Functional Text

What is Functional Text?

FUNCTIONAL TEXT is writing meant to help the reader accomplish an everyday
task. Examples of functional text might include a recipe for cooking; directions to a
location; a memo notifying of a change in a company's address, or a store's opening time;
a schedule of event times and locations during a seminar; a directory of addresses, phone
numbers or e-mail addresses; directions on a test; a menu from a restaurant; a pamphlet
notifying the public of a grand opening, store closing, or a foreclosure; or a how-to
manual just to name a few.
Functional text is used for everyday information. It is called functional because it
helps you function in your day-to-day life. For example, if I wanted to make chocolate
chip cookies, I would read a recipe. If I wanted to know my friend's phone number, I
would look in a phone book. If my English teacher gave a test, I would need to read the
directions.
Some examples of functional texts are :
A. Announcements
B. Advertisements
C. Greeting cards
D. Short messages
E. Notices
F. Cautions
G. Invitation cards
H. Postcards
I.

Shopping lists

J.

Food labels

A. Announcement
1. Announcement is an important or official statement that informs people about something.
2. Examples of announcements:
a.

School announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be a flag ceremony next Monday. All students must wear white
uniforms. Do not be late.
Principal
To
: All grade IX Students
From : Headmaster
Please choose one of the activities : swimming, painting or singing. Report to your class
teacher or class captain the activity you choose.
Another example :

b. A Wedding Announcement
Mr Lowrence James Fox
And
Miss Eleanor Rebecca Smith
Announce their marriage on Saturday, the sixth of
November two thousand and ten
Chesterfield, Derbyshire

c.

Outdoor Program Announcement

Weekend Outbound
Lets have weekend outbound!
If youre the nature lovers, please join us on our program. It will be held
on Sunday, 26 September 2010 in Puncak Campsite. The opening
ceremony will be held at 7 a.m. If you are interested, please come and
join us.
Contact us and register your group of four. Wear your blue jeans and
white T-shirt. Dont forget to bring necessary equipments, foods and
drinks are provided by the committee.
The chairman,
Seconda Althaf
Contact Person: Firsta Ahnaf (085814143801)
Jl. Kintamani 75, Bekasi.

B. Advertisement
1. Advertisement is a picture and/or set of words used to persuade people to buy a product
or use of service, or that gives information about a job that is available.
2. Examples of advertisements.

Grand Opening
Special offer

Happy-Happy Mall
All items
50% off
Start from 28 November until 8th December
2010
th

URGENTLY REQUIRED
AN ENGLISH TEACHER

Male max 35 years old

S1 in English Education program

3 to 5 years working experience

Send your application
not later than October 31st, 2010 to :
SMAN 101 Bekasi, Jalan Bekasi Raya No. 12

Another example :

C. Greeting Cards
1. A greeting card is a card, with a picture in front and a message inside, that you send to
someone on their birthday or on a special occasion/holiday.

2. An example of a greeting card:

Happy Birthday
may your wish come true
D. Short messages
1. A short message is a written piece of information that you send/leave to another person.
2. Examples of short messages

E. Notices
1. A notice is a sign or printed statement that gives information or a warning to people.
2. Examples of notices:

F. Cautions
1. A caution is a warning or piece of advice telling you to be careful.
2. Examples of cautions:

G. Invitation cards
1. An invitation card is used to invite someone to attend the event like birthday party,
wedding ceremony, informal dinner, etc.
2. An invitation card should give information about:

The name of the event

When the event will be held

Where the event will take place

Additional information (e.g., dress code, RSVP)

Examples of invitation cards:

H. Postcards
1. A postcard is a card that can be sent in the post without an envelope, especially with a
picture on it. It is used for sending a short message.
2. The message in a postcard usually consists of several parts:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Opening (greeting/salutation)
Body (the message)
Pre-closing (it may be the conclusion of the message)
Closing (the writers regard and signature)

example of postcard:

I.

Shopping lists

1. A shopping list is a list that you make of all the things you want to buy when you go
shopping.
An example of a shopping list:

J. Food label
1. A food label can be found on the back of most food products. This label gives
information about the products, and can be useful if one is trying to eat healthy or one
needs to avoid anything one is allergic to.

An example of food label:

SILVER QUEEN
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving per package: Avg.2 / serving

Ingredients:
Sugar,

size: 30g
Average
quantity
Per serving
Energy
709kj
Protein
3.6g
At total
10.5g
Saturated
4.8g
Carbohydrate
14.4g
Sugars
11.9g
Sodium
45mg

Cashew, Milk
Average Solids, Cocoa
quantity Mass, Cocoa
butter,
Per 100g
Vegetable
at,
2360kj
Emulsifier
12.0g
(322: Soy),
35.9g
Salt, Flavor.
15.9g
47.6g
39.6g
148mg