Text Types
VC2E4LA03 · Language · Reading
describe how different types of texts across the curriculum have different language features and are typically organised into characteristic stages depending on purposes
1. Learning goal
Parent-friendly goal:
Recognise how text types are organised for their purpose.
2. What your child needs to know
- A narrative usually has orientation, complication and resolution.
- A procedure usually has a goal, materials and steps.
- An information report uses headings and grouped facts.
3. Simple explanation
A text's job affects its shape. A recipe needs steps in order, while a story needs events and characters.
Text Structure Stack
4. Examples
Procedure
Goal: Make a kite. Materials: paper, string, tape. Steps: Fold, tape, attach.
Report
Heading: Wombats. Subheadings: Habitat, Food, Behaviour.
5. Worked example
Identify the structure
- Look for clues such as headings, steps, paragraphs or dialogue.
- Ask what the text is trying to do.
- Match the clues to a text type.
- Explain your choice using evidence from the page.
6. Common mistakes
- Calling every non-fiction text a report.
- Ignoring headings and layout clues.
- Mixing up purpose and topic.
7. Parent teaching tips
- Use real-life texts: recipes, school notes, menus and information pages.
- Ask your child, 'How did the writer organise this to help the reader?'
8. Quick practice
Which text type uses numbered steps?
Answer: A procedure.
Numbered steps help the reader do actions in order.
What is the purpose of a narrative?
Answer: To tell a story.
Narratives use characters and events to entertain or share ideas.
9. Extension challenge
Choose one topic, such as rain, and plan it as a report, a poem and a procedure.