet
known.

Announcement
Announcement Text ialah sebuah penberitahuan tertulis yang ditujukan kepada masyarakat
umum/kelompok tertentu yang berisikan informasi atau berita pemberitahuan

A. Tujuan Komunikatif Announcement

Teks ini berfungsi menyampaikan informasi tertentu kepada khalayak

B. Generic Structure Announcement

1.The title or type of event

2.Date or time, place
3.Contact person

EXAMPLE

English Speech Contest

For all students of SMAN Englishindo, we announce English Speech Contest..

Time : Saturday, 22 March 2012

Place : Hall of SMAN Englishindo

Each class should register at least one student with one of these following topics :

The Advantage of Learning English

The Difficulties of Learning English

The Effective Ways of Learning English

For further information, visit the committee of this English Speech Contest in
ENGLISHINDO.COM

Short Messages
Short Massages adalah pesan yang dibuat karena kita tidak bisa bertemu langsung pada si
penerima surat

B. Tujuan Komunikatif Short Massages

Menyampaikan sesuatu kepada orang lain agar orang tersebut melakukan sesuatu atau tidak
melakukan sesuatu.

Pesan singkat minta jemput

Dad,
Pick me up at 3 p.m. I have an OSIS meeting after school.
Deasy

Pesan singkat memberitahukan sesuatu

Dear Donie,
Ive prepared some food for breakfast.
I put it on the refrigerator. Sorry, I have to go to work very early.
Mom
Pesan singkat memesan sesuatu
Dear Mrs. Jessica,
I need your help. Please deliver some tart cakes for birthday party. Im waiting the cake before
10 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Mrs. Rubent

Pesan singkat mengingatkan orang

Jennie, Dont forget to bring the book. Its on the table.
Bram

Pesan singkat mengembalikan benda yang dipinjam

Dear Lisa I had come to return your book. But, unfortunately you werent at home. I gave the
book to your mom.
Suanti

Advertisement Text
Tujuan teks iklan adalah untuk mempromosikan (to promote, to advertise, to persuade) jasa atau
produk. Iklan pada umumnya yang sangat membujuk dalam kaitan dengan menarik pembaca itu
untuk membeli produk mereka atau menggunakan jasa mereka.

B.Dalam rangka menarik pembaca bahasa yang digunakan iklan seharusnya:

simple EXAMPLE :
clear
short
attractive
persuasive
using slogan

STRUCTURING LETTERS

Gebneric structure :

1. Address Heading
This is the writers full address. Business letters usually have preprinted,
letterhead stationary which contains this information. An address heading is
optional for informal letters.

2. Date
This is the month, day and year that the letter is written on.

3. Inside Address
The recipients full name and address. Generally, informal letters do not include
an inside address.
*Note: Refer to Addressing Persons of Title when writing letters to these people.

4. Attention
With formal letters, the "Attention: [full name of recipient]" is placed two spaces
below the inside address.

5. Greeting
Also known as the salutation, this is the introductory phrase, Dear [name of
recipient]. Either a comma or a colon can be used at the end of this phrase.
Today, a comma is more extensively used, with the exception of the use of a title
only, not a proper name. (i.e. Dear Member:). In this case, the use of a colon
would be more appropriate.
*Note: Refer to Addressing Persons of Title when writing letters to these people.
6. Subject line
A word or phrase to indicate the main subject of the letter, which is preceded by
the word Subject: or Re: (Latin for matter). Subject lines may be
emphasized by underlining, using bold font, or all capital letters. They can be
alternatively located directly after the "inside address," before the "greeting."
Informal or social letters rarely include a subject line.

7. Body
The complete text of the letter; the subject matter content.

8. Closing
This is the farewell phrase or word that precedes the signature and is followed by
a comma. Closing should reflect a type of farewell or goodbye as writer signs off.
Examples: Yours truly, Sincerely yours, Regards, etc.
*Note: "Thank you," is not considered an appropriate closing for a formal or business letter.

9. Signature
The signed name of the writer. Formal or business letters include the full name
of the writer printed below the signed name and most often include the writers
title and/or professional designations.

10. Postscript
Is a brief sentence or paragraph introduced by the initials, P.S. (post scriptus)
- Latin for after having been written. It implies that the writer, having completed
and signed the letter, had an after-thought. Although this is still commonly used
in informal letters, it is not widely accepted for use in formal or business letters.

11. Notation
Part of a formal or business letter consisting of brief words or abbreviations as
notations.

Examples:

R.S.V.P. (Rpondez sil vous plat) - French for Please reply.

The use of this notation indicates that the writer expects the recipient to contact
the writer with a yes or no response to the invitation extended in the body of
the letter. Often a corresponding address and/or phone number is printed
directly below this notation.

cc: (carbon copy) - These initials are followed by a name or column of names,
indicating those people to whom a copy of the letter is being sent to. (One-sided
inked carbon paper slipped between two pieces of paper was once the method
used for duplicating copies of correspondence, hence use of the word "carbon" in
this notation).

encl. (enclosure) - Indicates that something else accompanying the letter is

enclosed.
PL/rm (initials of persons) - Indicates that a person typed or even composed a
letter on behalf of someone else. The capitalized initials are those of the sender
of the letter (Paul Lazarman). The lower-case initials are those of the person who
typed or composed the letter (Rachel McDonald) on behalf of the sender. The
most common use for this notation is for situations where an administrative
assistant composed and/or typed the final version of a letter that was dictated
by his/her boss.

EXAMPLE :

Sample Friendly Letter

May 8, 2012

Dear Grandma,

How are you? I was really happy to see you and Grandpa at my graduation ceremony,
and I hope youre recovering from your cold.

Do you think it would be okay if I stopped by to visit you on Saturday? Id really like to
show you my new puppy. I think youll adore her. Her name is Sassy, and I got her last
week. And shes your favorite breed: a golden lab, just like Satchmo!

Im excited to come see you soon. Let me know if Saturday will work for you.

Love,

Olivia