Text Types and Syllabus Key Words

Text Type Summary

Text Type Purpose Structure Language Report Also known as information report To give information General opening classification Sequence of points Sometimes has a concluding statement Language may involve jargon or technical language particular to the subject of the report Uses present tense Recount To retell or recount past events in the order in which they occurred Opening introduction or orientation Series of events in the order in which they occurred Sometimes has a final personal comment Use of past-tense verbs to locate events in relation to writers present time Use of connecting words to place events in time sequence Explanation Says why something is the way it is or how it works Opening general statement Sequence of explanatory statements, often in chronological order Impersonal, objective language Verbs usually in timeless-sounding present tense Use of technical vocabulary Words which show cause or effect Exposition To put forward an argument or point of view Opening statement or position on topic Series of points in the argument to support the point of view Summary of position May have technical or specialist vocabulary Language reflects impersonal nature of exposition Use of conjunctions to make argument flow Description To describe literacy, cultural, individual or natural events Opening definition followed by points of description Use of vocabulary to describe literary and natural events

Procedure or Instruction To show how something can be done Opening statement or goal which outlines what the procedure is A list of materials needed to carry out the procedure A series of steps or directions listed in the order that they should be carried out Impersonal language Imperative verbs create a commanding tone and a sense of timelessness Noun Groups are often general, referring to a whole class or group rather than an individual Adverbs or adverb phrases tell you how much, when, where and why an action is carried out Discussion To give information and opinions on different sides of an argument Opening statement or position on topic Points for and points against the statement Recommendation or opinion May have technical or specialist vocabulary Language reflects shifts in discussion Use of conjunctions to continue flow of discussion Narrative To tell a story or to instruct Orientation Complication Sequence of events Climax Resolution Vocabulary to analyse and construct narrative from Response or Review To respond to literary texts Orientation Comments on text features Assessment of main features Final critical comment Words of judgement Adverbs to support adjectives which express the judgement Usually in present tense

Glossary of Key Words

Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examination questions have key words that state what students are expected to be able to do. A glossary of key words has been developed to help provide a common language and consistent meaning in the Higher School Certificate documents. Using the glossary will help teachers and students understand what is expected in responses to examinations and assessment tasks. Account Account for: state reasons for, report on. Give an account of: narrate a series of

events or transactions Analyse Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications Apply Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation Appreciate Make a judgement about the value of Assess Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size Calculate Ascertain/determine from given facts, figures or information Clarify Make clear or plain Classify Arrange or include in classes/categories Compare Show how things are similar or different Construct Make; build; put together items or arguments Contrast Show how things are different or opposite Critically (analyse/evaluate) Add a degree or level of accuracy, depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analysis/evaluation) Deduce Draw conclusions Define State meaning and identify essential qualities Demonstrate Show by example Describe Provide characteristics and features Discuss Identify issues and provide points for and/or against

Distinguish Recognise or note/indicate as being distinct or different form; to note differences between Evaluate Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of Examine Enquire into Explain Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how Extract Choose relevant and/or appropriate details Extrapolate Infer from what is known Identify Recognise and name Interpret Draw meaning from Investigate Plan, enquire into and draw conclusions about Justify Support an argument or conclusion Outline Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of Predict Suggest what may happen based on available information Propose Put forward (for example a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action Recall Present remembered ideas, facts or experiences Recommend Provide reasons in favour Recount Retell a series of events Summarise

Express, concisely, the relevant details Synthesise Putting together various elements to make a whole