Reading: introduction to exams

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 2

Reading... an important skill

'Reading: Ik kan teksten begrijpen die hoofdzakelijk bestaan uit hoogfrequente, alledaagse, of aan mijn werk gerelateerde taal. Ik kan de beschrijving van gebeurtenissen, gevoelens en wensen in persoonlijke brieven begrijpen.'

Different kinds of texts

Understanding different types of texts

A text can come in any form and be any kind of writing. Letters, adverts, user-guides, emails,

postcards, notes and magazine articles are all different types of text.

When reading something, it helps to know what type of text it is. It also helps to know why it has been written.

For example:

• An advert is written to persuade you to buy something.
• A user-guide is instructive and is written to tell you how to use something (such as a

video recorder or washing-machine).

• A formal (business) letter might be written to inform you about school dates.
• A personal letter might be written by a friend, describing a holiday.
  

What kind of texts: 

Persuasive texts

Instructive texts

Informative  texts

Descriptive texts

Let's dig a little deeper..

1. A persuasive text tries to encourage you to do something. It may: Use capital letters, exclamation marks, questions and repeated words to catch your attention. Use adjectives to make something sound attractive. Give only one side of an argument. Take the form of an advert; but it may also be a letter from a friend trying to persuade you to go to a class.
2. An instructive text tells you how to do something. It will often use commands and pictures. It will be direct, without extra words, like adjectives
3. An informative text should give facts, information or news in a clear, step-by-step way.
4. A descriptive text tells you what something is like. The writer is trying to help you imagine or ‘see’ a person, place or thing

What kind of text is this? 

Enjoy an Enchanting Holiday in the Maldives

Scattered across the Indian Ocean lie islands with the finest white sand beaches and clearest crystal blue waters. These are the MALDIVES! Over 1,000 coral islands. Temperatures here are always in the 80s.  What can our holiday offer you?

• Luxurious accommodation aboard the fabulous Orient Explorer.
• Water sports for the entire duration of your holiday.
• Drinks and entertainment included at no extra charge.
• Chauffeur-driven limousine to and from the airport.
• Combine this with another seven-night holiday in our opulent apartments at the KelaCountry Club.

Prices start from just £899 per person.

A trip to the maladives: what kind of text?

Let's do a few more.

Read the short paragraph of a text and decide which sort of text this is. 

Cut the bread into small squares. Arrange in layers and sprinkle with sugar and raisins.

1. Persuasive
2. Instructive
3. Informative
4. Descriptive

Your course will start with an initial assessment in week 1, followed by a guided tour of the
building.

1. Persuasive
2. Instructive
3. Informative
4. Descriptive

He was a big man with short curly hair, brown teeth and a flat nose. A scar crossed his right
cheek from ear to chin.

1. Persuasive
2. Instructive
3. Informative
4. Descriptive

The information given today was useful

Yes

No