Types of TEXTS
Types of TEXTS
Types of TEXTS
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The type or the characteristics of a text are very important for any work of summarisation
on it. It is easier to select the main ideas from certain types of texts, as the narrative ones
(texts “telling a story”) then from others, such as expository texts (texts “speaking about”).
The type of a texts depend on their purpose, structure and language features.
One of the most commonly used classification text materials is that one based on text’s
purpose and meaning. In this classification, there are three main categories:
1. Expository texts
2. Narrative texts, and
3. Argumentative texts.
In the expository category, the non-fictional texts have specific role to inform or to teach
the readers. They can come in a various formats, depending of the area of use:
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Narrative texts deal with imaginary or real world and can be fictional (fairy tales, novels,
science fiction, horror or adventure stories, fables, myths, legends, etc.) and non-fictional
(articles, newspaper reports, historical writings).
Argumentative texts aim is to change the readers’ beliefs. They often contain negative
qualities or characteristics of something/someone, or try to persuade their readers that an
object, product, idea is in some way better than others.
You should note that few texts are purely one type: expository or argumentative texts
can contain narration or evaluative elements.
Remember that the text types refer to the meaning the writing, and they should not be
confused with writing (or other materials) formats: book, article, letter, report, essay,
etc.
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