This document outlines the key features of different writing styles and genres including:
- Factual description which includes characters, plot complications, climax and resolution.
- Formal correspondence which follows a standard format of sender/recipient details, date, salutation, body, complimentary close and signature.
- Journal entries which include orientation, chronological recounting of events, dates and use of additional materials.
- Science fiction which includes characters, complications, sequence of events, climax, resolution and use of descriptive language.
- News reports which provide who, what, when, where and how of recent events concisely.
- Feature articles which provide background and opinion on a topic from a subjective viewpoint.
2. Features of Factual description
• An introduction to set the scene and present the characters
• Characters which are of general types
• Characters that the readers can relate to
• Actions of the characters
• Complications or problems that the characters have to overcome
• A climax or the most exciting part of the story
• Resolution showing how the characters react to what has
happened to them and how problems are solved
• A moral that is taught by the story
• The use of mixed tenses
• The use of description
• The use of direct speech.
3. Features of Formal
Correspondence
• Sender’s address set out in open punctuation ( note that company
letters maybe set on paper with letterheads
where the sender’s address would already be reflected).
• Date
• Recipient’s address set out in open punctuation
• Salutation
• Aim of the letter in bold or capital letters
• Body of the letter divided into paragraphs and set out in full block
• complimentary close
• Sender’s signature
• Sender’s full name.
4. Features of Journals
• Orientation
• A recount of events, names of the places and personals
involvement
• Conclusion
• A date for each entry
• Entries in chronological order
• Use of maps, drawings and photographs
• Use of the first person ‘I’.
5. Features of Science Fiction
• An introduction that present the characters and setting
• A complication - problems that the characters will have to face
• A sequence of events involving the characters
• A climax - the most exciting part of the story
• A resolution – how the characters eventually solve the problems
• The use of mixed tenses
• The use of description and technical terms
• The use of ‘invented’ language.
6. Features of News Papers
News reports:
• Have an eye-catching headline
• Provide a concise factual account of a recent event-local national
or international
• Are written in an unemotional style
• Present essential information at the beginning of the report
• Use supporting information to bring the report to a conclusion
• Use minimum number of words necessary to provide the
information
• Provide information that includes when the event happened,
where it happened, who was involved, what happened, how it
happened and in some cases, why it happened.
7. Feature articles
• Have a headline that attracts readers who have an interest in
the topic
• Provide background information, opinion, personal comments and
argument on a topic
• May not be about recent news topics
• Are written from a subjective point of view
• Orientate readers to the topic and the writers argument with an
introductory paragraph
• Use short paragraphs
• Lead readers to either accept or reject the writer’s opinion
• Use colorful, imaginative, yet simple, language
• Include a by-line, that is, the writer’s name.
8. Advertisements
• Are visually appealing
• Use few words
• Use headlines, photographs and/or illustrations
• Include a mixture of fact and opinion
• Use persuasive language to appeal to a particular audience.
