Text Types

  
TEXT TYPE SCAFFOLDS
Text types are any pieces of writing that you read or create. This can be anything from novels, newspaper reports
and textbooks to recipes, movie reviews and game instructions. A text type scaffold is a simple framework that
helps you to construct and create a piece of writing. There are NINE different text types that you will use at
school. Each one has its own purpose, structure and uses specific language features.

The text type scaffolds included in this diary are designed to help you to create your own piece of writing. Each
of the scaffolds will contain the following information.

This explains when and why you might use a particular text
Purpose type.
Language Features Different text types demand particular use of language. This
information lists the type of words that you should be using
in constructing the text. You should read the glossary at the
end of this section to clarify your understanding of terms
used.
Structure Each piece of writing has a number of parts. Each part of
the writing has a specific role in the entire piece. This
section of the scaffold gives the outline and order of the
parts of a text. A very short and simple example
accompanies each explanation to assist you in
understanding the expectations of the text type.
 

NARRATIVE

PURPOSE
To entertain, instruct or inform the reader by telling a story

E.g. Visual Arts - Write a narrative about a painting

HSIE - Write a narrative about the life of the peasants in Medieval Europe

English - Write a narrative featuring a hero and a villain

LANGUAGE FEATURES
When writing a narrative you should:

• Use verbs

• Use time connectives to show order

• Use descriptive language

• Use proper nouns (e.g. Character Names)

STRUCTURE
COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Orientation Gives the reader It was a dark and stormy
information about who was night, two figures dressed
involved, what happened, in black walked swiftly
where it happened and along the road. The village
when it occured. clock struck midnight.
Body A series of paragraphs that Suddenly they were bathed
move through three stages: in a bright light. Coming
from directly above...
1. Complication
Their first reaction was...
2. Series of events that
move to a climax Then...

3. Resolution or temporary After their experiences...


Coda (optional)
resolution
Tells how the characters These two men would
have changed and exactly never be the same again...
what they learnt from the
experience.

RECOUNT

PURPOSE
To retell events in chronological order. Recounts can be literary or factual.

E.g. English - My Weekend English - My Dragon Adventure

History - Life in Ancient Egypt

LANGUAGE FEATURES
When writing a recount you should:

• Use the past tense

• Use descriptive words

• Use proper nouns

• Use technical language (where appropriate)

• Use time connectives to show the sequence of events (firstly.... secondly.....)

STRUCTURE
 COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Orientation Gives the reader On Saturday, my brother
information about who was and I went to the movies at
involved, what happened, Bankstown...
where it happened and
when it occurred.
Body A series of paragraphs that The day started when we
retell the events in rang the movies...
chronological order. You
should start a new Dad drove us to Bankstown
paragraph for each event or and we met....
aspect of the event.
Reorientation Gives your personal I didn't like the movie but
comment about the events my older brother really
that you have retold. enjoyed it because...

Overall.....
 

DISCUSSION

PURPOSE
To present information about different sides of an issue or topic.

E.g. Science - Should scientists use animals to test cosmetics?

LANGUAGE FEATURES
When writing a discussion you should:

• Use words that show cause and effect

 • Use persuasive language

• Use modality
STRUCTURE
COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Opening Statement Presents the main argument If you believe that we
and provides background should protect animals...
information on the topic or
issue. Scientists claim that...

Outlines the different Whereas Environmentalists

viewpoints that will be argue that...
used.
Body A series of paragraphs that Animals are bred
outline the arguments for specifically for
and against, including experimentation...
evidence for different
points of view. That these animals are kept
poorly in cages is the
The arguments should be argument of...
supported by evidence such
as examples and/or quotes. Scientists need to devise...
Reinforcement The summing up of all the In short we cannot satisfy
arguments and viewpoints both animal lobbyists and
presented in the discussion. scientists wishes.....

The writer may offer a

recommendation in favour
of one side.
 
PROCEDURE

PURPOSE
To give instructions and inform people about how to do something through a series of
steps.

E.g. Maths - Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing Fractions.

Geography - Locating information in an Atlas

PD/H/PE - How to play softball

LANGUAGE FEATURES
When writing a procedure you should:

• Use imperatives/commands

• Use technical language

• Use words and phrases to specify time, place, participants etc.

STRUCTURE
COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Opening Statement State the goal or aim of the To locate Sydney on a map
activity. of Australia and copy its
position onto a blank map
Equipment List the materials and/or - Atlas - Ruler
equipment required.
- World map - Pen
Method List the steps required to 1. Look at index pages of
complete the goal in an atlas
 chronological order.
and locate Sydney,
You should use numbers to Australia.
indicate each new
instruction. 2. .......
 

RESPONSE

PURPOSE
To summarise, analyse and evaluate an artistic work.

E.g. Visual Arts - Write a response to the success of your artwork.

Music - Review a Top 20 CD

LANGUAGE FEATURES
When writing a Response you should:

• Use descriptive language • Use modality • Use words that show cause and effect •
Use technical language

• Use present tense • Use persuasive language

STRUCTURE
COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Context Gives background This is the impressive
information about the release
artistic work being
discussed
Description A series of paragraphs After replacing...
describing elements of the
 • Use words that link arguments • Use time connectives

• Use technical language • Use words showing cause and effect

STRUCTURE
COMPONENT EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Thesis Presents the writer's point The Australian Continent is
of view about a topic or suffering from...
issue.
Body A series of paragraphs that The Aboriginal inhabitants
outline and justify the of Australia...
arguments that support the
overall position of the Since the European
writer. invasion...

The arguments should be Because Australia was such

supported by evidence such a harsh country...
as examples and/or quotes.
In addition...
Reinforcement The summing up of the The quickest, the cheapest
argument. The writer may and easiest way to rectify....
offer a solultion or
alternative to the topic of
issue.

   
   
 
How to use a dictionary effectively

Reasons for using a dictionary

A dictionary is a very important tool for anyone who is learning a new language. With a good dictionary you can do the following:

 look up the meaning of an English word you see or hear

 find the English translation of a word in your language
 check the spelling of a word
 check the plural of a noun or past tense of a verb
 find out other grammatical information about a word
 find the synonym or antonym of a word
 look up the collocations of a word
 check the part of speech of a word
 find out how to say a word
 find out about the register of a word
 find examples of the use of a word in natural language

To be a good dictionary user, however, it is not enough to know what to use the dictionary for. You must also decide which is the best
dictionary for any of the purposes listed above. As well as this, you need to be able to find what you are looking for quickly; you need to be
sure that you have found what you were looking for; and, most importantly, you need to know when to use your dictionary.

Knowing which dictionary to use

Electronic dictionaries are the best choice for ESL students. Most of them contain native-language equivalents and explanations, as well as
definitions and example sentences in English. They can speak the English word to you, and they are easy to carry around. However, they are
expensive and easy to lose, so put your name on yours!

A cheaper possibility, if you are going to work at the computer, is to use an online dictionary. A very good one for ESL students is
the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. Alternatively, if you open Google and type, for example, define: superstitious, you will
get a long list of different definitions of superstitious.

A good monolingual dictionary is recommended for students who already have a high standard of English and want to learn about word use.

Finding words quickly

This is a skill that you need to practise. Ask someone to write down 5 words and see how long it takes you to find them. Of course, you will
need to know the English alphabet perfectly, so practise this too. Use the guide words at the top of each dictionary page; and keep practising
until you can find any word within 10 seconds. You should also practise finding words in your own language in your bilingual dictionary. If you
use an electronic dictionary, take some time at home to learn how it works and, again, practise finding words quickly.

Finding the right meaning of an English word

Very often when you look up a new English word, you find that it has more than one meaning. If you are not sure which one is correct, here’s
what you can do:

 First, check through all the meanings and find the one that makes most sense in the context where you found the word. (Very often,
many of the different meanings are similar and this should be enough to give you a good idea what the word means.)
 Second, if you really want to make sure, think what the word is in your own language and look it up in a bilingual dictionary. If one of
the English translations is the original word you looked up, then you can be satisfied that you have found the right meaning.

Finding the right spelling

Another problem you may have is when you want to check your spelling but you can’t find the word you’re looking for. What can you do?

 If you are sure of the first few letters, just look down the page until you find the right spelling. (Again, it is helpful to check the meaning
is the one you expect.)
 If you are not sure of the first few letters, try some other possibilities. You know for example that some words that start with an -
n sound have k as their first letter; e.g. knife, knight. So if you can't find the word under N, try looking in the K pages.
 If you still can’t find the word, think what it is in your language and look it up in your bilingual dictionary.
Finding the right English translation of a word in your language

When you look up a word in your own language in a bilingual dictionary, you will probably find that there is more than one English translation.
If you are not sure which to use, you could try a back translation. This means that you look up the English translations one by one in a
monolingual dictionary. If a word has a definition that matches the word in your language, you are safe to use it.

Knowing when to use the dictionary

If you look up every new word you see or hear, you will spend your whole day with the dictionary in your hand. That’s no good! You have to
be clever and choose the right words to check and the right time to do it. Try to follow the advice below and you will become a much more
efficient language learner:

 When you find a new word while reading, finish the sentence (better: the paragraph). If you haven’t guessed the meaning and it still
seems important, then you can look it up. To avoid interrupting your reading for too long, you should find its meaning in your own
language using a bilingual dictionary.
 When you hear a new word in class (or the teacher has written it on the board), wait and continue listening. What the teacher says next
may help you to understand the word. If you look in your dictionary, you will not hear what comes next, and this will make
understanding the lesson more and more difficult.
If you think the word is very important, you could copy it from the board or write how you think it is spelled. Then later you could ask
the teacher or another student what it means.

Understanding Your Dictionary

1.
1. Choose the right dictionary. It's also a good idea to upgrade your dictionary every now and then so that you have access to the latest new words that are added to the dictionary every year.[1]
 Consider purchasing specialist dictionaries if they'd be useful in your study or career. Some examples of specialist dictionaries include language dictionaries, technical dictionaries,
rhymes, crossword, subject dictionaries (for example, for math, chemistry, biology, horticulture, etc.), illustrated dictionaries (excellent for learning another language or for technical
knowledge), slang and idioms, etc.
 Many universities have subscriptions to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that provides in-depth information on the history and origins of the word.
 Note that many countries have their own native dictionaries that might be more helpful than sourcing a dictionary from just anywhere, such as the Macquarie dictionary in
Australia, Oxford dictionary in England, Webster's dictionary in the United States, etc.
 Some schools, universities, and workplaces prefer the use of one particular dictionary. This is for reasons of maintaining a consistent style and understanding among everyone
using them; make sure you use the right one for your assignments, editing, and reports. Check the syllabus or employee handbook to find out.
2.

2. Read the introduction. The best way to learn how to use your particular dictionary effectively is to read its introductory section where you'll find out how the entries are arranged. The
introductory section of your dictionary will explain important information such as the abbreviations and pronunciation symbols used throughout the entries.
 Introductions to dictionaries explain things like how entries are arranged (they typically give the word, and the variations of the word; what part of speech the word is;
pronunciation of the word; definition, etc.). Reading the introduction will give you a handle on how to find words and how to use the information that you do find.
 There may also be information on the pronunciation of words with similar spellings; this can be helpful if you have only heard a word and you're not sure of its spelling. For
example, if you hear "not", it might also be "knot" but the "k" is silent, and this list can help you with suggestions.
3.

3. Learn the abbreviations. Dictionaries often have abbreviations in the definitions for a word. This can be confusing if you don't know what the abbreviations stand for. Typically a dictionary
will have a list of abbreviations near the front of the book; either in the introduction or after it.[2]
 For example "adj." stands for "adjective" and will tell you what kind of word the word you're looking up is. "Adv." or "advb." can stand for "adverb; adverbially."
 Something like "n." can stand for at least three different things: the most obvious and common is "noun," but it can also stand for "neuter" or "north" depending on the context. So
make sure that you check the context of the word when you're looking it up.
4.
4. Learn the guide to pronunciation. If you immediately jump right into reading the dictionary without understanding the pronunciation guide, it can be difficult to figure it out. Having an idea
about the symbols of pronunciation will make it a lot easier for you.
 The pronunciation of a word will be placed between two reversed virgules (\ \) and will typically be printed in italics.
 A single stress mark (') precedes the strongest syllable in a word. A double mark precedes the syllable with a medium (or secondary stress) ("), and the third level of stress has no
marker. For example, penmanship would look like this \'pen-m&n-"ship\.
 The symbol \&\ indicates an unstressed vowel. This symbol often intrudes between a stressed vowel and a following \r\ or \l\, such as in sour \'sau(-&)r\.
 The symbol \ä\ symbolizes the type of "a" sound that appears in words like "caught," or "fought." Compare this to the symbol \a\ which designates the sound "a" in "mat, map,
snap," and so on. The word doesn't necessarily have to have the letter "a" to have a type of "a" sound.

Looking Up a Word
1.

1. Find the section of the dictionary with the first letter of your word. Dictionaries follow alphabetical order. For example, "dog" begins with "d" which means that it will be in the section
after "c" and before "e".
 Don't forget the possible spellings for trickier words, such as "gnome" begins with a "g", or "psychology" begins with a "p", or "knock" begins with a "k", etc.
 If you're not entirely sure what the first letter is, start with the letter it sounds like. If you can't find the word under that section, then try other sections. For example, if you didn't
know that "psychology" begins with a "p" you might start looking in the "s" section. When you couldn't find it there, you might try looking in the "p" section next because you can think
along the lines of "psychic" and "psychosis."
 Also, keep in mind that certain words sound alike that are spelled very differently. For example, "throne" and "thrown" are spelled differently and mean very different things. So be
careful that you end up with the correct word.
2.

2. Read the guide words. These are the two words at the top of the page that tell you what types of words are on the page. These words will help you find the word you're looking for in the right
letter section.
 For example if you're looking for the word "bramble" you would begin looking in the "B" section. You would look at the tops of the pages as you went through it until you came to
the page with the guide words "braid bread." This tells you that all the words between braid and bread are on this page. Since "bramble" starts with "b-r-a" it will be in this section.
  As always, the dictionary goes in alphabetical order, so bramble (b-r-a) will come before bread (b-r-e).
3.

3. Scan down the page for your word. If you were looking for the word "futile," for example, you would move past "furry" and "fuse" and "fuss". Since the example word begins with "f-u-t", go
past all the "f-u-r" and all the "f-u-s" words alphabetically until you reach the "f-u-t" area of the page. In this example, move right down through "fut" and "Futhark" and this is where you will find
"futile."
 If you're looking up a word like “futilely” but can't find it, look at the root work to see if it mentions the work you're looking for.
4.

4. Read the definition. Once you've located the word it will tell you exactly what it means (and if it has more than one meaning, it will tell you the most common one first), how to pronounce it,
how to capitalize it (if it's a proper noun), what part of speech it is and so on.
 Quite a few people get daunted by the definitions themselves because they can involve words that you have to then look up. Don't feel discouraged. See if you can figure out the
meaning from the example sentences provided and if not, look up the words you aren't sure of.
 Dictionaries can also sometimes give the synonyms (words that mean the same thing as your word) and the antonyms of a word (words that mean the opposite of your word). So,
for example, if your word is futile some synonyms might be "fruitless" or "unsuccessful" and some antonyms might be "effective" or "helpful." You can also find near neighbor words
such as "futility".
 You might also find an etymology, derivation, or history of the word. Even if you don't know Latin or Ancient Greek, you may find that this information helps you to remember or
understand the word. Check the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) for in-depth looks at the origins of the word.
 Dictionaries also often provide spellings in other English derivations (US English, British English, Australian English, etc.).
5.

5. Alternately, you could use an online dictionary. Online dictionaries are easy. Choose a suitable free online dictionary, or a subscription one if your place of work or study subscribes. Type in
the word you're looking for. The search engine will return the word to you and the definition section should contain most of the elements discussed above.
 Make use of the audio content provided with online dictionaries. This can help considerably when you're unsure how to pronounce the word.
 To use Google to find online definitions, type: "define: futile". The search engine will only look for definitions.
 Note that free services may not be as comprehensive as a subscription or book dictionary, so keep this in mind when you're not sure that you've found the right answer. Always
check at least 2 different online definitions for the word you're looking for.
How to Use a Thesaurus
A thesaurus is a great tool if you feel as though your writing is repetitive or you simply can’t find the right word to say what you want to say. In order to avoid common mistakes, use the correct
style of thesaurus for your needs, understand each part of the thesaurus entry and stay true to your original context. With proper use, a thesaurus can add variety and power to your writing. [1]

Searching for Synonyms in an Alphabetical Thesaurus

1.

1. Look up the word you’re interested in alphabetically in the main body of the book. Make sure you’re spelling the word correctly and proceed to that listing. Some terms (in the photo, the
ones in SMALL CAPS) may be cross references. Looking up cross references can help you better understand the meaning of the word you've looked up.[2]
 Homonyms are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. Check the word’s spelling and its contextual use in a dictionary to be sure you haven’t used the incorrect
word.
2.

2. Use the italicized term next to your chosen word to determine what grammatical category it falls into. This will tell you if the word is a noun, adjective or verb and will make sure you’re
using the synonym correctly. For example, if your original word was a verb, make sure the synonym you’re using is also a verb.
 This will also tell you if you’re using similar word the right way. For example, “intent” can be an adjective or a noun. However, “intention” is also a noun with the same meaning.
3.

3. Look directly beneath the word to find the definition of your original word. This will help you understand if your original word didn’t quite mean what you wanted or if it has an entirely
different meaning. Your thesaurus will include a definition of your original word to help you understand if a synonym is appropriate or if you want to consider a different word completely.
 If your thesaurus doesn’t include definitions, look the word up in a dictionary to be sure of its meaning.
4.

4. Select the synonym you will use. When you go to the alphabetical listing of the word you’ve looked up, you’ll see a list of other words that have similar meanings. Choosing the correct word
will depend on the context of your sentence and your intent. Use your dictionary to check the meaning of any word that interests you. Look up how it can be used in a sentence and see if your
original meaning still makes sense.[3]
  Some words or phrases may be idioms. Make sure to check for any cultural context that could change the word’s meaning.
 If you’re using an historical dictionary, it will also include words that were appropriate for certain time periods. Make sure the word you select is also relevant to the contemporary
context of what you’re writing.[4]
5.

5. Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone
and voice. Check to see if any surrounding verbs, nouns or adjectives need to be changed or removed if the new synonym has clarified your point. You shouldn’t use a thesaurus to simply add
additional words to your text, they should be necessary to the text.[5]
 If you’re still unsure if the synonym you’ve chosen is correct, look it up in a dictionary. Check out other synonyms listed in your thesaurus and see if they might be a better fit.

Searching for Synonyms in a Roget-Type Thesaurus

1.

1. Understand how your thesaurus is organized. Some traditional thesauri are organized by an index in the back of the book. This index will send you to a longer, numbered entry. Others are
organized by general categories. Your thesaurus will have a guide that explains how it should be used. Read it thoroughly.[6]
 Traditional thesauruses also offer antonyms.
2.

2. Use the alphabetical index at the back of the thesaurus to find your word. That will lead you to a number that leads to an entry for the original word you’d like to look up. This index allows
for longer, more detailed entries. Use your dictionary to be sure you’re spelling the word correctly.
 Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings. Check the word’s spelling and its contextual use in a dictionary to be sure you haven’t used the incorrect
word.
 Rather than list a small selection of synonyms for each term like an alphabetical thesaurus (which can lead to duplication) there is an index to longer, numbered entries. All the
words in the entry will appear in the index just once.
3.
3. Select the synonym you will use. When you go to the alphabetical listing of the word you’ve looked up, you’ll see a list of other words that have similar meanings. Choosing the correct word
will depend on the context of your sentence and your intent. Use your dictionary to check the meaning of any word that interests you. Look up how it can be used in a sentence and see if your
original meaning still makes sense.
Some words or phrases may be idioms. Make sure to check for any cultural context that could change the word’s meaning.
4.

4. Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone
and voice. Check to see if any surrounding verbs, nouns or adjectives need to be changed or removed if the new synonym has clarified your point. You shouldn’t use a thesaurus to simply add
additional words to your text, they should be necessary to the text.[8]
 If you’re still unsure if the synonym you’ve chosen is correct, look it up in a dictionary. Check out other synonyms listed in your thesaurus and see if they might be a better fit.

Choosing the Appropriate Word for Your Needs

1.

1. Look up your original word and the word you’ve chosen in a dictionary. Be sure you understand what both words mean. Some words may seem similar but might not apply in your
particular context. For example, you wouldn’t want to use “bloodless” if you’re describing something that’s “pale.”[9]
 Some thesauri list idioms, these are cultural phrases whose meaning relies on cultural context. Make sure you research any possible idioms you could be using and if they make
sense in context.
 If you’re using an historical thesaurus, it will provide synonyms from different time periods. Make sure the word you select is correct for the time period you’re writing about. [10]
2.

2. Use a thesaurus sparingly. Synonyms can be a great way to improve your writing, but be sure you don’t lose your meaning and voice by relying too much on a thesaurus. There’s no need to
replace every word in a paragraph with a synonym, so start with any words that seem out of place in your writing.[11]
 Over use of a thesaurus can be a distraction[12]
3.

3. Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone
and voice. Check to see if any surrounding verbs, nouns or adjectives need to be changed or removed if the new synonym has clarified your point.[13]
 Don't be afraid to try a few synonyms to find the best fit for your voice.