2.1 Matching informative texts to audience and purpose

2.1 Matching informative texts to audience and purpose

​Writers craft the presentation and layout of information and explanation texts to suit their audience and purpose, and to reveal their own ideas and attitudes.

​Introducing the skilss

​Read the following extract from an information text bout volcanoes.

​Vocabulary:

​Magma: Molten rock found beneath the Earth's crust.

​Vocabulary:

Subsidence: When the ground under a building sinks.

​Vocabulary:

Chock-full: extremely full.

​Reading and writing skills: Presentational Devices / features

​There is a range of presentational devices/features that writers and designers can use to give a text more visual impact:

• ​Bullet points.

• ​Captions.

• ​Charts and diagrams.

• ​Headlines.

• ​Logos and slogan.

• ​Illustrations.

• ​Subheadings.

Open Ended

1. Look at the list of presentation features. Match each one with the correct number on the extract.

a) pull-out box

b) text linked to the image

c) subheading

d) introduction

e) picture

f) the main heading

g) numbered or bulleted points.

​Key terms:

​Scan: To use key words to find specific information in a text.

​Key terms:

Skim: to run your eyes quickly over a text to understand the main points without reading every word.

Open Ended

2. Scan the headings, picture, and text boxes in the extract, then write one or two sentences summing up what it is about.

Open Ended

3. Skim the last paragraph in the extract (point 1). What is the paragraph about?

Open Ended

4. Read the last paragraph of the extract carefully. In your own words, explain in detail why volcanic soil is useful.

​Key terms:

Point of view: a personal opinion or way of looking at something

​Key terms:

Irony: When a writer means the opposite of what they have stated.

Open Ended

5. Think about the content and language of the first extract. Which of these audiences do you think would most enjoy it? Give reasons for your answer.

​Read text B from an online encyclopedia for children

Open Ended

6. Look at the presentation features of this text.

a) Which feature makes the subject of this text obvious?

b) Which features suggest that the points are not in any particular order of importance?

Open Ended

6. Write a paragraph explaining whether you think schools will use Text A or Text B to help students prepare for their exams. Comment on the writers' choice of language and layout features in your answer.