Recount Text

Retells events, such as anecdotes, accounts of observations and experiences.

Characteristics

* Usually starts by setting the scene, such as: “Last Christmas our family stayed at my grandparents’ house.”

* Events recounted in chronological order.

* Some sort of concluding statement, such as: “We finally arrived home on December 27.”

* Focuses on specific occasions and people.

Language features

* Past tense.

* Many temporal connectives, such as first, then, next, finally.

* Often written in first person (I or we).

Persuasion Text Argues the case for a point of view, for example letters, advertisements, promotional literature.

Characteristics

* May begin by stating a case, such as: “Christmas is too commercialised. ”

* Arguments - often given as statement with elaboration, such as:

“Christmas promotions begin in September.”

* May finish with revision of main points, leading to restatement of case:

“We have seen that... Therefore...”

Language features

* Simple present tense.

* Usually about general rather than specific participants.

* Many logical connectives, such as: this shows... because ... however. .. so.

Discussion Text

Presents a balanced argument, like an essay.

Characteristics * Begins with statement of the issue.

* Presents arguments with evidence for and against the issue. These may be interwoven or presented separately (all arguments for, then all against).

* Final summary and conclusion.

Language features * Simple present tense.

* Non-specific participants, such as: “Some people would argue...”

* Logical connectives, such as therefore, because, however.

Adapted from the National Literacy Strategy Framework for Teaching and the NLS training materials on reading and writing for information.