6/9/24, 7:15 Understanding Text Types | Reading Rockets
Understanding Text Types
Text types refer to the broad categories of writing or genres that present stories,
ideas, and information in distinct ways. Each text type has unique characteristics
and structures to guide readers and writers.
Common text types
The most common text types that students will come across in their reading are the following:
Narrative text tells a story, and can be either fiction or nonfiction. Narrative texts typically
have a beginning, middle, and end, and they use characters, setting, and plot to create the
story.
Descriptive text creates a picture with words, using vivid language to describe people, places,
things, or events. Descriptive text can be found in a variety of genres, including essays and
poetry.
Expository text explains or informs, by presenting facts, definitions, or processes in a clear
and concise way. Expository text can be found in a variety of genres, including textbooks, news
articles, and informational books for children — for example, visual encyclopedias and pictorial
information books such as the DK and National Geographic series.
Procedural or instructional text explains how to do something through step-by-step
explanations, often accompanied by numbered diagrams, illustrations, or photographs.
Recipes and how-to-build Playmobil® and Lego® kits are common examples.
Argumentative or persuasive text tries to persuade the reader to agree with a particular
point of view, by using evidence, logic, and reasoning to support the claims. Argumentative text
can be found in essays, editorials, and speeches.
NOTE: Text types should not be confused with text structures, which are discussed in the
sections below.
Common Text
Text Type Purpose Features Examples
Structures
Narrative Tells a story Characters, Picture books,
setting, plot, Description chapter books,
short stories,
Cause and Effect
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Common Text
Text Type Purpose Features Examples
Structures
conflict, Chronology/Sequence plays,
resolution. biography and
Problem and Solution
memoir
The text
includes
description
and a
sequence of
events
unfolding over
time.
Vivid language,
sensory
details.
The text
Paints a focuses on Description
Descriptive picture with providing Compare and Essays, poetry
words details about a Contrast
person, place,
object, or event
using sensory
language.
Facts,
definitions,
processes.
Description
The text often Cause and Effect Textbooks,
includes news articles,
Explains or Compare and
Expository headings, pictorial
informs Contrast
subheadings, informational
and may use Chronology/Sequence books
bullet points or
Problem and Solution
numerical
listings.
Procedural or Provides Step-by-step Recipes, user
Instructional instructions instructions. Chronology/Sequence manuals,
building kit
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Common Text
Text Type Purpose Features Examples
Structures
on how to do The text often instructions,
something includes and DIY guides
diagrams or
illustrations to
help the reader
follow the
instructions.
Evidence, logic,
reasoning.
The text
Persuades
includes Description
the reader to
arguments,
adopt a Cause and Effect
provides Essays,
Argumentative particular
evidence, and Compare and editorials,
or Persuasive point of view
utilizes Contrast speeches
or take a
rhetorical
specific Problem and Solution
techniques to
action
influence the
reader’s
opinion.
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