Recognizing Different Types of Text
Types of Discourse
1. Argumentation – In this type of discourse, the writer aims to persuade the
audience or readers. He or she presents valid claims or counterclaims, each supported
by evidence, to prove a point. In proving claims, the writer presents studies, experts’
opinions, and statistical data, among others. Moreover, an argumentative discourse
should appeal to logic or reason instead of emotion.
Example: A recent study confirmed that playing video games may cause children to
become violent. However, this is only true for some children. Dr. Charlotte Cooper and
Dr. Markey Vitasa of ABC University explained that children who manifest a
combination of three personality traits―high neuroticism, disagreeableness, and low
levels of conscientiousness―are more likely to be aggressive toward others after
playing video games.
In order to convince the readers, the author of the passage mentioned a study to
support his or her claim about video games. The author did not simply state that video
games may cause children to become violent; he or she proved it by citing two experts.
2. Description – This type of discourse is based on the main impression of the
author about the topic or subject. His or her impression is influenced by prior
knowledge, culture, environment, and experiences, among others. As the writer
describes his or her observations, it triggers sensory images among readers.
Example: When I first saw my childhood friend Margarette, she was about my younger
sister Viv’s height. Her hair was curly and dark, and her skin was pale. But what really
struck me when I first saw her was her big round blue eyes.
Through the author’s description, the reader can infer what the person Margarette looks
like.
3. Exposition – This aims to inform, clarify, and explain a phenomenon. It
defines what something is and provides an in-depth discussion about topics that are
usually less explored. Moreover, it gives reader instructions on how something is done.
Example: How to set up an email account 1. Choose the web host. 2. Look for
the sign up button. Click it. 3. Provide the required information. 4. Think of a unique
username and a password. (Tip: For the password, type in uppercase or add
characters.) 5. Start using the newly setup email account.
The passage gives instructions on how to set up an email account. Some examples of
an exposition may be found in some magazine articles or editorials, which usually
include life hacks.
4. Narration – This type of discourse is like storytelling. It recalls events
chronologically. It is told in the first, second, or third person point of view. Moreover, its
structure may be linear or nonlinear. A linear structure follows a typical format:
beginning, middle, end; while a nonlinear structure may start from the end or in the
middle.
Example: I remember the time when I learned how to swim. I was only eight
years old and afraid to bathe in a pool. I envied the kids who played with inflatable balls
and animals. Whenever my family would visit the clubhouse, I would sit beside the pool
and never really jump in to join them. A summer camp opened in our neighborhood, and
my mom thought of enrolling my brother and me in a swimming class. Two days before
the class started, my mom gave me a pep talk; that made me realize that I did not want
to miss out the fun just because I was afraid.
The passage conveys a person’s experience about learning how to swim. The events
are told chronologically, and the story is told in the first person point of view.
Qualities of a Text
Jorgensen and Phillips put forth the qualities of a text as:
[Link]. The parts are connected.
[Link]. The overall text has meaning.
[Link]. The writer’s attitude and the purpose can be discerned.
[Link]. The text is recognized.
[Link]. There is a quantity of new or expected information.
[Link]. The text can be linked to the preceeding discourse.
Written text requires the characteristics of connected discourse when :
1. Its ideas are linked logically
Here are some steps to make logical division of idea paragraph:
[Link] a logical division paragraph with a topic sentence.
[Link] the supporting sentences, discuss each point one after the other.
[Link] each new point with a signal word or phrase.
[Link] addition, support each point with a convincing detail such as an example or
statistics (numbers, amounts, percentages, etc.)
[Link], end a logical division paragraph with a concluding sentences.
Connectives for listing arguments.
1. Firstly – This can be used for supporting argument.
2. Secondly, furtheremore, moreover, in addition- this can be used for any further
supporting arguments.
3. Finally, furthermore, moreover, in addition- this can be used for the last supporting
argument.
Concluding connectives such as in conclusion, in summary and thus.
