Learn: newspapers, online articles, letters, and adverts are a part of our everyday life, but what if we looked at them from the perspective of literature? These texts are not invented stories – they are non-fiction. Just like novels or poems have their own styles, non-fiction texts also have distinct purposes and features. Some are written to inform, others to persuade, and some to explain or describe. By exploring them as text types, we can better understand how they are built and how to recognize them in practice. Let's take a look in details.
Main Features of Non-Fiction Text Types
1. Newspaper Article
Purpose: to inform about current events.
Features: headline, date, journalist’s name, factual language, sometimes quotes.
Clues: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
Example: “Local School Opens New Sports Hall”
2. Biography / Autobiography
Purpose: to tell the story of a real person’s life.
Features: chronological order, dates, places, personal achievements, feelings.
Clues: third person = biography; First person = autobiography.
Example: “I was born in a small town in 1985…”
3. Report
Purpose: to give information about a topic, event, or research.
Features: clear structure with sections, headings, subheadings, sometimes graphs/tables.
Clues: formal language, often in past tense, objective tone.
Example: “The survey shows that 70% of students prefer studying online.”
4. Essay
Purpose: to explain or argue an idea.
Features: introduction, main body, conclusion; uses paragraphs with linking words.
Clues: presents arguments, gives reasons and examples.
Example: “There are many reasons why recycling is important…”
5. Letter (Formal and Informal)
Purpose: to communicate with someone in writing.
Features: greeting (Dear Sir / Dear Anna), paragraphs, closing (Yours sincerely / Best wishes).
Clues: tone depends on audience – formal or informal.
Example: “I am writing to complain about…” (formal)
6. Advertisement
Purpose: to persuade people to buy or do something.
Features: catchy slogans, pictures, short sentences, persuasive words (best, free, new).
Clues: lots of adjectives, exclamation marks, bold print.
Example: “Buy one, get one free! Limited time only!”
7. Instruction / Manual
Purpose: to explain how to do something.
Features: step-by-step order, numbers/bullets, imperatives (Do this, Press here).
Clues: clear, simple language with diagrams.
Example: “Step 1: Switch on the device.”
8. Travel Writing / Brochure
Purpose: to describe a place and encourage visits.
Features: descriptive adjectives, present tense, photos/maps, persuasive language.
Clues: focus on sights, food, experiences.
Example: “Enjoy golden beaches and crystal-clear water in Greece.”
9. Review
Purpose: to give an opinion on a book, film, product, or event.
Features: introduction, description, opinion, recommendation.
Clues: mix of facts + personal opinion.
Example: “The film was exciting, but the ending was disappointing.”
10. Speech
Purpose: to present ideas to an audience.
Features: greeting, persuasive language, rhetorical questions, repetition for effect.
Clues: often uses “we” and “you” to connect with listeners.
Example: “Have you ever thought about how you can make a difference?”
Non-fiction texts are about real people, events, facts, and information. Each type has its own purpose, style, and structure; dokumentālā, zinātniskā literatūra
Purpose: to inform about current events.
Features: headline, date, journalist’s name, factual language, sometimes quotes.
Clues: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
Example: “Local School Opens New Sports Hall”
2. Biography / Autobiography
Purpose: to tell the story of a real person’s life.
Features: chronological order, dates, places, personal achievements, feelings.
Clues: third person = biography; First person = autobiography.
Example: “I was born in a small town in 1985…”
3. Report
Purpose: to give information about a topic, event, or research.
Features: clear structure with sections, headings, subheadings, sometimes graphs/tables.
Clues: formal language, often in past tense, objective tone.
Example: “The survey shows that 70% of students prefer studying online.”
4. Essay
Purpose: to explain or argue an idea.
Features: introduction, main body, conclusion; uses paragraphs with linking words.
Clues: presents arguments, gives reasons and examples.
Example: “There are many reasons why recycling is important…”
5. Letter (Formal and Informal)
Purpose: to communicate with someone in writing.
Features: greeting (Dear Sir / Dear Anna), paragraphs, closing (Yours sincerely / Best wishes).
Clues: tone depends on audience – formal or informal.
Example: “I am writing to complain about…” (formal)
6. Advertisement
Purpose: to persuade people to buy or do something.
Features: catchy slogans, pictures, short sentences, persuasive words (best, free, new).
Clues: lots of adjectives, exclamation marks, bold print.
Example: “Buy one, get one free! Limited time only!”
7. Instruction / Manual
Purpose: to explain how to do something.
Features: step-by-step order, numbers/bullets, imperatives (Do this, Press here).
Clues: clear, simple language with diagrams.
Example: “Step 1: Switch on the device.”
8. Travel Writing / Brochure
Purpose: to describe a place and encourage visits.
Features: descriptive adjectives, present tense, photos/maps, persuasive language.
Clues: focus on sights, food, experiences.
Example: “Enjoy golden beaches and crystal-clear water in Greece.”
9. Review
Purpose: to give an opinion on a book, film, product, or event.
Features: introduction, description, opinion, recommendation.
Clues: mix of facts + personal opinion.
Example: “The film was exciting, but the ending was disappointing.”
10. Speech
Purpose: to present ideas to an audience.
Features: greeting, persuasive language, rhetorical questions, repetition for effect.
Clues: often uses “we” and “you” to connect with listeners.
Example: “Have you ever thought about how you can make a difference?”
Tip:
To distinguish text types, ask yourself:
What is the purpose? (inform, persuade, entertain, explain)
What is the audience? (general public, friends, teacher, customers)
What are the features? (headlines, dates, steps, arguments, opinions, etc.)
To distinguish text types, ask yourself:
What is the purpose? (inform, persuade, entertain, explain)
What is the audience? (general public, friends, teacher, customers)
What are the features? (headlines, dates, steps, arguments, opinions, etc.)
Learn: when we speak or write, the way we choose our words depends not only on the message but also on who will read or hear it. A formal tone is expected in professional or serious situations, while informal language feels natural with friends and family. Knowing when to use each style – and recognizing the differences in grammar, vocabulary, and expressions – helps us communicate more effectively. Watch the video.
Key Takeaways:
Audience Matters
Use formal language in professional or serious situations (e.g., presentations, letters to your boss).
Use formal language in professional or serious situations (e.g., presentations, letters to your boss).
Example: I am writing to apply for the advertised position of Project Manager.
Use informal language with friends and family in casual conversations, texts, or emails.
Example: Hey, I’m interested in that job you posted.
Sentence Style and Grammar
Formal: full, grammatically correct sentences with precise vocabulary.
Example: The report provides a detailed analysis of the results.
Formal: full, grammatically correct sentences with precise vocabulary.
Example: The report provides a detailed analysis of the results.
Informal: shorter sentences, casual tone.
Example: The report shows what happened.
Contractions
Not used in formal language.
Example: I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
Not used in formal language.
Example: I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
Common in informal language
Example: I can’t make it tomorrow.
Example: I can’t make it tomorrow.
Idioms
Avoided in formal writing.
Example: The situation is difficult to resolve.
Avoided in formal writing.
Example: The situation is difficult to resolve.
Allowed in informal speech and writing.
Example: It’s a tough nut to crack.
Voice
Formal often uses the passive voice.
Example: The application form was completed yesterday.
Formal often uses the passive voice.
Example: The application form was completed yesterday.
Informal prefers the active voice.
Example: I filled in the form yesterday.
Phrasal Verbs
Formal: replace with single, precise verbs.
Example: The committee will investigate the issue further.
Formal: replace with single, precise verbs.
Example: The committee will investigate the issue further.
Informal: phrasal verbs are common.
Example: The committee will look into the issue.
Abbreviations and Exclamation Marks
Not used in formal writing.
Example: Please respond as soon as possible.
Not used in formal writing.
Example: Please respond as soon as possible.
Can be used in informal contexts.
Example: Please reply ASAP!
Imperatives (commands)
Not used in formal writing.
Example: It is recommended that you submit your documents promptly.
Not used in formal writing.
Example: It is recommended that you submit your documents promptly.
Used in informal language.
Example: Send your papers now!
Main Idea
The choice between formal and informal language depends on who you are addressing and the situation.
Example: Talking to your teacher = formal; texting your best friend = informal.
The choice between formal and informal language depends on who you are addressing and the situation.
Example: Talking to your teacher = formal; texting your best friend = informal.
Atsauce:
Learn Easy English "FORMAL vs INFORMAL LANGUAGE | What's the difference? | Learn with examples" on youtube.com