PAPER 1

TEXT TYPES
From 250 to 400 words
TO REMEMBER: 2022 - 2023
SCHOOL YEAR 2023 - 2024
IMPORTANT:
• One of the most important questions to consider is:
• Who is the audience I am trying to reach? (always visualize the
person you
are writing to)
• Register: According to the audience use formal or informal register.
• Purpose: Every text has a purpose that must have been expressed
in it.
• NOTE: Do not forget to write a brainstorm, a plan, and a draft before
sending the final text.
 TEXTS TYPES
PROFESSIONAL
PERSONAL TEXTS TEXTS MASS MEDIA TEXTS

• The message according to • Are created for an intended • They are created for
the audience. audience, where no personal distribution to a large
relationship is assumed
audience.
• The audience may be family between the sender and the
members, friends or groups receiver but have the same • The writer has no way of
with a common interest. interests. knowing exactly who will
• They describe, narrate, • They must transfer knowledge take the time and interest
entertain, recommend, and logical presentation of to read and understand the
information. message.
persuade.
• They use formal language and • The level of formality in the
• The level of formality in the formal register.
register of these texts will register of these texts will
vary according to linguistic • They inform, give instructions, vary according to linguistic
explain, analyse, convince, and socio-cultural norms.
and socio-cultural norms.
interpret, or evaluate.
 PERSONAL LETTERS

• Write personal letters:

• * to people we know well.
• * to invite, to thank someone, to express sympathy or congratulations.
• * to give advice or instructions.
• * to maintain a friendship or personal relationships.
• * they express the exact thoughts and feelings towards the reader.
• * the language must be chosen carefully. (informal, personal tone and
register)
* Remember: this task is an assessment of how well, not how badly,
you can
write English.
STRUCTURE:

• 1. Sender
• 2. Date
• 3. Receiver
• 4. Salutation: Dear…..( the reader’s first name)
• 5. Introduction, body, conclusion
• 6. Closing: Love, Best wishes, Cheers,…
• 7. Signature
• 8. Name
E-MAILS
• Basic rules:
• 1. Receiver: “To:”
• 2. Sender: “From:”
• 3. Subject: “Main topic”
• 4. Date
• 5. Closing
• 6. Name
• Important: - When sending messages to many people who
don’t know put the
addresses in the “Bcc: field” (Blind carbon copy)
- Use upper and lowercase letters properly. Using
all uppercase
letters gives the sense that I AM SHOUTING AT
YOU!
E-MAIL GUIDELINES
1. Find a balance: a balance between formal and friendly is ideal for the first contact. Use full
sentences and sign off with “best wishes” instead of “yours sincerely.
2. Watch your grammar, spelling and punctuation: always double-check your email for spelling,
grammar and punctuation before sending.
3. Focus on one subject per email.
4. Clear, direct subject line: subject lines should be short and accurately describe the content of the
email for clarity.
5. Be organized: Make it a habit to organize your emails so they are easy to find if you need them.
6. Reply promptly: Emails should always be answered in a reasonable timeframe.
7. Compress files: If you need to attach large files to your email, it is best to compress them to
make it easier for the recipient to download.
8. Watch your tone: Tone of voice can often be misinterpreted in an email. Avoid sarcasm, be
mindful that different cultures have different levels of formality.
9. Sensitive subjects: Sometimes when dealing with sensitive subjects, it is better to speak in
person.
10. Important: be careful to double-check who is receiving or able to see these emails.
PERSONAL BLOG
• A blog entry is written so that your readers can read it.
• You write a blog because you want to communicate something to your readers.
• Narrative-driven blog and thesis-driven blog. Both blog types share one
important aspect: reflection.
• Use formal language.
• A blog can be like an essay.
• In a narrative-driven blog you would use the past tense; and in conversations
you can use reported speech.
• The thesis-driven blog use structured paragraphs with topic sentences related
to the thesis and a final thought or conclusion. This one can be much more
informative.
TRAVEL BLOG
• A travel blog is a mass media text.
• A travel blog is a mixture of a narrative and an opinion article.
• Include: opinions, feelings, and pictures taken while traveling.
• Be personal. Interact with your readers. The main purpose is not
to share any experience, it is to share your experience.
• Compare the culture and traditions, give advice to visitors.
• Remember that your are writing to entertain and sometimes to
persuade.
DIARY ENTRY
• A diary entry contains your thoughts, feelings and comments about events of the day.
• It describes what you did, saw and felt on a particular occasion.
• Diaries are private rather than public.
• Some writers like to write the diary as if it were a good friend, in this case you talk to your diary as “you”.
• In a diary entry you emphasize your reflections and comments about the events of the day. So, it does
not have a chronological structure.

• You might start with a phrase to focus the reader on the main event you wish to relate.
• It can start for example: “What a day this has been!” or “I have never felt so insulted.” or “How could I
have imagined they could be so cruel?”

• A diary entry is spontaneous and therefore the language and the ideas should sound fresh. Nevertheless,
you should still use the basic rules of writing: topic sentence, supporting sentences and a conclusion.

• You should finish with a closing thought or statement: “I wonder what will happen next.”
• Style: diaries are written from a first-person perspective.
It can be written in the simple past or the present perfect tense. Use informal language, do not
use slang.
PROPOSAL

• The general purpose of a proposal is to persuade someone to

do something in a professional context.
• The proposal must explain: “what you are planning”, “how
you plan to do it”, “when you plan to do it”, “how much it is
going to cost”, and “what the benefit will be”.
• The audience is very important, so the language must be
formal. You may also need to use facts, technical language
and figures to convince the audience to support your plan.
STRUCTURE
• 1. Use subheadings.
• 2. Give a concise introduction.
• 3. Explain your objective, methods, timeline, or budget when needed.
• 4. Conclude by emphasizing the benefits of the proposal.
• 5. Take a clear stand and a positive tone.
• 6. Avoid language such as: might, could, ought, may, should, hope, it
appears.
• 7. Remember to support your argument with evidence.
• 8. Use formal language and be very polite.
• 9. Avoid exaggerations or emotional expressions.
SPEECH
• A speech is addressed to a listening audience, so
hold the attention of the audience and convince
them of an idea.
• Consider who will be listening to you and be clear
about your purpose – if it is to persuade, to inform,
to demonstrate, to entertain, or welcome.
• Make sure you connect with your audience but be
careful with the use of the pronouns.
RULES:
1. Have a clear introduction: begin by greeting your audience, give a one
sentence summary of your speech topic and your point of view.
2. Convince your audience that you have credibility citing your qualifications or
expertise.
3. Briefly outline the key points you are going to cover and explain the benefit for
the audience.
4. The main body of your speech can be a reasoned argument with supporting
paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting examples and explanations.
5. Conclude your speech by re-stating the main arguments using different words.
The final sentence should be a call to action.
6. Always maintain contact with your audience.
7. Use rhetoric that is appropriate to the audience. (a good and wide vocabulary)
EDITORIALS

• Editorials are unsigned.

• They offer an opinion or present a collective point of view on
some topical subject.
• They can inform, entertain or persuade.
• They are designed to stimulate public debate, and readers
are invited to send letters to the editor in order to comment
on the topic.
STRUCTURE
1. Headline: it grabs the readers’ attention and persuades them to read the piece.
2. Introductory paragraph: it captures the attention of the readers and makes
them want to read further. It explains the main idea, the context and background
to the topic being discussed.
3. The main body and supporting paragraphs: it consists in paragraphs that
expand the main topic of the article. It can be written as a “one-sided” approach
or a “balanced” approach.
4. Conclusion: it should tie everything together and sum up the editorial.
Reminding the reader of the article’s main idea and making a recommendation.
5. Tone and style: It must consider the relationship between the writer (an expert
opinion) and the reader. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate
vocabulary and register.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
• The purpose of writing a letter to the editor is to let the public know
what you think, so the writer has to convince readers by using
emotion, reason, or a combination of the two.
• Letters to the editor are usually short and rarely longer tan 450
words. Therefore, your ideas must be clearly organized.
• Structure: - Sender address, date, receiver address (The Editor /
Newspaper or magazine name), salutation (Dear Editor), Opening
paragraph, Middle paragraphs, and Closing paragraph with the
solution, and add: Yours faithfully, ……
• Style and language: must be formal, polite, with the correct spelling
and punctuation.
INTERVIEW

• It is useful for language development.

• It allows to conduct a person-to-person discussion through a
carefully structured use of questions.
• Use open questions: (Why, How, Tell me about, What do you
think about….) to produce longer answers.
• It can be formal (job, college interview)
• It can be informal (an artist) are more relaxed and personal.
THE WRITTEN INTERVIEW

•It is used for a magazine article. (This kind of text can be

published)

•STRUCTURE:
•A title
• Short introduction (who you interview with some details of
that person, when, where and why)
•A question and answer format
•Speakers are introduced by names or initials, usually in bold
followed by a
colon.
REVIEW
• It is a form of journalistic mass media in which you observe and evaluate a
cultural artefact such as a film, a book, a play, a performance or a TV programme.
• Reviews can be found in magazines, newspapers and in blogs.
• It has three basic features:
1. A summary: details of the film, but without mentioning the ending.
2. A body: consisting of an introduction, sometimes with a thesis and
supporting paragraphs about different aspects of the film.
3. A verdict – a recommendation.
• The language and style can be formal or informal. It depends of the audience and
the type of publication.
ADVERTISEMENTS
• Aim: To grab the interest of the customers.
• Can be found in print, radio, or television. (written or spoken)
• Use both linguistic and visual text.
• Magazine ads: sell products, promote ideas, suggest ideal
worlds, reinforce public opinions, and entertain.
• Adverts reflect the culture and values of a society.
Important:
• Always visualize the audience.
• Keep in mind the ideal reader while you are writing.
• Write down what you know about the audience and think how
to sell the product.
• Use the same level of formality as if you were talking to your
customers in person.
STRUCTURE OF ADVERTISEMENTS
• Write an eye-catching title.
• Use clear and simple sentences.
• Write clue words.
• Use short paragraphs
• Use bullet points or lists.
• Address the audience.
• Personalize the message. (Use “you” and “your”)
• Use commands: “Call now!”
• Use metaphors and similes to help the audience understand
complex ideas.
Important: Consider what kind of publication is.
FLYERS
• A flyer is also known as a handbill.
• It is used to market a product or an event. (Example: a community meeting,
a new restaurant, announcements of events, concerts, club openings,
product information for shops and businesses, or special offers.)
• For small audience.
• It offers a limited amount of information.
• Flyers can be sent out as email attachments.
Structure:
- Title (It must hook the attention of the audience)
- Short sentences with important information and clue words.
- The name of the company or the sender, the address, phone number,
or/and
email.
LEAFLETS
• Leaflets are better designed than flyers.
• Use colour printing and better quality paper.
• The design should catch the attention of customers and consumers.
• It should have a convincing message.
• It is used to promote a service, market or sell a product, educate, inform,
persuade, or entertain the audience.
• Leaflets are often inserted into local newspapers or posted into
letterboxes.
• Important: The language used depends of the target audience.
PAMPHLETS
• It may consist of a single sheet of paper or a few folded
pages.
• It gives more details than a flyer.
• It uses colour images.
• It is used to promote awareness.
• It is used to inform, to persuade, to call to action.
• The language used depends of the target audience.
NEWSLETTERS
• Newsletters are publications that are distributed by businesses,
charitable organizations, societies, clubs and community bodies.
• They contain information on specific topic that interest the audience.
• They are used to maintain contact and keep the audience informed,
involved and interested.
• The newsletter must contain: the subject matter, the purpose, the
audience, and special features.
• The structure of the newsletter is the same as every letter. (sender,
date, receiver, salutation, introduction, body, conclusion, closing,
signature, and name)
GUIDELINES
• Guidelines are texts that help you to make choices when deciding on a course of
action.

• When you are faced with a problem or decision, guidelines set out standard
routines or good practice that you can follow.

• Guidelines suggest solutions and procedures, do not simply give orders.

• How to organize the information:

• Identify the main topic

• List the elements or subtopics.

• Guidelines can help the reader to take a big problem and break it down into
smaller subcategories.

• Guidelines give advice.

• Guidelines can be written in any style.

• The level of formality, language, and vocabulary used, depend of the audience
SET OF INSTRUCTIONS

• Address the readers directly, but politely. Do not sound too bossy.
• Instructions can be part of another document.
• Use modal verb phrases such as: “may”, “might”, “can”, “could”, “ought
to”.
• Use the second-person point of view (you, your, yours).
• Use the active voice and the imperative mood.
• Effective instructions commonly include visual elements (such as pictures,
diagrams, and flowcharts) that illustrate and clarify the text.
SET OF INSTRUCTIONS –
CHARACTERISTICS:
• Use short sentences and short paragraphs.
• Arrange your points in logical order.
• Put the most important item in each sentence at the beginning.
• Say one thing in each sentence.
• Choose your words carefully, avoiding jargon and technical terms.
• Give an example or an analogy, if it is possible.
• Don't omit steps or take shortcuts.
• It must contain:
• Title: It should explain in plain language what you are writing about and why your
reader should read the document.
• Introduction: It should include the topic and the background or context.
• The main body: It will explain each step to take. It could be organized
chronologically.
• Conclusion: It should tell the reader what they can do now that they have finished.
ESSAYS
• It is a piece of writing in which you state your ideas on a
topic.
• A good essay demonstrates that you can communicate your
ideas clearly and persuade an audience that your opinions
are logical and trustworthy.
• According to the audience, it is possible
Personal essay to use third person or
Thesis-driven
first person. essay

• UsePrompt Title
formal language. Do not use slang. Question
Opening Opening remark or Thesis
observation
Body Narrative or supporting Supporting
paragraphs paragraphs
Ending Final thought Conclusion
Language Formal, semiformal, informal Formal
 PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
Letter of enquiry Letter of application Letter of
complaint
Structure and To an organization or Applying for an To complain about
contents individual advertised position goods or services
speculatively. received.
Opening Introduce yourself. Identify yourself and Introduce yourself
paragraph Reasons for writing. the position you are and explain the
applying. exact nature of your
complaint.
Middle Write your points and
Reasons you are Set out the exact
paragraphs reasons. applying, qualifications event. Explain what
and experience, skills, outcome or action
qualities. you want.
Required Not acceptable
Closing Words of thanks. Thank for their Explain the specific
Language and
paragraph Correct punctuation, Contractions, action
consideration. smileys,to resolve the
register paragraphing, formal emoticons, emojis, idiomatic
problem
vocabulary language, slang, misspelling,
SMS words.
ONLINE FORUM POSTING
• The definition of a forum is a place or a method for discussion.
• Writing in online forums is more like speaking.
• You do not have to put full stops (.) at the end of sentences.
• Use ^^^ to show you are talking about the post above yours.
• Use @ and a person's name to show clearly who you are replying to.
• Stay calm and be polite.
• Type your discussion topic (subject or question) in the forum title and add details in the forum
description.
• Allow participants to create threads.
• How should I include my first post? Answer the question written in the post.

• Give evidence. Provide an explanation for your point of view, and use evidence from your text,
notes, or outside research (where appropriate) to support your point.
WHAT IS AN ONLINE FORUM POST?
• An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold
conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are
longer than one line of text.

• Important tips:
• Strategically choose your topic or question.
• Write strong arguments.
• Be relevant. ...
• Bring something unique to the post. ...
• Prepare your response in a text editor (like Word) before you post. ...
• Leave participants wanting for more information.

• How do you start a discussion post about yourself?

• Your introduction should be no shorter than 300 words in length and should give us a general idea
of your interests and goals. You may want to explain your arguments about the topic.
ONLINE FORUM POSTING
TIPS FOR WRITING THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSION:
• Ask open-ended questions to promote discussion. Open-ended questions require individuals to write
more than a simple one- or two-word answer. ...
• The structure is a short essay.
• Do not be afraid to disagree. ...
• Give reasons for your opinion. ...
• Think outside the box. ...
• Include outside resources.
• The main difference between a blog and a forum is that a blog is a frequently updated web page or
website where the content appears in reverse chronological order, while a forum is an online discussion
site where users share ideas, thoughts, or help by posting text messages.
• Question (Q&A) – The Q&A format presents the initial thread post as a question, requesting
responses. ...
• Both Q&A and Discussion - Both Q&A and traditional discussions are enabled for this type of forum
thread.
PROPOSAL
• The purpose of a proposal is to persuade someone to do
something in a professional context.
• It is a formal piece of writing.
• Depending on the context, it should include: facts, technical
language, and figures to support your plan.
• The proposal must explain:
- What you are planning
- How you plan to do it
- When you plan to do it
- How much it is going to cost
- What the benefit will be
PROPOSAL – CHARACTERISTICS:
• Use subheadings.
• Give a concise introduction, identify the aims or the problems.
• Explain your objective, methods, timeline or budget.
• Conclude by emphasizing the benefits.
• Take a clear stand and set a positive tone.
• Avoid language such as: “might”, “could”, “ought to”, “may”,
“should”, “hope”, “it appears”.
• Support your argument with evidence.
• Use formal language and be very polite.
• Avoid exaggerated or emotional expressions.
REPORTS
• A report is written in order to present facts or findings as a basis for
further actions, for a specific professional purpose and for a specific
audience.
• Use formal English; however, the language must be straightforward so
that the reader can understand the ideas contained in the report.
• It is important the audience understands everything without difficulty,
accepts the facts, findings, conclusions and recommendations, and
decides to take the recommended course of action.
• There are two types of report:
- an evaluative report
- a leading report
EVALUATIVE REPORTS
• Evaluative reports can be written about present issues and
future solutions
• They set out an existing problem and possible solutions; they
leave the readers to come to their own conclusion.
• They put two items side by side and find characteristics that
can be compared. (similarities and differences)
• Conclude stating your choice and justify with the relative
strength of the two options.
ToTopic Evaluation Report
Item A Item B
Characteristi
c1
Characteristi
c2
Characteristi
c3
LEADING REPORTS
• A leading report examines a problem or explains a situation and leads the
reader to a specific conclusion.
• It is used for making plans and solving problems
• The reader will decide whether to accept the recommendation.
• It sets out to resolve an issue or present a point of view, which is stated
at the beginning of the text.
• It starts with the statement of the issue, explore the benefits and end
with a conclusion.
Your ideas Evidence, examples or
explanations
Introduction: Topic and issue
Argument 1
Argument 2
Argument 3
Conclusions: Solutions,
recommendations, actions to
MAGAZINE / NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
• They investigate a range of issues, ideas, opinions and experiences.
• A magazine article is designed to inform, entertain and / or persuade.
• It provides more background than news reports.
• It is used for:
- an analysis and opinion on an issue or topic
- a profile of, or an interview with, a well-known person
- a personal experience or anecdote related to ne of the English B
themes.
- some background information on a local, national or international event.
- a human interest story about a unique or unusual event.
OPINION COLUMN
• It gives strong opinions regarding a certain topic.
• It is written to convince the audience’s opinion.
• Depending of the audience determines the tone and the register.
• It is used to:
- have a clear opinion and be opinionated about it.
- do not ignore the opinions of others. The best opinion articles refers
to other viewpoints and refute them.
- adapt your language to your audience and the context.
- use conversational, emotive and persuasive language.
- present yourself as an expert on the subject.
- include facts, especially unknown ones, to support your argument.