EXPLANATION
Explains how or why something happens
and is often in time order.
Introduction/
opening
statement
•Present tense
Logically ordered
•Cause and effect language
steps explaining how
(because, if, therefore)
or why something
•Time connectives
occurs until it is
•Formal language
finished.
•Technical vocabulary
•Passive voice (The War took place in…)
NON-CHRONOLOGICAL REPORT
Describes what things are like and is not in time order.
An opening, general
•Present tense (unless historical) classification
•Third person
•Factual description
•Technical vocabulary
•Formal, impersonal language
•Gives clear information
A number of paragraphs
about different aspects of
the subject
Conclusion
INSTRUCTIONS
Tells somebody how to do or make something in time
order.
Goal – statement of what needs to be achieved
•Simple, clear language
•Imperative verbs (mix, press, cut, use, shake) Equipment
•Second person (Usually, can be third person) needed
•Necessary detail only
•Numbered or uses time connectives
Sequenced steps/
•Can have diagrams/pictures
diagrams
DISCUSSION
starts with a question
Presents a balanced ‘for and against’ argument.
Introduction of the issue
•Present tense
•Abstract nouns (truth, justice, belief, hope, concern)
•Third person
Arguments ‘for’ + supporting evidence
•Logical connectives
•Complex sentences
Arguments ‘against’ + supporting evidence
•Is balanced
•Conditionals
summary and conclusion based on
a ‘weighing up’ of the evidence
PERSUASION
Tries to persuade the reader to share your opinion.
Introduction stating point of view
•Present tense
•Logical connectives
Arguments – often in the form of
•Paragraph connectives
a point plus details
•Emotive language
•Conditionals
conclusion – a
•Convincing words (surely, clearly, obviously) summary of the
arguments
RECOUNT
Retells an event in time (chronological) order.
•Past tense
•Named people, places, things
•Written in third person
•Has time connectives
•Powerful verbs
•Quotations
•Must be lively and interesting
orientation
Events – recount of events
as they occurred
reflection
closing statement summing up