DELTA Module 1 Features of Genres

CLLOGS
Content: what kind of information is included that is typical of this
genre?
Layout: How does the text look on the page? Headings/ addresses/
title/ bulletpoints/ images.
Lexis: What kind of words are used? Words/ fixed expressions
common in this genre?
Organisation: Paragraphs/ sections/ headings? Types of cohesive
device.
Grammar: Tenses that are typical? Sentence structure?
Style: Informal/neutral/formal.
Informal email
Lexis: May contain spelling/punctuation errors. Also,
vague/colloquial/idiomatic/informal language.
Grammar: Complex structures like relative clauses may be replaced
by brackets which serve as asides.
Stylistic features: Formulaic openings/closings "Lots of love" etc
Ellipsis common and sentences may be short.
Words written in capitals for effect, and may be lots of exclamation
marks.
May contain discourse markers more common in spoken discouse
"well" "by the way".
Abbreviations/ contractions/ numerals all common.

News stories
Content: news/ current affsirs/ celeb gossip
Layout: may have picture. In tabloids, picture may portray person in
comical/ unflattering way/ Headlines which may contain elliptic
articles.
Lexis: Neutral. Possible use of compounds (tabloids) "quick-thinking
Alex"..
Organisation: Headline. First sentence is elaboration of HL.
Background then sketched in. Events not chronological. Tabloids -
short sentences, may be one sentence per paragraph. May end with a
moral.
Grammar: HL often present simple. First sentence often present
 perfect. Background often past simple and past perfect. Often has
very long noun phrases containing a lot of information. May have
long complex/compound sentenes.

Book/ Film review

Content: Brief description of plot without giving ending. Comments/
evaluation of film/ writer/ plot etc. Introduction/ background to
story. Positive/ negative recommendation.
Layout: Paragraphs, each with clear function. Possible picture from
film/ of author/ jacket cover etc.
Lexis: Precise descriptive vocab eg. adverbs/ adjecives.
Organisation: Attention-grabbing opening (wity comment/ shocking
statement/ interesting fact). 2-3 paragraphs giving information about
plot/director etc. Final recommendation.
Grammar: Present tenses to describe plot.
Style: Neutral and impersonal. Although subjective, should not be
presented as so.

Short story/ narrative

Content: Beginnning/ middle/ end.
Layout: Paragraphs, inverted commas for direct speech.
Lexis: Descriptive language, varied vocab and idioms, adjectives and
adverbs.
Organisation: Beginning: background/ setting/ loaction/
participants/ feelings. Middle: events/ problems and solutions. End:
outcome/ evaluation.
Grammar: Direct speech, narrative tenses.
Style: Informal/ neutral style.
 Formal letter (for job)
Content: Reason for writing (reference to advert/ background info
about self. why interested/ skills/ request for further info).
Layout: Address top right, address of reciever top left, opening
salutation top left under address, date. Indent at beginning of letter if
handwritten.
Lexis: Formal, no contractions, formulaic phrases "I am writing with
reference to...." etc. Appropriate beginnings/ endings "Dear
Sir....Yours faithfully" etc.
Grammar: Use of present and past tenses.
Style: Formal.

Reports
Content: Introduction stating topic and organisation. Facts divided by
topic. Summary/ conclusion at end.
Layout: Headings divide content.
Lexis: Strong use of linkers.
Grammar: Mixed tenses.
Style: Neutral/ formal

Adverts:
Content: website/ contact details/ small print/ prizes (maybe!).
Layout: Different font sizes/ use of bold to highlight main points.
PIcture of customer/ logo.
Lexis: Idiomatic language including phrasal verbs. Lexis may be
informal/ specific to the product. May include initials and blends (eg.
CallerID).
Organisation: Engage interest - give factual information - contact
details - T&C. Begins with problems then offers solutions.
Information may be sectioned.
Grammar: Possible use of 2nd person singular to make reader feel
they are being spoken to directly. May be conditionals for advice or
imperatives to persuade reader/ make suggestions.
Style: Informal, friendly. May use contractions/ ellipsis. Makes reader
feel they are being spoken to.
 Transactional texts
Content: May be: Question-answer format pre-empting reader's
concerns. Subdivided into sections relating to sub-topics. Dense
information broken into chunks. Problem-solution. Contact info.
Layout: landscape/portrait? Pictures/logos/maps. 'Signposting' in
bolding/shading. Possible columns for easy folding and display.
Punctuation - capitals for headings/ key information.
Lexis: May be: multi-word noun phrases to give information
succinctly.
Organisation:
Grammar: May be: Extensive use of present simple for things that are
always true; agent-less passive for impersonal style; 2nd person
singular to make text feel relevant to reader; modals for obligation/
possibility/ permission/ advice (information and warning);
imperatives for instructions/ informing/ advice; 'if' and 'when'
clauses for particular situations.
Style: (semi) formal/ impersonal/technical register and lexis; (semi)
formal/ official/ factual grammar with no contractions. Emphasis on
clarity.

Websites
Layout :
Content is organized in columns
There is use of visuals, logos, icons, headings, capitals.
Banner advert across the page
header and footer with explanatory subheading of the website and
the website address
Organization
Info is in sections. each related to a specific topic
Info is in short easily accessible chunks/paragraphs.
Grammatical/lexical
Simple non complex sentences/ simple conjunctions.
website related lexis eg. sign in, click on the link, forums etc
Use of imperatives to give instructions/address the reader.
Creative use of lexis to engage the reader
Style
Enthusiastic tone
Informal/colloquial written style - use of ellipses, exclamation marks,
contractions

Content
links to access other parts of the website
positive testimonials / quotes from members
explains how the club works for new members
Persuasive by stating numbers to prove popularity, ease of signing
up, benefits of the club.
Salutation- most websites greet the reader.