GENRE

•REPORT GENRE
•PROCEDURE GENRE
•EXPLANATION GENRE
•EXPOSITION GENRE
•DISCUSSION GENRE
 GENRE FUNCTION SCHEMATIC STRUCTURE LANGUAGE FEATURES
Report To describe the way things are, Consists of two main parts :  Focus on the generic
with reference to a whole range of  General Classification includes participants (groups of
phenomena, natural, culture, and optional technical classification things)
social, in our environment.  Description of: part and their  Use the simple present tense
function, qualities and habits/ unless shows extinction
behaviors, or uses if non-natural  No temporal sequence
 Relational clauses are used
(such as being and having)
Procedure To describe how something is Consists of two main parts :  Focus of generalized human
accomplished through a sequence  Goal agents
of actions or steps  Steps  Use simple presents tense
(plus sometimes imperative)
 Use mainly temporal
conjunctive relations
 Use mainly material (action)
clauses

Explanation To explain the processes involved Consists of two main parts :  Focus on generic, non-human
in the evolution of natural and  A General Statement to position participants
social phenomena or how the reader  Use simple present tense
something works. It more about  Sequenced explanation of  Use the temporal and causal
processes than things. why/how something occurs conjunctive relations
 Use mainly material (action)
clauses.
 Use some passive voices to
get the theme right.
 GENRE FUNCTION SCHEMATIC STRUCTURE LANGUAGE FEATURES
Exposition To forward a point of view, or an Consists of three main parts :  Focus on the generic
argument  Thesis : participants (groups of
o Position things)
o Preview  Use the simple present tense
 Arguments :  Use few temporal conjunctive
o Point relations, mostly logical
o Elaboration relations
 Reiteration/restatement of  Use of material (action) ,
thesis relational, and , mental
clauses
Discussion To present information about and Consists of three main parts:  Focus of generalized human
arguments for both sides of  Issue agents
topical issues, including with a o Statement of issue  Use simple presents tense
recommendation based on the o Preview  Use of logical conjunctive
weight of evidence.  Arguments for and against relations
o Points  Use of material (action) ,
o Elaboration relational, and , mental
 Recommendation clauses
o Summary
o Conclusion