There are many types of academic text: a textbook chapter, a scientific article, a

lecture, an essay, and longer texts like dissertations. We often refer to text type as
Genre, and texts from the same genre share similar structure, style, and content.
Closely related to genre is Audience – the intended readers (e.g. students of
particular discipline). A further characteristic of academic texts is their Purpose –
the main reason for writing the text (e.g. to explain a concept, or persuade the
audience through argument). The author may consider a number of Perspectives
(e.g. economic, historical). In academic language need to be able to navigate a text
effectively, work out the genre, audience, and purpose, and identify its
perspectives.

Task 1. Understanding genre, audience, and purpose in texts.

Part 1. Describe the characteristics of the following genres:

Example:
1) Subject specific dictionary – is an academic genre that lists short definitions in
alphabetical order for key concepts in a discipline (e.g. medicine).

2) University textbook -
3) Abstract of a journal article -
4) Journal article -
5) Newspaper article -
6) Encyclopedia entry -
7) Essay -
8) Review -
9) Scientific report -
10) Dissertation -
 Part 2. Fill up the table containing different genres. Identify the
audience and purpose of each.

Genre (What?) Audience (For whom?) Purpose (Why?)

1) Subject specific For students/teachers of To define technical
dictionary the subject terms/explain key
concepts
2) University textbook -
3) Abstract of a journal
article -
4) Journal article -
5) Newspaper article -
6) Encyclopedia entry -
7) Essay -
8) Review -
9) Scientific report -
10) Dissertation -

Part 3. Answer the following questions in written form:

1) Which genres from task 1 and 2 you read in your first language and which in
English? How often?

2) Which genres do you think are important for you to use in your academic study?