Anecdote Text

Definition and Social Function of Anecdote:

Anecdote is a text that retells funny and unusual incidents in fact or imagination. Its

purpose is to entertain the readers.

Generic Structure of Anecdote:

1. Abstract

2. Orientation

3. Crisis

4. Incident

Language Feature of Anecdote:

1. Using exclamation words; it's awful!, it's wonderful!, etc

2. Using imperative; listen to this

3. Using rhetoric question; do you know what?

4. Using action verb; go, write, etc

5. Using conjunction of time; then, afterward

6. Using simple past tense

Example of Anecdote text:

Blessing behind Tragedy

There was a black family in Scotland years ago. They were Clark family with

nine children. They had a dream to go to America. The family worked and saved.

They were making plan to travel with their children to America. It had taken several

years but finally they had saved enough money. They had gotten passport. They had

booked seats for the whole family member in a new liner to America.

The entire family was full of anticipation and excitement with their new life in

America. However few days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a

dog. The doctor sewed up the boy. Because of the possibility of getting rabies, there

were being quarantined for long days. They were in quarantine when the departure

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time came. The family dreams were dashed. They could not make the trip to America

as they had planned.

The father was full of disappointed and anger. He stomped the dock to watch

the ship leaved without him and his family. He shed tears of disappointment. He

cursed both his son and God for the misfortune.

Five days latter, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland. The ship, the

mighty Titanic, had shank. It took hundreds of passenger and crew with it. Titanic

which had been called the unsinkable ship had sunk. It was unbelievable but it was.

The Clak family should have been on that ship, but because of the bitten son

by a dog, they were left behind. When the father heard the news, he hugged the son

and thanked him for saving the family. He thanked God for saving their lives. It was a

blessing behind a tragedy. (Adapted from Look Ahead 2)

Generic Structure Analysis:

Abstract : Everybody has a dream. You have and so do I. When the dream will

come true, there is something wrong last minute before it. What will

we feel? What will we do?

Orientation : the Clak family lived in Scotland. They had dream to travel to

America. They prepared well for their plan

Crisis : few days before they went to America, his youngest son was bitten by

a dog. It made they were being quarantined. They had to forget their

plan.

Incident : the family was full of disappointment and anger. The father was angry

with his son and God. The family failed to travel to America and the

father could not accept it.

Coda : the father thank to his son when he hear the ship sank. He thank to God

because of saving the family from sinking. He thought leaving behind

the ship was not a tragedy but a blessing.

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Analytical Exposition Text

Definition of Analytical Exposition:

Exposition is a text that elaborates the writer‘s idea about the phenomenon

surrounding. Its social function is to persuade the reader that the idea is important

matter.

Generic Structure of Analytical Exposition:

1. Thesis : Introducing the topic and indicating the writer’s position

2. Arguments : Explaining the arguments to support the writer’s position

3. Reiteration : Restating the writer’s position

Dominant Language Features:

1. Using modals

2. Using action verbs

3. Using thinking verbs

4. Using adverbs

5. Using adjective

6. Using technical terms

7. Using general and abstract noun

8. Using connectives/transition

Example of Analytical Exposition:

How is a Kite Flying?

A kite is an object which is made from a light material stretched over a frame.

Due to its light material a kite will lift off the ground and fly when it is tilted into the

wind.

A kite is uses wind to make it fly because it is heavier than air. When wind

travels over the surface of the kite, it is split into two streams of air. One stream of the

air goes over the kite while the second stream goes under the kite.

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The upper stream creates an area of low pressure above the kite. The lower

stream hits the kite at a shallow angle and creates an area of high pressure.

The high pressure area has a pushing effect while the low pressure area has a

pulling effect. The combination of push and pull can creates enough force to lift the

kite into the air.

Kites have been known for thousand of years. They are used for military or

scientific purposes. Todays kites are much used for leisure and competition.

From the above example of Explanation text, we can see that the text has the

following generic structure:

General Statement : the introduction of the topic on with a brief definition on

kites.

Sequenced Explanation : this is the main element of explanation text. It explain the

important points of the kite. The explanation of how kites

fly is given in order.

Hortatory Exposition Text

Purpose:

to persuade the readers that something should or should not be the case or be done

Generic Structure:

1. Thesis

2. Arguments

3. Recommendation

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Dominant Language features:

1. Using Simple Present Tense

2. Using modals

3. Using action verbs

4. Using thinking verbs

5. Using adverbs

6. Using adjective

7. Using technical terms

8. Using general and abstract noun

9. Using connectives/transition

Basic difference between analytical and hortatory exposition:

Analytical is the answer of "How is/will" while hortatory is the answer of "How

should". Analytical exposition will be best to describe "How will student do for his

examination? The point is the important thing to do. But for the question" How should

student do for his exam?" will be good to be answered with hortatory. It is to convince

that the thing should be done

Example of Hortatory Exposition:

Should not Bring Mobile Phone to School

Recently most people own mobile phone. Why does mobile phone user increase

dramatically in recent years? First, the feature and functions has increased. Mobile

phone is not used just for calling, but sending text, taking pictures, recording videos,

accessing internet, playing games and much more. Second, mobile phone has also

become a lot cheaper. Now this communication device does not only fill the pocket of

adult but also teenager and student. Even a lot phones are intentionally designed to

teenaged market. However should they be allowed to bring them to school?

Many schools do not allow students to bring cell phones to school. It is very

reasonable because bringing phone to school potentially disrupts the learning process.

Most students use cell phones irresponsibly. They use cell phones to talk to their

friend during class time. They also use the calculator and camera features in the class

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as well. Those potentially lead less concentration in the time of learning and teaching

process.

Students go to school to learn and behave fair way. Mobile phones provide a

large temptation to cheat in tests. They can communicate to anyone and almost

anywhere in the world. Because of the small size of the cell phone, students can send

a text quietly and discreetly. The text can go unnoticed anywhere to get help on

answering tests, homework, and other class assignment. Learning in school is to

behave fair not cheating.

Therefore, schools should ban students from bringing their cell phones.

However it should be done fairly. In case of an emergency some student need a call

for help, providing easy access to phone is better.

Explanation Text

General Characteristics of Explanation Text

1. The purpose of the text:

Explaining the processes that occur in the formation or the activities associated

with natural phenomena, the scientific world, socio-cultural, or other purpose

explained.

2. Structure of Text:

Overview (A general statement);

Explanation process (A sequenced explanation of why or how something

occurs);

Closing.

3. Language Feature :

Use of:

General and abstract nouns, such as word chopping, earthquakes;

Action verbs;

Simple present tense;

Passive voice;

Conjunctions of time and cause;

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Noun phrase, such as the large cloud;

Abstract nouns, such as the temperature;

Adverbial phrases;

Complex sentences;

Technical language;

Passive.

Example of Explanation Text:

Photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is a food-making process that occurs

in green plants. It is the chief function of leaves. The word photosynthesis means

putting together with light. Green plants use energy from light to combine carbon

dioxide and water to make sugar and other chemical compounds.

How is the light used in photosynthesis?

The light used in photosynthesis is absorbed by a green pigment called

chlorophyll. Each food-making cell in a plant leaf contains chlorophyll in small

bodies called chloroplasts. In chloroplast, light energy causes water drawn form the

soil to split into hydrogen and oxygen.

What are the steps of photosynthesis process? Let me tell you the process of

photosynthesis, in a series of complicated steps, the hydrogen combines with carbon

dioxide from the air, forming a simple sugar. Oxygen from the water molecules is

given off in the process. From sugar together with nitrogen, sulphur, and phosporus

from the soil-green plants can make starch, fat, protein, vitamins, and other complex

compounds essential for life. Photosynthesis provides the chemical energy that is

needed to produced these compounds.

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Descriptive Text

Descriptive is to describe a particular person, place or thing. It means you describe

their colors, shapes, sizes, weight, height, width, density, contents, and so on. In

writing the text, you use the Simple Present Tense.

The structure of the text is:

Identification : identifies phenomenon to be described.

Description : describing the phenomenon in parts, qualities, or/and

characteristics

The Definition and Purpose of Descriptive Text:

Descriptive text is a text which say what a person or a thing is like. Its purpose is to

describe and reveal a particular person, place, or thing.

The Language Feature of Descriptive Text:

The use of adjectives and compound adjectives.

e.g. :

- a five hundred seated football stadium.

- a beautiful ancient Roman opera house.

The use of Linking Verbs/ relating verbs.

e.g. :

- The temple is so magnificent.

- The temple consists of five terraces.

The use of Simple Present Tense

e.g. :

- The museum houses hundreds of Greek Statues.

- The hotel provides 450 rooms and a large swimming pool.

The use of degree of comparison

e.g. :

- The weather in Jakarta is hotter than Bandung.

- Bogor has the same weather as Ungaran.

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Example of Descriptive Text:

1. Describe Place

Jakarta City

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. It is centrally located within the

country on the northwest coast of Java Island at the mouth of the Ciliwung river.

Jakarta dominates Indonesian’s administrative, economy, cultural activities, an is

a major commercial and transportation hub within Asia-with a population of about

9 million, Jakarta has more people than any other cities in Indonesia.

The climate is hot and humid year-round. Rainfall occurs throughout the

year, although it is the heaviest from November to May. To average annual

precipitation in Jakarta is 1, 790 mm. The city lies on a flat, low plain and is prone

to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Kota is city’s oldest commercial area. It is located south of the old Sunda

Kelapa harbour. Glodok, the south of Kota is a banking, retail and residential

neighborhood with a large Chinese population. Merdeka Square with Monas (The

National Monument) dominates the city’s central district. Surrounding the square

are Istana Merdeka, the presidential palace, the National Museum, and the Istiqlal

Mosque.

2. Describe Person

Missing

Dian, a three-year old girl, has been reported missing. She has short curly

hair and dimples when she smiles. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and red

shorts.

If youb see a child who looks like the little girl in the picture, please call the

nearest police Station or Mr. Jeckly at 9333-3333

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3. Describe Thing

San Antonio—It’s Beyond Conventional!

The world is adorned with great cities; cities that entice, cities that inspire,

cities that tell the tales of its patrons. We invite you to a city unlike any other—

San Antonio—a land of epic battles, flowing rivers and a flourishing culture.

From the stones of the Alamo to the meandering paths of the River Walk,

San Antonio takes you on a journey through a land as grand as its reputation.

Walk the lines drawn for independence when you visit the Alamo—one of five

Spanish colonial missions. Stroll the cobblestone sidewalks of the River Walk to

uncover an outdoor theatre with flamenco dancers and mariachis, nationally

acclaimed museums, luxury riverside hotels and sidewalk cafes that offer

everything from authentic Tex-Mex to worldly cuisines.

Be sure to explore the rolling terrain of San Antonio’s Hill Country, a lush

oasis offering resorts complete with top-notch golf courses, spas and waterparks.

Just down the road you’ll find SeaWorld San Antonio, the world's largest marine

life adventure park and family entertainment showplace; and Six Flags Fiesta

Texas with thrilling rides and shows fun for every age.

Here, diversity is a way of life; from the colors of the culture to a broad

range of attractions. So come, find for yourself that San Antonio is more than a

convention destination.

Narrative Text

Purpose of Narrative Text:

The basic purpose of narrative is to entertain, to gain and hold a readers' interest.

However narratives can also be written to teach or inform, to change attitudes/ social

opinions e.g: soap operas and television dramas that are used to raise topical issues.

Narratives sequence people/ characters in time and place but differ from recounts in

that through the sequencing, the stories set up one or more problems, which must

eventually find a way to be resolved.

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Types of Narrative:

There are many types of narrative. They can be imaginary, factual or a combination of

both. They may include fairy stories, mysteries, science fiction, romances, horror

stories, adventure stories, fables, myths and legends, historical narratives, ballads,

slice of life, personal experience.

Features:

Characters with defined personalities/identities.

Dialogue often included - tense may change to the present or the future.

Descriptive language to create images in the reader's mind and enhance the story.

Structure:

In a Traditional Narrative the focus of the text is on a series of actions:

Orientation : (introduction) in which the characters, setting and time of the story are

established. Usually answers who? when? where? eg. Mr Wolf went

out hunting in the forest one dark gloomy night.

Complication or problem : The complication usually involves the main character(s)

(often mirroring the complications in real life).

Resolution : There needs to be a resolution of the complication. The complication

may be resolved for better or worse/happily or unhappily. Sometimes

there are a number of complications that have to be resolved. These

add and sustain interest and suspense for the reader.

Plan for writing of narratives, model, focusing on:

Plot : What is going to happen?

Setting : Where will the story take place? When will the story take

place?

Characterization : Who are the main characters? What do they look like?

Structure : How will the story begin? What will be the problem? How is

the problem going to be resolved?

Theme : What is the theme / message the writer is attempting to

communicate?

Language:

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Action verbs: Action verbs provide interest to the writing. For example, instead of

The old woman was in his way try The old woman barred his path. Instead of She

laughed try She cackled.

Written in the first person (I, we) or the third person (he, she, they).

Usually past tense.

Connectives, linking words to do with time.

Specific nouns: Strong nouns have more specific meanings, eg. oak as opposed to

tree.

Active nouns: Make nouns actually do something, eg. It was raining could become

Rain splashed down or There was a large cabinet in the lounge could become A

large cabinet seemed to fill the lounge.

Careful use of adjectives and adverbs: Writing needs judicious use of adjectives

and adverbs to bring it alive, qualify the action and provide description and

information for the reader.

Use of the senses: Where appropriate, the senses can be used to describe and

develop the experiences, setting and character:

What does it smell like?

What can be heard?

What can be seen - details?

What does it taste like?

What does it feel like?

Imagery

Simile: A direct comparison, using like or as or as though, eg. The sea looked

as rumpled as a blue quilted dressing gown. Or The wind wrapped me up like

a cloak.

Metaphor: An indirect or hidden comparison, eg. She has a heart of stone or

He is a stubborn mule or The man barked out the instructions.

Onomatopoeia: A suggestion of sound through words, eg. crackle, splat, ooze,

squish, boom, eg. The tyres whir on the road. The pitter-patter of soft rain. The

mud oozed and squished through my toes.

Personification: Giving nonliving things (inanimate) living characteristics, eg.

The steel beam clenched its muscles. Clouds limped across the sky. The

pebbles on the path were grey with grief.

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Rhetorical Questions: Often the author asks the audience questions, knowing of

course there will be no direct answer. This is a way of involving the reader in the

story at the outset, eg. Have you ever built a tree hut?

Variety in sentence beginnings. There are a several ways to do this

eg by using:

Participles: "Jumping with joy I ran home to tell mum my good news."

Adverbs: "Silently the cat crept toward the bird"

Adjectives: "Brilliant sunlight shone through the window"

Nouns: "Thunder claps filled the air"

Adverbial Phrases: "Along the street walked the girl as if she had not a care in

the world."

Conversations/Dialogue: these may be used as an opener. This may be done

through a series of short or one-word sentences or as one long complex

sentence.

Show, Don't Tell: Students have heard the rule "show, don't tell" but this principle

is often difficult for some writers to master.

Personal Voice: It may be described as writing which is honest and convincing.

The author is able to 'put the reader there'. The writer invests something of

him/her self in the writing. The writing makes an impact on the reader. It reaches

out and touches the reader. A connection is made.

Example of Narrative Text:

The Ducks and the Turtle

Two ducks who lived in a big lake had a friend who was a turtle. One year

there was a very little rain and the lake began to dry up. One of the ducks said to the

other, “Soon, there’ll be no water in this lake. Let’s go and look for lake.”

“Yes, answered the second duck, “But first let’s say good bye to our friend,

the turtle.”

When they told the turtle they were going to leave, he said, “I’ll die here

without any water and without any friends. Take me with you.”

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“The ducks answered, “We can’t. We are going to fly, and you have no

wings.”

“The turtle thought for a minute and then said, “please wait here.”

Then he went away and found a strong, straight stick. He brought it back to his

friends, put the middle of it in his mouth and said, “Now if each of you takes me one

end of the stick in his mouth, you can lift me up and carry me with you.”

“ Their is one danger,” said the ducks, “if you try to talk while we’re carrying

you through the air, you won’t be able to hold the stick, so you’ll fall down along way

and break your shell.”

“all right,” answered the turtle, “I promise not to talk while we’re in the air. So

the ducks took the stick and flew away, with the turtle between them. All went well

until they were flying over a town. Then some people saw them and shouted, “Look,

those ducks are carrying a cat!”The turtle got very angry, “A cat? I’m not …” he said,

but he did not get any further, because when he opened his mouth, the stick came out

of his mouth and the poor turtle fell to the ground.

News Item Text

Purpose:

To inform readers about events of the day which are considered newsworthy or

important

Dominant Generic Structure:

1. Newsworthy event(s)

2. Background event(s)

3. Sources

Dominant Language Features:

1. Short, telegraphic information about story captured in headline

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2. Using action verbs

3. Using saying verbs

4. Using adverbs: time, place and manner

Example of News Item Text:

SBY, Boediono complete medical check-up

Erwida Maulia , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 05/18/2009 4:24 PM | National

Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his running mate

Boediono completed their seven-hour medical check-up on Monday afternoon as part

of requirement to contest the July 8 presidential election.

The pair is thus the last candidate couple having their health screened at

RSPAD Gatot Subroto army hospital after Jusuf Kalla-Wiranto and Megawati

Soekarnoputri-Prabowo Subianto had theirs earlier on Sunday.

"I consider this as a quite heavy test. We undergo almost seven hours of

detailed and in-depth check-up, including on our mental health. We are now waiting

for the result and hope we can pass the test," Yudhoyono told reporters after

completing his medical check-up.

Indonesian Medical Doctors Association (IDI) chairman Fahmi Idris said the

medical check-up consisted of 10 tests -- one mental and nine physical health tests,

including neurology, eyes, heart and circulation system, digestive system, and

urinology tests.

He said the doctors team conducting the tests consisted of 43 doctors; 29 from

the IDI and 14 from the army hospital.

General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Syamsul Bahri said that

the KPU was expecting to receive the results of the test on Tuesday.

In the meantime on Monday evening the commision plans to hold a plenary

session to review the completion of requirements of all the presidential and vice

presidential candidates.

Recount Text

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Social Function:

To retell events for the purpose of informing or entertaining.

Generic Structure:

Orientation : provides the setting and introduces participants.

Events : tell what happened, in what sequence.

Re-orientation : optional-closure of events.

Significant Lexicogrammatical Features:

Focus on specific participants.

Use of material processes.

Circumstances of time and place.

Focus on temporal sequence.

Example of Recount Text:

The Day When Everything Went

I am so glad that today is over. So many things have gone wrong!

For some reason I did not sleep a wink last night. I was very tired when Mum

called me this morning. I fell asleep again until Mum called me again. That snooze

made me late.

I did not have time for breakfast. I was starving as I ran to catch the school bus. I

just missed it. Mum had to drive me to school. She was late for an important meeting

and she was furious with me. She scolded me for being late.

I got to school on time. The teacher asked us to hand in our essays. My essays

was not in my bag. I had forgotten to put it in my bag the night before. I usually check

my bag in the morning. I did not do this because I was late. I had to write an extra

essay as a punishment.

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After the PE lesson I did not tie my shoelace properly. I tripped over it and fell

down the stairs. I hurt my knee and had to have a bandage on it.What a terrible day! I

hope that I have a much better one tomorrow.

Report Text

Definition of Report Text:

Report is a text which presents information about something, as it is. It is as a result of

systematic observation and analysis

Generic Structure of Report Text:

1. General classification: Stating classification of general aspect of thing; animal,

public place, plant, etc which will be discussed in general

2. Description: Describing the thing which will be discussed in detail; part per part ,

customs or deed for living creature and usage for materials

Language Feature of Report Text:

Introducing group or general aspect

Using conditional logical connection; when, so, etc

Using simple present tense

The Differences between Report Text and Descriptive Text

Some text types are quite difficult to differ. Such report and descriptive text have the

similarity in the social function and generic structure. However if they are analyzed

carefully, the slight difference between the two text types will reveal.

The purpose of the two texts are to give the live-description of the object/participant.

Both the report and descriptive text try to show rather than tell the reader about the

factual condition of the object. Readers by themselves will catch the impressive point

of the object through that showing writing style. What make different, between report

and descriptive text, is the scope of the written object. If we talk about, eg: bicycle, it

belongs to report text. It will talk about bicycle in general; its parts, physical strengh,

function for certain people or other general characters of bike. In the other hand,

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descriptive text will convey more focus, for example "my bicycle" with its specific

characters; colour, lengh, wheel style, etc.

In short, report text describes the way of certain things and frequently refer to

phenomenon of nature, animal and scientific object. Mostly, report is written after

getting careful observation. This scientific and technical sense make clearer difference

from descriptive text. The way of descriptive text in showing thing is based on the

objective fact of the thing. It describe the specific thing simply as the thing is.

Example of Report Text:

Platypus

Many people call platypus duckbill because this animal has a bill like duckbill.

Platypus is a native Tasmania and southern and eastern Australia.

Platypus has a flat tail and webbed feet. Its body length is 30 to 45 cm and covered

with a thick, and woolly layer of fur. Its bill is detecting prey and stirring up mud.

Platypus' eyes and head are small. It has no ears but has ability to sense sound and

light.

Platypus lives in streams, rivers, and lakes. Female platypus usually dig burrows in

the streams or river banks. The burrows are blocked with soil to protect it from

intruders and flooding. In the other hand, male platypus does not need any burrow to

stay.

Analyzing on the Text

Generic Structure analysis

General classification; stating general classification, the animal of platypus.

Description; describing in detail characterization of platypus' body and habitual

life

Language Feature Analysis

Focusing in group; the animal of platypus

conditional, logical connective; but, in the other hand

Simple present tense pattern; Platypus lives in streams, male platypus does not

need any burrow, etc

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Review Text

Definition of Review Text:

A review is an evaluation of a publication, such as a movie, video game, musical

composition, book, or a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer. In

addition to a critical statement, the review's author may assign the work a rating to

indicate its relative merit. More loosely, an author may review current events or items

in the news.

Purpose:

To critique or evaluate an art work or event for a public audience dominant

Generic Structure:

1. Orientation

2. Evaluation

3. Interpretative Recount

4. Evaluation

5. Evaluative Summation

Dominant Language features:

1. Focus on specific participants

2. Using adjectives

3. Using long and complex clauses

4. Using metaphor

Example of Review Text:

Browniest, a Bite of Sweet Cake, a Bit of Love Story

Another Indonesian romantic drama feature film by a young and talented

director, Hanung Bramantyo, will soon be released director, Hanung Bramantyo, will

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soon be released this year. Fans of Marcella Zalianty, Bucek Deep, and Arie Untung

Kuncoro will be able to see their idol acting in the movie titled BROWNIES. The film

is produced by SinemArt, which also produced:Mengejar Matahari".

The theme is simple; it's about love. Love-with its bittersweet story-becomes

the highlight that enriches the movie plot. The reason is quite obvious, love theme

always attracts more audience to com to the cinema.

Mel (Marcella Zalianty), a copywriter in an advertising agency, has a life that's

focused on her job. Although Mel is engaged to Joe (Philip Yusuf), Didi (Renia)-her

close friend-questions if Joe is really Mel's kind of guy. Later in the story, Mel finds

out that Joe has been going out with another girl all this time. Then, Mel, meets Are

(Bucek Deep), ayoung artist who writes, owns a bokstore, and makes browniest! Are

even has a smal browniest shop that Mel loves to visit. Are's artistic attitude and Joe's

betrayal have clearly affected Mel's life.

BROWNIES is the first Indonesian movie that is shot using Panasonic High

Definition cameras, which results in a film that looks as if it's recorded on standard

celluloid film, while squeezing production cost.

(taken from; C'nS magazine vol. 4 no. 27)

Spoof Text

Definition and Social Function of Spoof:

Spoof is a text which tells factual story, happened in the past time with unpredictable

and funny ending. Its social function is to entertain and share the story.

Generic Structure of Spoof:

1. Orientation

2. Events

3. Twist

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Language Feature of Spoof:

1. Focusing on people, animals or certain things

2. Using action verb; ate, ran, etc

3. Using adverb of time and place

4. Told in chronological order

Example of Spoof Text:

Private Conversation

Last week I went to the theatre. I had a very good seat. The play was very interesting.I

did not enjoy it. A young man and a young woman were sitting behind me. They were

talking very loudly.I got very angry. I could not hear the actors. I turned around. I

looked at the man and the young woman angrily. They did not pay any attention.In the

end, I could not bear it. I turned around again. “I could not hear a word” I said

angrily.“It’s none of your business” the young man said rudely. “This is a private

conversation”

(From: English New Concept)

Generic Structure Analysis

Orientation: introducing a writes as point of view “I” which is in a theatre last

week

Event 1: the other theatregoers, young man and young woman, were talking

noisily.

Event 2: the writer used physical language by turning around to the young man

and young woman talk to not to make noisy.

Event 3: the write used verbal language by saying “I could not hear a word”.

Twister: the young man misunderstood the writer’s word and said; “It’s none of

your business. It’s a private conversation”.

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Procedure Text

Purpose:

To help readers how to do or make something completely

Generic Structure:

1. Goal/Aim

2. Materials/Equipments

3. Steps/Methods

Dominant Language Features:

1. Using Simple Present Tense

2. Using Imperatives sentence

3. Using adverb

4. Using technical terms

Example of Procedure Text:

Making Kite

Having a kite flying is interesting and make it by self is easy. Prepare the following

materials to make a kite:

Butcher cord

Scotch tape or glue

1 Sheet of strong paper

2 Strong, straight wooden sticks of bamboo

Markers, paint or crayons

After the materials have been prepared, the directions bellow is easy instruction on

how to make a kite:

1. Make a cross with the two sticks, with the shorter stick placed horizontally across

the longer stick.

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2. Tie the two sticks together with the string in such a way as to make sure that they

are at right angles to each other.

3. Cut a notch at each end of the sticks. Make it deep enough for the type of string

you are using to fit in to. Cut a piece of string long enough to stretch all around the

kite frame.

4. Lay the sail material flat and place the stick frame face down on top. Cut around

it, leaving about 2-3cm for a margin. Fold these edges over and glue it down so

that the material is tight.

5. Make a tail by tying a small ribbon roughly every 10cm along the length of string.

6. Decorate your kite with the markers!

Discussion Text

Purpose: to present information and opinions about issues in more one side of an

issue (‘For/Pros’ and ‘Against/Cons’)

Generic Structure:

1. Issue

2. Arguments for and against

3. Conclusion

Dominant Language Features:

1. Using Simple Present Tense

2. Use of relating verb/to be

3. Using thinking verb

4. Using general and abstract noun

5. Using conjunction/transition

6. Using modality

7. Using adverb of manner

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Example of Discussion Text:

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal mined in

various part of the world. The first large scale of nuclear power station was opened at

Calder Hall in Cumbria, England in 1956.

Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engine.

Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world's energy needed, and produces

huge amounts of energy. It cause no pollution as we would get when burning fossil

fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:

It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.

It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the

greenhouse effect.

It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium.

It produces small amount of waste.

It is reliable.

On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up

and buried for many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore,

although it is reliable, a lot of money has to be spent on safety because if it does go

wrong, a nuclear accident ca be a major accident.

People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the 1990's nuclear

power was the fastest growing source of power in many parts of the world.

Note on the Generic Structure of Discussion Text:

Discussion is a process to find the meet point between two different ideas. It is

important to to get the understanding between the two differences. In many social

activities, discussion is the effective way to calm down any friction and difference in

thought, perception and recommendation.

This example of discussion text present the two poles, between the advantage and

disadvantage of using nuclear plant to fulfill the energy needed. It is a case which

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need to be talked and discussed from two points. They are represented in the generic

structure which is used:

Stating the Issue : In the first paragraph, it is stated that using nuclear power can

be the choice in fulfilling the needed energy.

Supporting Point : In the second paragraph, it is presented the advantages of

nuclear power plant to be used as the source of the world's

energy needed

Contrastive Point : The third paragraph shows the balance. It gives the

contradictory idea in using nuclear power plant as the resource

of energy.

Recommendation : This text is ended with a similar recommendation on how

people should concern in the matter of nuclear energy.

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