Discussion  What is it?  Discussion is a kind of text which presents a problematic discourse. Discussion text will see and elaborate the problem or issue from at least two different points of view. It presents pro and contra opinion on the issue, one side agrees with the issue while the other disagrees. The different point of views on the generic structure is actually the core of the discussion text which differentiates from the other text types. The two different points of view not only must be treated fairly but also be supported with reasons and evidence. If the writer chooses to support one particular view in the conclusion, plausible reasons must be given then. We can discover various perspectives to get the meet point between two different ideas before coming to the conclusion. Therefore discussion is the effective method to calm down any friction and different thought and perception in many social activities. Social Function The function of discussion text is ...

Hortatory Exposition What is it?  A Hortatory exposition is a text which is intended to persuade readers or the listeners that something should or should not happen or be done. The writer needs some arguments to support his thesis. Hortatory text seems very similar to analytical exposition since both of them state thesis as the introduction and present arguments to support the thesis. Yet hortatory exposition builds the arguments in a higher level. It is ended by recommendation; while analytical exposition is ended with a reiteration. Hortatory exposition can be found in numerous functional texts such as sales letter, advertising slogan, speech, a letter to editor, etc. Social Function The social function of hortatory exposition is to persuade the readers or listener that something should or should not be the case. Generic Structure Thesis It states the issue concerned. Arguments It tells the reasons for the concerned issue that will lead to recommendation. Rec...

Analytical Exposition What is it?  An analytical exposition is a sort text which is meant to persuade the readers or listeners that something is the case or important. In persuading the readers or listeners, some supporting ideas or arguments on why the writer’s opinion is important, are presented. Since analytical exposition is popular among scientists, academic community and educated people then you can find this type of text in scientific books, journals, magazines, newspaper articles, academic speech or lectures, research report etc. You certainly know that both analytical exposition and hortatory exposition are grouped as argumentative essay. Both present argument to support the thesis. But actually you can see the difference by seeing the generic structure. Analytical exposition ends with paragraph to strengthen the thesis or reiteration while hortatory makes a recommendation for the readers. You certainly know that both analytical exposition and hortatory exposition...

Procedure What is it?  Procedure text is a text which guides you on how to make something entirely. The main structure of this text imperative sentence because it is actually a kind of instruction text. Procedure text typically mentions the ingredients or materials which are required, although sometimes they are omitted. Social Function The social function of this text is to describe how something is accomplished through a sequence of actions or steps. Generic Structure Goal/Aim Materials/Equipments Steps/Methods Language Features Using imperative sentences e.g. plug the cable into the socket and turn on your computer. Using action verb e.g. cut, put, dry, etc. Using temporal conjunction; firstly, secondly, next, finally, etc. Using simple present tense e.g. Having a kite flying is interesting and make it by self is easy Using adverb e.g. neatly, carefully, slowly, etc The Procedure Text Examples: 1.       How to Cook Tuna Ste...

Explanation Text What is it?  Explanation is a kind of text that informs the process relating to forming of natural, social, scientific and cultural phenomena. It explains ‘why’ or ‘how’ the phenomena happen or why things are similar or different. This text is frequently found in science, geography and history text books. You may often get confused between explanation text and procedure text. Explanation text says about how or why something occurs; while procedure text comes with the instruction on how something is accomplished. Social Function Shortly it can be said that an explanation text is used to tell how or why something happens or explains the process involved in the formation or working of natural or socio-cultural phenomena. Generic Structure General statement It states the phenomenon issue which will be explained. Sequenced explanation It is the main part of the text which explains a series of steps or events which interrelate to form the thing o...

Report Text What is it? If you want to share the result of systematic observation or analysis then report text is the suitable choice for you. The topic may range from natural, man-made to social phenomena. Social Function The social function of report text is to presents information about something, as it is. Generic Structure General classification It states classification of general aspect of thing; animal, public place, plant, etc which will be discussed in general. Description It describes the thing being discussed in detail; part per part, customs or deed for living creature and usage for materials. Language Features Introducing group or general aspect Using conditional logical connection e.g. when, so, etc Using simple present tense Using technical term e.g. water contains oxygen and hydrogen. The Report Text Examples: Star Cat Dolphin at a Glance Elephant Earthquake Potato Thunderstorm Glasses Computer Internet

Descriptive Text What is it? A descriptive text is a kind of text which describes the characteristics of something in order to make clear impression of a person, place, object or event. You may employ descriptive text to describe a certain place of your favorite with its details, the appearance your best friend, your pet, etc. You can use descriptive text to take on your readers’ attention, create characters, and form a particular mood or atmosphere about the subjects being described. Social Function As mentioned above, you surely can draw in your mind that the social function of a descriptive text is to describe a particular place, thing or person. It says what a person, thing or place is like. Generic Structure Identification It mentions the special participant or subject which will be described. Description It states the part, quality, and characteristics of the subject. The Descriptive Text Examples: University Of Oxford Cleopatra Columbia Unive...