General Writing : Genre of Text

GENERAL WRITING

1.         DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

a.      Definition

Text which tell you about fact, about the real of something, somebody, or how did you do something. It will say what somebody or something is like, identifiying feature (of something, place ) or characteristic (of somebody, animal, plant).

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Identification : The part of identifying the kind of thing that will describe in. The part for common identity.

b)      Description : The part for Describe specific identity of the thing with detail information as detail as you know

·         Language Features

a)      Use attributive word to describe.

b)      Usually use adjective to identifying.

c)      Use Simple Present Tense

c.       Purpose

To describe, emphasize the identity of something, so that the reader will be well to know.

d.      Example

Denpasar  City Park

     Denpasar City Park (DCP) is a public area. It is located in Gatot Subroto Road Denpasar, in capital city of Bali. DCP is the only one city park in Bali. It has 3 different area. One for parking area, one for sport square, rest area, playing zone and toilet, last one is futsal square. DCP completed by jogging track around it.

     DCP’s facilities are mineral water ready to drink in west side, many rubbish bin around it, fish pond, bicycle lane, green grass, many variation toy for kids. DCP looks better with many green trees around it. And every tall trees completed by wallet nest on it branch. The water’s colour of the fish pond is dark green. There are frog, chitchat, small fish that live in.

2.         NARRATIVE TEXT

a.      Definition

Narrative Text is a text about fiction story like fable, folktale, fairytale, legend, myth or non fiction text that have a revision to be hyperbolic text for catch the reader’s attention. Usually narrative text will deliver a moral value that useful in our life. 

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Orientation : The opening part for Introducing the characters, place, and when the story happened.

b)      Complication : The part for rising the conflict by antagonist character’s appearance.

c)      Resolution : The part of telling how they fix the problem, and showing the way.

 

d)     Re-orientation : The closing part for tell the result of the solutions, conclusion and moral value from the writer.

·         Language Features

a)      Using Simple Past Tense

b)      Using temporal conjunction

c)      Using relative clause

d)     Using processes verb

c.       Purpose

To amuse or entertain the readers with interesting story and give moral lesson for them.

d.      Example

The Ugly Duckling

One upon time, a mother duck sat on her eggs. She felt tired of sitting on them. She just wished the eggs would break out.

Several days later, she got her wish. The eggs cracked and some cute little ducklings appeared. "Peep, peep" the little ducklings cried. "Quack, quack" their mother greeted in return.

However the largest egg had not cracked. The mother duck sat on it for several days. Finally, it cracked and a huge ugly duckling waddled out. The mother duck looked at him in surprise. He was so big and very gray. He didn't look like the others at all. He was like a turkey.

When the mother duck brought the children to the pond for their first swimming lesson., the huge grey duckling splashed and paddled about just as nicely as the other ducklings did. "That is not a turkey chick. He is my very own son and quite handsome" the mother said proudly.

However, the other animals didn't agree. They hissed and made fun of him day by day. Even his own sisters and brothers were very unkind. "You are very ugly" they quacked.

The little poor duckling was very unhappy. "I wish I looked like them" he thought to himself. One day, the ugly duckling run away and hid in the bushes. The sad duckling lived alone through the cold and snow winter. Finally the spring flowers began to bloom. While he was swimming in the pond, he saw three large white swans swimming toward him. "Oh, dear. these beautiful birds will laugh and peck me too" he said to himself. But the swans did not attack him. Instead, they swam around him and stroked him with their bills. As the ugly duckling bent his neck to speak to them, he saw his reflection in the water. He could not believe his eyes. "I am not an ugly duckling but a beautiful swam" he exclaimed.

He was very happy. From that day on, he swam and played with his new friends and was happier than he had never been.

3.         RECOUNT TEXT

a.      Definition

Recount Text is text which retell event, accident, or information in the past toward someone chronologically.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Orientation : The part for introducing participants, where it happened , and when it happened.

b)      Events : The part for retell the events chronologically.

c)      Re-orientation : The part for express our comment on it, or recommendation.

·         Language Features

a)      Introducing personal participant; I, my group, etc

b)      Using chronological connection; then, first, etc

c)      Using linking verb; was, were, saw, heard, etc

d)     Using action verb; look, go, change, etc

e)      Using simple past tense

c.       Purpose

retell events with the purpose of  informing or entertaining their audience

d.      Example

Vacation to London

Mr. Richard’s family was on vacation. They are Mr. and Mrs. Richard with two sons. They went to London. They saw their travel agent and booked their tickets. They went to the British Embassy to get visas to enter Britain. They had booked fourteen days tour. This includes travel and accommodation. They also included tours around London.

They boarded a large Boeing flight. The flight was nearly fourteen hours. On the plane the cabin crews were very friendly. They gave them news paper and magazine to read. They gave them food and drink. There was a film for their entertainment. They had a very pleasant flight. They slept part of the way.

On arrival at Heathrow Airport, they had to go to Customs and Immigration. The officers were pleasant. They checked the document carefully but their manners were very polite. Mr. Richard and his family collected their bags and went to London Welcome Desk. They arranged the transfer to a hotel.

The hotel was a well-known four-star hotel. The room had perfect view of the park. The room had its own bathroom and toilet. Instead of keys for the room, they inserted a key-card to open the door. On the third floor, there was a restaurant serving Asian and European food. They had variety of food.
The two week in London went by fast. At the end of the 14-day, they were quite tired but they felt very happy.

4.         REPORT TEXT

a.      Definition

Report Text is a text which present fact about result of investigation, observation, analysis for a person who requires it, or shares it to people as our pleasure.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      General Classification : Stating classification of general features of thing; animal, public place, plant, etc which will be discussed in general.

b)      Description : Describing the thing which will be discussed in detail; part per part, customs or deed for living creature and usage for materials.

c.       Purpose

To inform people about information as it is without additional or elimination.

·         Language Features

a)      Introducing group or general aspect.

b)      Using conditional logical connection; when, so, etc

c)      Using simple present tense

d.      Example

What is a tornado?

Tornadoes are known as one of the most damaging disasters. What is the description of tornadoes? A tornado is a very powerful column of winds which spirals around a center of low atmospheric pressure. A tornado will look like a large black funnel which hangs down from a storm cloud.

The name "tornado" derives from the Latin "tonare". It means "to thunder." While the Spanish developed the word into "tornear" which means "to turn or twist". This is why a tornado is sometimes called twister or cyclone.

The winds inside a twister can spin around at speeds up to 500 miles an hour, but it usually travels at roughly 300 miles an hour. This speed twisting makes a tornado the most dangerous storm.

The average tornado has a diameter of about 200 to 300 yards. The smaller tornadoes are known as satellite tornadoes. These small offspring, about 50 yards across, can be very fierce and do lots of damage.

The forming of a tornado can be very quick. Sometimes it can form in a minute or less. A tornado can travel across the ground at high speeds, then it can suddenly vanish. Most tornadoes last less than twenty minutes and travel less than 15 miles. However, the super storms sometimes travel over 100 miles before they are exhausted.

5.         PROCEDURE TEXT

a.      Definition

Procedure text is a text which explain how to do something in the correct way, by obey the rules or advice.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Goal : The part for mention what something you hope to achieve after read the text.

b)      Material : the part of tell what are the stuffs you will need in action.

c)      Methods :The part for tell specific and detail way to do something step by step

·         Language Features

a)      Desperate by different steps

b)      Using Simple Present Tense

c)      Usually procedure text is for recipe or tutorial

c.       Purpose

To tell the reader to do something or make something.

d.      Example

Nasi goreng, "fried rice" is a familiar food from Indonesia; if you want to know how to prepare nasi goreng this is the procedure how to make nasi goreng. Just follow this explanation  :

Goal : Make or cook fried rice

Ingredients :

-          350 gr. Long Grain Rice

-          2 Tbs. Vegetable Oil

-          3 Eggs

-          1 Onion

-          2 Green Chillis, Sambal Ulek or Sambal Badjak.

-          1 Garlic Clove

-          1 Leek

-          1 teaspoon Ground Coriander

-          1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

-          250 gr. Chicken meat

-          250 gr. Shelled Prawns

-          3 Tbs. Kecap Manis

Steps :

This dish is best made from cold leftover rice, but you can cook a fresh batch and leave it to cool for at least 4 hours. Beat the eggs and make into a omelette, slice into strips and set aside. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the chopped onion, leek, garlic and chillis. Fry until the onion is soft. Add the Coriander and Cumin. Slice Chicken into strips and add with the prawns to the onion mixture and cook, stirring occasionally until they are well mixed. Add the rice, soya sauce and omelet strips and cook for a further 5 minutes.Decorate with some of the leftover leek and serve hot. Enjoy. 

6.         NEWS ITEM

a.      Definition

News item is a text with newsworthy event as hot news of the day.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structures

a)      Newsworthy news : The part for interesting and important hot news to be reported.

b)      Background event : The part of events or accident’s reason .

c)      Source : The part of statement of resource or somebody who see or knows the event.

c.       Purpose

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

d.      Example

 A firefighter dressed as a bear was run over by a firetruck Saturday during a family-friendly festival in the

Torrington Carnival is a parade and festival held each May in Torrington. Justin Matthews, the firefighter, was walking in front of a fire engine during a parade at the Torrington Carnival when he reportedly became tangled in the vehicle's wheel, causing him to suffer a broken leg.

Graham Rook, the fire station manager, told the North Devon Journal. "Somehow or another he got caught up with the front wheel of the appliance in the carnival."

7.         ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION

a.      Definition

Analytical Exposition is a text which detailed information by explorate he writer’s idea about surrounding phenomenon.

b.      Character

a)      Generic Structure

·         Thesis : The part for explain the writer’s statement about topic that will discuss in the next.

·         Series of Argument : This part for continuing analyze the statement and to affect the readers by mentioning the experts argument or statistic for support the thesis.

·         Conclusion : The part for concluding the text or emphasize the statement that the writer maintains in.

b)      Language Features

·         Focus on generic human and non-human participants

·         Use of Simple Present Tense

·         Use of relational processes

·         Use of internal conjunction to state argument

·         Reasoning through causal conjunction or nominalization

c.       Purpose

To persuade the readers of the writer’s argument about the topic which is case.

d.      Example

 Gold has become a precious metal to mankind since it was the dawn of civilization. The nature of gold is soft and malleable which people can make and easily change to any forms, even it is done just by a simple technology. The beautiful golden and shiny color does not easily fade out. The form of gold can be as jewelry, bar, or coin. Now days gold coin, such as gold IRA, becomes an advantageous investment.

Gold is safe and profitable for investment. In uncertain situations, many people are turning to gold because gold has a more stable value and regarded as currency without limitation assets. It is secure and can be cashed out at any time we need. The Gold values tend to be stable; take a look an IRA gold discussion. It is zero inflation effect. It is very rare that the gold prices fell. Even every year, the gold price tends to increase.

Investments in the form of coins, it is famous as gold coin, is more profitable if it is compared with the investment gold in the form of jewelry. Gold Coin, for example gold 401k which some people call 401k gold, is very good when used as an alternative investment, whether it is for the medium-term investment and long-term investment. Besides that gold coins need less cost in production and manufacturing sot it is more lucrative than investing gold in the form of jewelry.

Moreover, some people do not just think gold as an investment, but also as collections. Because the character is a collection so the uniqueness and rareness are the point. There might be coins that cost up to more than a million because of the history variables, ownership, and perhaps an important event when the coin is launched.

From the reason above, if we decide to make an investment, it could be useful to consider investing gold coin or think about gold IRA transfer. It is really recommended.

8.         HORTATORY EXPOSITION

a.      Definiton

Hortatory exposition is a text which tell what the recommendation for the reader , it’s popular among science, academic community and educated people.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Thesis : The part for Statement or announcement of main  issue

b)      Arguments : The part for reasons for advise it and adding more argument to support main issue, for catch reader’s attention.

c)      Recommendation : Statement of what should or should not happen or be done based on the above arguments

·         Language Features

a)      Using Simple Present Tense

b)       Using modals

c)       Using action verbs

d)      Using thinking verbs

e)       Using adverbs

f)        Using adjective

g)       Using technical terms

h)       Using general and abstract noun

i)        Using connectives/transition

c.       Purpose

To  persuade the readers that something should or should not be the case or be done.

d.      Example

Internet for students

 Nowadays, in modern era, I think internet is very important for students.

As we all know internet has many function for supporting our life. They are, first, it gives us various information, news, knowledge etc. Students can search anything or something from internet. Take for example, they search about education, entertainment, knowledge etc that is in the world.

Second, they can add their friends in all countries in the world by internet. Chatting, e-mail, facebook, twitter, interpals are some examples of internet facility to have many friends. Besides, they can share, communicate, discuss and so on.

From my arguments above, as student, we should use internet facility well to get knowledge, friends, information etc.

9.         EXPLAINATION

a.      Definition

Explaination text is a text which tell how and why does the natural  phenomenon happen. It usually found in science, geography, or history books.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      General Statement : The part for stating main issues which are will explain.

b)      Sequenced Explaination : The part for explain detail information step by step.

·         Language Features

a)      Featuring generic participant; sun, rain, etc

b)      Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc

c)      Using passive voice pattern

d)     Using simple present tense

c.       Purpose

To tell about process of something happen in surrounding environment.

d.      Example

Watching Kids while Browsing Internet

 Internet is one of important devices in student world. We can find many internet cafes anywhere. Actually, many houses have internet connection. As parents, we must know what our children are browsing in internet, because many programs have negative impacts to our children.

In our observation, in internet have positive impact, for example : student can find their task in internet, and we can find update information or news when browsing internet.

Internet also have negative impact if the parents don’t watch their children when browsing internet.

The children can open many program or website that have negative impact, for example, they can open pornography site, game online and the other programs that can make their mark go down in the school. And too much browsing internet can endanger their eyes.

Based on fact above, we have some tips to protect our children:

-          Don’t put PC and modem set in your kids bedroom

-          Make a schedule for browsing internet to our children.

-          Review the history when your children finished browsing internet.

-          Use filter’s program to negative site in your PC.

-           

10.     DISCUSSION

a.      Definition

Discussion is a text  which tell the topic that will debating on a different group with their opposite argument.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Issue : The part for mention the controversial topic which will get many argument.

b)      Opposite Argument : The part for stating our own argument even though agree disagree, pro and contra.

c)      Conclusion : The part for take a middle way of the problem which is not bring a new problem in the future.

c.       Purpose

To tell the readers about positive side and negative side of something include the solution or recommendation.

d.      Example

 Pro and Con of Giving Children Homework

There are a lot of discussion as to whether children should be given homework or not. Is it enough for children having time to study at school or needing additional time in home for study after school time?

Some people claim that children do enough work in school already. They also argue that children have their hobbies which they want to do after school, such as sport or music. A further point they make is that a lot of homeworks are pointless and does not help the children learn at all.

However, there are also strong arguments against this point of view. Parents and teachers argue that it is important to find out whether children can work on their own without the support from the teacher. They say that the evening is a good time for children to sit down and think about what they have learned in school.

Furthermore they claim that the school day is too short to get anything done. It makes sense to send home tasks like independent reading or further writing task which do not need the teacher support.

I think, on balance, that some homework is good idea but that should only given at the weekend when children have more time.

11.     REVIEW

a.      Definition

Review is a text which explain the critics of something features that was necessary to fix or edit.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Orientation : The part for compare two kind of something that have such same features, but there’s the better one and the worse one.

b)      Interpretive Recount : The part of summarize or collect the fact about it, what should the thing like or about.

c)      Evaluation : The part for  give the critics and the revision of it.

·         Language Features

a)      Focus on specific participants

b)      Using adjectives and phrases of appraisal

c)      Using long and complex clauses

d)      Using metaphor

c.       Purpose

To tell and give a critics of something

d.      Example

Acer Iconia Tab A100

Reviewed By mikeandrew

While the 10-inch tablet market is very crowded and highly competitive right now, when it comes to 7-inch powerful and reliable slates, there are still some gaps that need to be filled. The Iconia Tab A100 wants to do just that, being a very interesting, portable and snappy gadget.

Design and display

When talking about 7-inch tablets, the aspect is very important. The Tab A100 does not disappoint from this point of view, being elegant and classy. The front face is surrounded by glossy black plastic, while the back of the tablet is a dark gray plastic with Acer’s logo in the middle. In terms of portability, the Iconia Tab A100 is also a more than a satisfying device, being about the same size and weight as the HTC Flyer, for example.

The 7-inch touchscreen with 1024x600 pixels resolution offers great image quality, contrast and brightness, but does more of a mediocre job when talking about viewing angles. Still, the display is overall decent and holds the comparison with the HTC Flyer or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.

Performance and software - The Iconia Tab A100 features the already classic Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor with 1 GB of RAM memory and is therefore at least as snappy and powerful as any other 7 or 10-inch tablet on the market right now. The cameras are surprisingly decent, the 2 MP front-facing and the 5 MP rear-facing devices offering pretty much the best image quality you might hope to find on a slate.

In terms of software, Acer’s 7-inch tablet is set to be a pioneer, being the first slate of its category to be powered by the Android Honeycomb OS. Not only that, but it will run on the latest 3.2 version of the operating system, which means that you will get loads of apps and snappy performance.

Connectivity and pricing - The Iconia Tab A100 is set to feature WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as a micro-USB port and a micro SD slot card. It would have been perfect if it would have featured HDMI as well, but still it is pretty decent for a 7-inch tablet.

As far as pricing is concerned, the Acer Iconia Tab A100, which has not yet been released on the market, will be available for 329 dollars( the 8 GB version) or for 349 dollars( the 16 GB version). This is consistently less than HTC Flyer’s or Blackberry Playbook’s prices, to name two of the important 7-inch tablets right now.

Wrap-up - While the Iconia Tab A500 is still struggling to become one of the important names in the tablets’ world, the from this Android tablet review it looks like a winner right away. Packing good technical specifications, as well as a decent display and a revolutionary software for a 7-inch tablet, Acer’s new slate also comes at an affordable price tag and will probably mesmerize technology fanatics all around the world.

12.     SPOOF

a.      Definition

Spoof text is a humorous text which tell a story with unpredictable and funny ending.

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Orientation : The part for introducing the character, setting, and so on.

b)      Events : The part for explain the occurrence of the story

c)      Twist : The part for the ending, unpredictable and funny ending

·         Language Features

a)      Focusing on people, animals or certain things

b)      Using action verb; ate, ran, etc

c)      Using adverb of time and place

d)     Told in chronological order

e)      Using Simple Past Tense

c.       Purpose

To entertain the readers, make them laugh and shares the story

d.      Example

Joe's Mother got angry because her son got a low mark on English test.
"Why did you get such a low mark on that test?" Asked mother angrily. Asked by his angry mother,Joe just kept silent and went out.

A few moment, Joe came back home and met his mother again. His mother asked the same question.

Joe answered steadily, "Because of absence."
"You mean you were absent on the day of the test?" Mother wondered.
Joe replied, "No, but the kid who sits next to me was."

13.  ANECDOTE

a.      Definition

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

b.      Character

·         Generic Structure

a)      Abstract : The part for shares unusual experience of the writer.

b)      Orientation : The part for tell the events chronologically.

c)      Crisis : The part for explain the detail of a climax

d)     Coda : The part for concluding and get the moral value on it.

·         Language Features

a)      Use of exclammative, rhetorical questions and intensifiers to point up the significance of events

b)      Use of temporal and  continuative conjunctions

c)      Use of material or action processes (in present or past tense)

d)     Use of relational and mental processes to evaluate events

c.       Purpose

To entertain the readers with a real story.

d.      Example