1.
News report
Purpose Informative
Structure Present, past, future
The recent event is summarized in the first paragraph, giving the information to
answer the questions Who? What? When? And Where? The How? And the Why?
Are given in the middle section to explain the background to and circumstances of
the event. This section may also include witness statements and expert opinions. A
typical ending to a news report predicts what will happen next, e.g. an inquiry,
arrest or further development of the event
Style Short words, sentences and paragraphs; dramatic vocabulary; multiple adjectives
to qualify nouns; statistics; direct and reported speech
Voice Impersonal and objective, with no sense of the writer's views
2. Magazine article
Purpose Discursive
Structure A balanced range of views on a topic
The writer's opinion may be stated at the end, but no view is conclusive
Style Quotations and reported speech are often included to convey the views of
relevant experts or interviewees
Voice More colloquial and indicative of personality than other types of response, but still
professional
3. Letter
Purpose Persuasive or argumentative (depending on whether the writer is trying to gain
something for their own self-interest)
Structure The structure is three or four paragraphs: the first explains why you are
writing with appropriate references; the second/third give the details of
the complaint, request or case being presented; the final paragraph asks
for the desired response, e.g. for an issue to be reconsidered, or for a
refund If the recipient is addressed by name, then the sign-off is 'Yours
sincerely'; otherwise it is "Yours faithfully'
In the exam context there is no need for the addresses and date which
would be required in reality
Style
Style Formal in terms of sentence structures and vocabulary, in order to sound
impressive and authoritative
Voice Even when expressing strong demands or opinions, it must be impersonal and
polite
4. Journal Entry
Purpose Informative; to record a significant event (for other readers and possible future
publication)
Structure Chronological, describing the event as it unfolds, but including thoughts and
feelings about what is happening
Style In full sentences and paragraphed, without subheadings
The language should be precise in order to faithfully capture the event (this is not
the same as a diary entry, which is often written in note form or colloquial
language and acronyms, and contains trivial observations, often unrelated, which
are of purely personal interest and from a subjective viewpoint)
Voice As an objective witness but mixed with personal response
5. Speech [script]
Purpose Argumentative
Structure Introduce the issue and make it sound current and relevant; summarize the
alternative viewpoint in one paragraph; say why this view is invalid or incomplete;
continue to present a case, making a series of points each supported by evidence
and examples; conclude with an urgent warning of what will happen if nothing
changes / your argument is not accepted
Style Includes a full range of rhetorical devices; sentences structured for effect;
provocative and strong vocabulary; inclusive personal pronouns and use of 'I'
Voice Passionate and authoritative
6. Interview [transcript]
Purpose Informative
Structure The interviewer asks three questions (the question bullet points) and each is
answered relevantly in about half a page of full sentences; paragraphs not
necessary
Style As this is a speech genre, the interviewee can speak somewhat informally, using
contractions, but must use full and linked sentences for fluency and a range of
vocabulary for interest
Voice The personality of the interviewee, as inferred from the passage, should be
evident from their responses to the questions
7. Formal report
Purpose a. Record of something witnessed or investigated
b. Appraisal of something or someone being judged
Structure a. Chronological and strictly factual account of what was observed or discovered
b. Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of subjects), with a final preference or
recommendation
Style Formal, detailed and factual. Passive voice may be used.
Voice Dispassionate and official
